Forked Run State Park sits on the Ohio River near Ravenswood, West Virginia, offering campers access to 791 acres of wooded terrain and a 102-acre lake. The park's varied topography includes multiple camping loops set at different elevations, with some sites requiring leveling. The average summer temperatures range from 75-85°F, making water activities particularly popular during peak season.
What to do
Disc golf course: Forked Run State Park Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that draws players from throughout southeastern Ohio. "Site: wooded, scenic. Some sites more private than others. Some slightly sloped sites. Attractions: rural area, lake, disc golf, fishing, swimming, hiking," notes Benjamin C. about the Forked Run State Park Campground.
Motorized boating: Unlike the existing no-wake restrictions, the lake at Forked Run now permits motorized boats. "When I was younger I use to go here a lot on day trips to swim at the man made sandy beach on the lake. The fishing there is good as well. What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish," shares Andrew S.
Winter hiking: Lake Hope State Park maintains trails through the winter months when many other area campgrounds close. "Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable," explains Dave V. from Lake Hope State Park Campground.
What campers like
Multiple water features: Strouds Run offers options beyond just lake swimming. "Awesome park! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going! Kept going even more and found an abandoned train cart!" reports Olivia S. at Strouds Run State Park Campground.
Uncrowded weekday camping: Many campgrounds near Ravenswood have light occupancy during weekdays, offering privacy-seekers more space. "Decided to go to Forked Run because it's close to home and we had never camped there. We wound up being the only ones in our loop," shares Bobbi M. about her experience at Forked Run State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Burr Oak State Park provides opportunities to spot native wildlife including deer and owls. "Overall a very nice State Park! We went fishing and saw lots of butterflies. At night we heard an owl and it was very peaceful," writes Nicole C. about Burr Oak State Park Campground.
What you should know
Variable shower facilities: Shower conditions can vary significantly between campgrounds and even between shower houses at the same location. "Shower house was OK, toilets are primitive," reports Bobbi M. about Forked Run, while another camper noted, "One of the shower houses was closed for repairs (hopefully renovations). The park itself is clean, but the facilities are dated."
Limited phone service: Several glamping locations near Ravenswood have poor cell reception or no internet access. "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect. Friendly staff," reports Daniel about Lake Hope State Park Campground, highlighting this as a positive feature for those seeking to unplug.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the hilly terrain around Ravenswood have uneven sites. "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions," warns Daniel about Lake Hope.
Tips for camping with families
Winter swimming options: While outdoor swimming is seasonal, some lodges maintain indoor pools. "We actually stayed at the lodge and it was lovely. We would hike around during the day and swim inside as it was before spring," shares Kenpocentaur K. about Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Games and entertainment: Some campgrounds offer indoor recreation when weather doesn't cooperate. "There are a lot of amenities but they need updated. The activities building had a pool and game room area, which we used a lot. These were dated as well but our kids had a blast and that is all that matters," explains Jeremiah S. about his stay at Kountry Resort Campground.
Day trip options: For families needing a break from camping, nearby river towns offer additional activities. "We did a couple day trips down to Pomeroy, which is a nice little river town with ice cream, playgrounds, and shops less than five miles from the campground," shares Jeremiah S. about his Kountry Resort experience.
Tips from RVers
Water access locations: RVers should note the varying water access points at different campgrounds. "I do like they have water fountains with faucets every 10-15 sites. As well as grey water dump stations about the same spacing but staggered with the filling," explains Shane T. about the layout at Forked Run State Park Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds in the region have limited spaces for larger RVs. "There wasn't many people there. Sites are small back in, we stayed in loop two site 69 with great shade and electric," notes Shane T. from Forked Run.
Advance reservations: RV campers should book early, especially for sites with full hookups. "Good for families wanting a quiet vacation. Didn't find much to do in the area though," reports Kaitlyn R. about Kountry Resort Campground, which offers some of the most complete RV services in the area despite its limited surrounding attractions.
