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Raven Cliff Recreation Area in Virginia
Hard to BookNational Forest

Raven Cliff Recreation Area

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Virginia

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As of October 2026, Raven Cliff Recreation Area is a campground in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Virginia with 2 campsites. Raven Cliff Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Raven Cliff Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Raven Cliff Recreation Area is located at 36.8358ยฐ N, 81.0645ยฐ W.

Raven Cliff Recreation Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain ยท Access: Gravel road.

Things to do: fishing, swimming, hiking, horse riding, water sports.

About Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Overview

There are 20 camping units available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire grill. Some sites have a pad for tents or pop-up trailers. Recreation vehicles up to 25 feet long can be accommodated in some sites. A day use picnic shelter with picnic tables and an open field for sports is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Toilets and garbage cans are provided in the campground and near the picnic shelter. Drinking water is not available.

FEE: $5 per unit, per night (limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles per unit).

Located in Raven Cliff Campground, enjoy a large shelter for your next gathering! Along with the amenities of the shelter, it adjoins a large field for games, the rushing waters of Cripple Creek for wading and fishing, hiking trails, and the historic Raven Cliff Furnace.

Recreation

Besides the available primitive campsites, Cripple Creek runs through the picnic area and is popular for fishing, wading, and tubing. There are large open fields that are great for sports and picnics.

Facilities

There are 20 camping units available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire grill. Some sites have a pad for tents or pop-up trailers. Recreation vehicles up to 25 feet long can be accommodated in some sites. Portable toilets and garbage cans are provided in the campground. Drinking water is not available.

A wooden picnic shelter that accommodates groups up to 75 people and 15 cars with overflow parking nearby. No drinking water available. The shelter contains picnic tables, grill, and parking. There are available vault toilets.

Natural Features

From the 200-foot sandstone Raven Cliff to the 1810 historic iron ore furnace, this recreation area is off the beaten path, but worth the effort. Trail 4601 and trail 4616 to the Iron Furnace is destroyed and not accessible to foot traffic.

Nearby Attractions

Cripple Creek runs through the area for fishing, wading, or tubing. State fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply. Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) begins in Raven Cliff Campground and follows Cripple Creek until ending at the remains of the old 30-foot-tall Raven Cliff Iron Furnace made from local sandstone. Raven Cliff Trail (4601) a 1.2-mile trail from Raven Cliff Campground connects to Collins Cove Horse Campground or Ewing Mountain Trail (4614). Raven Cliff Trail (4601) is closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (276) 783-5196.

Rules and notices at Raven Cliff Recreation Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Raven Cliff Recreation Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Raven Cliff Furnace Trail (4616) that ends at the remains of the old 30-foot tall Raven Cliff Iron Furnace is closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The bridge across Cripple Creek to the Furnace was washed away.

There is no drinking water available, you must bring your own.

No flush toilets available, only porta-john toilets. Vault toilets are available at the picnic shelter area.

Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Raven Cliff Recreation Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Raven Cliff Recreation Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Raven Cliff Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Raven Cliff Recreation Area have?

Raven Cliff Recreation Area has 2 campsites.

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