Big Bend Campground

Camping Restrictions at Big Bend

Prohibits camping within 300 feet of the corridor of the South Branch of the Potomac River in a specified area near Big Bend campground.

Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 551), and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations set forth at 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart B (36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b)), the following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Monongahela National Forest controlled lands, waters and administrative units, of the Monongahela National Forest lands located in Grant and Pendleton Counties, in the State of West Virginia. The said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth as Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:
The following is prohibited:
I. Camping within 300 feet of the corridor of the South Branch of the Potomac River between U.S. Highway 220 and Big Bend Campground, except lawful camping at developed campgrounds. (36 CFR 261.58 (e)).

THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND TO PROTECT NATIONAL FOREST PROPERTY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.

Pursuant to the provision of 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission (36 CFR 261.50(e)(1)); and,
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty (36 CFR 261.50(e)(4)),

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000.00 for an individual or $10,0000.00 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C. 551, 18 U.S. C. 3559 and 3571).

Dated this _17th day of December, 2008 , at Elkins, West Virginia.

United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service

/s/ Clyde N. Thompson
CLYDE N. THOMPSON
Forest Supervisor
Monongahela National Forest

Big Bend is located in the Smoke Hole Canyon next to the South Branch of the Potomac River at the end of County Route 2. Located 10 miles south west of Petersburg, West Virginia. The river is located 200 feet from campground and is open for fishing and non-motorized boat use. A one mile loop trail is available for hiking at the campground and 60 miles of backcountry trails are located close by in the Seneca Creek Backcountry as well as the trails located in Smoke Hole Canyon.

Fees

Camping River Loop – Single: $23 River Loop Double : $40 Upper Loops – Single: $22 Upper Loops – Double: $35

Rules

Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of the corridor of the South Branch of the Potomac River between U.S. Highway 220 and Big Bend Campground, except for lawful camping at developed campgrounds. Maximum length of stay is 14 days and 8 people per site. No camping allowed along County Route 2. Park in developed areas only. Pets must be leashed.