Williams River Campsite 19

For West Virginians craving a true immersion in the state's rugged natural beauty, Williams River Campsite 19 offers an exceptional opportunity. Nestled along the celebrated Williams River within the vast Monongahela National Forest, this particular site is part of a series of popular, designated dispersed campsites that dot the scenic Williams River Road. Unlike a traditional, highly developed campground, Campsite 19 provides a more rustic and authentic experience, appealing to those who prefer the quiet solitude of the forest and direct access to pristine natural waterways. It’s a place where the sounds of the river become your soundtrack, and the beauty of the Appalachian wilderness surrounds you.

Visitors who have experienced Williams River Campsite 19 often speak of it as a "great site," highlighting its advantageous position on the river. This location makes it particularly desirable for anglers, as the Williams River is renowned for its excellent trout fishing. Beyond fishing, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply unwinding in a truly wild setting. For locals looking to escape the everyday and embrace the self-sufficient joy of primitive camping, Williams River Campsite 19 promises a memorable and rejuvenating outdoor adventure in the heart of our "Wild and Wonderful" West Virginia. Its proximity to other popular areas like Tea Creek Campground and the Highland Scenic Highway further enhances its appeal as a base for exploring this magnificent region.

Williams River Campsite 19 is situated in Webster County, WV 24954, USA, with the specific locator 8QW6+XQ, Woodrow, WV. This address places it squarely within the Monongahela National Forest, along the well-known Williams River Road (composed of Forest Roads 86 and 216). For West Virginians, this location offers a desirable blend of remote natural beauty and accessibility to key recreational areas. The Williams River Road follows the river, making these campsites highly sought after for their riverside access. While the general area is Webster County, finding Campsite 19 specifically means navigating these forest roads. The roads are typically gravel or dirt, and while generally maintained, visitors should be prepared for unpaved surfaces, especially during or after inclement weather. Four-wheel drive vehicles are not usually required, but a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance can be beneficial.

The campsite is conveniently close to Tea Creek Campground, which is a more developed site, and the scenic Highland Scenic Highway (WV Route 150), a designated National Scenic Byway. This proximity means campers at Site 19 can easily access other points of interest and trails along the scenic highway, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains. The nearest towns, such as Marlinton to the east and Richwood to the south, provide limited services, so it is highly recommended that campers arrive with all necessary supplies. The remote nature of the location is a significant part of its appeal, offering a genuine wilderness experience while still being within a reasonable drive for many West Virginia residents.

Williams River Campsite 19, like other designated dispersed campsites along the Williams River, provides basic, rustic amenities typical of a primitive camping experience within a national forest. These services are designed to facilitate self-sufficient camping while offering minimal essential comforts:

• Designated Campsite: Campsite 19 is a specific, marked site along the Williams River Road where camping is permitted. This ensures that campers are within designated areas, helping to protect the surrounding forest.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, or simply gathering.
• Campfire Ring with Grill: A sturdy campfire ring, often equipped with a grill grate, is provided at each site. This allows campers to have controlled fires (when conditions permit) and enjoy outdoor cooking.
• Lantern Post: A lantern post is usually available, providing a designated spot to hang lanterns for illumination after dark.
• Vault Toilets: While not at every single site, vault (pit) toilets are spaced along the Williams River Road for the use of campers. It is important to note that these facilities are typically closed during the winter months.
• Waste Receptacle: Each campsite usually includes a designated waste receptacle for trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Parking Spur: Campsites typically have a designated gravel or paved parking spur where vehicles are expected to park. There is generally a limit of two vehicles per single campsite.
• No Hookups: It is crucial for campers to understand that there are no RV hookups (electric, water, or sewer) available at Williams River Campsite 19 or any of the Williams River campsites. This is a non-electric camping experience, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient for power and water.
• No Potable Water: Potable (drinkable) water is not available directly at the campsites. Campers must bring their own drinking water. Nearby towns or more developed campgrounds (like Cranberry Campground) may offer water fill-up stations and dump stations.

