Camping options near Friendship, Ohio extend through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, where summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity levels. Fall camping from September through November offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays, making it a popular season for experienced campers.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius offers several trails with distinct natural features. "I LOVE camping here, unlike a lot of camp grounds they're actually within the woods so you feel like you're actually part of the forest and the nature. The hiking trails are scenic and pretty," notes Jackson B., who adds that "there's a hidden gem of a cave/overhang along one of the hiking trails."
Water recreation beyond swimming: Shawnee State Park Campground provides access to its small lakes for various activities. According to Jay T., "The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights." For fishing enthusiasts, Jarrod M. advises, "Not much access to a good town for supplies so bring what you need. If you want to take a drive for a great hole in the way steak house try The Ribber. But go early 45 min wait at 4pm and it gets worse."
Seasonal glamping opportunities: Glamping close to Friendship, Ohio includes winter options at certain locations. Ashland Huntington West KOA offers four-season luxury camping accommodations. "We stayed for an overnight. Site was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring," reports Felicia H., highlighting the year-round accessibility of this premium camping destination.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy options at certain campgrounds. Marc H. shares about Rocky Fork State Park Campground: "There are 2 tent camping sites (111 and 112) that provide separation from other campers but you have to park and carry your gear back to the sites." These walk-in tent sites provide a more isolated glamping experience near Friendship, Ohio for those willing to carry their gear.
Family-oriented recreation: Long's Retreat Family Resort stands out for its diverse activities. "The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board), the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach, go carts, rock wall climbing, basketball, arcade and so much more," explains Kristi J. The resort also offers "canoeing, go-cart racing, mini golf, and a full arcade give plenty of variety," according to Rocky B.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent positive mentions. "The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient. All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful," says Jay T. Similarly, Rebecca F. notes about Oak Hill Campground: "The restrooms are clean, the sites are well maintained and the lake is close by for some good kayaking and fishing."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty or no connectivity. Shelly S. advises about Shawnee: "Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South. Definitely get a map because the whole park offers a lot of outdoor opportunities."
Water and electric hookup challenges: Several campgrounds have limitations with utilities. At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, Ron & Bonnie D. mention, "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites." Similarly, autumn L. reports, "The only issue was that some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up."
Weather considerations: Proper preparation for rain is essential. Aaron S. notes about Rocky Fork: "The hot water in the shower house left something to be desired (took forever, lasted about a minute and a half)," which can be challenging in colder weather. Shirley M. reports about Shawnee: "They were flexible. The first site we had we were unable to set up our StarLink so we scoped out another site where there were no trees and then asked to switch and they were accommodating."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for various ages: The area offers numerous family-friendly water options. At Long's Retreat, Rocky B. shares that "There's a small lake at the campground with a swimming beach and canoe rentals. They also have a gift shop and miniature golf." This provides diverse recreation for children of different ages.
Scheduled activities check: Many campgrounds offer organized events. Megan M. shares about Shawnee: "We were there on their Halloween weekend, with a fun site-decorating contest and trick or treat in the afternoon, which was mildly annoying for us because they closed the roads from 2 to 6 so we could not drive back to our site." Checking event schedules can help plan around such closures.
Site selection for privacy: With children, selecting the right site matters. According to Jay T., "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path." However, he notes these require hauling gear uphill, which may be challenging with young children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup planning: RVers should carefully select sites based on utility needs. Carrie S. notes about Shawnee State Park: "Most sites are only 30 amp electric, no sewer or water hookup, which can be typical of state parks." This requires advance planning for water usage and power needs.
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the region require additional equipment for leveling. At Ashland Huntington West KOA, Felicia H. mentions, "Site was NOT very level," suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks. Similar terrain challenges exist throughout the region's luxury camping options near Friendship, Ohio.
Length limitations: RV site dimensions vary considerably. Carrie S. explains, "We were told that the site we'd been assigned was room enough for 52'. Our RV is only 34' so that would be more than enough. we got there and it was maybe 20-24" in length, with no wiggle room because one end was the park road/driveway, the other end a hill." This highlights the importance of confirming exact site dimensions before arrival.
