Tomlinson Run State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and yurt camping in West Virginia, just a short drive from Mingo Junction, Ohio. The campground sits on wooded hillsides, providing shady sites with varying degrees of privacy. Several nearby parks also offer glamping options in the region, making the Mingo Junction area a suitable destination for both primitive and luxury outdoor stays throughout the camping season.
What to Do
Fishing access with equipment limitations: Clendening Lake Marina restricts boat motors to 9.9 hp, creating a peaceful environment for anglers. "We love to kayak and they are set up with very nice kayak launches, the lake is amazing fishing spot with 9.9 hp boat restrictions," notes a Clendening Lake visitor.
Trail exploration on diverse terrain: Barkcamp State Park Campground offers multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are trails for horseback riding (your own), fishing areas, kayak area, with nice padded sites," shares one camper. The park also hosts special events: "Oglebay comes out and has star gazing when it's in season."
Family activities beyond hiking: Atwood Lake Park Campground provides multiple recreation options beyond standard camping. "The people are friendly and there is always something to do," mentions a regular visitor. The lake supports various boating activities, and some sites offer direct water access: "Docks available 50' from our waterfront lot. We could leave our camper, take the boat over to the beach and drop off the grandkids."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites with natural privacy: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground features tent sites with ample space between neighbors. "Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road/cul-de-sac," reports one tent camper. These end sites offer increased seclusion but require longer walks to facilities.
Quiet environment in off-peak seasons: Visiting during non-summer months provides a different camping experience. At Salt Fork State Park Campground, one camper noted: "The change of season brings a very different atmosphere to the park and the people staying in it. The facilities are still well maintained and the washer and dryer I'm pretty sure are older than me but they do the job."
Camp store essentials: Most campgrounds in the region maintain small stores with necessities. At Salt Fork, "The park staff are very holiday minded and a cheerful group." Campgrounds typically stock firewood, ice, and basic supplies, with Salt Fork offering firewood for purchase directly from the park.
What You Should Know
Site conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Barkcamp State Park, "There are pit toilets, which are never great, but the ones nearest us had newish buildings. The buildings themselves were clean, but the toilets were icky and needed to be hosed down." Site leveling challenges are common throughout the region.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Mingo Junction require advance booking. For standard camping, Grand Vue Park features a modern reservation system: "Everyone was so friendly and the gate just uses a code! so not fiddling around with a Fob or keycard!"
Seasonal facility limitations: Water access points often close during cooler months. One Tomlinson Run camper noted, "Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off." Shower availability also varies seasonally at some parks.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-focused amenities: Tappan Lake Park Campground offers multiple youth activities during peak season. "Volleyball courts, and basketball courts were all in good condition. Plenty of hiking trails throughout the park," reports one visitor. The beach area requires occasional monitoring due to wildlife: "The beach probably could have been better because of the Canadian goose 💩 all over."
Budget for variable site fees: Price points differ across campgrounds. At Tomlinson Run, a visitor found: "This campground is not free. It was $28 for a non-electric site and I believe I was told it was almost $40 for a site with an electric hookup."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. One Tomlinson Run camper shared: "We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly." Pack appropriate gear for rapid weather transitions, especially during spring and fall.
Tips from RVers
Electrical adapters required: Certain campgrounds use non-standard power connections. At Clendening Lake Marina, "You do need a special plug for the electric, we didn't realize this and did not bring one. I was panicked at first since I needed a fan to get through the 89 degree weather in a tent but the front office has spares you can borrow!"
Site selection considerations: Look for level sites when possible. Grand Vue Park RV sites feature "fully paved main road running through. The lots are gravel and somewhat level." However, at many area campgrounds, RV site quality varies significantly, with many on hills or with limited space between neighbors.
