Camping areas near Matamoras, Ohio concentrate along the Ohio River valley at approximately 600-700 feet elevation. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 80-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers colorful foliage views in Wayne National Forest and surrounding areas where primitive camping options supplement established campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 4 Wayne National Forest areas provide creek and river access for anglers. At Hune Bridge Campground, campers have direct fishing access to nearby creeks. As one visitor notes, "The creeks are also great for fishing and float trips... This campground also serves as the local 'take out' for the river."
Rail trail exploration: The North Bend Rail Trail offers 72 miles of relatively flat terrain for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A visitor to River Run Campground explains, "This humble campground is located on the 'Haunted' North Bend Rail to Trail. It was easy check in with a friendly staff. Great place to stay with plenty of room to enjoy yourself."
Mountain biking: Several trail networks cater to different skill levels. As one camper at Cokeley Campground shared, "The camps hosts were very nice and accommodating. They gave us restaurant recommendations and also allowed us to stay a few hours over, to keep the camper parked and clean up later, since we were there for a mountain bike race."
What campers like
Reasonable prices: Many campgrounds offer economical rates for various camping styles. At Harris RV Park, visitors appreciate the value: "Right on the Ohio River with full hookup for $25 a night?! Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks. Cash or Check only."
Firewood service: Several campgrounds provide easy firewood access. As noted at River Run Campground: "Clean and well maintained with super nice staff. Had a $6 bundle of firewood delivered to my campsite."
Pet-friendly facilities: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Matamoras allow pets with varying amenities. Mountwood Park visitor comments, "Definitely recommend. Especially if you have a dog. Across the street, the park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Wolf Run State Park, a camper advises, "Would advise to visually check the sites, due to terrain which is rolling... Some of the electric sites were very small or had a very bad dip on the pad. Choose your site wisely."
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. At Kinderhook Horse Trail, visitors note, "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road. Can camp here in certain spots... Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet."
Local traffic patterns: Some primitive sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. At Kinderhook Horse Trail, reviews warn, "People coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave" and "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Matamoras offer recreation facilities for children. At Kinderhook Trailhead, visitors explain, "This is a great drive in campsite perfect for family and friends to get into the woods for a bit."
Site privacy considerations: For family camping, site selection affects privacy levels. At River Run Campground, one visitor notes, "We had a wonderful time. The Park is great... We stayed during historic heat wave but kept cool in the river, the pool, and with the ice cream store nearby. The property was very clean and family oriented. Nice spacing at our site in particular."
Weather planning: The region experiences significant seasonal variation. A Wolf Run State Park visitor shares, "We got engaged on the lake view site in early fall and also spent Halloween weekend there! It definitely adds a spook factor if you are camping that time of year. We were the only ones tent camping that weekend!"
Tips from RVers
Road access warnings: Some GPS directions lead to difficult routes. A Cokeley Campground visitor warns, "Do not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP (Cokeley or River Run) Call the park office directly. GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills! Call the office! Park personnel said some GPS will bring campers up a bad gravel road!"
Electrical hookup inspection: Check electrical connections before setting up. At Mountwood Park, a camper noted, "Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped."
Site size limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions on larger vehicles. At Mountwood Park, a visitor advises, "FYI. Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites."
