Most of Monongahela National Forest is open year-round, closing only when access roads are snow-covered. But some developed campgrounds, picnic areas and both visitor centers routinely close from late fall through mid-spring. Visit the Forest’s Recreation Conditions Report at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/mnf/recreation for the most current information.
Closing dates for recreation sites on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District (304-257-4488) in the Petersburg and Seneca Rocks areas follow.
- Big Bend Campground – Oct. 30
- Dolly Sods Picnic Area – Jan. 1
- Gatewood Group Campground – Oct. 10 – Nov. 30 no fees charged. Pack in, pack out with no services.
- Jess Judy Group Campground – Oct. 30
- Red Creek Campground – Dec. 31
- Seneca Rocks Discovery Center – Oct. 30 (last day open)
- Seneca Rocks Picnic Area – Dec. 2
- Seneca Shadows Campground – Oct. 30
- Spruce Knob Lake – Lake open year-round. Toilets close Dec. 1
- Spruce Knob Lake Campground – Closed Oct. 10
- Spruce Knob Observation Tower – Area open year-round (except when roads are snow covered). Toilets close Dec. 1.
Closing dates for recreation sites on the Greenbrier Ranger District (304-456-3335) in the Bartow area follow.
- Gaudineer Knob Picnic Area – Closes when roads are snow covered. Toilets close Dec. 1.
- Island Campground – Dec. 1
- Lake Buffalo – Lake open year-round. Toilets close Dec. 1
- Laurel Fork Campground – Dec. 1
- Middle Mountain Cabins – Dec. 1
- Old House Run Picnic Area – Dec. 1
Roadside camping, also called dispersed camping, is available in many areas of the Forest year-round. For more information about recreation facilities, contact the district office near the location a person would like to visit. Contact information is listed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mnf/about-forest/offices.
