RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Athens, OH
65 campgrounds and RV Parks near Athens, OH. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
65 campgrounds
4459 campsites
84 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Athens, OH
Strouds Run State Park
Athens, OH (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+3
Under The Stars Campground
Ohio (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+8
Hocking Hills Jellystone Park
Nelsonville, OH (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+9
Zaleski State Forest - Horse Camp
Albany, OH (12 miles away)
Free
(16 sites)
Burr Oak Family Resort
Glouster, OH (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(28 sites)
+5
Lake Hope State Park
McArthur, OH (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(189 sites)
+8
Carthage Gap Campground
Ohio (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(135 sites)
+8
Zaleski State Forest - Atkinson Hunters Camp
McArthur, OH (15 miles away)
Free
Main - Burr Oak State Park
Glouster, OH (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+9
Begleys ATV Campground
New Straitsville, OH (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(64 sites)
+7
Vinton County Fairgrounds
McArthur, OH (20 miles away)
Kountry Resort Campground
Racine, OH (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(268 sites)
+9
Most common amenities
Tables Grills Toilets Pet friendly Playground Dump station Showers Firewood Fishing Laundry
Athens camping overview
Athens sits in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, surrounded by state parks, Wayne National Forest tracts, and a mix of public and private campgrounds within easy RV range. Ohio University anchors the town, and the surrounding hills carry hardwood forests, ridge trails, and small reservoirs used for paddling and fishing.
The closest option is Strouds Run State Park, roughly five miles east of town on Dow Lake, offering primitive sites and camper cabins. Under The Stars Campground and Burr Oak Family Resort provide private-park alternatives with more services, while Main - Burr Oak State Park adds a full state-park campground about a half-hour north near Glouster. Families heading toward the waterfalls typically base at Hocking Hills Jellystone Park, west of Athens near Nelsonville.
Most sites are wooded and hilly, with a mix of electric, non-electric, and full-hookup layouts across the area. Athens itself supplies groceries, propane, dump-station access, and RV service, making it a practical hub for a multi-day loop through the region.
Things to do near Athens
Water is the main draw on the east side of town. Dow Lake at Strouds Run State Park allows boats up to 10 horsepower, plus swimming at a designated beach and rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoons in season. Burr Oak Lake, farther north, also permits boats with motors of 10 horsepower or less and is known for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.
On land, roughly fifteen miles of trails wind through the forest at Strouds Run, and Burr Oak's trail system links into the statewide Buckeye Trail with loops ranging from easy day walks to an 18-mile backpack route along the lakeshore.
West of Athens, Hocking Hills Jellystone Park sits minutes from Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, with the state forest waterfalls, ATV trails, and canoe liveries on the Hocking River all within a short drive.
Camping spots and RV parks near Athens, OH
When to visit Athens
- spring
March - May
64° / 41°F 90 mmWettest stretch; waterfalls peak, sites can be muddy
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 100 mmWarm and humid; peak bookings, reserve months out
- fall
September - November
66° / 45°F 70 mmCool and drier; hardwood color peaks in mid-October
- winter
December - February
39° / 23°F 70 mmCold and quiet; state parks in off-season, water off
The Ohio State Parks camping season runs at full service from April 1 through the first Sunday in December, with reduced off-season operation at Strouds Run and Burr Oak after that. Water is turned off at most spigots in the colder months, though at Burr Oak the shower house keeps water available from November 1 through April at the bathhouse only.
Spring brings wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow in Hocking Hills, and cool, wet weather that can leave sites soft. Summer is the busiest stretch, driven by lake use, family reunions, and Ohio University move-in and event weekends; sites and cabins fill fastest on holiday weekends. Fall is prime for hardwood color across the ridges, typically peaking in mid-October, and for cooler hiking.
Winter is quiet, with primitive-only conditions at state parks, reduced facilities at private resorts, and Hocking Hills Jellystone Park generally closed until spring. Freeze-thaw cycles and mud are common in low-lying loops.
How to book a campsite near Athens
Ohio State Parks use a single reservation system at reserveohio.com, with a call-in option at 866-644-6727. Burr Oak State Park requires reservations for all camping areas and accepts them up to six months in advance, covering the main campground, group camp, equestrian camp, and Sherman Cabins.