These services cater to those seeking a more rugged, independent camping adventure.

Williams River Campsite 19, and its surrounding area, boasts several key features that make it a highly attractive destination for West Virginia locals and outdoor enthusiasts:

• Prime Riverside Location: A major highlight is its direct proximity to the Williams River. This makes it an ideal spot for those who want to be "on river," allowing for easy access to the water for fishing, wading, or simply enjoying the tranquil sounds of the flowing river.
• Exceptional Trout Fishing: The Williams River is renowned as one of West Virginia's premier trout streams. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources regularly stocks various species of trout, making it a fantastic destination for anglers of all skill levels.
• Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Williams River Campsite 19 offers a "great site" that provides a true rustic and secluded camping experience. It’s perfect for those seeking peace, quiet, and a deeper connection with nature away from crowds.
• Proximity to Tea Creek Campground: Being "close to Tea Creek Campground" means campers at Site 19 have the option to easily access the more developed facilities there if needed, such as additional trailheads or information from a ranger station, while still enjoying the primitive nature of their chosen site.
• Access to Highland Scenic Highway: The campsite's location near the Highland Scenic Highway offers stunning panoramic views and access to other recreational opportunities along this famous byway, including additional hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
• Gateway to Cranberry Wilderness: The Williams River area provides excellent access points to the Cranberry Wilderness, offering extensive opportunities for backpacking, hiking, and exploring a vast, untouched wilderness area.
• Wildlife Observation: The rich ecosystem of the Monongahela National Forest provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, from diverse bird species to larger mammals like deer and even black bears (requiring proper food storage).

These highlights collectively offer an authentic West Virginia outdoor adventure, focusing on natural beauty and independent exploration.

As a designated dispersed campsite within the Monongahela National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Williams River Campsite 19 does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private business would. The fees for these types of sites are generally minimal, often around $5 per site per night, making them a very affordable option for camping. This low fee contributes directly to the maintenance and management of these rustic sites and the surrounding forest. While there aren't traditional discounts for booking, the inherent "special offer" of these sites is their accessibility and affordability for a unique, natural camping experience. Federal passes, such as the America the Beautiful Interagency Passes (e.g., Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass), typically provide discounts at more developed Forest Service campgrounds, but their direct application to these specific, already low-cost dispersed sites should be confirmed with the Monongahela National Forest directly. For West Virginians, the continuous "promotion" is the consistent availability of these beautiful, budget-friendly, and naturally immersive campsites, many of which operate on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing for spontaneous getaways.

For inquiries regarding Williams River Campsite 19 and the broader Williams River Campsites within the Monongahela National Forest, the most reliable contact point is the local Ranger District responsible for that area. While a direct phone number for Campsite 19 isn't available, general inquiries 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 highly advisable to call ahead before your trip, especially to confirm current conditions, fire restrictions, seasonal closures (as vault toilets are closed in winter), and any specific regulations regarding camping at the Williams River sites. Information regarding the first-come, first-served nature of many sites is also important to verify.

For West Virginia residents, Williams River Campsite 19 represents an ideal and quintessential Appalachian outdoor experience. Its location directly on the renowned Williams River offers an unparalleled opportunity for anglers to pursue the state's famous trout. Beyond fishing, the site's rustic nature within the Monongahela National Forest provides a genuine escape from everyday life, allowing locals to reconnect with nature in a profoundly peaceful and uncrowded setting. The convenience of being "on river" and "close to Tea Creek Campground and scenic highway" means that while the camping experience is primitive, access to other recreational activities and beautiful drives is readily available. For those who value solitude, a self-sufficient approach to camping, and the raw beauty of West Virginia's mountains and rivers, Campsite 19 delivers. It's an accessible and affordable option for a quick weekend getaway or a longer wilderness immersion, allowing West Virginians to fully embrace the wild, wonderful outdoor heritage that defines our beloved Mountain State.

Williams River Campsite 19

8QW6+XQ, Woodrow, WV 24954, USA