Blue Bend Recreation Area

White Sulphur Ranger District
410 East Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Phone: (304)536-2144

Constructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Blue Bend is in a rustic and beautiful setting along scenic Anthony Creek. The area serves both campers and daytime visitors, and is popular for fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

Located on State Route 16, near Alvon, West Virginia.  From White Sulphur Springs, travel 8 miles north on State Route 92. Turn left (west) at Alvon, West Virginia, onto State Route 16. Travel 4 miles to the recreation area.

The Blue Bend Camping Loop is open year-round. The Blue Meadow Group Camping Loop is available for group camping from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and is open to other campers on holiday weekends.

Camping
There are two camping loops in the recreation area. Blue Bend Loop has 21 campsites and Blue Meadow Group Camping Loop has 19 campsites, including 4 walk-in sites. Each site has a table, fire grate, waste receptacle, lantern post and a parking spur. All campsites are suitable for both tent and trailer camping except for the 4 walk-in sites. The maximum number of campers per site is 8. Blue Meadow is a group camping site. There are no hook-ups provided (sewage, water, or electric). Flush toilets with running water are located in the camping areas. However, in the winter, only vault toilets are open for use. Blue Meadow has running water for washing and flush toilets but it is not safe to drink. Good drinking water is available at Blue Bend. Several water fountains are located throughout Blue Bend.

Fishing
Blue Bend is a popular fishing area. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocks Anthony Creek with trout from January through May and in October. The nearby Greenbrier River is fished for trout and bass. A state fishing license and National Forest Stamp is required and if you are fishing for trout a trout stamp is needed.

Hiking and Biking
All hiking trails are open to biking as well. Most of these trails were constructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Anthony Creek Trail follows the creek in a narrow valley filled with rhododendron and many flowering forest trees. Blue Bend Loop Trail offers three scenic overlooks and has a trail shelter for overnight use. The South Boundary Trail travels from the beautiful Greenbrier River, fords Anthony Creek, then winds through mountains along the forest's southern boundary. The Beaver's Tale Braille plaques along its route invite the visitor to explore this unique river-bottom site.

Picnicking
There are 25 picnic units in Blue Bend. Each unit contains a table, fire grate and waste receptacle. Two rustic picnic shelters, each with a fireplace and picnic table is also available. The large shelter may be reserved for group outings and family reunions. A swinging bridge across Anthony Creek connects the picnic areas on opposite sides of the creek.

Fees: A fee site. Golden Age and Golden Access passport holders pay half of all stated fees.

Reserveable -

• Individual picnic sites are not reserveable.

• Pavilion reservations may be made online or by calling (877)444-6777. Pavilion reservations must be made at least 4 days prior to your arrival or can be made 360 days in advance.

• Campsites for Blue Bend Campground are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping reservations for Blue Meadow Group Campground can be made online or by calling (877)444-6777. Camping reservations must be made at least 4 days prior to your arrival or can be made 240 days in advance.

• Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

• Checkout time is 2:00 p.m.

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