101 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Steubenville area features several campground options within a short drive of the city. Pugliese Campground, located directly in Steubenville, provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water access. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find a mix of state parks and private facilities including Jefferson Lake State Park, Hidden Hollow Campground in Fernwood State Forest, and Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins. Most public campgrounds offer both tent and RV sites, while several locations like Beaver Creek State Park and Tomlinson Run State Park include cabin accommodations. The region contains a blend of densely wooded camping areas and waterfront sites along lakes and rivers.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience throughout the Ohio Valley region. Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules, with Jefferson Lake and Beaver Creek State Parks offering year-round access while others like Pugliese Campground and Tomlinson Run State Park operate from April through October. Spring brings muddy conditions to many sites, particularly at the primitive camping areas in Fernwood State Forest. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with stronger coverage near Steubenville and more limited connectivity in the forested areas southwest of the city. Most developed sites require reservations, especially during summer weekends. According to a visitor at Hidden Hollow Campground, "There is a gun range nearby and you can hear occasional firing. Helicopter traffic at night was a slight distraction from the otherwise quiet night I spent here."
Campground amenities vary considerably across the region. State park campgrounds like Jefferson Lake provide basic facilities with one camper noting it's a "quiet little campground...Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court." Campers seeking more developed facilities might prefer Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, which includes full hookups, showers, and market access. Reviews indicate that waterfront sites at multiple locations fill quickly during summer months. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails, with Beaver Creek State Park and Fernwood State Forest offering direct trail access from campsites. While some locations like Hidden Hollow Campground provide free camping with minimal amenities, others like Raccoon Creek State Park offer more extensive facilities at higher rates. Noise levels vary significantly, with roadside campgrounds experiencing more traffic sounds than those set deeper in forested areas.
"All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"
"This location is pretty great, especially since it's very close to Pittsburgh. You can go canoeing, hiking, swimming, and camping! There is even a nice snack bar during the summer!"
from $18 - $128 / night
Check Availability"Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete. Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground. "
"There are trails and fishing so plenty to do. Fairly sparse in April but a lot of people still driving and walking by. Alcohol prohibited"
from $28 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."
"The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"
"Adjacent to the lake. Multiple amenities close by. Plenty of activities for the family. Great family owned campground."
"Kart friendly and great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side."
from $70 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."
"Fire pits have a nice grate to flip over and cook on (this varied highly bw Ohio campgrounds).
Nice hiking trails and the lake is nice. Lots of geese and the expected goose poop."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "
"direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park"
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It’s nothing much, there isn’t much in the way of activity save a few trails."
"Gun range nearby."
"This was a nice place to stop for a few days on my drive west into Ohio. I knew nothing about the campground prior to this visit."
"I grew up in the Ohio valley and I love living here."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability
GuideMany sites on the lake. Old facilities. It eas humid and had rained (thunder storm). Quiet. Typical eastern usa camping with thick canopy of trees, mosquitoes. Site 80 was more open, and on a cul de sac. Gravel pad with a 2-3 degree slant. Lots of critters about.
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
TravelerI’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
ScoutAfter a bad experience two years ago I thought I'd give this campground another chance- what a mistake. My reservation was for one night and it was so peaceful I extended another night, peaceful it was not. The loud music began and I called the office for someone to come silence them. After half an hour I called back and was told there wasn't anyone to respond. I then told the girl(Lindy or Lindsey) to refund me for the night I was going to pull out. She wanted to charge me$53 for a cancellation fee on a$49 charge. The call got ugly and I ended up calling the rangers myself since she was incapable of making the call. I will never come back here again.
ScoutNo reservations needed. There is always primitive space available. With a good bit of full hookups available aswell. Pool, sauna, hot tub, picnic tables, scheduled entertainment throughout the summer. Always a blast
TravelerThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
TravelerNice little place that’s open Friday was very pleasant during the day and most of the night. Reason for mark down is due to the trains that came through in the night and it must’ve been trash day in Harmony as we heard dumpster being banged around in the early hours of the morning. No problem parking all 45’ of or rig and trailer. Easy access to town and Pittsburgh. No WiFi and you have to call to book.
TravelerSpend one night here on our way to Ohio. Owner was very friendly and allowed me to charge my Rivian onsite (I offered to pay for the extra power).
Pad was level and utilities were well located.
Check-in & check-out were seamless.
The site amenities are dated, but it is a pretty cool campground!
We would definitely return for longer!
Campgrounds near Steubenville, Ohio sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region's sandstone and shale terrain creates uneven camping sites with many campgrounds warning about sloped pads. Cell service varies dramatically between providers, with Verizon typically offering better coverage than Sprint or T-Mobile in most rural areas outside Steubenville.
Fishing options: Jefferson Lake State Park offers a small lake for fishing near the dam or skipping rocks in the creek. According to a visitor, the park has "18 miles of multi use trails" and a "small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek."
