Campground

Facilities

Big Bend Campground is comprised of 46 standard non-electric camping units with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs. In addition, there is a developed host site equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups. Parts of the campground and facilities within it are ABA accessible.

The campground contains two single-unit vault toilets, two double-unit flush toilets, and a four-unit flush restroom with four showers some of which are accessible.

Jess Judy Group Campground contains three reservable sites that will accommodate up to 40 people each. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and four single-unit vault toilets. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground although persons camping at Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain water at Big Bend Campground. The group campground is not accessible.

There are trash dumpsters located in each loop of the campground for garbage collection and disposal.

There is one recreation vehicle dump station in Big Bend Campground located adjacent to the campground. Visitors staying at Jess Judy Group Campground may use the dump station at Big Bend Campground. There is an underground holding tank attached to the dump station. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance attached the dump station and holding tank.

There is a wastewater treatment facility (Filtered Drain Field) located within the campground. Holder is responsible for daily operations and maintenance of this facility.

The average operation and maintenance season for Big Bend Campground and Jess Judy Group Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campgrounds from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October.

The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is permitted on most trails.

Natural Features

Big Bend Campground is in the northern portion of the Monongahela National Forest, boasting beautiful old growth trees that become vibrant with color in fall. The river runs north through the Smoke Hole Canyon, which bears a name of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans used the caves of the gorge for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes." Another is that misty fog often lies along the river and ascends in what looks like smoke from a hole.

Recreation

The Big Bend Loop Trail is a one-mile nature trail that circles the campground. The majority of the trail follows along the river bend. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby, and mountain biking is permitted on most trails.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking

Amenities

  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Firewood
  • Flush Toilets
  • Parking Area
  • Picnic Area
  • Water

Nearby Attractions

The Highland Scenic Highway provides an unforgettable drive through narrow, steep valleys and rolling, tree-topped mountains. Estimated time to drive on this byway is two to four hours, and highlights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake and Falls of Hills Creek.

Getting Here

Latitude
38° 53' 44.4998" N
Longitude
79° 14' 44.4998" W
Follow 28/55 from Petersburg, West Virginia, for 8 miles. Turn left onto Smoke Hole Road, Route 28/11, and travel for 13 miles to County Route 2. Turn left onto the Smoke Hole Road, County Route 2, and follow for approximately 3 miles to Big Bend Campground.

Need to Know

  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
  • There are no electric site hook-ups at this facility
  • This campground has first-come, first-serve sites
  • A fee will be charged for additional vehicles
  • Parking is permitted in developed areas only
  • Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
  • Access Road Subject to FLOODING – Roads accessing this recreation area may become impassable due to flash flooding. Monitor conditions and expect delays in departing until flood waters recede. YOUR SAFTETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY 

  • Contact Information

    MONONGAHELA

    For campground inquiries, please call: 304-358-3253

    Additional Information