RV camping near Harrisville, West Virginia offers spacious sites at several campgrounds within 30 miles of town. Situated in the rolling hills of the Mid-Ohio Valley, campers can access both Ohio River and inland waterway locations. Seasonal considerations are important as fall foliage attracts more visitors while spring can bring muddy conditions on access roads.
What to do
Kayaking on rivers: North Bend State Park features excellent paddling opportunities nearby. "Love this place. Great hiking with well marked trails. 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 one visitor to Cokeley Campground.
Riverside relaxation: Several campgrounds offer direct river access for swimming and fishing. At Riversedge Campground, "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. They also rent kayaks and canoes so if you have time take a trip down the river."
Hiking through forests: The region offers multiple trail systems through wooded terrain. Shadow Lake RV Resort provides access to nearby natural attractions: "There are several ponds located on the property and trails meander along and around the 100 acre property. We see deer almost every evening. There are a couple hiking trails nearby (Piatt Park and Raven's Rock) which have incredible rock formations in the gorges."
What campers like
Helpful local hosts: Many campground operators provide exceptional service. At Harris RV Park, "Small privately owned campground about 15 min off I-77. We stopped for an overnight on our way north. Right on the Ohio River. Tight spots, but pretty level. The owner, Max, is amazing. He met us with a welcome packet in a reusable bag. He has so much info on where to eat and what to see in the surrounding areas."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates for overnight or extended stays. One camper at Harris RV Park noted, "Did I mention we're right on the Ohio River with full hookup for $25 a night?! Full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks. Cash or Check only."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Ashland RV Park, "Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house I believe there is dockage but not sure if it is for seasonal rental only? Hook ups for each site!"
What you should know
Call ahead for directions: GPS systems often route RVs on problematic roads in this hilly region. A camper at Cokeley Campground warns: "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! Call the office! Park personnel said some GPS will bring campers up a bad gravel road!"
Seasonal conditions: Weather impacts access at many campgrounds. A visitor to Shadow Lake RV Resort notes: "I stayed here in the worse month possible for camping in ohio but the owner made it a great experience. They are very accommodating. Even though every thing was snowy and muddy I could tell this is a very well taken care of place."
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary throughout the region. One camper mentioned: "Biggest negative was an inconsistent internet. Wifi was right behind me but my Android was more disconnected than connected. Weirdly my firestick internet TV was strong throughout."
Tips for camping with families
Look for riverside sites: Families enjoy water access for cooling off during summer months. At Riversedge Campground, "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. The shower house was clean and freshly painted."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local animals. Shadow Lake RV Resort visitors report regular deer sightings in the evenings, making for memorable experiences for children.
Check for family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds provide extras specifically for families. As one Riversedge camper notes: "If you decide to rent a kayak they will even drop you off upstream to start your trip. Kelli is a wonderful host and she is very attentive to your needs. They just purchased 62 acres for hiking across the road."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Elk River Camp and RV Park, "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions. 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."
Expect site variations: Campgrounds often feature a mix of hookup types. "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi. The price was $40 a night full hookups," reports an Elk River Camp visitor.
Consider payment methods: Some smaller campgrounds have limited payment options. Harris RV Park accepts "Cash or Check only," while others may require reservations through specific platforms.
