Can you reserve a site at Red Oak Fire Lookout?

Yes, Red Oak Fire Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Are pets allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout?

No, pets are not allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout.

Are campfires allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout?

Campfires are allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Red Oak Fire Lookout, West Virginia — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Red Oak Fire Lookout is approximately 12 miles south of Cowen, West Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 3,704 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its magnificent views, wildlife viewing and historic background. The original Red Oak Fire Tower in Webster County was erected using Civilian Conservation Corps labor in 1934. It was a wooden framed structure with a wooden cab. In 1964 it was replaced by the current metal structure, which was an improved design of the time period. Like all of the fire towers on Forest, it was retired by the late 1970s. The tower still stands and is in good condition and is now used as a recreational opportunity.

Recreation

The site is an ideal location for birdwatching, hunting, gravel bike riding, and stargazing. Other activities that require a short driver are hiking and biking trails and fishing.

Facilities

The tower cab has lights and an electric outlet. There is a vault toilet onsite. The campsite has a 50 and 30 amp service for RVs. There are picnic tables, a combination fire ring/grill, and lantern post at the site.

Natural Features

The site is located in a portion of the Forest with active management. Timber activities provide wildlife with a diverse habitat. The Cranberry and Williams Rivers are nearby, providing fishing opportunities for both native and stocked trout.

Nearby Attractions

The towns of Cowen and Richwood have basic supplies and restaurants. The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, located 20 miles from the site, has educational displays, nature programs, and a gift shop.

The facts

1 bookable site
Up to 12 people per site
Loops: Lookout

Site types

1 Cabin Electric

Amenities

Electric hookups
Campfires allowed
Water hookups — not available
Shade — not available
Pets allowed — not available

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Red Oak Fire Lookout

Check-in 03:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Max rig	People
Red Oak Fire Lookout Tower	Lookout	Cabin Electric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	12

Getting there

Approximately 12 miles from Cowen and 15 miles from Richwood, WV.

From Cowen, go east on State Route 46 to Forest Road 101. Follow Forest Road 101 5 miles to the site.

From Richwood travel east on State Route 39/55 to Forest Road 76, travel for 6 miles north to Forest Road 81. Follow Forest Road 81 for 6 miles to Forest Road 101. Take a right onto Forest Road 101 until reaching intersection of Forest Road 101 and Forest Road 82. Take Forest Road 82 to the site.

Fees and stay limits

Fee is $100.00 per night and reservations must be made at Recreation.gov

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Red Oak Fire Lookout

Can you reserve a site at Red Oak Fire Lookout?: Yes, Red Oak Fire Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Red Oak Fire Lookout have?: 1 site.
Are pets allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout?: No, pets are not allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout.
Does Red Oak Fire Lookout have hookups?: Electric.
Are campfires allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout?: Campfires are allowed at Red Oak Fire Lookout. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-07.

Red Oak Fire Lookout