Williams River Rua Sites D4

Closed — Typically open mid-March through end of November, weather and snow conditions permitting. Toilets are closed in winter. First-come, first-served only; no reservations. Maximum 14-day stay with 2:00 p.m. checkout.

About

Williams River Rua Sites D4 is part of a unique dispersed camping system within the Monongahela National Forest, where 30 separately numbered rustic campsites are scattered along a scenic stretch of Williams River Road (Forest Roads 86 and 216). Located in Pocahontas County within the Tea Creek Wildlife Management Area, these sites offer a primitive camping experience while providing basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts at each location. The Williams River corridor is renowned for its fishing opportunities, making these campsites especially popular with anglers. Sites are distributed from the Three Forks area upstream to points near the river's headwaters, with many positioned close to the water. Vault toilets are strategically placed along the corridor with self-service stations and bulletin boards near sites 5, 8, 11, and 20. The area operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The camping area is accessible from Cowen, West Virginia via State Route 46 to Williams River Road. These developed dispersed sites are among the only designated camping locations permitted along the Williams River, helping to protect the sensitive riparian environment while providing outdoor enthusiasts with an authentic backcountry experience. Maximum stay is 14 days, and the area typically operates from mid-March through the end of November, depending on snow conditions.

Directions

From Cowen, West Virginia, follow State Route 46 to Williams River Road (Forest Road 86). The first campsites are approximately 10 miles upstream from Cowen. Sites continue along the river up to the Highland Scenic Highway bridge at State Route 150, where the road becomes Forest Road 216.

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