Spruce Knob Lake

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in mid-April through mid-October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.

About

Spruce Knob Lake Campground is nestled in a beautiful hardwood forest on a wooded ridge overlooking Spruce Knob Lake in Monongahela National Forest. Located less than a mile from the lake and east of 4,863-foot Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak, the campground provides 28 standard camping units with paved spurs, 2 double sites, and 10 walk-in sites. Each site includes a fire ring, lantern post, and picnic table. The campground features five accessible vault toilets, solar-powered drinking water, and trash collection, though no electric hookups or dump stations are available. The high-elevation setting offers access to exceptional outdoor recreation. Sixty miles of hiking trails crisscross the region, with the campground providing direct access to the 1-mile Big Bend River Loop. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob summit, where a stone and steel observation tower delivers 360-degree views. Trout fishing is available at the 25-acre lake and surrounding creeks, with a small boat ramp, barrier-free wooden pier, and vault toilets at the lake. Swimming is not allowed. The harsh mountain environment atop Spruce Knob features one-sided red spruce deformed by constant westerly winds, with blueberry and huckleberry ground cover. Due to elevation, cold fogs and strong winds can occur year-round.

Directions

From Riverton, WV, take U.S. Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road (County Road 33/4). Turn right onto Briery Gap Road. Go 2 miles to Forest Road 112, turn right and continue for 13.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1. The campground is 1/2 mile on the right. From Elkins, WV, take U.S. Route 33 to State Route 29, which is 1 mile west of Harman. Turn right onto SR 29, go south 18.6 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 1. Follow FR 1 for 2.5 miles.

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