Best Campgrounds near Matamoras, OH

The Ohio River Valley surrounding Matamoras, Ohio features a mix of federal, state, and private camping options within a short drive. Wayne National Forest's Leith Run Recreation Area, located in New Matamoras, provides developed campsites with electric hookups and water access from April through October. Nearby Haught Run Campground offers year-round tent camping in a more rustic setting. Across the river in West Virginia, Bigfoot Ridge provides cabin and glamping accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The region's camping landscape is characterized by rolling hills, riverside locations, and a blend of recreational opportunities centered around the Ohio River and its tributaries.

Campground facilities vary significantly throughout the area, with some sites requiring advance planning. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote locations, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage. Winter camping options are limited, as many campgrounds close seasonally, though some like Hune Bridge Campground remain open year-round. As one camper noted, "Small privately owned campground about 15 minutes off I-77. Right on the Ohio River. Tight spots, but pretty level." Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly in spring when the Ohio River can rise significantly and affect low-lying campsites.

Riverside camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. The Ohio River provides a scenic backdrop for many campgrounds, with fishing and boating opportunities readily available. Kinderhook Horse Trail offers dispersed camping options for those seeking more solitude, though with fewer amenities. Fall brings spectacular foliage displays, making it a popular season for camping in the region. "We came to Shadow Lake in October to camp for the month. To get here, you must drive through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, which is absolutely gorgeous in October," reported one visitor. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common throughout the camping areas, especially during dawn and dusk hours.

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Best Camping Sites Near Matamoras, Ohio (93)

    1. Hune Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Wingett Run, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 373-9055

    "This campground is just off Hwy 26, but far enough away from town that there isn’t much traffic.  

    Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.  "

    "This is a great drive in campsite perfect for family and friends to get into the woods for a bit."

    2. Bigfoot Ridge

    2 Reviews
    New Matamoras, WV
    8 miles
    +1 (304) 431-3216

    $25 - $150 / night

    3. Wayne National Forest Leith Run Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    St. Marys, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 373-9055

    $15 - $55 / night

    4. Kinderhook Horse Trail

    5 Reviews
    Newport, OH
    11 miles

    "Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown."

    "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."

    5. River Run Campground — North Bend State Park

    11 Reviews
    Cairo, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "Initially, you don't see it...you must drive up and over a roller."

    "North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it’s a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which"

    6. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Graysville, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 373-9055

    "Just a few miles from the Ohio Covered Bridge Scenic Highway, this lovely tent-only campground offers a pleasant get away. There are 6 spacious “walk-in” campsites, a small pond, and vault toilets."

    7. Harris RV Park

    1 Review
    Newport, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 482-5815

    $25 / night

    "Right on the Ohio River. Tight spots, but pretty level. The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag."

    8. Kinderhook Trailhead

    1 Review
    Newport, OH
    12 miles
    Website

    "As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site. The forest website says dispersed camping is allowed and fires are allowed with a 10 foot clearance and a ring of rocks."

    9. Cokeley Campground — North Bend State Park

    6 Reviews
    Harrisville, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 643-4777

    "Great hiking with well marked trails. Fantastic biking on the 72 mile North bend trail which is an abandoned rail way with multiple tunnels including one that is a quarter long and haunted."

    "My dad and I stayed at the lodge in NBSP in May 2023 after riding bicycles for 26 miles from West Union on the rail trail."

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Recent Reviews near Matamoras, OH

244 Reviews of 93 Matamoras Campgrounds


  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Seneca Lake Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Nice campground on the lake. Some mosquitos& gnats. Much of the campground has sites/ trailers that are owned(or leased), with some campsites for daily/ short-term reservations. Someone we met explained that the short-term ones are on flood areas so they can’t let people build on those sites. Another aspect is that there are boat slips that are owned(or leased) and those can even be in front of one of the short-term campsites so water access is blocked by those no trespassing private docks. Okay place to stay on our way across the country.

  • Aly M.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blennerhassett RV Park

    Friendly campground

    The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Zion Retreat & RV Park

    Quiet and beautiful spot in the eastern Ohio hills

    Was a great camp, clean and well kept. 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice Site, Not Private

    The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).

  • cyndy F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Wolf Run State Park Campground

    Great chill time

    This is a smaller, older campground. We were in the non electric site area. It was pretty quiet, a great place to chill. The showers are older but well kept up. No bugs, we even watch them broom the outside windows and doors knocking down all webs.Nice shower head, good pressure. There are only vault toilets, but not bad , they pressure washed really well. Has dump station and plenty potable water stations. Good canoe and kayak lake. Part of buckeye trail on one side of lake. Has a playarea for kids with basketball court.

  • Earl B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Grand Vue Park

    An Amazingly Beautiful RV Park

    Breathe taking views, clean, courteous and friendly staff.

    This park was an excellent choice, will definitely be back when in this area.

  • Shane T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Forked Run State Park Campground

    Decent campground, dated park and facilities

    Was a great spot while we were passing through and needed a place for the night.

    There was not manny people there, Sites are small back in, we stayed in loop two site 69 with great shade and electric. Toilets are vault style and very old so you can imagine it’s hard to clean/keep clean.

    I do like they have water fountains with faucets every 10-15 sites. As well as grey water dump stations about the same spacing but stagers with the filling.

    Showers were clean but only central and shared between all loops.

    We drove through loop 1 on our way out and it looked to be kept up better and cleaner.

    The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that’s normal.

    Camp store wasn’t open yet for the season no other staff was Seen except one guy cleaning on loop A

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Ashland RV Park

    Excellent campground

    Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location. Large sites. Great staff. Absolutely love this place. Slow pace and quiet.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Sketchy.

    People coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave. Only staying one night here then moving on.


Guide to Matamoras

Camping near Matamoras, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around Barkcamp State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Enjoyed a couple nights. Limited use of the campground during our visit, so we enjoyed peace and quiet."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Wolf Run State Park Campground, provide access to fishing spots. A camper noted, "We had the whole back section to ourselves! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Cokeley Campground have spotted deer and turkeys. One review said, "Beauty all around, driving into North Bend State Park. Lots of wildlife… saw deer and turkeys!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at River Run Campground said, "The campground was pretty packed for much of the weekend, but it never got too loud. Bathrooms are clean and the sites seem pretty spacious."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Cokeley Campground mentioned, "The hosts were very nice and accommodating. They gave us restaurant recommendations."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Barkcamp State Park Campground highlighted, "Nice site sizes. And so many options."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bicentennial Campground, have fewer facilities. A camper noted, "This is bare basic camping with pit toilets and no electricity."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One visitor at Hook Lake (Campground A) said, "Pulled into the campground late. First come first serve. Lots of deer hunters there."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Wolf Run State Park Campground mentioned, "There are running showers and none plumbed bathrooms. It does have a laundry room also."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Grand Vue Park, which has activities for kids. One camper said, "The tent areas are spread out and there isn’t an actual road to each of the sites."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Mountwood Park Family Campground enjoyed the playground and trails, stating, "The campground was pretty much empty. There are a few permanents there but we had it all to ourselves."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Cokeley Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse is nice with a big shower, even a changing table!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Wolf Run State Park Campground noted, "Easy towing our 28’ tow behind in and out."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, but not all. A camper at Cokeley Campground said, "There are 30/50 electric amp and water hook ups."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A camper at Sawmill (Campground D) mentioned, "Cell reception is nil unless you drive to the AEP tower."

Camping near Matamoras, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Matamoras, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Matamoras, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Matamoras, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Matamoras, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Matamoras, OH is Hune Bridge Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Matamoras, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Matamoras, OH.