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The Ohio River valley around St. Marys, West Virginia features several campground options spanning both West Virginia and neighboring Ohio. North Bend State Park offers developed camping at River Run Campground with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, while dispersed camping can be found at Kinderhook Horse Trail in Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Most established campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with several offering electric hookups and water access.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally throughout the area, with many sites operating from April through October. Wayne National Forest's Leith Run Recreation Area typically opens from April to late October, while North Bend State Park campgrounds maintain year-round availability. Most primitive sites in Wayne National Forest require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping in the region benefits from proximity to water features, though some areas experience flooding that may affect availability. A visitor noted, "Talked to a National Forest Ranger and was told that this campground flooded in February 2018 and it will be quite some time before they can open it up again."
The camping experience near St. Marys includes waterfront sites alongside the Ohio River and various creeks. River Run Campground within North Bend State Park receives positive reviews for its riverside locations and proximity to recreational trails. According to one camper, "Great place to stay! We were at site 13, right on the water. Plenty to do around the park - biking the rail trails, hiking, fishing, basketball, and a nice playground." Primitive camping areas like Kinderhook Trailhead provide basic facilities with vault toilets and some designated fire rings. Several reviewers mention mixed experiences at these dispersed sites, with some noting concerns about privacy and safety, while others appreciate the accessibility and natural setting. Campgrounds in Wayne National Forest typically feature wooded surroundings with opportunities for hiking and horseback riding on maintained trail systems.
"Initially, you don't see it...you must drive up and over a roller."
"North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it’s a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which"
"Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown."
"Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus."
"This campground is just off Hwy 26, but far enough away from town that there isn’t much traffic. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. "
"This is a great drive in campsite perfect for family and friends to get into the woods for a bit."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Love this place. 1st time ever in West Virginia and this park was up to the task of making a great 1st impression of the state.
Great hiking with well marked trails.""My dad and I stayed at the lodge in NBSP in May 2023 after riding bicycles for 26 miles from West Union on the rail trail."
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability"This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on."
"As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site. The forest website says dispersed camping is allowed and fires are allowed with a 10 foot clearance and a ring of rocks."
"He has so much info on where to eat and what to see in the surrounding areas. The guy bends over backwards for his guests."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This roadside campground is near homes and a small town, so not much traffic during the day, but quite a bit during the morning and evening commuting time."
"All four sites are close to the river. I was surprised to find that a week after labor day weekend there was still plenty of laying dead wood in the woods available for camp fire wood. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location. Large sites. Great staff. Absolutely love this place. Slow pace and quiet."
"The highway traffic can be a little loud in the morning if you're on that side of the property, but who wants to sleep when there are trails to hit!"
ScoutThis was a gem of a park to find. There is hardly anyone here and you have your pick pretty much of the camping spots. The spots are mostly level and there are two bath houses onsite. The bathrooms are pretty basic but they have hot water and so far I’ve had them mostly to myself. And it’s only $30 a night.
ScoutNice clean Campground not to crammed but not a lot of space either. Small pond with bluegill a few large fish but pretty scummy to fish on top of. Nice wide river beside us also swimming pool available Lodge with restaurant. Porta potties on site short walk across the trail to bathhouse and showers. A lot of geese! 😅🤷♂️
ScoutSite 18 was a little tight to back in our 32’ fifth wheel due to a river rock swale across from the site but I is a good site with no neighbors on your camp side.
ScoutWe love staying in the yurts. Peaceful. Like camping with amenities. Has fire or wood! Rain doesn’t bother us here. Stay as often as we can when available.
ScoutA great place to fish and bike. The rail trail is great. The camp sites are cozy and the bath house is very clean.
TravelerPretty easy trail to walk, small camp ground for multiple campers, and a nice little waterfall at the bottom of the trail it wasn’t running very much when we went but a pretty spot
TravelerThere are two small camping spots with picnic tables. The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus. As far as fire wood, you can walk around and pick up all the downed wood you’d like, but I’d recommend bringing some wood with you if it’s rained in the last few days. Plenty of space to park. Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars
TravelerThis is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on. The locals were all very friendly. You can stay for 14 days and it's free.