Hiking variety: Beaver Creek State Park provides direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail. One camper notes, "We took advantage of some of the hiking trails around and they were good in some areas, but definitely needed to be kept up on more often. Very over grown and difficult to follow the trails, but overall we were able to hike for about 3 hours without running into anyone else."
Star gazing: Barkcamp State Park offers organized astronomy events. A visitor mentions, "Oglebay comes out and has star gazing when it's in season. Clean and quiet." The park's distance from major light pollution makes it ideal for night sky viewing.
Kayaking access: Austin Lake RV Park has watercraft rentals and lake access for paddlers. A camper reports, "Lake and scenery was beautiful! Very kid oriented!" Boat launches are available at multiple parks within 30 miles of Steubenville.
Privacy levels: Tomlinson Run State Park offers secluded tent sites. One visitor explains, "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac. I would definitely recommend this site if you like privacy but it is a longer walk to the bath house."
Quiet atmosphere: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest provides a peaceful camping environment. A camper reports, "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore. Very quiet everytime I've camped there."
Level camping spots: Finding flat tent sites can be challenging in the hilly terrain. A Jefferson Lake State Park visitor notes, "Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful!" Another camper warns that "some sites are small and very sloped."
Free camping options: Several state forests near Steubenville offer no-cost camping. Ronsheim Campground in Harrison State Forest provides basic amenities at no charge. A visitor simply states, "Well maintained campground with a handful of sites. Pit toilets. Nice fishing pond. Gun range nearby."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. At Hidden Hollow, a camper reports, "There is a gun range 5 mins away or so" with shots audible "until 11pm." At Raccoon Creek State Park, a visitor mentions "you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though!"
Water limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted water access. At Beaver Creek State Park, "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!"
Cell service gaps: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Ronsheim Campground, a visitor notes "no Verizon cell service." At Raccoon Creek State Park, a camper warns if "you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. For Austin Lake RV Park, a visitor warns, "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K."
Water activities: Austin Lake RV Park offers extensive water recreation. A visitor shares, "TONS of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. A Barkcamp State Park visitor notes, "There are play grounds, basketball courts, a beach. Fishing is good and you can rent kayaks and boats."
Educational options: Beaver Creek State Park includes historical attractions. A camper explains, "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
Kid-friendly camping spots: When selecting sites, proximity to amenities matters. A Beaver Creek camper shares, "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Barkcamp State Park, a visitor warns, "about 90% of the sites were not level (and....I mean by A LOT). We were one of the only people in the campground, so we ended up just moving to one of the more level campgrounds."
Electric hookups: Whispering Pines Family Campground offers full-service sites but may have limitations. A camper mentions being "deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function."
Backing challenges: Site approaches can be difficult at some parks. For Barkcamp State Park, a visitor notes "a lot of the RV spots are unlevel up a hill, so backing in would be a hassle."
Dump station access: Most public campgrounds offer dump stations, but some have restrictions. At Tomlinson Run State Park, campers will find a "2 way [dump station] and potable water on the other side of it. The only place to drop your trash too."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Steubenville, Ohio?
The Steubenville area offers several excellent camping options. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground is a local gem with clean facilities, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and 18 miles of multi-use trails. The small lake is perfect for fishing or wading with children. Another great option is Shadow Lake RV Resort, known for its well-maintained grounds, clean shower houses, and accommodating owners. The surrounding rolling hills of southern Ohio make this a particularly beautiful destination in the fall. Both campgrounds provide access to outdoor recreation while being conveniently located near Steubenville.
Where can I find tent camping sites near Steubenville?
Tent campers near Steubenville have several quality options. Towpath Trail Peace Park offers a charming roadside experience with four primitive camping sites, perfect for those seeking a simple tent camping experience within an hour of Steubenville. It's especially suited for primitive camping enthusiasts. Barkcamp State Park Campground is another excellent choice for tent camping, with camping areas B and C being particularly recommended. While there's no direct hiking trail to the lake, tent campers can access it via horse trails. The natural setting provides a peaceful retreat for tent campers looking to explore eastern Ohio.
Are there RV rentals available in Steubenville, Ohio?
While Steubenville itself has limited RV rental options, several nearby campgrounds offer on-site RV accommodations. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides cabin rentals adjacent to the lake, offering a similar experience to RV camping with added amenities. Atwood Lake Park Campground is another option with beautiful lakeside sites and newly renovated facilities. For traditional RV rentals, check with local dealerships in larger nearby cities like Canton or Pittsburgh, which often offer rental services with delivery options to campgrounds around Steubenville. Online peer-to-peer RV rental platforms also connect local RV owners with renters throughout the region.
What free camping options are available near Steubenville?
Free camping options near Steubenville are limited, but there are some low-cost alternatives. Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest offers primitive camping at minimal cost. Similarly, Ronsheim Campground — Harrison State Forest provides basic camping with minimal amenities at very affordable rates. These state forest campgrounds typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. While not completely free, they represent the most economical camping options in the region. Always check current regulations and potential seasonal closures before planning your trip.
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