Monongahela National Forest Implementing New, Increased Fees In 2026

Visitors to the Monongahela National Forest next year may find they’ll have to pay more during their visit.

The Monongahela National Forest is creating new fees, and increasing existing fees, at developed recreation sites starting Jan. 1, 2026.

In a press release, officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service said the money will go towards maintenance and to enhance visitor experience, public access and safety.

The Monongahela National Forest spans nearly one million acres across 10 counties in the highlands of West Virginia.

The forest hosts numerous free days and many developed recreation sites are free for public use.

The following fees changes have been approved by the West Virginia Recreation Resource Advisory Committee and the Eastern Regional Forester:

Bear Heaven Campground

• Single Site Fee: $10

Cranberry Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15
• Double Site Fee: $30

Williams River RUA Campground (Gauley RD) 

• Single Site Fee: $10
• Double Site Fee: $20

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Group Picnic Site 

• Day Fee: $50 rate per group, Size: 75

Summit Lake Reservoir/Fishing Site; Group Picnic Site 

• Day Fee: $50 rate per group, Size: 75

Summit Lake Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15

Cranberry RUA Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $10
• Double Site Fee: $20

Red Oak Lookout 

• Night Fee: $100, Group size: 10

Middle Mountain Cabins 

• Night Fee: $100, Group size: 10

Island Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15

Laurel Fork Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15
• Double Site Fee: $30 

Stonecoal Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15

Day Run Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15

Tea Creek Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $15

Williams River RUA Campground (Marlinton RD) 

• Single Site Fee: $10

Red Creek Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $20

Lake Sherwood Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $25
• Double Site Fee: $50
• Site w/ Electric Fee: $35
• Tent Only Fee: $20

Lake Sherwood Beach Swimming Site 

• Day Fee: $8 rate per vehicle

Blue Bend Campground 

• Single Site Fee: $20
• Double Site Fee: $50
• Site w/ Electric Fee: $30

Visit the Monongahela National Forest website for more information.