North Bend State Park and surrounding areas offer diverse camping opportunities in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 600-1200 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours. Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations for travelers seeking RV sites near Cairo, West Virginia during off-peak months.
What to do
Rail trail biking: The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail passes through multiple tunnels including one quarter-mile long section that's reportedly haunted. "Fantastic biking on the 72 mile North bend trail which is an abandoned rail way with multiple tunnels including one that is a quarter long and haunted," notes a visitor to Cokeley Campground.
Kayaking and river access: Several campgrounds offer river access and equipment rentals. "If you decide to rent a kayak they will even drop you off upstream to start your trip," writes a camper about Riversedge Campground. "Our tent was right on the river and Kelli was the best host ever!"
Hiking trails: The region features multiple marked hiking paths through Appalachian woodlands. "Great hiking with well marked trails," reports a Cokeley Campground visitor who appreciated North Bend State Park's trail system. Many trails connect directly to camping areas for convenient day hikes.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Waterfront sites are particularly popular in the region. "We chose rivers edge for our annual father son getaway and we were not disappointed. The tent sites are right next to the water and there is a beach and dock nearby also," writes a visitor to Riversedge Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The shower house was clean and freshly painted," notes a Riversedge camper. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, visitors appreciate the "very modern water and electric hook ups" and mention that "pavilions have great lighting and dimmers for a softer light."
Hospitable hosts: Personalized service stands out at several campgrounds. "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 river," writes a Riversedge visitor about host Kelli. At Harris RV Park, "The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Many campgrounds require specific routing to avoid difficult roads. "Do not follow GPS to get to North Bend SP(Cokeley or River Run) Call the park office directly. GPS took us up some nasty horse-shoe hills!" warns a visitor to Cokeley Campground. Similar caution applies to many camping areas near Cairo.
Seasonal operations: While Shadow Lake RV Resort operates year-round, most campgrounds in the region have limited winter accessibility. "We came to Shadow Lake in October to camp for the month. To get here, you must drive through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, which is absolutely gorgeous in October!"
Payment options: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. At Harris RV Park, it's "Cash or Check only" according to reviewers. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods, particularly at smaller, privately-owned campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Some riverside campgrounds include swimming areas. "The tent sites are right next to the water and there is a beach and dock nearby also," notes a Riversedge visitor, making it suitable for families with children who enjoy water activities.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Shadow Lake RV Resort, campers report, "We see deer almost every evening. There are several ponds located on the property and trails meander along and around the 100 acre property."
Spacious sites: Ashland RV Park offers "Large sites. Great staff," according to visitors, with one noting it has a "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH." Ample space between campsites provides room for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Several roads leading to campgrounds have challenges for larger vehicles. "There are two campgrounds in North Bend State Park…one is Cokely and the other is River Run. Neither are easy to get to when you have a big rig!" warns a camper. When seeking RV sites near Cairo, WV, calling ahead for specific driving directions is essential.
Hookup availability: Hookup configurations vary between campgrounds. At DaLazyBear, visitors note partial hookup RV sites with electric connections but no water hookups, while Elk River Camp offers "full hookup for $40 a night" according to recent visitors.
Site layout: Some RV parks have tight spacing between units. A Harris RV Park visitor notes, "Tight spots, but pretty level," which may impact comfort for larger rigs. Others like Ashland RV Park feature more generous spacing between sites.
