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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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!"
