Best Campgrounds near Friendship, OH
The southern Ohio landscape surrounding Friendship features a mix of riverfront and forested camping options along the Ohio River and nearby hills. Shawnee State Park Campground, located about 15 miles northwest of Friendship, offers year-round camping with both developed sites and backcountry options within its 1,160-acre expanse. Sandy Springs Campground in Stout provides riverfront camping with views of passing barges and the Kentucky hills across the water. The region includes a variety of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, cabins, and even a stationary houseboat rental at Sandy Springs. Several campgrounds in the area feature boat access, making them popular with anglers and water recreation enthusiasts.
Cell phone coverage can be limited or nonexistent in parts of the region, particularly at Shawnee State Park where visitors report no signal. As one camper noted, "Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Definitely get a map because the whole park offers a lot of outdoor opportunities." Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though Kentucky-side options like Carter Caves State Resort Park and Greenbo Lake State Resort Park typically operate from April through October. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months. The terrain features more elevation change than typical for Ohio, with some campgrounds offering dramatic views from ridges and hillsides. Weather remains mild compared to northern Ohio, with winter camping viable at several locations.
Riverfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Sandy Springs Campground where campers appreciate the spacious sites and river views. "The only thing you'll hear are barges running up and down the Ohio River and an occasional train over on the Kentucky side," notes one reviewer. Shawnee State Park offers more privacy between sites despite their proximity, with access to hiking trails directly from the campground. Site quality varies considerably across the region, with some state park facilities showing their age. Campground amenities typically include clean restrooms, showers, and dump stations, though firewood availability can be inconsistent. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, raccoons, and turkey, with spring wildflowers abundant throughout the area's forests and trails.
