Best Campgrounds near New Matamoras, OH

New Matamoras, Ohio sits along the Ohio River with several campgrounds managed by Wayne National Forest and nearby state parks. Wayne National Forest Leith Run Recreation Area operates from April through October with electric hookups and water access for both tent and RV campers. Haught Run Campground provides year-round tent camping options within the national forest boundary. Across the river in West Virginia, North Bend State Park offers additional camping through River Run Campground and Cokeley Campground, both featuring more developed facilities including showers and hookups. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area, located about 20 miles north, provides a more primitive tent-only experience with vault toilets and picnic areas but no water sources.

Camping facilities vary significantly in this region of southeastern Ohio. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer months when river recreation draws visitors. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with Verizon providing the most reliable coverage according to campers. As one visitor noted, "The rolling hills of Southern Ohio are absolutely gorgeous in October when most campers have either gone south, closed up, or pulled out for the season." Spring camping often means dealing with muddy conditions as the Ohio River can rise with seasonal rains. Winter camping is available at select locations but with limited facilities as many water systems are winterized.

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the New Matamoras area. The Ohio River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Harris RV Park, a small privately-owned campground, sits directly on the river with full hookups. "Right on the Ohio River with full hookup for $25 a night," reported one camper. "The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag." Kinderhook Horse Trail offers more rustic camping with access to equestrian trails. Bathroom facilities throughout the region range from modern shower houses to basic vault toilets, with maintenance quality varying significantly between locations. Deer sightings are common in the evening hours, particularly at campgrounds near wooded areas.

Best Camping Sites Near New Matamoras, Ohio (94)

    1. Hune Bridge Campground

    4 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, OH
    8 miles
    +1 (304) 431-3216

    $25 - $150 / night

    3. Wayne National Forest Leith Run Recreation Area

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

    $15 - $55 / night

    4. Kinderhook Horse Trail

    5 Reviews
    Newport, OH
    12 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 New Matamoras, OH

248 Reviews of 94 New Matamoras Campgrounds


  • David M.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Lane Farm Campground

    Quiet little campground for only $10.

    It is getting difficult for travelling motorcyclists to find a campground to sleep for the night as most that call themselves campgrounds are RV parks and don't allow tent camping.  Lane Farm is a gem for travelling motorcyclists.  We stayed there a week after labor day.  The rate as of 2025 is $10 and it is first come, first served for the 4 sites.  We were the only ones there.  The  amenities there are a vault toilet (it was clean and stocked with toilet paper), trash bin by the toilet building, picnic tables, camp fire ring with cooking grate, and lantern post.    It is right on Ohio state route 26, but there was very little traffic noise.  The entire campground is paved and the parking spots and sites were very spacious. There are parking spots in front of the toilet building.  As with many rustic national/state forest campgrounds there is no potable water there.  That didn't bother us as we came prepared with our own water and toilet paper.  The Little Muskingum river on the east side of the campground was very shallow and slow moving in September.  I don't know what it would be like earlier in the camping season.  All four sites are close to the river.  I was surprised to find that a week after labor day weekend there was still plenty of laying dead wood in the woods available for camp fire wood.  The forest service changed their web site structure and you'll find most of the links posted online won't take you directly to the campground page.  The current working link for the campground is  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/recreation/lane-farm-campground

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Hune Bridge Campground

    What Bridge?

    OK, yes, there is a covered bridge, but it's closed and full of local yocal graffiti. Part of the draw for me was the river running alongside, but it is bone dry. Other than that, it's your typical midway NFS campground. By midway, I mean it's not a full campground, and it's not a primitive site. Since the bridge is closed, a detour is available on the site, although it is not entirely clear.

    As with most NFS sites the email for the ranger isn't correct, and they don't answer phones or return messages. You're on your own.

  • D
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park

    Can’t wait to come back!!!

    Beautiful campground with fire pit and table. Our site was big enough for 3 6 person tents but most sites are smaller and fit 1-2 4 person tents.

