Can you reserve a site at Williams River Sites?

No. Williams River Sites is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Williams River Sites

Facility · West Virginia ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Turkey Mountain Roadless Area (Roadlessarea Rule (2001)) · Open Access

2,952 ft
Elevation

There are 30 separate, rustic campsites located along Williams River Road, designated as Forest Roads 86 and 216. Many of these sites are close to the river, and are very popular with anglers. These campsites, as well as Tea Creek and Day Run Campgrounds, are the only places camping is permitted along Williams River. Toilets are closed in winter.

Campsites are scattered along the Williams River Road, from the Three Forks area upstream to a point near the river's headwaters.

The facts

Season: mid-March – end of November — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026

Recreation.gov's own page

Getting there

From Cowen, West Virginia, follow State Route 46 to the start of Williams River Road, designated as Forest Road 86. The first campsites are about 10 miles upstream from Cowen. Twenty-one campsites (administered by the Gauley Ranger District) are located along the river up to the Highland Scenic Highway bridge (State Route 150). Ten campsites (administered by the Marlinton Ranger District) are scattered along the Williams River Road upstream from State Route 150. Williams River Road becomes Forest Road 216, about 3 miles from State Route 150.

38.34584, -80.23642 · 38°20'45.0"N 80°14'11.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 78°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	36	40	49	60	68	75	78	77	72	62	50	40
Low °F	16	18	24	33	43	51	56	55	48	35	25	20
Precip in	3.6	3.2	4.1	4.0	4.8	3.9	4.4	3.9	3.5	2.9	3.0	3.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about Williams River Sites

Can you reserve a site at Williams River Sites?: No. Williams River Sites is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Williams River Sites also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Williams River Sites's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

There are four bulletin boards and self-service stations located beside the toilets near Sites 5, 8, 11, and 20.

Restrictions:

Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Checkout time is 2 p.m.
Dogs are permitted if on a leash at all times. Leash must be 6 feet or shorter. Food storage order applies to pet food also.
Single site limit is one wheeled camping unit only, defined as motorhome or travel trailer; no more than 8 people; no more than 2 vehicles. Vehicle pulling camper or trailer is considered 1 of the 2 allowed vehicles. Tents must be contained within the campsite.
Vehicles must be parked on gravel or paved spur, not in the woods, grass or road.
Discharging and draining gray water and black water (sewage) onto National Forest Lands is illegal and punishable by fines under 36 CFR 261.11(c) and 36 CFR 261.11 (d). Dump station and water fill are available in Richwood at Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports. Dump stations are also availa
Please see bulletin boards for more information.

USDA Forest Service's own page

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

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.