Strouds Run works differently: the 57 primitive campsites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations and self-registration at the campground entrance. Reservations are recommended and accepted for the two camper cabins and the group camp by contacting the park operator directly.
Private parks including Under The Stars Campground, Burr Oak Family Resort, and Hocking Hills Jellystone Park take direct online reservations, often with a two-night minimum on weekends. For summer weekends and fall color, book private resorts and state-park cabins two to three months out.
What to expect on the ground
Terrain around Athens is steep and wooded. Expect narrow, curving park roads, tight loops, and pads that may need leveling blocks. Larger Class A rigs and long fifth-wheels should confirm site length before booking, particularly at Strouds Run, where sites are primitive with no hookups and restrooms are pit toilets with no showers.
Burr Oak's main campground offers showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a limited number of electric sites among mostly non-electric loops. Hocking Hills Jellystone Park provides pull-through full-hookup sites, plus a pool, lake, and daily kids' activities.
Cell coverage is spotty in the hollows and unreliable inside the Burr Oak campground, firewood should be purchased locally to protect against invasive pests, and leashed pets are allowed on designated sites at most parks. Black bears are rare but present; standard food storage is smart.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Athens, OH
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Athens?
An RV rental in Athens is one of the most affordable ways to explore Appalachian Ohio. On RVezy, towable travel trailers near Athens average around $125 to $175 per night, while motorhomes typically run about $200 to $275 per night. Many hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts, which makes a longer Athens RV trip even more budget-friendly. For a cheap RV rental in Athens, look at midweek pickups, shoulder-season dates in April or October, and travel trailers you can park at Strouds Run State Park just 10 minutes from town. Pro tip: filter by Delivery so you skip towing entirely and pay one flat fee.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20OhioWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Athens?
Great news for first-time renters: your standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Athens. Ohio does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a special RV endorsement for the Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, and travel trailers you'll find on RVezy. Approved drivers on RVezy are generally 25 or older, and ID verification happens right inside the platform during booking, so there's no paperwork to print or notarize. Visiting from outside the U.S.? An International Driving Permit paired with your home license keeps you road-legal on Ohio roads. Book, verify, and start planning your Hocking Hills weekend.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs protection or roadside assistance included with my Athens RV rental?
Yes, every RV rental in Athens booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan covers most damage to the vehicle, which means you can enjoy curvy drives through Wayne National Forest or the Hocking Hills region with real peace of mind. During checkout, you choose the protection tier that fits how you want to travel, so you control your coverage level. If you get a flat on US-33 or need a jump at Lake Hope State Park, one call brings help straight to you. It is peace of mind, baked into the price.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Athens RV trip plans change?
Booking your Athens RV rental is low-risk. RVezy sets a standard cancellation policy (it is not host-defined), and every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you book, so you have time to confirm the rig is perfect for your family RV trip in Athens. Depending on how far out your trip dates are, partial refunds may be available, and RVezy also accounts for exceptional circumstances like severe weather. Full details are shown clearly before you confirm payment. Pro tip: book early to lock in your dates for Ohio University Mom's Weekend or the Pawpaw Festival, then relax knowing flexibility is built in.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV rental in Athens?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Athens is easy to find. On RVezy, toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see every host who welcomes dogs (and sometimes cats) on their listing. Athens is a fantastic dog town: Strouds Run State Park has leashed-pet trails right around Dow Lake, the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a paved path perfect for morning walks, and most Wayne National Forest trails allow leashed pets too. Message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee or size limits. Pro tip: bring a long tie-out and a portable water bowl, summer humidity in southeast Ohio can sneak up on pups.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/strouds-run-state-parkCan a host deliver and set up the RV for me in Athens?
Yes, RV delivery in Athens is one of the smartest moves for first-timers. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the RV straight to your campsite at Strouds Run State Park, Lake Hope State Park, or even a private driveway in The Plains or Nelsonville, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. That means no white-knuckle drive on the hills of US-50 or OH-682 if you're new to RVing. Filter by Delivery, message the host with your destination, and confirm the fee, which is usually based on mileage. Pro tip: pair delivery with a campground that has full hookups so your setup is truly hands-off.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-parkHow far can I drive on an RV rental from Athens?
