Williams River Campsite 13

For West Virginians who yearn for an authentic, back-to-nature camping experience, the Williams River Campsites, and specifically Campsite 13, offer a true taste of the wild beauty our state is renowned for. Located within the magnificent Monongahela National Forest, these rustic campsites are scattered along the picturesque Williams River Road (Forest Roads 86 and 216), providing a serene escape from the everyday hustle. This isn't a bustling resort campground with all the frills; instead, it's a haven for those who appreciate simplicity, tranquility, and direct access to some of West Virginia's most pristine natural attractions. Whether you're an avid angler, a seasoned hiker, or simply looking to unwind by a campfire with the soothing sounds of a flowing river, Williams River Campsite 13 embodies the true spirit of Appalachian camping.

The Williams River corridor is a highly sought-after destination, particularly for its exceptional fishing opportunities. These campsites, including Site 13, are popular for their proximity to the river, allowing campers to easily cast a line or simply enjoy the riverside ambiance. Being part of the broader Monongahela National Forest, the area around Williams River Campsite 13 offers a chance to immerse yourself in a thriving ecosystem, surrounded by lush forests and diverse wildlife. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, relying on your own resourcefulness and enjoying the raw beauty that makes West Virginia "Wild and Wonderful." For locals seeking a genuine outdoor adventure without the distractions of modern life, this campsite provides an ideal setting to create lasting memories amidst the stunning landscapes of our beloved Mountain State.

Williams River Campsite 13 is located along Williams River Road in Webster County, WV 26208, USA, within the Monongahela National Forest. This specific address, "Webster County, WV 26208," points to a general area, as the campsites along the Williams River are designated as "developed dispersed" sites, meaning they are individual, rustic sites scattered along Forest Roads 86 and 216 rather than being grouped in a single, concentrated campground loop. For West Virginians, this location offers an immersive mountain experience while still being accessible via forest service roads. The Williams River Road stretches from the Three Forks area upstream towards the river's headwaters, covering a significant distance. This means that while the general area is Webster County, finding Campsite 13 specifically will require navigating along these forest roads. Access to this area is primarily by vehicle, and while the roads are typically maintained, they are unpaved forest roads, so drivers should be prepared for gravel or dirt surfaces, especially during adverse weather conditions. The closest notable towns are Richwood to the south and Marlinton to the east, both offering limited services and serving as gateways to the surrounding national forest. The Highland Scenic Highway (WV Route 150) runs nearby, providing a scenic drive and access to other recreational areas, including the Cranberry Wilderness. While the precise turn-off for Campsite 13 on Williams River Road might not be immediately obvious, detailed maps of the Monongahela National Forest or GPS coordinates for individual sites, often available on recreation.gov, are highly recommended for navigation. The remote setting contributes to the peaceful atmosphere but also means campers should arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.

Williams River Campsite 13, like other Williams River Campsites, provides basic, rustic amenities consistent with a developed dispersed camping experience within a national forest. These services are designed to support a self-sufficient camping trip while offering minimal essential comforts:

• Designated Campsite: Each of the 30 scattered campsites, including Site 13, is a designated spot, meaning camping is permitted only in these specific locations along the Williams River Road (Forest Roads 86 and 216).
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for preparing and enjoying meals.
• Campfire Ring with Grill: A campfire ring, often with a grill grate, is present at each site, allowing for campfires (where permitted by fire restrictions) and outdoor cooking.
• Lantern Post: A lantern post is typically available at each campsite, useful for hanging lanterns and providing light in the evenings.
• Vault Toilets: Several vault (pit) toilets are spaced along the Williams River Road for public use. It's important to note that these toilets are typically closed during the winter season.
• Waste Receptacle: Each campsite usually includes a waste receptacle for trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Parking Spur: Campsites have a parking spur, often gravel or paved, where vehicles are expected to park. There is a limit of two vehicles per single campsite.
• No Hookups: It is crucial to note that there are no RV hookups (electric, water, or sewer) available at these campsites. This is a non-electric camping experience, requiring campers to be self-sufficient for power and water.
• No Potable Water On-Site: Potable water is not available directly at the campsites. Campers must bring their own drinking water. Dump stations and water fill-up points are available in nearby towns like Richwood (e.g., Four Seasons Outfitter and Adventure Sports) or Marlinton. Cranberry Campground also has a donation-based dump station.

