Can you reserve a site at Spruce Knob Lake?

Yes, Spruce Knob Lake is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Spruce Knob Lake?

30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Spruce Knob Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spruce Knob Lake.

Are campfires allowed at Spruce Knob Lake?

Campfires are allowed at Spruce Knob Lake. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Spruce Knob Lake, West Virginia — 42 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

The Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful setting with easy access to boating on the lake and hiking through the mountainous region. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is comprised of 28 standard camping units, 2 double camping units, and 10 walk in camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical (solar), water, and a sewage holding tank.

Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains five single-toilet vault restrooms all of which are accessible.

Gatewood Group Campground contains 1 reservable site that can accommodate up to approximately 30 people. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, and two single-toilet vault restrooms. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground. The group campground is not ABA accessible.

There are trash dumpsters located at Spruce Knob Lake Campground and there are trash bins located at Gatewood Group Campground for garbage collection and disposal.

There are no dump stations in either campground.

The average operation and maintenance season for Spruce Knob Lake Campground and Gatewood Group Campground has been from approximately mid-April through mid-October. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the third Friday night in April through the Columbus Day weekend in October.
Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. A stone and steel observation tower is perched atop the peak, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.

Recreation

Sixty miles of picturesque hiking trails crisscross the region, and the campground provides direct access to the pleasant 1-mile Big Bend River Loop.

Trout fishing is available nearby at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake, and in surrounding creeks. Facilities at the lake include a small boat ramp, parking area and vault toilets. A wooden pier along the shoreline provides barrier-free access to the lake.No swimming is allowed.

Facilities

The campground has accessible vault toilets and a solar-powered system for drinking water. No electric hookups are available. Firewood is for sale on-site.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the lake. To the east is 4,863' Spruce Knob. The vegetation atop Spruce Knob has adapted to a harsh, exposed environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants cover the ground.

Due to its location, the campground may experience cold fogs and strong winds year-round.

Nearby Attractions

The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles Spruce Knob and provides panoramic views of the beautiful area.

The facts

42 bookable sites
42 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 30 ft
Up to 16 people per site
Loops: DRUP, WKUP

Site types

30 Standard Nonelectric
12 Walk To

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Shade
Pets allowed

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

Book on Recreation.gov

42 campsites at Spruce Knob Lake

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
001	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
002	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
003	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
004	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
005	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	16	♿ 🐾
006	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
007	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
008	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
009	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
010	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
011	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
012	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
013	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
014	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
015	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
016	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
017	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
018	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
019	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
020	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	30 ft	16	♿ 🐾
021	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
022	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
023	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
024	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
025	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
026	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
027	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
028	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
029	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
030	DRUP	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	30 ft	8	♿ 🐾
031	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
032	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
033	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
034	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
035	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
036	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
037	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
038	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
039	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
040	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
041	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾
042	WKUP	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	8	♿ 🐾

Getting there

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 tum left onto Forest Road 1. Follow FR 1 for 2.5 miles.

38.74972, -79.50028 · 38°44'59.0"N 79°30'1.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 43°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	43	47	55	67	74	81	84	83	77	68	56	46
Low °F	22	23	30	38	48	55	59	58	51	41	32	25
Precip in	2.5	2.1	3.2	3.4	4.2	3.4	4.8	3.5	3.8	2.5	2.4	2.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Spruce Knob Lake

Can you reserve a site at Spruce Knob Lake?: Yes, Spruce Knob Lake is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Spruce Knob Lake have?: 42 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Spruce Knob Lake?: 30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Spruce Knob Lake?: Yes, pets are allowed at Spruce Knob Lake.
Are campfires allowed at Spruce Knob Lake?: Campfires are allowed at Spruce Knob Lake. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Spruce Knob Lake

Gatewood Group 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Seneca Shadows 7.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Middle Mountain Cabins 14.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Jess Judy 17 mi · Campground · we watch it
Spruce Knob Lake Campground 5.6 mi · Campground
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area 9.2 mi · Facility
Seneca Rocks 9.3 mi · Facility
Laurel Fork Campground 10.4 mi · Campground
Middle Mountain Cabins 13.3 mi · Campground
Bear Heaven Campground 15.8 mi · Campground
Jess Judy Group Campground 16.1 mi · Campground
Island Campground 16.1 mi · Campground

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Spruce Knob Lake