Red Creek Campground

Red Creek Campground is a special place in the northern Monongahela National Forest. It provides easy hiking access to the adjacent Dolly Sods Wilderness that many consider the most stunning wilderness in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sitting high on the flat Allegheny Plateau at the steep edge of the Eastern Continental Divide, there are stunning views to the east into the Potomac River Valley and opportunities to watch approaching storms from the west. The Bear Rock Preserve adventure guide provides an overview of the wilderness and surrounding area. 

Black Bird Knob Trail takes off to the west from the campground and provides access to the central section of the wilderness and miles of trail that branch off from it. It is only a short drive to multiple trailheads to the north or south of the campground. The best map of the area is Purple Lizard's “Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks.” It is weather resistant, accurate, and covers much of the best areas in the northeastern sections of the Monongahela National Forest, including Dolly Sods (accessible via FS19 and 75) and Roaring Plains (accessible via FS 19) wildernesses and the sprawling Seneca Rocks-Spruce Knob National Recreation Area. 

Access is via FS75. FS75 is a long climb on a narrow dirt road and not suitable for large RVs. All but the lowest slung passenger cars can make it with care, but do be prepared to weave around potholes and ruts, and pull over when meeting oncoming traffic. 

The campground has a small single loop with seven sites for tents or small RVs and two walk-in tent sites. It is primitive: no flush toilets, electricity or running water. There are two vault toilets and a water hand pump. Bear-proof trash cans are provided. Not all the parking pads or tent sites are particularly level, and in heavy rains, water can wash through the campsites. Cell phone coverage is very spotty. Some sites are well shaded, others are not. 

Despite the primitive nature of the campground and what the Monongahela National Forest website says, this is a busy and very popular campground due to the spectacular beauty and 47 miles of great hiking trails in the wilderness. Additionally in mid-summer to early fall, a migrating bird census is conducted yearly, and the volunteers “live” in the campground and take up some of the sites. They are wonderful and friendly people and do not mind if you cross the road and watch them work. But finding a campsite on a busy weekend is usually not possible unless you get there very early. The campground is closed early from December to mid-April.