These services emphasize a rustic, primitive camping style, appealing to those who enjoy a more rugged outdoor adventure.

Williams River Campsite 13, and the surrounding Williams River area, offers several compelling features and highlights that draw West Virginians and other outdoor enthusiasts to this unique part of the Monongahela National Forest:

• Exceptional River Access and Fishing: Many campsites, including Site 13, are located very close to the Williams River, making them incredibly popular with anglers. The Williams River is renowned for its excellent cold-water fishing, particularly for trout. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources regularly stocks catchable-size trout in March, April, May, and October, making it a premier fishing destination.
• Scenic Beauty and Tranquility: The entire Williams River corridor is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, with lush forests, clear mountain waters, and a peaceful ambiance. It's an ideal setting for those seeking a quiet escape and a chance to immerse themselves in nature.
• Gateway to Cranberry Wilderness: The campsites are located close to the Cranberry Wilderness, which offers over 100 miles of hiking trails. This provides extensive opportunities for backpacking, day hiking, and exploring a truly remote and unspoiled wilderness area.
• Highland Scenic Highway Proximity: The area is near the Highland Scenic Highway (WV Route 150), a designated National Scenic Byway. This allows campers to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains and access other recreational points along this picturesque drive.
• Rustic and Authentic Camping Experience: For those who prefer a less developed and more traditional camping style, the Williams River Campsites offer a genuine rustic experience. There are no modern amenities like electricity or flush toilets at each site, encouraging a deeper connection with the natural environment.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems of the Monongahela National Forest support a variety of wildlife. Campers have opportunities for bird watching and potentially spotting deer, black bears (be bear aware and store food properly), and other forest creatures.

These highlights cater to adventurers, nature lovers, and anglers seeking a quintessential West Virginia mountain experience.

As a designated rustic campsite within the Monongahela National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Williams River Campsite 13 typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same vein as private campgrounds. The fee structure is generally set, and the cost per site is typically very affordable, often around $5 per site, making it an excellent value for a primitive camping experience. Any fees collected contribute to the maintenance of the sites and the surrounding forest. While there aren't traditional discounts for booking, visitors should be aware of the federal passes that can provide benefits on public lands. For example, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes (such as the Annual Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass) might offer discounts on certain fees at other Forest Service sites, though their direct applicability to these specific, already low-cost, developed dispersed sites should be verified with the Monongahela National Forest directly. The primary "promotion" for Williams River Campsite 13 lies in its consistent offering of a beautiful, accessible, and affordable natural escape in the heart of West Virginia, available on a first-come, first-served basis for many of its sites.

For inquiries regarding Williams River Campsite 13 and other Williams River Campsites, as they are part of the Monongahela National Forest, the relevant contact information is typically for the local Ranger District responsible for that area. While a specific phone number for Campsite 13 itself isn't provided, general inquiries for the Williams River sites can be directed to:

• Primary Ranger District (Gauley District): Richwood Ranger Station
• Address: 932 North Fork Cherry River Road, Richwood, WV 26261
• Phone Number: (304) 846-2695

It is always advisable to call ahead, especially for current conditions, fire restrictions, seasonal closures (toilets are closed in winter), and any specific regulations regarding camping at Williams River Campsites, including whether a particular site (like Site 13) is available for reservations or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

For West Virginia locals, Williams River Campsite 13, and indeed the entire Williams River corridor, offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience that epitomizes the "Wild and Wonderful" spirit of our state. Its rustic, non-commercial nature means it provides an authentic escape from urban life, allowing residents to reconnect with the pristine natural environment that defines West Virginia. The primary draw for many locals is the unparalleled access to the Williams River itself, a renowned fishing destination, perfect for those seeking the thrill of trout fishing or simply the peace of a riverside setting. Being situated within the vast Monongahela National Forest, it serves as a gateway to extensive hiking trails, including those in the Cranberry Wilderness, appealing to adventurers and nature lovers alike. For West Virginians who appreciate self-sufficiency in their outdoor pursuits, the basic amenities and natural setting of Campsite 13 provide an ideal backdrop for a genuine camping adventure. It's a place where the simplicity of a campfire under a starlit sky and the soothing sounds of the river truly allow you to unwind and appreciate the natural treasures right in our backyard. It’s an accessible, affordable, and profoundly West Virginian way to experience the outdoors.

Williams River Campsite 13

Webster County, WV 26208, USA