Raven Cliff Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens around mid-April and operates through late November. A bridge on State Route 619 is being replaced; alternate access directions are available.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:27AM EST until January 20 at 12:00PM EST by NWS Blacksburg VA
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 10 below expected. * WHERE...Portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
About
Raven Cliff Recreation Area is a remote primitive campground nestled in the Jefferson National Forest, offering 20 first-come, first-served campsites along the banks of Cripple Creek. Each site includes a gravel parking spur, picnic table, and fire grill, with some sites featuring tent pads. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in select sites. The recreation area is highlighted by a dramatic 200-foot sandstone cliff and the historic Raven Cliff Iron Furnace, a 30-foot tall sandstone structure dating back to 1810. Cripple Creek flows through the recreation area and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, wading, and tubing. The area includes large open fields ideal for sports and group activities, plus a day-use picnic shelter available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hiking trails include Raven Cliff Trail, which connects to Collins Cove Horse Campground and Ewing Mountain Trail. Note that Raven Cliff Furnace Trail remains closed indefinitely due to Hurricane Helene damage that washed away the bridge to the furnace. This is a primitive facility with portable toilets in the campground and vault toilets in the day-use area. Campers must bring their own drinking water as none is available on-site. The remote location and lack of modern amenities make this an ideal destination for campers seeking a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
Directions
From I-81: Take Wytheville exit 70 or 72 onto U.S. 11 (Main Street). On the west end of Main Street continue onto U.S. 21 south for approximately 7.1 miles to State Route 690 (Cripple Creek Road) and turn left (east) for 3.7 miles. Stay straight on State Route 690 (Slate Springs Branch Road) for 3.3 miles. Bear right on State Route 642 (Mule Hell Road) and in 0.3 miles turn right (west) on State Route 619 (Gleaves Road) for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Raven Cliff Lane and follow to campground. Located at 544 Raven Cliff Lane, Ivanhoe, VA, approximately 16.5 miles southeast of Wytheville.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (276) 783-5196 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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