Cabin camping near Martins Ferry, Ohio provides access to the region's rolling Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most cabin sites throughout the region sit on terrain that requires some navigation of hills and potentially muddy access roads during wet seasons.
What to do
Lakeside activities at Tappan Lake: The 2,350-acre lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities within a short drive from cabin accommodations. "This campground has three main sections, one for permanent campers and boaters, the new section (Section 5 which is great) and another primitive section up on the hill. Section 5 is the bomb!! We stayed in the 5-520-531 section," notes a visitor to Tappan Lake Park Campground.
Trail hiking near cabins: Explore over 40 miles of trails at Raccoon Creek State Park, where cabins provide a comfortable base for hikers. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads," shares a visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Winter mushroom hunting: The cabin areas around Ryerson Station State Park offer unique seasonal foraging opportunities. "Went down to pick some Morrell and shantrels mushrooms, they were everywhere, many of the mushrooms didnt even require us to leave the path! Too bad the dam was ruined years ago, it would have really been my #1 spot in PA if it also had a lake!!" reports an enthusiast at Ryerson Station.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded cabin sites: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful nature of certain cabin locations in the region. "This is the one campground that my wife and I make it to every year. There's truly nothing special about it, except that is a very friendly, and laid back place to camp. It sits on top of a mountain well away from the rest of the park," comments a visitor about Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Lake views from cabins: Several parks offer waterfront or water-view cabin options. "We had a great spot by the lake right off the back of our camper. Make sure you have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the camp ground," advises a visitor to Zion Retreat & RV Park.
Modern cabin amenities: Some parks have recently upgraded their facilities. "Grand Vue has a brand new rv camping park. 40 spots with full hookups. A gated campground with a paved main road running through. The lots are gravel and somewhat level. A cute restaurant is close by along with restrooms and showers that are also brand new," notes a visitor to Grand Vue Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabin camping areas have limited or no cell service. "There is NO Verizon service at the campground. We walked up to the amphitheater and were able to get out a few texts but no looking at the radar. One person in our party had AT&T and was able to text from the campground but still a very weak signal," reports a visitor to Ryerson Station State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather can significantly impact cabin access and activities. "We were in sight 32 f loop. It is sunny so pick your spots. Clean rr's with good showers but a bit old. There is a lake with swimming and kayak rentals," notes a visitor to Raccoon Creek.
Cabin reservation timing: Reservations for cabins fill quickly, especially for newer or renovated units. "The sites are a bit close, think KOA close. This might be a turnoff if the campground was full. The weekend we stayed there were 8 total campers, lots of empty sites between campers," explains a camper at Salt Fork State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several parks offer kid-friendly water features beyond basic swimming. "Tons of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Reserve early for Holiday Weekends as it fills up. Lots of seasonals. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," says a visitor to Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins.
Playground proximity: Some cabin areas offer convenient access to play areas. "Small camp loop is great for little kids to bike around. There is no playground at the campground which would have been nice. There is NO Verizon service at the campground," comments a visitor at Ryerson Station.
Cabin vs. tent consideration: For families debating between tent and cabin camping, consider weather variability. "I have been to Raccoon Creek many times as it is one of the closest camping places to the Pittsburgh metro area. The park it self is large, has over 40 miles of trails, a fantastic backpacking loop setup for beginners, and a nice lake for swimming, fishing, ect," notes a visitor at Raccoon Creek.
Tips from RVers
Access road challenges: Several cabin and RV areas have steep entrance roads. "CSC/SA Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K. 4wd low helps, not cause you need 4wd just for the lower gears," advises an RVer about Austin Lake.
Hookup availability: Cabin areas often share facilities with RV sites, with varying levels of services. "Everyone was so friendly and the gate just uses a code! so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard! The Sites were fully paved and the entire campground was super nice! The blacktop was super nice and the campground was easy to navigate the bathhouses were really clean!" reports a visitor to Grand Vue Park.
Site leveling needs: Many RV sites near cabin areas require leveling equipment. "Sites are new, clean, full hookups, with plenty of paved surfaces to park. Camper sites are level and the hookups are new and easy to use," notes a visitor to Tappan Lake Park.
