Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · West Virginia
Primitive Camping Guide

Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a rugged, forested public land offering excellent opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation in southern West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains.

Wildlife Management Area8,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

8,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a rugged, forested public land offering excellent opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation in southern West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area spans approximately 8,000 acres in Fayette County, West Virginia. The area is characterized by steep, mountainous terrain typical of the southern Appalachian Mountains, featuring dense hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, and maple species. This WMA offers habitat for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and various small game species, making it a popular destination for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Elevations range from about 1,200 to nearly 3,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems and microclimates. Recreational activities focus primarily on hunting during designated seasons, as the area is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to promote sustainable game populations. Additionally, the WMA provides trails for hiking and mountain biking, allowing visitors to explore remote forest roads and ridges. Anglers can find small streams in the area that support native trout populations, offering some fishing opportunities. Due to its remote and rugged nature, Beury Mountain WMA offers a true backcountry experience for visitors seeking solitude and wildlife viewing away from developed park amenities. There are no developed campgrounds on-site, so visitors typically camp in primitive settings following state regulations. The WMA is also noted for its fall foliage and sounds of native bird species that enrich the outdoor experience. Access is mainly via gravel forest roads with access points from surrounding highways. Overall, Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area provides a strong connection to Appalachian mountain wilderness and traditional outdoor recreation.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area

Notable Landscape Features

Iconic geological landmarks, alpine vantage points, and distinctive ecosystems in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Feature 1

Beury Mountain Ridge

A prominent ridge offering challenging terrain and elevated views across the WMA's forested landscape.

Feature 2

Native Trout Streams

Small, cold-water streams supporting native brook trout populations favored by local anglers.

Feature 3

Oak-Hickory Forest

Extensive hardwood forests providing habitat for diverse wildlife including game species and migratory birds.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Diverse forest habitat supporting black bear and white-tailed deer populationsRemote hiking routes along ridgelines with scenic views of the Appalachian MountainsQuiet fishing spots in native trout streamsOpportunity for primitive camping and authentic backcountry experience
Iconic Trails & Natural Landmarks

Top Trails & Sights in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Discover summit paths, alpine loops, and natural wonders within this protected wilderness.

Moderate6.5

Beury Mountain Trail Loop

A loop trail traversing ridge tops and hardwood forest with varied elevation and scenic overlooks.

Moderate4.2

Piney Branch Trail

Runs alongside a tributary stream featuring forested valleys ideal for wildlife viewing and quiet fishing spots.

Challenging3.1

Bear Ridge Access Trail

Steep ascent to a ridge known for black bear activity and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Easy5.0

Old Logging Road Trail

A former forest access route now used for hiking and mountain biking, passing through mature oak and hickory stands.

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Spotlight

Primitive Camping in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

View Full Park Guide

Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers exceptional terrain and routes for primitive camping, featuring established access paths, scenic vistas, and protected wilderness territory.

Other Activities in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area:HikingWildlife ViewingHuntingMountain BikingFishingBird WatchingPhotography
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; hunting permits required during hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wilderness & Developed Camping Regulations

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Most frontcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov during peak season, while backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit and certified bear-resistant food canisters.

Find Campgrounds on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic desert basecamps surrounding the park.

Beckley, West Virginia, West Virginia
Gateway Basecamp

Beckley, West Virginia, West Virginia

Beckley is your launching pad for adventure in West Virginia. With thrilling whitewater rafting, scenic hiking trails, and a rich history, it’s a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Oak Hill, Ohio, West Virginia
Gateway Basecamp

Oak Hill, Ohio, West Virginia

Oak Hill, Ohio offers peaceful outdoor adventures with hiking, paddling, and fishing in quiet forests and lakes. This small town base is great for travelers seeking rustic and less crowded outdoor experiences in southern Ohio.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Mount Hope, West Virginia, West Virginia
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Hope, West Virginia, West Virginia

Mount Hope offers a quiet base for exploring the New River Gorge’s hiking, climbing, and paddling adventures. With close access to protected forests and river vistas, it's ideal for travelers seeking unspoiled Appalachian outdoor activities.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Explore with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and wilderness outfitters.

