Cabins near New Matamoras, Ohio sit within the foothills of the Appalachian region where elevations range from 600 to 1,200 feet. The Ohio River Valley location creates moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs typically reaching 85°F and winter lows averaging 25°F. The surrounding Wayne National Forest contributes to the heavily wooded landscape, providing natural shade for many cabin sites.
What to do
Bike the rail trails: Near North Bend State Park, the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail offers excellent cycling through historic tunnels and bridges. A camper noted, "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."
Paddle the lakes: Fishing and paddling opportunities exist on multiple lakes within 30 miles of New Matamoras. At Forked Run State Park, visitors can rent boats to explore the lake. "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you," explains one visitor.
Visit historical sites: Local history attractions include oil boom towns and historical structures within short driving distance. Grand Vue Park offers shuttle service to nearby attractions. "The Shuttle driver ended up telling us about this super cute breakfast place called Bob's Lunch! It was so good super well priced it was a hidden gem and the shuttle bus even took us on a tour of moundsvile!"
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Seneca Lake Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean bath facilities. According to a reviewer, "Shower house is beautiful and CLEAN. Includes a very nice laundry room. Views of the lake and ability to launch and dock your boat within walking distance of sites."
Free firewood access: Some camping areas provide complimentary firewood, reducing camping expenses. A camper at Grand Vue Park reported, "The tent areas are spread out and each has a fire ring, picnic table and fire wood is free! The people there are great, easy check in."
Family-friendly activities: Many parks offer scheduled activities for children and families. "Saturday evening the campground provided a movie for kids. It was a very family friendly campground we are likely to return to," reports a visitor at Seneca Lake Park Campground.
What you should know
Site levelness varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain that may require leveling equipment. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground noted, "Sites are very bad for tent camping and not the best for RV's. Back ins are short and most sites have no level ground even for the picnic table or fire ring."
Seasonal closures affect amenities: Pool facilities typically close by mid-August when college-age lifeguards return to school. A North Bend State Park visitor observed, "Note: the pool is seasonal and with college age lifeguards that exit for school early, it was closed mid-August."
Weekend crowding: Many campgrounds fill quickly Friday through Sunday, especially during summer months. "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," reported a camper at North Bend State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Salt Fork State Park Campground offers a campground-only beach area for swimming. "This state park has a beautiful lake and a nice beach. There are boat rentals and a frisbee golf course. Overall, this part of the park is beautiful," shares a visitor.
Dog-friendly areas: Dedicated pet areas exist at select parks for families traveling with dogs. "Dog park!! and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced," explains a Salt Fork State Park visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe deer and other wildlife at dawn and dusk in many parks. "We see deer almost every evening. There are a couple hiking trails nearby (Piatt Park and Raven's Rock) which have incredible rock formations in the gorges," notes a visitor at Shadow Lake RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric hookup locations: Access points for utilities may require extended hoses or cords at some sites. At Mountwood Park Family Campground, a camper observed, "Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped."
Site size considerations: Many older campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "FYI. Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites," advises a Mountwood Park Family Campground reviewer.
Off-peak camping advantages: Visiting during weekdays offers more site choices and quieter conditions. "The campground was pretty much empty. There are a few permanents there but we had it all to ourselves. Covid still has every other site coned off. It was clean though," reports a camper who visited Mountwood Park in the fall.