Day Run Campground

For West Virginia locals who cherish the serene solitude of the mountains and the thrill of a good fishing spot, Day Run Campground in Marlinton offers a truly authentic and tranquil outdoor experience. This isn't a sprawling resort with all the bells and whistles; it's a "little pay by night" campground designed for those who appreciate the quiet simplicity of nature. Nestled right next to the beautiful Williams River within the vast Monongahela National Forest, Day Run Campground is a hidden gem for self-sufficient campers seeking peace, excellent fishing, and direct access to some of our state's most captivating trails.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the river, with "good fishing all around you" just steps from your campsite. That's the daily reality at Day Run Campground. Visitors consistently describe it as "quiet" and "peaceful," offering a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This campground caters specifically to those who are comfortable with a more rustic approach, providing the essentials for a comfortable stay without unnecessary distractions. Each of its 12 sites is equipped with a wooden picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with an attached grill, perfect for enjoying classic campfire meals under a canopy of stars.

Many West Virginians prefer this style of camping because it allows for a deeper connection with the natural environment. While there are no water, sewage, or electric hookups, the presence of a "hand water pump" and "vault toilets" ensures basic needs are met. The true draw of Day Run Campground lies in its prime location for outdoor pursuits. It's a "great little campground" for those whose priorities are excellent fishing and direct access to the countless hiking opportunities within the Monongahela National Forest. If you're a local looking for a serene and uncomplicated base camp for your next wilderness adventure, Day Run Campground is precisely what you've been searching for.

Day Run Campground is conveniently located in Marlinton, WV 24954, USA, deep within the Monongahela National Forest. More specifically, it’s situated along Forest Road 216, just off the renowned Highland Scenic Highway (WV Route 150). This strategic location makes it highly accessible for West Virginia residents looking to explore one of our state's most pristine wilderness areas.

Getting to Day Run Campground is part of the scenic adventure. From Marlinton, you'll take US Route 219 North for about 7 miles, then turn left onto the Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150) for about 9 miles. A turn onto Forest Road 86, followed by a right onto Forest Road 216, leads you directly to the campground. This route, while taking you into a beautiful natural setting, is well-marked and navigable. The campground's position ensures immediate access to the upper Williams River, a significant draw for anglers, and is "within walking distance of many popular trails." Its proximity to the Highland Scenic Highway also means you're on a national scenic byway that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For West Virginians, this means less time on complicated back roads and more time enjoying the tranquility and recreational opportunities that abound in this part of the Monongahela National Forest.

• Primitive Campsites: Day Run Campground offers 12 individual, rustic campsites, suitable for both tent and small trailer camping. These sites are designed for a more traditional, self-sufficient camping experience.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that the campground provides no water, sewage, or electric hookups. Campers should be prepared for a primitive experience.
• Pay-by-Night System: The campground operates on a simple "pay by night" system, with a fee of $8.00 per site per night. Payment is made at a self-service fee station.
• First-Come, First-Served: All 12 campsites at Day Run Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted through Recreation.gov, making it ideal for spontaneous trips.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with two vault toilets, which are maintained by the Forest Service.
• Hand Water Pump: A single hand water pump is available within the campground, providing potable water for campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is furnished with a wooden picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Lantern Posts: Every site includes a lantern post, offering a convenient place to hang lighting for evening ambiance.
• Fire Rings/Pits with Grills: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings or pits, which also come with an attached grill for cooking.
• Trash Service: Trash receptacles are provided, contributing to the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash, making it a great option for those traveling with furry companions.
• Open Season: The campground is typically open from mid-March (specifically, March 12th) through the end of November, weather permitting.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently highlight the "quiet, peaceful" nature of Day Run Campground, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and a break from noise.
• Exceptional Fishing Access: Situated "right next to Williams River," the campground offers "good fishing all around you." The Williams River is renowned for various trout species (rainbow, brown, brook) and smallmouth bass, making it a prime destination for anglers.
• Proximity to Williams River: Many of the 12 camping sites "border the upper scenic Williams River," providing direct access to the water for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the river's sounds.
• Rustic Charm: The absence of modern hookups contributes to a true primitive camping experience, appealing to campers who prefer to be self-sufficient and immersed in nature.
• Well-Equipped Campsites: Despite being primitive, each site includes essential amenities like a picnic table, lantern post, and a fire ring with an attached grill, enhancing comfort.
• Excellent Base for Hiking: The campground is "within walking distance of many popular trails," making it a perfect starting point for exploring the extensive trail system within the Monongahela National Forest, including nearby access to the Tea Creek trail system and Cranberry Wilderness.
• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Located in a forested area, sites are partially shaded, providing a pleasant environment, and the surrounding Monongahela National Forest offers stunning scenery, especially during spring fishing season and fall foliage.
• Economical Camping: At $8.00 per site per night, it's a "very economical place" for experiencing the West Virginia wilderness.
• First-Come, First-Served Convenience: For spontaneous trips, the first-come, first-served system eliminates the need for advance reservations, offering flexibility.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground located within the Monongahela National Forest, Day Run Campground operates under a standardized fee system rather than offering commercial "promotions" or "special offers." The "pay by night" fee of $8.00 per site is a set rate established to help cover the costs of maintenance, vault toilets, and trash services, ensuring the campground remains accessible and well-cared for.

