Wayne National Forest offers RV camping options in a diverse landscape covering over 244,000 acres across southeastern Ohio. The forest spans three separate units—Athens, Marietta, and Ironton—with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,250 feet. RV camping near Wayne National Forest provides access to hiking, fishing, and ATV trails through the mixed hardwood forests and rolling terrain characteristic of the Appalachian foothills.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: The Hocking River provides recreational options for RV campers. At Riversedge Campground, "they will even drop you off upstream to start your trip" if you rent kayaks, making river excursions accessible for all skill levels.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for anglers visiting Wayne National Forest. "Right on the Ohio River" describes Harris RV Park, where guests can fish directly from the campground. The park provides full hookups for RVs with convenient river access.
Water recreation: Beyond rivers, some campgrounds feature lake activities. "Small swimming lake! Canoe rental and jet pack 'skiing'" are available at Lakeview RV Park, providing alternative water recreation options when not exploring the national forest.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Tent campers particularly appreciate waterfront sites. "Our tent was right on the river and Kelli was the best host ever! On our last day she brought us warm cinnamon rolls and coffee. We enjoyed them by our fire as we watched the mist gently float over the water," reports one visitor about their experience at Riversedge Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Some campgrounds provide convenient access to regional points of interest. "Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location," notes a camper about Ashland RV Park, highlighting the balance between accessibility and natural setting.
Value pricing: Cost-conscious RVers appreciate affordable options. One camper noted they found "full hookup on the Ohio River for $25 a night" at Harris RV Park, mentioning "Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Hocking River RV Park, campers note it's "right alongside State Route 33, so you hear freeway traffic constantly. Trucks and motorcycles woke me up all night, AND there is a train track right across the river."
Site spacing and privacy: Some campgrounds have limited space between sites. "The sites are very close together—one family moved in late at night practically on top of me—their tent was literally 4 feet from my picnic table," reports a camper about Hocking River RV Park.
Pet policies: Not all campgrounds welcome pets. Stockport RV Park (formerly Katie's Duds and Suds) maintains a no-pets-allowed policy, unlike most other campgrounds in the area which generally permit pets with appropriate restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: Consider what activities are available on-site. One camper at Hocking River RV Park mentioned "No playground which made camping with kids very uneventful for them," suggesting families should research recreation options before booking.
Tent locations: For families tent camping, site location matters. At Under the Stars Campground in New Marshfield, tent sites feature electric hookups but no water connections at individual sites, requiring families to plan for water needs.
River access safety: Campgrounds along rivers may have challenging access points. At Hocking River RV Park, one camper noted "there really wasn't any way to the river as the bank was about 5 feet up," presenting potential safety concerns for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many RV parks in the region have variable site conditions. A review for Hocking River RV Park states "pull through spots require a little bit of maneuvering with big rig (43' fifth wheel). There was some mud where camper wheels were situated in the spot (needs material)."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies across campgrounds. Hocking River RV Park provides "Electric hookup only" with no water at individual sites. Their shower facilities are "provided very clean and orderly" according to visitors.
Check-in procedures: Some campgrounds offer flexible arrival options. An RVer at Blennerhassett RV Park reported "I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it," making late arrivals more convenient.
