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53 campgrounds and RV Parks near Portsmouth, OH. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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From $25/night
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Best campgrounds near Portsmouth, OH
Lazy Village Campground and RV Park
West Portsmouth, OH (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(104 sites)
+7
Main - Shawnee State Park
West Portsmouth, OH (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+6
Holiday Point Marina and Campground
Franklin Furnace, OH (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp
Ohio (12 miles away)
$$$$$
Little Bear Island Campground
Greenup, KY (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+3
Big Bear Lake Family Resort
Lucasville, OH (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+5
Sandy Springs Campground
Ohio (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+11
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Kentucky (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(93 sites)
+9
Rockwater Campground
Piketon, OH (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Jackson Lake State Park
Oak Hill, OH (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+4
Equestrian - Carter Caves State Resort Park
Olive Hill, KY (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
+2
Ashland / Huntington West Campground
Kentucky (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Grills Pet friendly Dump station Playground Showers Firewood Laundry Fishing
Campgrounds near Portsmouth, Ohio
Portsmouth sits along the Ohio River in southern Ohio, with the Appalachian foothills of the Shawnee region rising just west of town. The main draw for RV travellers is Shawnee State Park and the surrounding Shawnee State Forest, a 63,000-acre tract that is one of the largest contiguous forested areas in the state. Camping options in the area range from full-hookup private parks to state-run sites and lake-focused resorts.
Main - Shawnee State Park (the Turkey Creek Campground) is the closest large public option, located off State Route 125 near Roosevelt Lake. A second state campground, the Ohio River Campground, sits along the Ohio River near the park marina off US Route 52. Lazy Village Campground and RV Park offers a private alternative closer to town, while Holiday Point Marina and Campground and Big Bear Lake Family Resort focus on lake recreation. Riders travelling with horses can use Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp, with access to the bridle trail network in the adjacent state forest. Most RV travellers base out of one of these parks and day-trip into Portsmouth.
Things to do near Portsmouth
Shawnee State Park is the centre of outdoor activity. Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes total 68 acres and are stocked for largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and trout, with an annual trout derby held the fourth Saturday in April at Turkey Creek Lake. A valid Ohio fishing licence is required for anglers 16 and older. Hikers can pick up the Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail, with a 4.6-mile West Loop and a 7.2-mile East Loop marked in blue blazes, while the adjacent Shawnee State Forest holds over 70 miles of bridle trails. Inside the park, visitors will find a beach, disc golf, archery ranges, a splash pad, a dog park, and a nature centre. In town, the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals along the Ohio River are a short, free stop.
Camping spots and RV parks near Portsmouth, OH
When to visit Portsmouth campgrounds
- spring
March - May
64° / 45°F 100 mmWildflowers and the late-April trout derby at Turkey Creek.
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 105 mmWarm and humid; holiday weekends sell out months ahead.
- fall
September - November
70° / 48°F 80 mmDriest stretch; peak leaf colour mid to late October.
- winter
December - February
41° / 27°F 80 mmCold and wet; most private parks closed or limited.
The main camping season in southern Ohio runs from mid-spring through late October. Spring brings reliable rain and wildflowers in the Shawnee hills, with the Jaycees trout derby at Turkey Creek Lake on the fourth Saturday in April marking the unofficial start. Birding is strong in late April and early May as migratory warblers pass through the forest. Summer is warm and humid, with daytime highs typically in the mid-80s Fahrenheit and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, fill quickly at Shawnee State Park and the lake-focused private parks.
Fall is often the best window for RV travel. Rainfall eases in September, leaf colour usually peaks across the Shawnee Forest in mid to late October, and crowds thin after Labor Day. Winters are short but cold and wet. Most private campgrounds reduce services or close in winter, while the state park keeps a limited number of sites available year round. Hunting seasons in the adjacent state forest also draw visitors in late fall.
How to book a site near Portsmouth
Sites at Main - Shawnee State Park are managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through reserveohio.com. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance online or by calling (866) 644-6727. Site dimensions and surfaces vary, so check the individual site details before booking, especially for larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels. The Ohio River Campground near the park marina is a separate listing from the Turkey Creek loops on the same reservation system. Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp, near Bear Lake, is a primitive equestrian camp managed by Shawnee State Forest rather than the state park reservation system. Private parks such as Lazy Village Campground and RV Park, Holiday Point Marina and Campground, and Big Bear Lake Family Resort take bookings directly through the operator. Summer weekends sell out months ahead at Shawnee, so book early.