Therefore, West Virginia locals planning a visit to Day Run Campground should budget for this consistent nightly rate. There are typically no discounts for extended stays, repeat visits, or off-peak seasons, as the pricing is uniform throughout its operating season (mid-March through November). The primary "offer" of Day Run Campground lies in its inherent value: an affordable, peaceful, and well-maintained primitive camping experience with unparalleled access to fishing and hiking in one of West Virginia's most beautiful natural settings. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees or any operational updates, it is always recommended to consult the official Monongahela National Forest website or contact the Marlinton Ranger District directly.

For West Virginia locals interested in learning more about Day Run Campground and planning their visit to this peaceful spot in the Monongahela National Forest, you can reach out for more information.

Address: Marlinton, WV 24954, USA (The campground is specifically located off of Forest Road 216, near the Highland Scenic Highway, within the Monongahela National Forest.)

Phone: (304) 799-4334

Mobile Phone: +1 304-799-4334

These phone numbers connect to the Marlinton Ranger District, which oversees Day Run Campground. It is advisable to call during standard business hours for inquiries about current conditions, fire restrictions, water pump status, or any updates on the first-come, first-served site availability. While reservations are not taken for Day Run, contacting the Ranger District can provide valuable real-time information to help ensure your trip to this "quiet, peaceful" West Virginia campground is successful and enjoyable.

For West Virginia locals who truly seek an escape into the state's magnificent natural beauty, Day Run Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to providing a "quiet, peaceful" and authentically primitive camping experience, perfectly tailored for those who value tranquility and self-sufficiency over extensive amenities. As one reviewer noted, it's a "little pay by night no water/sewage/electric" spot, which is precisely its charm for the discerning outdoor enthusiast.

The location is a major draw for West Virginians. Nestled "right next to Williams River" within the Monongahela National Forest, Day Run Campground offers unparalleled "good fishing all around you." This immediate access to a renowned trout stream is a significant advantage for local anglers. Furthermore, being "within walking distance of many popular trails" means hikers and explorers have a ready-made base camp for immersing themselves in the vast wilderness, including easy access to the Highland Scenic Highway for breathtaking drives.

At a mere $8.00 per night for its first-come, first-served sites, Day Run Campground is also an incredibly economical option, making frequent visits highly feasible for residents. The provision of essential comforts like picnic tables, fire rings, and reliable vault toilets, along with a hand water pump, ensures a comfortable stay for tent and small trailer campers. For West Virginians who embrace a more rustic adventure and prioritize direct access to premier fishing and hiking in a serene setting, Day Run Campground isn't just suitable; it's a cherished local treasure that embodies the true spirit of our "Wild, Wonderful" state.

Day Run Campground

Marlinton, WV 24954, USA