Featured amenities
Picnic Table
Electric Hookup
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates1 total site · $100 avg/night
Cabins
1 site
$100/night
average
About 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.
Number of accommodations: 1
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Photography
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Photography
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jul 1 to Oct 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Electric Hookup
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Electric Hookup
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
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Red Oak Fire Lookout Tower, Loop: Lookout
$100
/ per night
🏠
Cabin
Unavailable
Site Details
Up to 12 guests
54 × 25 ft
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-in
Campfire
Location Red Oak Fire Lookout
Address:
932 North Fork Cherry River Road
Richwood, WV, 26261
United States
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
3PM
Check out time
11AM
- Reservations are required and walk-in use is not permitted.
- Entry requires a combination lock; check your confirmation letter for the code.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Utilities
- A vault toilet is available, but campers need to bring their own water.
Safety & rules
- All trash must be packed out; disposal is allowed at nearby campgrounds.
- Cell phone reception is poor unless near town.
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited inside the cab; battery-powered lanterns are recommended.
- During lightning storms, stay inside the lookout and avoid touching metal; lightning protection is provided.
- Check weather forecasts for snow or ice on access roads in spring and fall; contact the ranger district for updates.
Site capacity
- The tower cab accommodates 2 people; campsite max is 10, totaling 12 people and 4 vehicles.
Site types & loops
- The tower cab can accommodate 2 adults with provided cots and chairs; guests must bring their own bedding.
Amenities
- The campsite includes a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire ring, lantern post, and RV hookups.
- Campsite amenities include a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire ring, and RV hookups; the tower cab has electricity.
- The tower cab includes electric lights and an outlet.
Accessibility
- Guests should be ready to climb the steep stairs to the tower; children under 14 are discouraged. A campsite is available at the base for those unable to climb.
- The tower cab is not accessible, but the campsite amenities are accessible.
Pets
- Pets are not allowed in the tower cab but are permitted at the campsite; cleanup is required.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: August 7, 2026
Managed by USDA Forest Service