What to expect on the ground
Roads into Shawnee State Park climb and curve through the Appalachian foothills off State Route 125. Most pads at Turkey Creek Campground are level gravel with electric service, fire rings, and picnic tables, and the loops are shaded by mature hardwoods. The newer Ohio River Campground, off US Route 52, has 80 paved full-hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer on level asphalt pads, five of them ADA-compliant, and can accommodate longer rigs. Cell service is patchy in the forest interior. The equestrian camp in the state forest is primitive, with no hookups, latrines, and dirt access roads that can be slick after rain. Pets are permitted at most sites but not inside the camper cabins. Deer, turkey, and timber rattlesnakes are present in the forest, so use standard food storage and trail awareness.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Portsmouth, OH
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Portsmouth?
An RV rental in Portsmouth is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Ohio River valley and the Appalachian foothills. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $85 to $130 per night, while Class C motorhomes generally run $150 to $250 per night, with larger Class A rigs landing higher. Pricing varies by size, age, season, and host. To save on your Portsmouth RV trip, book mid-week stays, travel in shoulder seasons like April or October when Shawnee State Forest is quietest, and use RVezy filters to compare instant book listings side by side. Pro tip: bundle a longer rental, many hosts offer weekly discounts.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Portsmouth, OH?
Great news for first-time renters: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Portsmouth, OH. Ohio is one of the most RV-friendly states in the country, and recreational vehicles are specifically exempt from commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements under Ohio Revised Code 4506. That means you can drive everything from a compact campervan to a 35-foot Class A motorhome with your regular license. To book on RVezy you'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and ID verification happens right inside the platform during checkout. Visiting from outside the US? An International Driving Permit (IDP) paired with your home license keeps you fully covered for your Portsmouth RV trip.
bmv.ohio.gov/dl-cdl-exemptions.aspxWhat protection is included with my RV rental in Portsmouth?
You can book with confidence: every RV rental in Portsmouth on RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the RV during your trip, so small issues like a stone chip on US-52 or an accidental scrape backing into a Shawnee State Park campsite are handled through RVezy rather than out of pocket. During checkout you choose your protection level, with higher tiers offering greater coverage limits and lower deductibles. Review the included coverage details on the booking page so you arrive in Portsmouth knowing exactly what is covered and how to file a claim if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Portsmouth RV rental?
Booking is low risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every reservation, not individual hosts, so you get consistent, transparent terms whether you rent a campervan in Portsmouth or a Class C across the river in Kentucky. There is a money-back grace period after booking, plus structured refund tiers based on how far out from your trip you cancel. Major life events and natural disasters, like flooding along the Ohio River, may qualify for additional protections under RVezy's policies. Your full cancellation terms are shown at checkout and in your RVezy account. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Portsmouth RV rental options, knowing you have flexibility if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Portsmouth RV trip?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Portsmouth is easy to find on RVezy. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page and you will see hosts who welcome dogs and other companions. Shawnee State Park has pet-friendly campsites and miles of leashed-dog trails through the surrounding Shawnee State Forest, often called Ohio's Little Smokies. Spock Memorial Dog Park in Portsmouth is a great stretch-and-sniff stop before heading to the campground. Most hosts ask for a small pet fee and a few simple rules, like crating when you leave the rig. Pro tip: message the host before booking to share your dog's size and breed so check-in is smooth and stress-free.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-parkCan my RV be delivered to a campground near Portsmouth?
Yes, RV delivery in Portsmouth is one of the most popular options on RVezy and a real game-changer for first-time renters. Many local hosts will drive the RV to your campground, level it, connect water and electric, and walk you through every system before they leave. Popular delivery destinations include Shawnee State Park and Lazy Village Campground in West Portsmouth. Delivery fees are typically based on mileage from the host's location. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy to see who offers it. Pro tip: pair delivery with a generator add-on if you are booking a non-electric site at Shawnee.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioHow far can I drive on my Portsmouth RV trip?
