Red Oak Fire Lookout
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.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins with electric | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Power | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Pets | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak Fire Lookout Tower | Back-in | 54 | Gravel | None | 50 amp | No / – | 12 / 4 | Yes | No | Prime |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 03:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Fee is $100.00 per night and reservations must be made at Recreation.gov |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Approximately 12 miles from Cowen and 15 miles from Richwood, WV. From Cowen, go east on State Route 46 to Forest Road 101. Follow Forest Road 101 5 miles to the site. From Richwood travel east on State Route 39/55 to Forest Road 76, travel for 6 miles north to Forest Road 81. Follow Forest Road 81 for 6 miles to Forest Road 101.
| Nearest town | Richwood, West Virginia |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 38.55° N, 79.90° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Explore
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.
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Monongahela National Forest and West Virginia
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- Five-Star Trails: West Virginia's Monongahela National ForestJohnny Molloy, 2022Find at Bookshop.org
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Red Oak Fire Lookout?
Sites at Red Oak Fire Lookout are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Red Oak Fire Lookout?
Fee is $100.00 per night and reservations must be made at Recreation.gov
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Red Oak Fire Lookout?
Check-in 03:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Red Oak Fire Lookout have?
1 site, including 1 cabin with power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Does Red Oak Fire Lookout have hookups?
Yes, electric hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Red Oak Fire Lookout?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Red Oak Fire Lookout?
The site is an ideal location for birdwatching, hunting, gravel bike riding, and stargazing. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Red Oak Fire Lookout?
Richwood, West Virginia. The towns of Cowen and Richwood have basic supplies and restaurants.
Source: Getting there