Campgrounds near Williamstown, West Virginia offer varied experiences throughout the Ohio River valley region. Situated where the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers converge, these campgrounds provide access to waterways and walking trails across southeastern Ohio. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons feature milder weather and fewer crowds at most facilities.
What to do
Kayaking on the Muskingum River: Riversedge Campground offers kayak rentals with upstream drop-off service for convenient river trips. "They will even drop you off upstream to start your trip," notes Ken P., who visited with his son. Riverside tent sites provide direct water access for self-guided paddling.
Hiking nearby trail systems: Shadow Lake RV Resort recently expanded their recreational offerings. "They just purchased 62 acres for hiking across the road," reports a visitor to Riversedge Campground. The campground itself features "trails that meander along and around the 100 acre property," according to Darla, who noted frequent deer sightings during evening walks.
Explore local towns: The Marietta historic district sits minutes from several camping options. "Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location," notes James P. about Ashland RV Park. Campers mention antique shops, riverfront parks and weekend farmers markets within walking distance of centrally-located sites.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Tent campers particularly enjoy waterfront access at Riversedge. "The tent sites are right next to the water and there is a beach and dock nearby also," writes Ken P., who appreciated the proximity for fishing and swimming. Sites directly along water edges typically book earliest during summer months.
Personal touches from staff: Multiple campgrounds feature exceptional hospitality. At Riversedge, a camper mentioned that "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." This attention to detail appears consistently in reviews from repeat visitors.
Economic value: Several campgrounds offer competitive rates compared to surrounding areas. Clean Slate D. highlighted Harris RV Park where they found "full hookup for $25 a night" with direct Ohio River views, noting that "full hookup alone is worth more than 25 bucks." Weekly and monthly rates provide additional savings for longer stays.
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: While Shadow Lake RV Resort operates year-round, Rivers Bend RV Campground has a limited May through October season. Winter camping options become significantly limited throughout the region after November.
Cash-only policies: Payment requirements differ between campgrounds. Harris RV Park accepts "Cash or Check only" according to visitor reviews, making advance planning necessary for travelers accustomed to credit card transactions.
Road conditions affect access: Some locations require navigating rural routes. Blennerhassett RV Park visitors recommend calling ahead for specific directions, as GPS routing sometimes directs travelers down unsuitable roads for larger vehicles or trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access with amenities: Riversedge Campground combines child-friendly waterfront with facilities. "The shower house was clean and freshly painted," notes Ken P., who chose the location specifically for a father-son trip. The combination of swimming areas with proper facilities makes extended stays more comfortable.
Nature observation opportunities: Shadow Lake provides wildlife viewing directly from campsites. According to Darla, "We see deer almost every evening" and the rolling hills landscape offers scenic backdrops for nature photography and wildlife spotting.
Short-term activities: For families needing entertainment beyond natural amenities, Ashland RV Park's location offers convenience. A visitor appreciated that "it's right on the river so we made a stop at camp while on a paddling trip" during a local festival, allowing families to split time between camp and organized activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for noise concerns: At Ashland RV Park, site location affects ambient noise levels. One camper noted "highway traffic can be a little loud in the morning if you're on that side of the property," suggesting requesting interior sites for lighter sleepers.
Winter considerations: For off-season travelers, Shadow Lake RV Resort maintains heated facilities year-round. As Blaine V. observed during a winter stay, "Shower house was clean and warm. The laundry mat washed and dried great," making it suitable for cold-weather camping when most facilities close.
