Red Oak Fire Lookout

Monongahela National Forest — riverside, fishing, hiking

Location: Richwood, WV, WV

Price: From $100 per night

Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)

Season: May through October

Red Oak Fire Lookout is approximately 12 miles south of Cowen, West Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 3,704 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its magnificent views, wildlife viewing and historic background.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Electric Hookups, Fishing

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/red-oak-fire-lookout to be notified when sites open up.

Historic 1934 fire lookout site at 3,704 feet elevation offering magnificent views and wildlife viewing. Campers praise the well-maintained grounds, scenic overlook, and peaceful first-come, first-serve atmosphere with 4.9/5 rating from 104 reviews.

Wildlife alert: Timber Rattlesnake present in area; also white-tailed deer, common ravens, and various snake species

Insider tips for Red Oak Fire Lookout: Arrive midday on weekdays — sites fill quickly despite having 12 available spots Fire lookout tower is closed to public; plan hiking on main trails instead First-come, first-serve with $11/night rate; bring cash as federal campground

Skip Red Oak Fire Lookout if: Need RV hookups — no hookups available. Traveling outside May-October season — campground closes seasonally. Prefer reservations — first-come, first-serve only.

Best time to visit Red Oak Fire Lookout: May-October — Official operating season only; May-June and September-October offer milder weather than peak summer.

Nearby campgrounds: Cranberry Campground (Richwood , WV), Cranberry River Campsites (Marlinton, WV), Summit Lake Campground (Richwood, WV), Williams River Campsites (Richwood, WV).