Friends of the Cheat Campground

03/15/2026

Your weekend just got a whole lot better! 🎉 Head to the Cheat Fest ticketing page and snag your presale combo passes before they're gone!

The full weekend combo presale pass is just $45 + tax.
Prefer a single day? Grab tickets at the gate — Fridays are $20 and Saturdays are $35. Kids 12 and under get in free with a supervising adult.

https://www.showclix.com/event/2026-cheat-river-festival/pre-sale

Just a heads up: no pets or glass containers on-site. See you there!

Photo by Elevated Perspective

08/18/2025

Just a friendly reminder that the FOC Campground and Cheat Canyon boating access will be closed for a private event this weekend 8/22-8/24. All boaters should use the Laurel Highlands put in just down the road. The campground will be open for Groovin' attendees only starting Friday morning.

Send a message to learn more

04/24/2025

Cheat Fest is just 10 days away!

As we count down to the big weekend, things are getting busier by the minute. Setup is in full swing with heavy equipment on-site, mowing operations, last minute logistics, and essential site prep happening all over.

For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that you respect the gate hours—please don’t show up early expecting entry. Keeping the site clear and safe is essential to getting everything festival-ready!

Back Gate Entry Hours:
Vendors, VIPs/Sponsors, and Lead Volunteers:
Thursday: 4–9 PM
Friday: Starting at 8 AM (vendors must be set up by 4 PM)
Saturday: Starting at 8 AM (vendors must be set up by 11 AM)

Volunteers & Bands:
Entry begins at 8 AM on Friday and Saturday
*Volunteers working on Thursday or Friday’s 9 AM shift may enter Thursday starting at 4 PM.

Front Gate – General Admission:
Friday, May 2nd: Gates open at 5 PM
Saturday, May 3rd: Gate open at 12 NOON

Presale tickets are still available! $40 plus tax for Friday & Saturday
Get yours at https://cheatfest.org/2024-cheat-river-festival-ticket-sales/

Single day tickets will be for sale at the Gates only- Friday-$20 Saturday-$30

04/03/2024

Volunteers still needed!

We are still looking for more volunteers to help us out for Cheat Fest💪.

One 4 hour shift gets you weekend entry to the Fest, on site primitive camping, access to backstage food and drinks, and the fuzzy feelings of helping out a great cause.

We also need some postering volunteers to hang posters in certain local areas.

Sign up here to volunteer at the Fest> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9uRrSUWQoj398eSskZZkaHU90GYRk0w2xmch9vc1IYlWfJw/viewform?usp=sharing

Sign up here to poster> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSct1bZXUvpEjjHHueF1PdAJP4duFc-zHz-Fsx_MIadSddLhng/viewform?usp=sharing

02/12/2024

We are looking for food, art, goods, and services Vendors for the 2024 Cheat River Festival on May 3rd and 4th, 2024!

Our festival attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and local residents. By showcasing your products or services at our event, you'll have direct access to a highly engaged audience eager to discover what you have to offer.

Don't wait any longer! Secure your place at the Cheat River Festival and become part of a cherished tradition that brings joy, inspiration, and positive change to our community. Registration closes February 23rd🕑

Visit https://cheatfest.org/vendors/ to sign up today!

08/21/2023

***Attention campers and boaters***

Friends of the Cheat Campground and Cheat Canyon Boater Access will be closed for p***c use on Friday, August 26th and Saturday, August 27th for an event, Groovin' with the Grove 6.

All boaters can use the Laurel Highlands put-in for Cheat Canyon boating access- it is located just upstream of the Fest Site in our Public Parking area.

If you are attending Groovin' and would like to camp early, the FOC Campground will be open for camping at $10/person/night until Thursday night.

Please see Campground Manager Jim Meckley by the Back Gate for help.

07/06/2023

The Friends of the Cheat Campground features several acres of wooded and open campsites for tent, hammock, and primitive car camping. Not suitable for large rigs.

Located on the Allegheny Trail, enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating along the beautiful Cheat River at while using our Campground as your basecamp.

Potable water and vault toilets are available onsite.
Rates: $20 per site (4 ppl)
Please use the self-serve kiosk by the back gate to register & pay.

The whitewater Cheat Canyon boater access is through the gate past the bathrooms-please park in the gravel lot. Access donations are welcome!

06/16/2023

Ragin’ info for Saturday June 17th

06/15/2023

Our Campground and river access will be closed to the public for the Ragin' on the River concert this Saturday, June 17th. Please use the Laurel Highlands put in just upstream for Cheat Canyon access.

06/14/2023

26M ALT Trail News

2 SOBO hikers camped here last night.
Heard they made it to Rowlesburg
And they parked a shuttle vehicle here Sunday night.
Parking lot and sometimes a shuttle run/pick up available too !
Let us know if you leave a vehicle overnight
We have potable water. Toilets.

06/04/2023

WV Free Fishing Days
June 10, 11. 2023

Have you ever wanted to try fishing but haven't had a chance to get out on the water? Maybe you have fond memories of fishing with friends or family