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Red Oak Fire Lookout

Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

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As of September 2026, Red Oak Fire Lookout is a campground in West Virginia with 1 campsite. Red Oak Fire Lookout is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Red Oak Fire Lookout for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.

people allowed on each site: 12

Red Oak Fire Lookout reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

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

Campsites at Red Oak Fire Lookout

Cabin 1
Hookups 1

Amenities

restrooms

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

Things to do: fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, stargazing.

All sites at Red Oak Fire Lookout, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Lookout loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups
Red Oak Fire Lookout Tower	Cabin	12	Electric

About Red Oak Fire Lookout

Overview

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. The original Red Oak Fire Tower in Webster County was erected using Civilian Conservation Corps labor in 1934. It was a wooden framed structure with a wooden cab. In 1964 it was replaced by the current metal structure, which was an improved design of the time period. Like all of the fire towers on Forest, it was retired by the late 1970s. The tower still stands and is in good condition and is now used as a recreational opportunity.

Recreation

The site is an ideal location for birdwatching, hunting, gravel bike riding, and stargazing. Other activities that require a short driver are hiking and biking trails and fishing.

Facilities

The tower cab has lights and an electric outlet. There is a vault toilet onsite. The campsite has a 50 and 30 amp service for RVs. There are picnic tables, a combination fire ring/grill, and lantern post at the site.

Natural Features

The site is located in a portion of the Forest with active management. Timber activities provide wildlife with a diverse habitat. The Cranberry and Williams Rivers are nearby, providing fishing opportunities for both native and stocked trout.

Nearby Attractions

The towns of Cowen and Richwood have basic supplies and restaurants. The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, located 20 miles from the site, has educational displays, nature programs, and a gift shop.

Rules and notices at Red Oak Fire Lookout

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Red Oak Fire Lookout on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Check Out time is 11:00 am and Check In time is 3:00 pm

Walk-in use is not allowed; reservations must be made via the Recreation.gov website or call center prior to arrival

There is a vault toilet onsite. No water available; campers must bring their own.

All trash must be packed out. Users may deposit trash at either Bishop Knob or Big Rock Campground on their way home. Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility

Entry is by combination lock at gate and at the cabin; confirm combination on your confirmation letter prior to arrival.

Tower cab is limited to 2 people and campsite is limited to 10 people for a total site limit of 12 people and 4 vehicles.

The 14-by-14 facility sits atop an 80-foot tower. It is equipped with two cots and two folding chairs to accommodate up to two adults. Renters must provide their own linens/sleeping bags and pillows

The campsite at the base of the lookout tower has a modern vault toilet, 2-picnic tables, a fire ring, lantern post and a 30 and 50 amp RV hookup. The tower cab has electric lights and an electric outlet.

The lookout is a 80-foot tower and guests must be prepared to climb and carry provisions up the steep stairway; due to the height of the tower, children under age 14 are discouraged. The climb to the tower can be strenuous for some. The campsite at the base of the tower is available for those who may not be able to access the tower.

No pets allowed inside the tower cab. Thery are permitted at the campsite. If you bring a pet please clean up after them.

Cell phone is unreliable unless you are close to town.

No smoking is allowed inside the cab. No candles or open flame light or heating source are permitted inside the cab. A non-open flame source, such as a battery-powered lantern and/or electric space heater is suggested.

During the frequent summer lightning storms if you do not have time to get to your vehicle, stay in the lookout and do not touch metal furnishings; the lookout is equipped with lightning protection systems.

The tower cab, because of the historical nature, does not meet accessibility standards. The campsite amenities are accessible.

Snow and ice are possible on the access road in the spring and fall. Please check the forecast prior to your arrival or call the Gauley Ranger District for a weather updates at (304) 846-2695.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Red Oak Fire Lookout FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Red Oak Fire Lookout?

Red Oak Fire Lookout 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 Red Oak Fire Lookout?

Cancellations happen frequently at Red Oak Fire Lookout, 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 Red Oak Fire Lookout have?

Red Oak Fire Lookout has 1 campsites.

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