Stuart Recreation Area and Bickle Knob

CCC-built riverside camping near Elkins with access to Bickle Knob Observation Tower and valley views.
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At a Glance

Stuart Recreation Area is a historic Civilian Conservation Corps riverside destination in the Monongahela National Forest near Elkins, offering shaded camping, picnicking, and scenic gravel-road exploration along Shavers Fork. The nearby Bickle Knob Observation Tower sits just minutes from downtown Elkins, providing sweeping Tygart Valley views from its accessible summit. Classic 1930s-era stonework, a peaceful riverside setting, and proximity to town make Stuart an ideal base camp for families exploring Randolph County’s Otter Creek Wilderness.

Activities

Features

Difficulty

Season

Campground close in Winter

Area Trails

Trail Name

Recreation Sites

Item #1

Safety

“Cell service may not be available during your hike. Please plan accordingly and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

During hunting season, stay on established trails, wear bright colors like blaze orange, and make your presence known to ensure safety for all forest users.”

Directions

None available. 

Nearby Towns

Downtown

No town nearby.

15 Minutes

From its unexpectedly cool downtown coffee shops and breweries to its rail trails and wilderness areas, Elkins packs above its weight in outdoor adventures.

30 Minutes

No town within 30 minutes.

60 Minutes

As a gateway to Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, and the Canaan Mountain trail systems, Davis blends small-town charm with world-class hiking, biking, skiing, and wildlife experiences.
Parsons, WV blends small-town charm with direct access to the Monongahela National Forest, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, and the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail.
Famed for its dramatic cliffs and overlook trail, Seneca Rocks is a gateway to Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, and some of West Virginia’s best hiking and climbing.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Area Itineraries

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