Best Campgrounds near Stout, OH

Stout, Ohio is situated along the Ohio River, offering a variety of camping experiences primarily centered around established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites. Sandy Springs Campground stands out as a highly-rated destination located directly on the Ohio River, providing full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. Nearby Shawnee State Park, known as "The Little Smokies," offers additional camping options within a forested environment approximately 15 miles from Stout. Most campgrounds in this region provide river access, electric hookups, shower facilities, and picnic tables, with many featuring both tent and RV accommodations.

The camping season in the Ohio River Valley extends year-round at some locations like Sandy Springs Campground, while state park facilities such as Shawnee State Park and nearby Kentucky state parks typically operate from April through October. Most established campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. River access is a defining characteristic of camping in this region, with numerous reviews highlighting the peaceful experience of watching barges navigate the Ohio River. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It's so peaceful right by the river. Listening to barges and trains just have that sound that takes you back in time."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Stout area. The Ohio River provides a scenic backdrop for camping, with several reviewers noting the enjoyment of fishing opportunities and river views. Developed campgrounds in this region maintain clean facilities, with private shower rooms and well-maintained grounds frequently mentioned in reviews. Family-oriented activities are common at campgrounds like Sandy Springs, which offers weekend events during peak season. While the area features primarily established campgrounds rather than primitive camping, the proximity to Shawnee State Forest provides opportunities for those seeking more natural surroundings. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the camping areas near Stout, allowing visitors to stay connected while enjoying the riverside environment.

Best Camping Sites Near Stout, Ohio (96)

    1. Sandy Springs Campground

    35 Reviews
    Stout, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 640-7858

    $35 - $125 / night

    "The campground offers something for everyone: playground equipment, basketball hoop and various balls, access to the river for fishing, and absolutely stunning views of the Ohio as well as the surrounding"

    "We actually walked down boat ramp (which they have) and went swimming in the Ohio River! It’s nice to sit outside and watch the river and barges traveling up and down."

    2. Shawnee State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-6652

    $24 / night

    "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. "

    "Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South. Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was."

    3. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    4. Turkey Creek Campground — Shawnee State Park

    1 Review
    Friendship, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-4561

    $19 - $50 / night

    "General: It was a little confusing as the campground was called the Turkey Creek Campground, but it is located on Roosevelt Lake, not Turkey Creek Lake, which is a few miles further down the road."

    5. Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-6681

    $60 / night

    "These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful. Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty."

    "There are great walking paths and biking/ scooter options. Our site was closer to the main road than any other but it was still a few hundred yards away."

    6. The Captain’s Quarters

    1 Review
    Manchester, OH
    14 miles
    +1 (937) 217-0511

    $85 - $110 / night

    "Close to two distilleries and a winery just across the river in Kentucky. Tons of hiking trails and miles of the Ohio River for boating, jet skis and kayaking."

    7. Lazy Village Campground & RV Park

    1 Review
    Friendship, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-2409

    $40 / night

    "This is a really cool campground because it’s situated on an old racetrack. Check out the website for details on the full hookup sites."

    8. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $19 - $44 / night

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    "Plenty of shade and a huge hill behind our site. Bathrooms were clean. A lot of unsupervised children running around, in the stream and riding bikes."

    9. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    $28 - $94 / night

    "E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."

    "Across the street was extra parking and a path that led down to your own private beach. We didn't have to go to the beach (which was closed for the season) to enjoy the lake."

    10. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."

    "It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 96 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Stout, OH

546 Reviews of 96 Stout Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Park Campground

    A day a life in the office

    I drove an hour and a half to get here because dyrt showed that we had full AT&T service here that is not the trucks we have between one and two bars of AT&T service so we’ll see if we drove here for me to be able to work for a couple days and be out in God’s creation

  • Shelby I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    A place to sleep

    Camp sites are very tightly packed together and feels like I'm in someone's backyard that is having trouble growing grass.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • John M.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    A Wonderful Campground!

    We had a wonderful weekend stay at this campground; we were fortunate to get a river view site which was amazing. It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by. The campground is a very nice facility with unique cabins and nice full hook up sites. They have a nice store, restroom and shower facilities and they even have a small menu that they can prepare and bring to your site including a delicious chocolate chip cookie desert!

    The owners are the real gem here; they are so friendly and accommodating and go out of their way to make you feel at home! We had a grandchild visit and we forgot a jacket and Julie(owner) went out of her way to find a hoodie out of her Halloween stock, so he would have something for the weekend. 

    We will be back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.


Guide to Stout

Camping near Stout, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: At Sandy Springs Campground, you can enjoy the peaceful views of the Ohio River. One visitor said, "Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Shawnee State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The trails start right at the campground by site 86," making it easy to get out and enjoy nature.
  • Swimming and water activities: Long's Retreat Family Resort has water slides and swimming options. A guest shared, "They have beautiful cabins and water fun for the whole family."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Rocky Fork State Park Campground. One review stated, "Bath houses were best we've seen so far, lots of shower stalls and clean."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: At Sandy Springs Campground, families can enjoy planned activities. A visitor noted, "The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"
  • Scenic views: Many campers love the views at Grayson Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "This place is very beautiful first and foremost."

What you should know:

  • No alcohol allowed: If you're planning to camp at Pike Lake State Park Campground, keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted. A camper mentioned, "If you ranked all the Ohio state park campgrounds from best to worst, this would have to fall along the bottom."
  • Busy weekends: Expect crowds at Rocky Fork State Park Campground during weekends. One visitor noted, "The campground was extremely busy on the weekends and some sites were on the smaller side."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer said, "The trails were pretty short/not well-traveled, but the historical buildings/remnants were cool."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Long's Retreat Family Resort is great for kids. A visitor said, "There is so much to do here," highlighting the variety of activities available.
  • Look for playgrounds: At Carter Caves State Resort Park, families can enjoy a nice playground. One camper mentioned, "There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check out the activities offered at Shawnee State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "There is a playground, putt putt course, small lake that you can kayak or paddleboard in."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds, like Grayson Lake State Park Campground, have sites that may not be ideal for larger rigs. A camper shared, "Many spots slant down and cannot level."
  • Bring extra cords: At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, be prepared with extra electric cords and hoses, as hookups can be far from the sites. A visitor noted, "The hookups are very far from the site."
  • Watch for noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "There’s a quiet time reserved for after 11pm," but noted that it wasn't always respected.

Camping near Stout, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Stout, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Stout, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Stout, OH and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Stout, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stout, OH is Sandy Springs Campground with a 5-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stout, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Stout, OH.

What parks are near Stout, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Stout, OH that allow camping, notably Grayson Lake and Paint Creek Lake.