Blue Bend
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia · on Anthony Creek · Monongahela National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- creek
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- No fee found
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Blue Bend
Blue Bend is a U.S. Forest Service recreation area and swimming hole on Anthony Creek in the Monongahela National Forest near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it centers on a stone-lined swimming reservoir with two paved beaches alongside a campground, picnic pavilion, and trails. Recreation.gov and the Forest Service both name swimming among its primary uses, making it one of the area's officially designated places to swim.
The area sits in a rustic, forested setting along scenic Anthony Creek within the Monongahela National Forest, built out in the 1930s in the CCC 'parkitecture' style using locally harvested wood and stone; the historic log pavilion remains a centerpiece structure.
Swimming at Blue Bend
Swimming takes place in a constructed pool/reservoir section of Anthony Creek flanked by two stone-paved beaches, a CCC-era development rather than an unimproved creek pool. Recreation.gov describes the creek swimming as 'nice and refreshing,' with the same stretch also used for trout fishing.
How to get to this swimming hole
From White Sulphur Springs, travel 8 miles north on WV Route 92, turn west (left) onto WV Route 16 at Alvon, and continue 4 miles to the recreation area.
Parking: Each campsite includes its own parking spur; the recreation area is drive-in accessible directly off WV Route 16 for day-use visitors as well as campers.
The hike in
No hike is needed to reach the swimming beaches, they sit directly within the drive-in recreation area/campground on Anthony Creek. A separate, optional Blue Bend Loop Trail (about 5 miles, with 3 scenic overlooks) starts from the recreation area, connects to the Anthony Creek Trail, and provides access toward the Big Draft Wilderness, but it is a recreational hiking option rather than the route to the water.
If visitors want to hike while at Blue Bend, the ~5-mile Blue Bend Loop Trail is the named option, but no distance-to-swim-hole breakdown applies since the trail is not the access route.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The swim area is a CCC-built constructed pool/reservoir on Anthony Creek with two stone-paved beaches, which gives a more controlled, shallow-entry setting than a wild creek pool, generally good for families. However, no source confirms lifeguards on duty (typical for USFS sites, which are unguarded), and the access road is documented as flash-flood prone, implying creek levels/current can rise quickly after rain, so supervision is warranted.
Parking
Available
The recreation area is drive-in accessible directly off WV Route 16 for both campers and day-use visitors. Each of the 21 campsites has its own parking spur, but no source describes a dedicated day-use lot separate from campground parking, and no fee amount was found for parking or day use, so those fields are left null rather than assumed.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and showers operate in summer; vault toilets (with hand-pump water) are available in spring and fall when running water is shut off. Restrooms are within the campground/recreation area, not at a separate trailhead.
On the water
No source found describing kayak, canoe, tube, or motorboat use specifically at Blue Bend's swim beaches; the swim area is a small constructed pool/reservoir on Anthony Creek, a narrow mountain creek, which is not typically described as a paddling destination at this exact spot. Left as unconfirmed (empty list) rather than guessed.
Backstory
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of a nationwide effort to expand public recreation, using locally harvested wood and stone ('parkitecture'). Its log pavilion underwent a 2023-2024 restoration (new roof, repointed flagstone foundation, carpentry/log repairs) led by HistoriCorps and the Appalachian Conservation Corps with about 20 volunteers, earning the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia's 'Most Significant Save of a Historic Site' award at an October 28, 2024 ceremony.
Blue Bend: FAQ
Is Blue Bend kid friendly?
The swim area is a CCC-built constructed pool/reservoir on Anthony Creek with two stone-paved beaches, which gives a more controlled, shallow-entry setting than a wild creek pool, generally good for families. However, no source confirms lifeguards on duty (typical for USFS sites, which are unguarded), and the access road is documented as flash-flood prone, implying creek levels/current can rise quickly after rain, so supervision is warranted.
Do I need to hike to reach Blue Bend?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Blue Bend?
The recreation area is drive-in accessible directly off WV Route 16 for both campers and day-use visitors. Each of the 21 campsites has its own parking spur, but no source describes a dedicated day-use lot separate from campground parking, and no fee amount was found for parking or day use, so those fields are left null rather than assumed.
When is the best time to visit Blue Bend?
Summer, when flush toilets, showers, and running water are operating; vault toilets and hand-pump water are available spring and fall with reduced service.
What are the rules at Blue Bend?
Food must be stored in bear-proof containers or locked vehicles; firewood brought from outside the area is prohibited to prevent spread of invasive pests; camping is capped at 14 days and 8 campers per site; individual picnic sites are non-reservable while the pavilion and Blue Meadow group campground can be reserved online or by phone (877-444-6777).
What water body is Blue Bend on?
Blue Bend is on Anthony Creek, a natural creek verified in USGS hydrography data.
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