Sandy Springs Campground offers riverfront camping with full hookups and cabin accommodations directly on the Ohio River. Located near West Union, Ohio, this established campground features individual shower rooms and clean facilities. Most sites have fire rings and picnic tables, with 50-amp electrical service available. Situated in the rolling hills of southern Ohio, campgrounds in this area typically experience mild spring and fall temperatures with warm summers and cold winters.
What to do
Hiking across the street: Access trail systems directly from Sandy Springs Campground. "We had a great hike at a trailhead directly across the street from the campground. Took us a little over 3 hours for the entire loop with a 4 year old. He walked almost the entire way so it's doable and the views are worth it," notes Tiffani C.
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers multiple cave systems for exploration across the Ohio River in Kentucky. "The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen. Make sure to get a permit for Horn Hollow on a day of no rain or else you will not be able to enter it," advises Amanda S.
Water recreation: Roosevelt Lake at Turkey Creek Campground provides swimming and boating opportunities. "Many activities including swimming and boating (in season with boat rentals available). There are hiking and mountain biking trails, miniature golf, basketball, and volleyball," writes Lee D. about the facilities at Turkey Creek Campground.
What campers like
Riverfront views: Campers appreciate sites with direct river access. "We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs," reports Rick G. about Sandy Springs. Another camper adds, "It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by."
Privacy options: Shawnee State Park Campground offers more secluded sites for those seeking privacy. "This campground has some features that are nicer than what is found in many state campgrounds. There are some secluded sites back in the woods, so you don't feel like you are camping in a parking lot in a few places," shares Megan M.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. "The bathhouses and laundry room are very clean," mentions Sherry R. about Sandy Springs. At Carter Caves, campers note "The camp office/store was very clean and had practical items like batteries, firestarter, snacks and ice cream for the kiddos."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Long's Retreat Family Resort and other area campgrounds often have limited connectivity. "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful," says Robin R. Another Long's camper confirms: "Also no cell service at all which is good and bad."
Distance to amenities: Turkey Creek Campground is more remote. "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." Shawnee State Park campers should note that "Veterinary services can be found approximately 20 minutes away."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have variable site quality. "Site 63 was decidedly not level and had a very short pad. Many of the other sites had even shorter pads; these would really best be suitable for tent campers as the pad would only fit a regular-size vehicle," warns a Turkey Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: East Fork State Park Campground offers numerous recreational options. "This park encourages so much outdoor activity," notes Lee D. The park features "mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling."
Kid-focused amenities: Long's Retreat is specifically designed for families. "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities! And they had things for the adults as well and a lot of things for everyone to do together," shares Emily W.
Pet friendly options: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets. "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 hills," notes a Sandy Springs camper who brought their pet.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Rocky Fork State Park Campground provides numerous full hookup sites. "We are impressed with the campground amenities and spacious camp sites. Over 40 full hook up sites!" shares Sandy O. This makes Rocky Fork an excellent choice for RV camping near West Union.
Pad length variations: Check site specifications before booking. At Carter Caves, "make sure to check in the details, which sites have sewer as they don't label it full hookups up front. The line of sites along the road into the campground all have sewer holes." Some campgrounds require "extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites."
Accessibility concerns: Consider road conditions and site access. At Rocky Fork, campers note the campground can feel crowded when full. At Shawnee State Park, "most of these secluded sites (along the back edge of the campground) are up a flight of stairs. You have to carry all your gear up a hill or stairs to set up. You will not be near your car, which can get annoying."
Ranger