GuideVery large KOA campground. Neat and clean. Close toNiagara Falls.
Camping near St. Marys, West Virginia offers options along the Ohio River in both West Virginia and neighboring Ohio. The region sits at approximately 630 feet elevation with hot, humid summers and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter camping is limited to select year-round facilities, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
Mountain biking trails: North Bend State Park features maintained trails for various skill levels. According to one visitor at River Run Campground, "Plenty to do around the park - biking the rail trails, hiking, fishing, basketball, and a nice playground, to name a few!"
Rail trail exploration: The 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail passes through multiple tunnels and bridges. A camper noted, "North Bend State Park is located at the halfway point of the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, so it's a great camping spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders who want to explore this scenic trail which crosses 35-bridges and cuts through 11-tunnels."
Paddling opportunities: North Bend Lake provides calm waters for kayaking and fishing. "I paddled on the North Bend Lake which was extremely peaceful and beautiful, with the colors of fall surrounding me on all sides. I brought my own kayak, but they had boats for rent."
Horseback riding: Wayne National Forest trails accommodate equestrians with dedicated facilities. A visitor at Kinderhook Horse Trail mentioned, "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained."
Riverside camping spots: Sites along water features receive positive reviews. One camper at Cokeley Campground shared, "Campground is very nice and well maintained. Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration."
Accessible trail connections: Campers appreciate direct access to recreational paths. A visitor noted, "The campground was pretty packed for much of the weekend, but it never got too loud. Bathrooms are clean and the sites seem pretty spacious. Easy access to the rail trail and close to the river."
Historic features: Several sites include unique historic elements. At Hune Bridge Campground, visitors enjoy the "Adorable little campground, with a historic covered bridge and lovely creek in the backyard. There are 4 campsites and a vault toilet that is relatively clean and well-stocked."
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping exists throughout the area. "It is completely FREE, and you can stay for up to 14 days. There are a couple other small campgrounds in the area similar to this one, such as Lane Farm and Lamping Homestead, just off Hwy 26."
GPS challenges: Navigation systems often provide problematic directions. One camper warned, "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!"
Limited primitive camping facilities: Dispersed sites typically offer minimal amenities. A reviewer at Kinderhook Trailhead noted, "I didn't know what to expect for a dispersed campground at a trailhead. We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit)."
Site security concerns: Some remote areas experience unwanted traffic. One camper reported, "People coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave. Only staying one night here then moving on."
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities close during colder months. "The outdoor swimming pool (closed when I visited in October, but looked really nice)" noted one visitor, highlighting amenities with seasonal availability.
Pool access: North Bend State Park offers swimming facilities during summer. A camper shared, "We had a wonderful time. The Park is great and we have stayed at lodge 4 times before but this was first camping trip. We stayed during historic heat wave but kept cool in the river, the pool, and with the ice cream store nearby."
Playgrounds and activities: Multiple campgrounds include child-friendly facilities. According to one visitor, "North Bend State Park would be good for kids because they have playgrounds, mini-golf and an outdoor swimming pool."
River recreation: Water access points provide cooling options. "There wasn't easy river access from the campground but we climbed down the hill with no problem and waded the stream for hours. The property was very clean and family oriented," noted one camper at Mountwood Park Family Campground.
Site selection for families: Some areas offer better family accommodations. "I would also recommend sites 10, 11, 17, 19, 13, and 14," suggested one visitor with family considerations.
Electric hookup locations: Multiple sites offer various levels of service. At Ashland RV Park, "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH owner and Staff are very friendly and easy going! Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house. Hook ups for each site!"
RV site levelness: Terrain varies across the region. "Most the roadside tent sites are level, but sit at a lower level, so when it rains (and it does in WV)...it gets soggy," warned one experienced camper.
Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal differ between campgrounds. "Sites have electricity and water; dump station is very well done and easily accessible with any RV configuration," noted one RVer.
Size considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations 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!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Marys, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Marys, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Marys, WV and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Marys, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Marys, WV is River Run Campground — North Bend State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Marys, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near St. Marys, WV.
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