Family Camping on the South Branch Potomac River

Big Bend Campground, West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest / Potomac Ranger District

Big Bend Campground is part of the Monongahela National Forest. Located in the highest mountains of east central West Virginia, the vibrant colors and spectacular views of this rugged wilderness will take your breath away. Fishermen come back year after year to explore the more than 600 miles of cold water and 350 miles of warm water fishing streams. Hikers, rock climbers, anglers, and families from all over come to enjoy the unique culture and relaxed atmosphere of this deep green mountain retreat.

Typical campsite in Big Bend Campground, WV - Click on photo to view gallery

Situated along a bend in the south branch of the Potomac River that almost surrounds the campsites, this picturesque campground has 46 sites. Wooded bluffs rise on the opposite side of the river, creating a sort of hollow, and the mists rising off the water deeper in the canyon caused early settlers to name it Smoke Hole.  All in all, the setting is idyllic, and campers come here to enjoy it.  They tube and swim in the river and enjoy the diverse local wildlife.  They hike the more than 30 miles of maintained local trails.  They boat, canoe, and kayak in the spring when the water is high.  Anglers come here for the native small mouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, and the stocked rainbow, brown, golden rainbow and brook trout.  The West Virginia DNR reported in 2005 that the South Fork of the Potomac River has some of the best bass, catfish, and trout fishing in the state.  The anglers agree.

The campground has flush toilets, piped water, paved roads, and a dump station.  It’s open from April 4, 2014 to the end of October, and the fishing is good all season long.

Take your chances all season with a first-come-first-served campsite or make your reservations here: Recreation.gov \ Big Bend Campground