The Ohio River valley near Friendship offers camping options with distinctive landscape features. The region contains more hills and ridges than most Ohio areas, resulting in campgrounds with elevation changes and varied terrain. Winter camping remains viable from November through March with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees warmer than northern Ohio locations.
What to do
Paddle the Ohio River: At Sandy Springs Campground, campers have direct river access for fishing and watching river traffic. "We spent about five months there this past winter. The campground is beautiful and the owners are amazing. The surrounding area seeps in history and we enjoyed exploring the area," notes Sherry R.
Hiking across from campgrounds: Nature trails begin directly across from some campsites. "We had a great hike at a trailhead directly across the street from the campground. Took us a little over 3 hours for the entire loop with a 4 year. He walked almost the entire way so it's doable and the views are worth it," shares Tiffani C. about their stay at Sandy Springs.
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers cave tours and natural bridge viewing within a short drive from Friendship. A camper explains, "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something!"
What campers like
River views: Campers consistently rate riverfront sites highly. "We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return," writes Rick G. about Sandy Springs Campground. Another visitor adds, "It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by."
Clean facilities: Ashland Huntington West KOA receives praise for its maintenance. "KOA staff was very friendly and accommodating. We were able to stay extra days with out any problems. The campground has miniature golf, a playground, a fenced area for dogs, a pond and a swimming pool," reports Joseph C.
Secluded tent sites: Shawnee State Park Campground offers tent sites away from the main campground. "Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're for tent campers only," says Jay T.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Prepare for communication challenges throughout the region. "Turkey Creek Campground was a little confusing as the campground was called the Turkey Creek Campground, but it is located on Roosevelt Lake, not Turkey Creek Lake, which is a few miles further down the road. There is non-existent cell service (Verizon)," reports Lee D.
Train noise at riverside campgrounds: Wolford's Landing Campground and other river locations experience train traffic. "The exception? Trains blowing their whistle every 20-30 minutes all night long. The crossing is right by the campground. If you can sleep through it, great. I couldn't," warns Gary M.
Site size variations: Check site specifications carefully when booking. "Many of the other sites had even shorter pads; these would really best be suitable for tent campers as the pad would only fit a regular-size vehicle. Sites 1-6, 15, 18-21, and 23-25, 28, 32, and 33 have longer pads," notes a camper about Turkey Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment for rainy days: Some camping sites near Friendship, Ohio lack covered recreation areas. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy," shares Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Look for organized activities: Several campgrounds run scheduled events. "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family! One of the most fun places we've ever stayed! My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities," reports Emily W. about her Sandy Springs experience.
Consider water recreation options: Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground provides multiple water features. "There are great walking paths and biking/scooter options. There is river access and it is close to Shawnee State Lodge and Portsmouth, which had great flood wall murals," writes Jeremiah S.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: At many sites, hookups may be distant from pads. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. "Site was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring. Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8," reports Felicia H. about her Ashland Huntington West KOA stay.
Spacious river sites: Larger rigs should seek riverfront locations at certain campgrounds. "The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table," notes Kim H. about Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground, adding "This campground has some of the largest and best spaces camp sites of any full hookup we have visited."