You have plenty of room to roam on an RV road trip from Athens. Each RVezy host sets their own daily mileage allowance, and many listings include generous miles or even RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal for exploring southeast Ohio. From Athens, Hocking Hills State Park is about 25 miles (under 45 minutes), Wayne National Forest's Marietta Unit sits roughly 50 miles east, Columbus is around 75 miles northwest, and Pittsburgh is roughly 180 miles. Check the mileage policy on each listing page before booking, and message the host about a flat-rate add-on if you're planning a longer loop.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20OhioWhere are the best campgrounds near Athens?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Athens for an RV stay include Strouds Run State Park (10 minutes from uptown, electric sites on Dow Lake with a swimming beach), Lake Hope State Park (about 35 minutes west in Zaleski State Forest, electric hookups, hemlock-shaded sites), Burr Oak State Park (about 40 minutes north, quiet lakeside loops with electric), and Hocking Hills State Park Campground (about 45 minutes, full hookups near Old Man's Cave). Most fill up fast on summer weekends. Pro tip: reserve Ohio State Parks through ReserveOhio up to six months ahead, especially for Memorial Day and the October leaf-peeping rush.
reserveohio.com/When is the best time to visit Athens in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Athens is late April through mid-October, with two clear favorites. Summer (June to August) brings warm 80 to 86F days, perfect for paddling Dow Lake or floating the Hocking River, though humidity can climb, so AC and shade matter. Fall (late September to mid-October) is the local insider's pick: crisp 60 to 70F afternoons, brilliant color through Wayne National Forest, and the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in mid-September at Lake Snowden. Spring is gorgeous but rainy. Winters are cold, with lows in the 20s F, and many state park loops close, so most renters target April to October.
weather.gov/iln/I have never rented an RV before. Will I be ready to drive in Athens?
You've got this, and you won't be alone. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking through the propane, slide-outs, water systems, and dashboard before you ever pull onto US-33. First time renting an RV around Athens is friendlier than most cities: traffic is light, distances to campgrounds are short, and the routes to Strouds Run or Hocking Hills are well-marked two-lane highways. Stick to a Class B campervan rental in Athens or a small Class C motorhome rental in Athens for easiest handling on the area's rolling hills. Pro tip: ask your host for a quick parking practice run in their driveway, most are happy to help.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if something breaks down during my Athens RV trip?
Help is just a phone call away. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so whether you're on US-50 outside Albany, climbing the hills near Nelsonville, or tucked into a site at Burr Oak State Park, one number gets you a tow, jump start, tire change, or lockout service. Your host is also your direct lifeline for vehicle-specific questions like resetting a generator or troubleshooting a fridge, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: snap a photo of the VIN, license plate, and propane tank location at pickup so you can share details quickly if you need assistance on the road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Athens RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, an Athens RV rental travels nicely across state lines. West Virginia is just 20 minutes east, Kentucky is about 90 minutes south, and Pennsylvania is around 2.5 hours northeast, so multi-state Appalachian loops are very doable. Cross-border trips into Canada may be allowed depending on the host's vehicle and insurance, so message them through the listing before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular interstate routes from Athens include the New River Gorge in WV (about 3 hours), Red River Gorge in KY (about 2.5 hours), and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (about 3 hours north). Pack your passport just in case.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an RV road trip from Athens?
Fuel is usually the second-biggest line item after the rental itself, and it's easy to plan for. Ohio gas prices typically run around $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon, with diesel a bit higher. Class C motorhomes near Athens average 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class B campervans get 16 to 20 mpg, and a truck or SUV towing a travel trailer lands around 10 to 14 mpg. For a weekend loop from Athens to Hocking Hills and back (about 80 miles), budget $25 to $50 in fuel for most rigs. Pro tip: fill up at the Sheetz or Speedway on East State Street in Athens before heading into Wayne National Forest, prices climb fast in smaller villages.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Athens?
Book sooner than you think, especially for Ohio State Parks. ReserveOhio opens campground reservations up to six months ahead for parks like Strouds Run, Lake Hope, Burr Oak, and Hocking Hills, and prime summer Friday and Saturday nights often disappear within hours of the booking window opening. For Memorial Day, July 4th, Ohio University parents' weekends, and the October fall-color rush, aim for that six-month mark. Private campgrounds and Hipcamp farms around Athens tend to be more flexible, often bookable 2 to 4 weeks out. Pro tip: book your RV on RVezy first, then secure the campsite, so you know your rig length fits the site dimensions listed in ReserveOhio.
reserveohio.com/What are the driving conditions like around Athens?