Night‑glow Showdown: Blacklight Battles at The Fortress in Welch
Certified Outfitter

Night‑glow Showdown: Blacklight Battles at The Fortress in Welch

A one‑hour, blacklight arena event in Welch where groups face off with gel blasters or Nerf guns—this guide orients you to the flow, gear choices, and what to expect.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Days on the Hatfield‑McCoy: A Family‑Ready UTV Rental from Bluefield
Certified Outfitter

Two Days on the Hatfield‑McCoy: A Family‑Ready UTV Rental from Bluefield

A two‑day UTV rental with Crazy Mountain Cycles that puts Kawasaki KRX models and a Teryx SE 800 4‑seater onto the Hatfield‑McCoy trail system — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Hours of Nerf, Airsoft and Bounce: The Fortress’ Ultimate Party Packages in Welch
Certified Outfitter

Two Hours of Nerf, Airsoft and Bounce: The Fortress’ Ultimate Party Packages in Welch

Two-hour, alcohol-free party packages at The Fortress in Welch that include a 30-minute pre-party setup window and optional extra time for a fee.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Days on the Upper Gauley: Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle and the 14‑foot Sweet’s Falls
Certified Outfitter

Two Days on the Upper Gauley: Pillow Rock, Lost Paddle and the 14‑foot Sweet’s Falls

A two-day Upper Gauley whitewater rafting trip running legendary Class V rapids — this guide explains what to expect, where to meet, and how the days unfold.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
One Rager. One Box. Thirty Minutes of Catharsis at The Fortress Rage Room
Certified Outfitter

One Rager. One Box. Thirty Minutes of Catharsis at The Fortress Rage Room

A half-hour session in Welch that pairs protective gear with a box of breakables — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who can take part.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing
Certified Outfitter

26 Miles of Mild-to-Wild: An Overnight New River Float-Fishing Out of Lansing

A two-day, 26-mile overnight float-fishing trip near Lansing that averages about six hours on the water each day — this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Riding the High Line: 600–700 Feet of Bridge‑Day Adrenaline Over the New River Gorge
Certified Outfitter

Riding the High Line: 600–700 Feet of Bridge‑Day Adrenaline Over the New River Gorge

On Bridge Day in Fayetteville you can join the Bridge Day High Line to glide from the New River Gorge Bridge’s catwalk to State Route 82—a limited, harnessed descent that drops roughly 300 vertical feet.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Four Days on the Hatfield‑McCoy: Family UTVs from Bluefield
Certified Outfitter

Four Days on the Hatfield‑McCoy: Family UTVs from Bluefield

A four‑day UTV rental from Crazy Mountain Cycles that puts Kawasaki machines on the Hatfield‑McCoy trail system—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who can drive.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Nine Hours of Side‑by‑Side Riding Out of Downtown Welch — Hatfield McCoy Trails at Your Doorstep
Certified Outfitter

Nine Hours of Side‑by‑Side Riding Out of Downtown Welch — Hatfield McCoy Trails at Your Doorstep

A 9‑hour Side‑by‑Side rental from Coaltown ATV Rentals based in downtown Welch that provides pickup or delivery for exploring the Hatfield McCoy and Southern trail systems.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Seven Days on the Hatfield McCoy: Side‑by‑Side Rentals Out of Welch
Certified Outfitter

Seven Days on the Hatfield McCoy: Side‑by‑Side Rentals Out of Welch

A weeklong (153‑hour) Side by Side rental from downtown Welch that puts riders onto the Hatfield McCoy Trails, with pickup or free delivery to participating partner sites.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Five Days on the Hatfield McCoy Trails: 1–4 Passenger Side‑by‑Side Rental from Downtown Welch
Certified Outfitter

Five Days on the Hatfield McCoy Trails: 1–4 Passenger Side‑by‑Side Rental from Downtown Welch

A 105‑hour Side by Side rental operated by Coaltown ATV Rentals out of downtown Welch that provides access to the Southern Hatfield McCoy trail system with partner pickup and delivery options.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
33-Hour Side-by-Side Escape: Ride the Hatfield McCoy Trails from Welch
Certified Outfitter

33-Hour Side-by-Side Escape: Ride the Hatfield McCoy Trails from Welch

A two-day (33-hour) Side-by-Side rental based in downtown Welch that puts the Southern Hatfield McCoy Trails within easy reach and explains pickup, delivery, and partner logistics.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Six Days of Side‑by‑Side Freedom: From Downtown Welch onto the Hatfield‑McCoy Trails
Certified Outfitter

Six Days of Side‑by‑Side Freedom: From Downtown Welch onto the Hatfield‑McCoy Trails

A six‑day (129‑hour) Side by Side rental from Coaltown ATV Rentals gives 1–4 passengers access to the Hatfield McCoy Trails with pick‑up or delivery options — this guide lays out logistics, partners, and what to expect.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
The Head of the Dragon Inn — A Compact Kimball Apartment with Fire Pit and Secure Parking
Certified Outfitter

The Head of the Dragon Inn — A Compact Kimball Apartment with Fire Pit and Secure Parking

A 2–7 night apartment rental in Kimball with a king bed, full kitchen, smart TV, outdoor fire pit, gas grill and secure parking — this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas
Certified Outfitter

Family Float on the Upper New: Six Hours of Gentle Rapids, Riverside Lunch, and National‑Forest Vistas

A 6-hour guided day trip on the Upper New River for ages 5 and up, featuring Class I–II rapids, private rafts with an experienced guide, and a catered riverside lunch.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience