A river access road and campground route in the Monongahela National Forest has reopened after more than a year of closure, restoring entry to a popular dispersed camping area in Randolph County in West Virginia.
The U.S. The Forest Service announced Tuesday (August 20) that Forest Road 209, also known as Shavers Fork Road, is now open to vehicles. The road provides the only access to the Stonecoal Dispersed Camping area along the Shavers Fork.
The route was shut down in July 2023 for a bridge replacement project after heavy rains damaged a large culvert beneath the road.
The culvert had deteriorated beyond repair and required full replacement to ensure public safety. Construction crews installed a 76-foot bridge in place of the failed culvert.
The project also included realigning the roadway to eliminate a sharp turn that had created safety concerns for motorists.
As part of the work, one existing campsite was removed from the area.
“We’re excited to reopen Forest Road 209 and welcome the public back to this beautiful part of the forest,” Shane Jones, Greenbrier District Ranger, said, as reported by 12 Wboy.
“Staff on the Monongahela have worked hard to ensure the area is safe, accessible, and ready for a season of outdoor recreation,” Jones added.
The Shavers Fork corridor is a destination for outdoor activities, drawing campers, anglers, and hikers to its riverbanks.
The project was part of ongoing infrastructure work within the Monongahela National Forest, which spans nearly a million acres across eastern West Virginia.
According to its website, Monongahela National Forest Recreation features a variety of cabins and camping areas. Bear Heaven Campground, a small primitive site located about 14 miles northeast of Elkins. With eight campsites tucked among striking rock outcroppings, the area provides a quiet setting near the Otter Creek Wilderness.
Bishop Knob Campground also provides 60 semi-primitive sites on a ridge between the Cranberry and Williams Rivers.
Divided into two loops, the campground features 48 single sites and six doubles, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern poles, and gravel spurs. RVs up to 40 feet are welcome, though the campground does not include electric hookups or dump stations.