Athens driving is generally relaxed, with one local twist: hills. The area sits in the Appalachian foothills, so expect winding two-lane roads like OH-56, OH-78, and US-50 with grades, curves, and occasional deer crossings, especially at dawn and dusk. US-33 is a four-lane divided highway that connects Athens to Columbus and makes the easiest route in and out for larger motorhomes. In-town clearances under the Richland Avenue bridge and a few uptown streets near Ohio University can be tight, so taller Class C rigs should stick to East State Street. Pro tip: download offline Google Maps, cell coverage drops in Wayne National Forest hollows.
transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/traveler/road-conditionsWhat amenities do campgrounds near Athens offer, and where can I dump or fill water?
You'll find a mix of full-hookup, electric-only, and primitive sites around Athens. Hocking Hills State Park and Lake Hope offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer) at premium sites, while Strouds Run and Burr Oak primarily have electric with a central dump station and potable water fill near the entrance. Most Ohio State Park campgrounds also include hot showers, flush restrooms, laundry, and camp stores. For a quick dump-and-fill between trips, the dump station at Strouds Run State Park is open seasonally to registered campers. Pro tip: arrive with empty black and grey tanks and a full freshwater tank to maximize flexibility.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/things-to-do/campingWhat is actually inside an RV rental in Athens? Beds, kitchen, bathroom, Wi-Fi?
More than you'd think. Most RV rentals in Athens come ready to camp: a queen or king bed, plus convertible dinette and sofa beds that easily sleep 4 to 6, great for a family RV trip in Athens. The kitchen has a propane stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink with running water, while the bathroom includes a toilet and shower. Class A and C motorhomes have seatbelted travel seats, a TV, sometimes an outdoor speaker, and a built-in generator for off-grid power. Wi-Fi varies: some hosts include a hotspot, others don't, since cell signal in Wayne National Forest can be spotty anyway. Check the listing's amenities tab and message the host to confirm anything specific you need.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20OhioWhat add-ons can I get, and how does pickup and drop-off work?
Hosts in Athens love making your trip easy. Popular add-ons include linen and towel packages, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, bikes, kayaks, generators, propane top-ups, and pre-stocked kitchen kits. Many hosts also offer delivery to local campgrounds like Strouds Run or Lake Hope for a flat or per-mile fee, which is a game-changer if you don't want to tow. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Athens, The Plains, Albany, or Nelsonville, with a 30 to 60-minute walkthrough included. Drop-off mirrors pickup, with tanks emptied and fuel topped off to avoid extra fees. Pro tip: confirm pickup time and ID upload in the RVezy app a day ahead for the smoothest handoff.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Athens%2C%20OhioHow does payment and the security deposit work for an Athens RV rental?
Payment is simple and secure through RVezy. All booking charges and the refundable security deposit are processed in-platform with your credit card, so you never hand cash to a host. The security deposit amount varies by RV and host but is clearly displayed before you confirm. It's released back to your card after drop-off, assuming the RV comes back in the same condition it left, with tanks emptied and fuel topped up. To avoid any deposit hiccups, do the pre-trip walkthrough with your host, photograph anything pre-existing, and keep your fuel and dump receipts.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre RVs available to rent in Athens during winter, and how do I stay warm?
Yes, a winter RV rental in Athens is possible, and it's a magical time in Hocking Hills with frozen waterfalls at Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. January lows in Athens average around 22F, so look for listings that mention four-season or winter-ready features: heated holding tanks, propane furnace, insulated underbelly, and a shore-power connection so you can plug in at a campground that stays open year-round, such as Hocking Hills State Park's full-hookup loop. Message the host to confirm winterized capability before booking. Pro tip: keep a small space heater on shore power to save propane, and use a heated water hose if you'll be hooked up to a freezing spigot.
weather.gov/iln/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Cleveland, OHColumbus, OHCincinnati, OHPittsburgh, PAShelby, OHCarlisle, OHNorth Zanesville, OHLexington, KYBrimfield, OHPortage Lakes, OHMunhall, PAMason, OHBrookville, OHMarion, OHPheasant Run, OHSt. Vincent College, PAGrandview Heights, OHRittman, OHFour Bridges, OHGlenwillow, OHOstrander, OHWarsaw, KYVerona, PAReedurban, OH