You have plenty of range from Portsmouth. Hosts set their own mileage policies, and many include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer Ohio River road trips. Popular drives from Portsmouth include Hocking Hills State Park (about 75 miles north), Red River Gorge in Kentucky (around 130 miles south), Cincinnati (about 105 miles west), Mammoth Cave National Park (about 240 miles southwest), and Columbus (about 95 miles north). Extra miles, when applicable, are billed at a per-mile rate disclosed on the listing. Pro tip: map your full route before booking and message the host, many will bump your mileage allotment for a small flat fee if you are planning a bigger loop.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioWhere are the best campgrounds near Portsmouth?
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping near Portsmouth. The standout is Shawnee State Park, with a campground tucked among the forested hills offering electric and full-hookup sites, a dump station, and access to Turkey Creek Lake. Lazy Village Campground & RV Park in West Portsmouth offers big-rig friendly sites with full hookups. Just across the river, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Kentucky is about a 30-minute drive and great for fishing. Sandy Springs Campground along US-52 east of Portsmouth is another solid riverfront pick. Pro tip: book Shawnee through ReserveOhio up to six months in advance, especially for fall foliage weekends.
reserveohio.com/When is the best time of year for an RV trip to Portsmouth?
Portsmouth shines from late April through late October, with peak comfort in May, June, September, and early October when daytime highs sit in the 70s to low 80s°F and humidity is manageable. July and August can climb into the upper 80s with high humidity, so plan for AC use and early morning hikes in Shawnee State Forest. Fall is the local insider's secret: the Appalachian foothills around Portsmouth, nicknamed Ohio's Little Smokies, light up with color in mid to late October. Winter RVing is doable for adventurous renters, but expect lows in the 20s°F and occasional snow, and confirm seasonal hookup availability at your campground. Pro tip: target the third week of October for the best foliage and lighter campground crowds.
weather.gov/iln/I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting in Portsmouth?
Yes, first time renting an RV in Portsmouth is very doable, especially since the local roads are forgiving compared to big-city driving. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on walkthrough at pickup, showing you how to operate the generator, slides, hookups, and dump valves before you drive away. For your first trip, choose a Class C motorhome or a small travel trailer; they handle a lot like a large pickup. Drive the Ohio River Scenic Byway along US-52 west toward Shawnee State Park to ease into things, the route is wide, well marked, and stunningly scenic. Pro tip: ask your host if delivery is available, that way the rig is set up and ready when you arrive at the campground.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360003359854-For-RentersWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are covered around the clock. Every RV rental in Portsmouth on RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on State Route 125 heading into Shawnee State Forest or a battery issue at Lazy Village won't derail your trip. One phone call dispatches help for towing, jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, most owners know their rig inside and out and can walk you through quick fixes like resetting a tripped GFCI or relighting the water heater. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and your host's contact info in your phone before you leave town.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat are some popular road trips from Portsmouth?
An RV road trip from Portsmouth puts an incredible mix of nature, caves, and cities within easy reach. Top picks include Hocking Hills State Park about 75 miles north for waterfalls and Old Man's Cave; Red River Gorge in Kentucky about 130 miles south for sandstone arches; Mammoth Cave National Park around 240 miles southwest; Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland about 220 miles north; and Cincinnati or Louisville weekends, both within about 110 miles. Cross-border travel between Ohio and Kentucky or West Virginia is straightforward on RVezy. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental, and Canadian travel needs prior host approval. Pro tip: the Ohio River Scenic Byway from Portsmouth east toward Marietta is a hidden gem with about 4 hours of river views.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioHow much should I budget for fuel on my Portsmouth RV trip?
Fuel is one of the easier costs to plan for. Class C motorhomes you will rent in Portsmouth typically average 8 to 10 MPG, Class B campervans get 16 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but typically pull 10 to 14 MPG combined. Ohio gas prices generally run near or slightly below the national average, and you will find Pilot, Marathon, and Speedway stations along US-23 and US-52 in and around Portsmouth. For a typical 3-night trip to Shawnee State Park and back covering about 150 miles, budget roughly $60 to $100 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Portsmouth before heading deep into Shawnee State Forest, the nearest stations from the campground are about 15 minutes away.
gasprices.aaa.com/state-gas-price-averages/How far in advance should I book a campground near Portsmouth?
