OLDTOWN CAMPGROUND
Great for kids
Very nice place. Has potential to be great. Three fishing lakes. On old town creek. Plenty of space for kids to roam . Has a nice inground pool.
Gallipolis, Ohio sits along the Ohio River, with camping options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent areas. The Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs in an open field setting. Nearby, Krodel Park Campground offers both RV and tent camping with waterfront access from April through October. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin accommodations, including Farver Acres and Kountry Resort Campground, which operates seasonally from April to October. Timbre Ridge Lake provides boat-in primitive camping with minimal amenities for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Road conditions and facility availability vary significantly by season across the region. Most developed campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with limited winter options outside of fairgrounds camping. As one camper noted, "Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world." Water access points can become crowded during summer months, particularly at state parks and public recreation areas. Vault toilets are common at primitive sites, though maintenance schedules may be inconsistent. Cell service tends to be spotty in rural areas and wildlife management zones, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Gallipolis proper.
Campers frequently mention the area's natural surroundings as a highlight of their experience. The Ohio River provides scenic views and recreation opportunities at several campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at more remote locations like Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area, though facilities there are described as minimal and "not well kept" according to reviews. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds - fairground camping tends to be utilitarian but convenient for overnight stops, while sites like Farver Acres offer more privacy and seclusion. Water pressure and hookup quality receive positive mentions at several RV parks, though bathroom cleanliness and maintenance emerge as common concerns in reviews of public facilities. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those closer to rail lines near the river.
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Round 1 of 5
$30 - $35 / night
"It is minutes away from downtown Point Pleasant. I had spent the afternoon exploring the town and didn't feel like driving further."
"Overall, I was looking for something close to downtown Point Pleasant and this was a good fit. There is no wifi and cell service was a little spotty (I had 1-3 bars at times for cell service)."
$20 - $60 / night
"It’s a very quiet and peaceful location. If you plan to walk in the woods, bring some tick repellent!"
"The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude."
"Three fishing lakes. On old town creek. Plenty of space for kids to roam . Has a nice inground pool."
$20 - $70 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
"This is a very cozy park tucked in between US60 and I64. We are in site 14 and its not quite level, but they were generous with gravel so the drainage is good! No parking in puddles!"
"I arrived after dark so I didn’t get a good look at the place but the entrance is well marked. The family restrooms are very nice and comfortable."
$20 - $80 / night
"This campground has been around since the 1800s. It has a lot of permanent residents and we had a lot of fun checking out the different set ups. There are a lot of amenities but they need updated."
$25 - $40 / night
"We live close to this park and frequent there, sometimes just day trips. Tent camping is great and just like most places there are a few sites that are the best."
"I discovered this park in 2019 while on a history road trip to Marietta, Ohio and Blanerhasset Island. "











Very nice place. Has potential to be great. Three fishing lakes. On old town creek. Plenty of space for kids to roam . Has a nice inground pool.
Clean bathrooms. Nice park rangers. Open areas with fire pits.
We very much enjoyed our stay here. The host was friendly and helpful. The site was level and the fire pit and picnic table were appreciated. It is a very peaceful and relaxing spot. There are some easy trails cleared in the woods that we enjoyed as well We hope to visit again soon.
We enjoyed our stay very much. The host was friendly and communicated well. The site was pretty level and the table and fire pit were much appreciated.. It’s a very quiet and peaceful location. If you plan to walk in the woods, bring some tick repellent!
Stayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
We were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
Its free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
This is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
The spots are pretty close, but expected from what the map showed when we booked. While they are close there is enough room to make yourself at home. Nice new picnic tables and clean fire pits! It rained while we camped and there was some water pooling in areas.
Camping sites near Gallipolis, Ohio range from primitive boat-in locations to full-hookup RV parks. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with the Ohio River creating a natural border between Ohio and West Virginia. Local campgrounds typically experience hot, humid summers with highs in the mid-80s and mild winters, though most camping facilities close from November through March.
Boating and fishing at Timbre Ridge Lake: The secluded Timbre Ridge Lake offers primitive boat-in camping opportunities with basic amenities. One camper noted, "We spent one night of dispersal camping here. It was a beautiful area with a vault toilet. We felt safe enough to leave our windows only screened."
Explore historic sites: Visit the Hope Furnace near Lake Hope State Park to see remnants of Ohio's iron-producing past. A short drive from the campground allows you to visit the Moonville Tunnel. As one visitor explained, "The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless."
Walking trails: The Lake Hope State Park Campground offers excellent hiking options. A reviewer shared, "Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable."
Secluded camping options: Farver Acres provides a private camping experience with only three sites. A camper remarked, "We didn't see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds. The wildlife here is abundant and delightful."
Full hookups at affordable rates: The Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds offers practical amenities for travelers. One reviewer noted, "Just a big campground with full hook up," while another mentioned, "Sites are close together in rows. No obstructing foliage. Each site has electric, water and sewer."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature lakes or river access. At Krodel Park, a camper observed, "Nice lake and splash pool for the kids. Paved 1 mile path around the lake," while another mentioned, "There is a park with a trail that you can walk or bike around."
Primitive facilities at some locations: At Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area, facilities are minimal. A camper reported, "There is an out house that looks like something from an 80's horror movie... There is a sistern hand water pump (I didn't test it). There is a place to put trash but no dump station for refuse."
Limited connectivity: Many campgrounds in the region have spotty cell service. At Huntington / Fox Fire KOA, a visitor noted, "There is no wifi and cell service was a little spotty (I had 1-3 bars at times for cell service)."
Cash-only policies: Several campgrounds don't accept credit cards. At Krodel Park, a camper mentioned, "Cash only or check is also a bit inconvenient and archaic in 2025," while another stated, "They only accept cash or check and you pay when you get there."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Gallipolis, Ohio?
Several campgrounds are available within driving distance of Gallipolis, Ohio. Gallia County Junior Fairgrounds is located near Gallipolis and offers drive-in access with water, toilets, and accommodations for larger RVs. Forked Run State Park Campground is another nearby option with beautiful surroundings and good facilities for camping. Other options in the region include Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Krodel Park Campground near Point Pleasant, and Kountry Resort Campground near Racine. For those willing to travel a bit further, Lake Hope State Park and Tar Hollow State Park provide additional camping opportunities with various amenities.
Can I find tent camping options near Gallipolis?
Yes, there are several tent camping options near Gallipolis. Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers a dedicated tent-only area at their North Ridge Campground, providing a secluded experience where you'll feel immersed in nature. The campground features pit latrines and requires visitors to check in at the Camp General Store for permits. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is another good option, with Iron Ridge Campground offering some tent sites that sit below the road for added privacy. Additionally, Timbre Ridge Lake provides boat-in tent camping for a more remote experience, while Zaleski State Forest offers primitive camping opportunities for hikers looking for a genuine backcountry experience.
Are there RV rental services in Gallipolis, Ohio?
While there aren't dedicated RV rental services based directly in Gallipolis, Ohio, visitors can find options in the broader region. Hocking Hills State Park Campground is RV-friendly and a popular destination that might have connections to rental services in the area. Krodel Park Campground near Point Pleasant is another big-rig-friendly location that caters to RV campers. For those seeking rentals, checking with regional RV dealers, nationwide rental companies like Cruise America or RVshare, or inquiring with local campgrounds about recommended rental services would be most effective. Many visitors arrange RV rentals in larger nearby cities and drive to Gallipolis.
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