    Good trails to hike and wonderful scenery. No cell reception unless you have satellite.

    The raccoons were a little to close for comfort in the evening make sure you lock your food and trash in your car at night.

  • 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.


Guide to New Matamoras

Camping sites near New Matamoras, Ohio largely sit within Wayne National Forest's boundaries where elevations range between 600-900 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 85°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout camping areas with certain valleys creating complete dead zones regardless of carrier.

What to do

Biking on rail trails: At River Run Campground, located across the state line in West Virginia, campers can access the North Bend Rail Trail. "This humble campground is located on the 'Haunted' North Bend Rail to Trail. It was easy check in with a friendly staff," notes William B. The trail extends 72 miles with 35 bridges and 11 tunnels to explore.

Horseback riding: The Kinderhook Horse Trail system offers maintained trails for equestrian use within Wayne National Forest. According to Joe B., "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained." Annika E. adds, "The Paw Paw trail was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill."

Kayaking and fishing: North Bend Lake provides opportunities for paddling and fishing near campgrounds in the region. Jennifer B. from River Run Campground reports, "I paddled on the North Bend Lake which was extremely peaceful and beautiful, with the colors of fall surrounding me on all sides. I brought my own kayak, but they had boats for rent."

What campers like

Covered bridge access: Hune Bridge Campground offers a unique historical feature. Shari G. describes it as an "Adorable little campground, with a historic covered bridge and lovely creek in the backyard. There are 4 campsites and a vault toilet that is relatively clean and well-stocked." While the bridge has seen better days, with Jeff P. noting it's "closed and full of local yocal graffiti," the setting remains appealing.

Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer river views and water access. Emily M. who stayed at Leith Run Recreation Area mentions, "The view of the river was gorgeous, we watched several barges go by!" Sites along waterways tend to book quickly during summer months.

Simple, quiet settings: Lamping Homestead Recreation Area provides a more secluded experience. Shari G. describes it as "Simple, Quiet, Beautiful! 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."

What you should know

Safety concerns at some locations: Some dispersed camping areas receive mixed reviews regarding safety. At Kinderhook Horse Trail, Jack H. notes, "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." Dexter V. had a similar experience: "People coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave."

Flooding impacts: Campgrounds near rivers can experience closures due to flooding. A ranger reported that Leith Run flooded in February 2018 and required extensive repairs before reopening.

Limited facilities: Most primitive camping sites lack water sources. At Cokeley Campground, facilities are basic but functional. Kim M. advises, "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!"

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: North Bend State Park offers family-friendly facilities. Jeremiah S. at River Run Campground shares, "We had a wonderful time. 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."

Tent site selection: When camping with kids at River Run, Julie C. recommends, "We were at site 13, right on the water. Check-in was easy and the staff was very friendly! Plenty of ice and firewood at the store and a cute little gift shop. The site was mostly flat where we parked the camper and very close to the bathhouse."

Unique accommodations: For families seeking something different, Bigfoot Ridge offers themed glamping. Bethany R. describes, "This yurt is 100% Bigfoot themed and has all the essentials including a shower house with laundry, a creek, and an amazing bed." This option provides comfort while maintaining an outdoor experience.

Tips from RVers

Dump station access: Cokeley Campground offers good facilities for RVs. James P. notes, "Campground is very nice and well maintained. Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration."

Navigation challenges: Multiple reviewers warn about GPS issues when approaching North Bend State Park. Bran P. advises, "Neither are easy to get to when you have a big rig! We picked Cokely Campground as it has 50 amp power and water hook-ups. It's a good thing too as we now know that getting to River Run would have been very, very tricky!"

Campsite lighting concerns: Some RV areas can become bright at night. At River Run Campground, Sabrina B. cautions, "Beautiful campground but all giant RVs with lights like a Walmart lot at night. Nice Nature Center with attentive rangers. We camp in a tear drop and will not camp here again."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near New Matamoras, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, New Matamoras, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near New Matamoras, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near New Matamoras, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Matamoras, OH is Hune Bridge Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

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