Reserve early and you will have the pick of the best campgrounds near Portsmouth. Ohio State Parks use the ReserveOhio system, which opens bookings up to six months in advance. For Shawnee State Park, especially weekends between Memorial Day and early November, book at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Holiday weekends like Fourth of July and Labor Day fill the same day the six-month window opens. Private parks like Lazy Village take reservations directly. Pro tip: if your dates are flexible, use the ReserveOhio cancellation alerts: last-minute openings pop up more often than you would think.
reserveohio.com/What are local driving conditions like around Portsmouth?
Driving an RV around Portsmouth is genuinely relaxed compared to big-metro areas. US-52 (the Ohio River Scenic Byway) and US-23 are the main arteries, both wide and well maintained. Inside Shawnee State Forest, State Route 125 and connecting forest roads have tight curves and rolling grades, so take it slow and use lower gears on the descents. Watch for morning fog along the Scioto and Ohio Rivers in spring and fall, and occasional ice on bridges in winter. The downtown Portsmouth Boneyfiddle historic district has narrow streets, so park your RV at Riverfront Park or another large public lot and walk in. Pro tip: avoid US-23 north during the 4 to 6 p.m. weekday rush.
transportation.ohio.gov/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Portsmouth?
Local campgrounds are well equipped for any RV size. Shawnee State Park's campground offers electric and full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service on level pads, plus a dump station, water fill-up, heated shower houses, flush toilets, laundry, and a small camp store, with a swimming beach on Turkey Creek Lake. Lazy Village in West Portsmouth has 50-amp full-service big-rig pads. Cell service is limited inside Shawnee State Forest, so download maps before you head in. Both Shawnee and Lazy Village have dump stations for registered guests. Pro tip: top off freshwater before leaving the campground, public water fills are scarce on the back roads.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-parkWhat is actually inside the RVs I can rent in Portsmouth?
You will be impressed by how well equipped local rigs are. A typical motorhome rental in Portsmouth includes a queen or king bed, bunk options for kids, a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, dinette and lounge seating with seatbelts for travel, roof AC, propane furnace, and a generator or shore power hookup. Many listings include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, and outdoor speakers, and some offer Wi-Fi hotspots as an add-on, handy because cell service drops inside Shawnee State Forest. Linens, kitchen kits, and camp chairs are often available too. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps count on RVezy to match your group size, and check the listing photos for layout details like slide-outs that dramatically expand living space at camp.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioWhat add-ons and pickup options are typical for Portsmouth RV rentals?
Hosts in Portsmouth offer a great mix of add-ons to customize your trip. Common extras include linens and bedding kits, kitchen packages, camp chairs and outdoor mats, portable generators, bike racks, kayaks, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Many hosts also offer a dump-and-clean service so you can return the RV without emptying tanks. Pickup is typically at the host's address in or near Portsmouth, or you can book RV delivery to Shawnee State Park, Lazy Village, or your home driveway. Mileage policies range from around 100 miles per night to unlimited mileage depending on the listing. Pro tip: ask about a generator add-on if you are booking a non-electric site, you will want it for the AC in July and August.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portsmouth%2C%20OhioHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. When you book an RV rental in Portsmouth, you pay through RVezy's encrypted platform, never directly to the host, which protects both sides. A deposit secures your reservation, and the remaining balance is charged before your trip starts. A refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your credit card a few days before pickup, not actually charged, and the amount varies by listing based on the RV's value. It is released after your trip once the host confirms the rig was returned in good condition. To avoid surprises, do a thorough walkaround with the host at pickup, take photos of any existing dings, and return with the tank fueled per the listing's policy.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I overnight in my RV at rest areas or parking lots in Ohio?
Here is the straight scoop: Ohio generally does not allow overnight camping at standard interstate rest areas, though stopping to rest so you can continue driving safely is permitted. The big exception is the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), which has service plazas with designated overnight RV parking for a flat fee. Around Portsmouth, plan to overnight at a real campground like Shawnee State Park or Lazy Village rather than a retail parking lot, and always ask the store manager first if you do choose a lot. Pro tip: when crossing Ohio on a longer RV road trip, plan turnpike service plazas as built-in budget stops.
ohioturnpike.org/travelers/service-plazasNearby cities with campgrounds
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