Campgrounds near Steubenville, Ohio span elevations from 800 to 1,100 feet across the Ohio Valley region. The area features rolling hills and wooded terrain with several campgrounds situated near lakes and streams. Seasonal operation varies significantly, with most facilities closing between late October and early April due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds at Zion Retreat & RV Park provide fishing spots throughout the property. "There are several ponds around the campground for fishing and bird watching. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer as you come into the park! We had to stop a few times for them to move out of the driveway," notes a visitor.
Hiking trails: Raccoon Creek State Park offers more than 40 miles of maintained trails with varying difficulty levels. A camper reports, "We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads." The park keeps trails "clear of fallen debris" according to another review.
Water activities: The lake at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground supports boating and fishing, while also featuring a swimming pool. A visitor notes it's "a quiet little campground. Very pretty area. The hiking trails are very well kept." The park includes "swimming, fishing, movie nights, game rooms...fun for the whole family."
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere at several parks. At Shadow Lake RV Resort, one reviewer appreciated that "the campground is beautiful and peaceful, especially at this time of year as most of the campers have either gone south, closed up or pulled out for the season."
Well-maintained facilities: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort receives praise for its "beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built-in grills, trash pickup service." The resort also features a "giant pool opened in the summer."
Private tent sites: At Tomlinson Run, tent campers appreciate the secluded spots. One camper staying at site 40 noted, "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road/cul-de-sac."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Beyond Austin Lake's noted cell service issues, other campgrounds have connectivity challenges. Shadow Lake is located in a rural valley that limits signal. A seasonal camper mentioned, "You must drive through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, which is absolutely gorgeous in October!"
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven sites that require planning. At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, most electric sites aren't level. A visitor mentioned, "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)."
Additional costs: Some campgrounds charge fees beyond the base rate. At Pine Cove Beach Club, a visitor noted their experience: "Great: The pool & concession stand. Room for improvement: No online reservations, bathrooms weren't cleaned daily."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers numerous water activities for children. A reviewer mentioned, "Kids loved the lake and everything there was to do on it. Kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides." Another camper added it has "a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals."
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds are available at some campgrounds. One camper at Austin Lake noted it "has a playground in every section." Tomlinson Run also provides playground facilities along with a "huge shelter house."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy spotting local wildlife. At Shadow Lake, a camper reported, "We see deer almost every evening." Similarly, at Zion Retreat, visitors are advised to "keep an eye out for deer as you come into the park."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites near Steubenville, Ohio vary considerably in size and layout. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, campers appreciate the "large sites, close to the highway but no road noise." Another reviewer mentioned it's "beautifully maintained" with "modern hookups."
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Raccoon Creek, a camper noted most electric sites "aren't level." At Tomlinson Run, a visitor mentioned, "Most of the camp sites have electricity, but most aren't level. It's the kind of place that has some really great sites and some not so great."
Road conditions: Access roads to certain rv sites near Steubenville present challenges. At Zion Retreat, campers are advised to "have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the campground." The park does accommodate larger motorhomes with full hookups throughout the property.
