Below are the 2025 opening dates for developed recreation sites on the Monongahela National Forest close to this area.
The information is intended to be effective through Memorial Day (May 26, 2025) but may change based on local conditions or new information. We expect to have an updated schedule of open recreation sites in early June that will cover site operations through the end of July. Please visit the Mon’s Recreation Conditions Report at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/mnf/recreation for the most current information. Campground and picnic shelter reservations for some sites may be made at www.recreation.gov. Dispersed camping opportunities are not included in the information, below, but are available in many areas of the Forest year-round.
Visitors can contact ranger district offices listed for details. Important safety reminder – the lack of cell phone service on the Monongahela National Forest is something to consider when trip planning, but with a little preparation, you can unplug and still have a safe and fun trip. Learn about recreating safely and responsibly on your national forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/responsible-recreation.Opening dates for recreation sites on Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-478-2000) in the Elkins and Parsons areas:
Bear Heaven Campground – April 15
Horseshoe Recreation Area – May 13
Lower Glady Dispersed Camping (Forest Road 162) – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
Stuart Recreation Area – April 18
Opening dates for recreation sites on Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-257-4488) in the Petersburg and Seneca Rocks areas:
Big Bend Campground – April 8
Dolly Sods Picnic Area – April 15, weather permitting
Forest Road 19 in the Dolly Sods area – April 1, weather permitting
Forest Road 75 in the Dolly Sods area – April 15, weather permitting
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping (County Route 29) – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
Gatewood Group Campground – April 18
Jess Judy Group Campground – April 8
Red Creek Campground – April 15, weather permitting
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center – April 4, through May 18 Friday – Sunday from 9:30am to 5:00pm, May 19 through Sept. 1 daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm
Seneca Rocks Picnic Area – April 1
Seneca Shadows Campground – April 8
Spruce Knob Lake – Lake open year-round; toilets open April 15
Spruce Knob Lake Campground – April 18
Spruce Knob Observation Tower – Area opens when snow-free; toilets open April 15
