Best Campgrounds near Latham, OH

The area surrounding Latham, Ohio features several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. Long's Retreat Family Resort provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping facilities with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Nearby Paint Creek State Park Campground and Pike Lake State Park Campground offer similar facilities with tent, RV, and cabin options. Rocky Fork State Park Campground provides additional water recreation opportunities with boat-in access alongside traditional camping sites. Most campgrounds in this region are within 10-15 miles of Latham, creating a concentrated area of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal considerations play a significant role in camping availability, with many sites operational from April through October. According to one visitor, "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio." The terrain in this region consists primarily of rolling hills and lakeside settings, with moderate hiking trails available at most parks. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in the state forests. Most developed campgrounds feature modern bathrooms and shower facilities, though primitive camping areas typically offer only basic pit toilets. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, as the more popular waterfront sites fill quickly.

The state park campgrounds near Latham receive consistently positive reviews for their lake access, family-friendly amenities, and recreational opportunities. Several campers mentioned the quality of fishing at locations like Rocky Fork and Paint Creek. One review noted that "Paint Creek State Park is a winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers." Visitors appreciate the mix of water activities and hiking trails at most parks, though some mentioned that sites can feel close together with limited privacy at busier times. The campgrounds typically provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to firewood, with varying levels of electric and water hookups depending on the site type. The proximity of multiple state parks within a short driving distance allows campers to explore different water bodies and terrain features during a single trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Latham, Ohio (88)

    1. Long's Retreat Family Resort

    13 Reviews
    Sinking Spring, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 588-3725

    "We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."

    2. Paint Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paint Creek Lake, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 981-7061

    "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."

    "An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."

    3. Pike Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Latham, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 493-2212

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park

    Campground Review:

    We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."

    "The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."

    4. Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hillsboro, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 393-4284

    "The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."

    "Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."

    5. Lizzy’s Acres

    1 Review
    Bainbridge, OH
    5 miles
    +1 (740) 438-2678

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area.  Check them out and show them some love!"

    6. Scioto Trail State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Waverly, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 663-2125

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."

    "Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."

    7. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    44 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    8. Shawnee State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-6652

    $24 / night

    "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. "

    "Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South.

    Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was."

    9. Trackside Camping

    2 Reviews
    Waverly, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 701-2908

    $35 / night

    10. Sandy Springs Campground

    34 Reviews
    Stout, OH
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 640-7858

    $35 - $125 / night

    "The campground offers something for everyone: playground equipment, basketball hoop and various balls, access to the river for fishing, and absolutely stunning views of the Ohio as well as the surrounding"

    "We actually walked down boat ramp (which they have) and went swimming in the Ohio River! It’s nice to sit outside and watch the river and barges traveling up and down."

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Recent Reviews near Latham, OH

672 Reviews of 88 Latham Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice big sites, fairly level. We camped at site 35 and it was very slopey, our levelers only helped a little. First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    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.  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.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.

    Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.


Guide to Latham

Camping near Latham, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Tar Hollow State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We had an awesome time camping here. We were far away enough from our neighbors but close enough at the same time."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing or rent kayaks. A camper shared, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks."
  • Family Activities: Sandy Springs Campground is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. One parent said, "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A review for Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, "The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!"
  • Peaceful Environment: Many campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. One visitor at Paint Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The park was peaceful and pleasing as the employees and volunteers obviously take pride in their efforts."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Rocky Fork State Park Campground stated, "The camp store was nice and well stocked."

What you should know:

  • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites can be small, especially at Stonelick State Park Campground. A camper advised, "Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "The only bathroom within the campground area is one porta-john."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak times. A review for Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were pretty darn close together for a state park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities for kids, like Long's Retreat Family Resort. One camper said, "There is so much to do here."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A parent at Sandy Springs Campground mentioned, "My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities!"
  • Check for Family-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A review for Tar Hollow State Park Campground highlighted, "Great for families who need lots of entertainment."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Rocky Fork State Park Campground noted, "Sites are large, most with concrete pads."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially on weekends, arrive early. A camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Gate was manned when we arrived just before 8:00 pm."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, so be ready for a lively atmosphere. A review for Paint Creek State Park Campground stated, "Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out."

Camping near Latham, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Long's Retreat Family Resort from Latham, Ohio?

From Latham, Ohio, Long's Retreat Family Resort is a short drive away. Head southeast from Latham on local roads - the resort is conveniently accessible with well-marked signage. For comparison, other nearby options like Pike Lake State Park Campground near Bainbridge and Scioto Trail State Park Campground near Chillicothe have similar ease of access from main highways. Long's Retreat offers multiple access options including drive-in and walk-in, with clear directions available on their website or by calling ahead.

What recreational activities can families enjoy at Long's Retreat in Latham?

Families visiting Long's Retreat in Latham can enjoy numerous recreational activities centered around water fun, similar to what's available at East Fork State Park Campground with its lake access. The resort offers boating opportunities with boat-in access points. Unlike the more hiking-focused experience at Hocking Hills State Park Campground, Long's Retreat specializes in family-friendly water recreation. The campground is designed with families in mind, offering activities that appeal to all ages while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere where families can connect with nature and each other.

What amenities are available at Long's Retreat Family Resort in Latham, Ohio?

Long's Retreat Family Resort offers a wide range of amenities for campers. The resort features water access with boat-in options, clean restroom facilities, and accommodations suitable for big rigs. Unlike more primitive options such as Tar Hollow State Park Campground, Long's Retreat provides modern conveniences while still maintaining a family-friendly camping environment. Potable water is available throughout the campground, making it convenient for both tent campers and RVers to access basic necessities during their stay.