Campgrounds surrounding Negley, Ohio offer a mix of wooded and lakeside sites with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Most camping options are within a 30-mile radius of Negley, providing access to the rolling hills and waterways characteristic of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border region. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Horseback riding: Bear Run Campground offers Sunday horse rides that families particularly enjoy. "We always have an amazing time at Bear Run! Very family friendly place and pets are welcome too! My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," notes a visitor to Bear Run Campground.
Paddle sports: Several lakes near Negley support kayaking and canoeing. Guilford Lake State Park features kayak and paddleboard rentals directly from the campground store. One camper mentioned, "The small boating (kayaks, canoes, etc) facilities and small boat ramp were fantastic. The lake was very very pleasant," about their stay at Guilford Lake State Park Campground.
Stream exploration: Breakneck Campground offers creek access with sites along the water. "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in but there wasn't many people so they allowed us to take our truck which was very convenient," reports a camper at Breakneck.
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: Some of the best places to camp near Negley, Ohio offer wooded privacy. "We camped this past weekend in site 50. It is an unbelievably spacious site under towering pine trees. The site sits back off the road and really makes you feel like you have the place to yourself," explains a visitor to Beaver Creek State Park.
Family activities: Salem-Lisbon KOA provides structured entertainment for children. "This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!" shares a camper at Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA. The campground includes unique features like human foosball and train rides.
Lake access: Campgrounds with lakefront sites are popular options near Negley. "While our site wasn't lakefront, many of the sites are right on the water. We only spent one night there but we're really looking forward to returning with more time to stay so that we can take advantage of the kayak and paddle boat rentals," notes a camper about Guilford Lake State Park.
What you should know
Water limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted water access. At Beaver Creek State Park, campers note 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!"
Weather considerations: Camping options diminish during winter months. "We stayed here in the off season. There is so much for families to do. We were upgraded to a pull through. The sites are a bit tight. It's been raining and our step out is into mud. To be expected in the area during the winter. If it isn't snow covered, it's muddy," explains a visitor to Salem-Lisbon KOA.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have access restrictions. A reviewer at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground explained, "It sits on top of a mountain well away from the rest of the park with two main roads going either direction from the camp office and store. Most of the camp sites have electricity, but most aren't level."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly lake activities: Raccoon Creek State Park offers swimming and wildlife viewing. "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Raccoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night," shares a camper at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Playgrounds and equipment: Tomlinson Run State Park includes playground facilities. A visitor notes, "Playground is available for kids and a huge shelter house too," making it suitable for families seeking structured recreation options.
Cabin options for beginners: For families new to camping, Getaway Beaver Creek provides comfortable accommodations. "Getaway Beaver Creek is one of the best cabin sites I have ever been to. The cabins are great and the grounds are clean. If you are looking for a quiet getaway with gorgeous surroundings, this is definitely the place for you," writes a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring leveling blocks to many campgrounds near Negley. As one camper at Tomlinson Run State Park noted, "Most of the camp sites have electricity, but most aren't level," requiring additional equipment for RV stability.
Limited hookup access: Confirm hookup availability before arrival. "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! Also, there is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!" advises a visitor to Beaver Creek State Park.
Seasonal RV options: Some of the best campsites near Negley offer long-term stays. "We didn't use any amenities but, there seemed to be A LOT. Including human Foosball, a train and some boats. We were there for a few nights to visit family. Site was level and quiet facing the woods. Grass was a little high, but not crazy. Most of the Campground seemed to be people working in the area," reports a guest at Salem-Lisbon KOA.
