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Best Campgrounds near West Portsmouth, OH

409 Reviews

Several camping options surround West Portsmouth, Ohio, with choices ranging from state parks to lakeside spots. East Fork State Park Campground has good fishing and boating access right on the lake. At Zilpo Campground, the sites are set farther apart, giving campers more room and quiet than many other places. Marion State Park Campground keeps things simple with basic restrooms and picnic tables that work well for families. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather to camp in this area, as summer can get pretty hot and humid - pack extra water if you're coming between June and August. You'll find both shady and open campsites throughout these campgrounds, depending on what you prefer. Facilities vary widely between locations - some have full modern bathrooms while others just have vault toilets, so check before you pack. Many of these spots connect to hiking trails or water access, which keeps them busy during peak season. Make your reservations well ahead of time if you're planning to visit on summer weekends or holidays. West Portsmouth camping works for both people who want to relax and those looking for more active outdoor time.

Map showing campgrounds near West Portsmouth, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near West Portsmouth, Ohio (99)

    1. Shawnee State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    8 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."

    2. Sandy Springs Campground

    33 Reviews
    Stout, OH
    17 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."

    3. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    27 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. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    21 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."

    5. Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    7 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. Lazy Village Campground & RV Park

    1 Review
    Friendship, OH
    5 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."

    7. Turkey Creek Campground — Shawnee State Park

    1 Review
    Friendship, OH
    8 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."

    8. Wolford's Landing Campground

    1 Review
    West Portsmouth, OH
    9 miles
    +1 (740) 776-9956

    9. Little Bear Island Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    17 miles
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

    "This little jewel is an actual island surrounded by the Little Sandy River in Greenup, KY.  We fished al day and night.  Caught a bunch of fish and had a catfish fry. "

    10. Long's Retreat Family Resort

    13 Reviews
    Sinking Spring, OH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 588-3725

    "We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Portsmouth, OH

95 Photos of 99 West Portsmouth Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Portsmouth, OH

409 Reviews of 99 West Portsmouth Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    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.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. 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.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.

  • Bob B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oak Hill Campground

    One-Night Adventure: Our Shakedown Trip in the New Travel Trailer

    Campsite Review for Site 6 – Gateway to Wayne National Forest

    Our recent camping trip at this campground was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Wayne National Forest. The serene forest setting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor adventure, with the campground offering all the basics needed for a comfortable stay.

    We stayed at Site 6 in our travel trailer, enjoying the ease of a pull-through site. Although the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way, this setup has an unexpected benefit—it faces directly toward the woods. This orientation allowed us to savor the tranquility of the forest, adding a layer of privacy and a more intimate connection with nature.

    While the sites are decently sized, they are closely positioned with minimal separation, which might limit privacy in other areas. However, the majestic surroundings of Wayne National Forest more than make up for this. The proximity to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful ambiance of the trees create an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.

    All in all, this campground is a fantastic base for exploring Wayne National Forest. The combination of basic amenities, convenient access, and the enchanting forest environment makes it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Farver Acres

    A Hidden Gem

    Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world. We didn’t see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds.

    The wildlife here is abundant and delightful. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

    The water pressure at the site was excellent — just be sure to bring a water pressure regulator to ensure a comfortable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast campsite internet.

    This site would be ideal for a three-family group — plenty of space for everyone to set up comfortably. Site 1 seems to be the biggest.

  • S
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    We spent about five months there this past winter. The campground is beautiful and the owners are amazing. The bathrooms and laundry room are very clean. The surrounding area seeps in history and we enjoyed exploring the area.

    The owners, Julie and Darcy, are very friendly, kind and helpful people.

    Don’t forget to say hello to Lulu and Tater.

Guide to West Portsmouth

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by." The trails here are known for their unique features like Old Man's Cave and Lower Falls.
  • Fishing and Boating: At East Fork State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating on the lake. A camper shared, "This camp ground is beautiful, spacious, clean, and close to the lake."
  • Caving: Visit Carter Caves State Resort Park for caving adventures. One family noted, "Great facilities, hiking, caving, etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough to do all the things we wanted to."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Zilpo Campground. A reviewer said, "Campsites have more privacy and are more primitive."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Sandy Springs Campground is known for its family-oriented activities. A guest remarked, "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "Not a lot of privacy, but still great."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like A.W. Marion State Park Campground, lack showers and have only vault toilets. A camper mentioned, "The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier weekends, especially during the summer. A camper at Tar Hollow State Park Campground said, "Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Carter Caves State Resort Park that offer playgrounds and activities for kids. One family shared, "There’s so much to do at Carter caves that I didn’t mind it too much."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan hikes and other activities in advance. A visitor at Hocking Hills State Park Campground recommended, "Plan to take a hike if you can and go early to beat the crowds."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor equipment to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Twin Knobs Recreation Area noted, "Quiet, peaceful campground with friendly staff."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground said, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Plan Your Arrival: Arrive during daylight to avoid navigating tricky roads at night. A visitor at Tar Hollow State Park Campground advised, "Please go there in the daytime; silly us arrived at night and it was quite a challenge."

Camping near West Portsmouth, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near West Portsmouth, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, West Portsmouth, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near West Portsmouth, OH and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near West Portsmouth, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Portsmouth, OH is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Portsmouth, OH?

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

What parks are near West Portsmouth, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near West Portsmouth, OH that allow camping, notably Grayson Lake and Paint Creek Lake.

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