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58 campgrounds and RV Parks near West Portsmouth, OH. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
58 campgrounds
4481 campsites
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From $25/night
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Best campgrounds near West Portsmouth, OH
Lazy Village Campground and RV Park
West Portsmouth, OH (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(104 sites)
+7
Main - Shawnee State Park
West Portsmouth, OH (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(107 sites)
+6
Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp
Ohio (9 miles away)
$$$$$
Big Bear Lake Family Resort
Lucasville, OH (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+5
Holiday Point Marina and Campground
Franklin Furnace, OH (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Rockwater Campground
Piketon, OH (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Little Bear Island Campground
Greenup, KY (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+3
Sandy Springs Campground
Ohio (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+11
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Kentucky (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(93 sites)
+9
Jackson Lake State Park
Oak Hill, OH (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+4
Long's Retreat Family Resort
Ohio (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(598 sites)
+4
Equestrian - Carter Caves State Resort Park
Olive Hill, KY (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
+2
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Grills Dump station Pet friendly Playground Showers Firewood Laundry Fishing
Campgrounds near West Portsmouth, Ohio
West Portsmouth sits in Scioto County along the Ohio River, at the edge of the Shawnee State Forest and the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. RV travelers use the town as a base for Shawnee State Park, a 1,095-acre park nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest that was once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians. The park sits off State Route 125 near West Portsmouth, making the area unusually convenient for a state-park RV trip.
RV options range from full-service private parks to public sites managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Shawnee State Park offers two different campgrounds, with the main Turkey Creek Campground in the hills and a second facility on the Ohio River near the marina. Lazy Village Campground and RV Park, Big Bear Lake Family Resort, Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp, and Rockwater Campground round out the nearby choices, covering family resorts, equestrian camps, and quieter rural parks.
Portsmouth, just across the Scioto River, provides groceries, fuel, propane, and RV supplies within a short drive.
Things to do near West Portsmouth
Hiking is the headline activity. The Shawnee Forest Day Hike Trail includes a 4.6-mile west loop and a 7.2-mile east loop, both marked with blue blazes, and shorter interpretive paths run from the campground. A mountain biking trail system has also been completed, adding a second option for wheels.
Water recreation centers on Roosevelt Lake and Turkey Creek Lake, both stocked for largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and trout. A trout derby is held annually on the fourth Saturday in April at Turkey Creek Lake, and a valid Ohio fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. The park also has a beach, disc golf, a splash pad, a nature center with kid-friendly exhibits, and a marina on the Ohio River.
Horseback riders can access over 70 miles of bridle trails within the adjacent Shawnee State Forest.
Camping spots and RV parks near West Portsmouth, OH
When to visit West Portsmouth
- spring
March - May
64° / 45°F 100 mmWet season; muddy trails, trout derby in late April.
- summer
June - August
84° / 63°F 95 mmWarm and humid; weekends fill at Shawnee State Park.
- fall
September - November
66° / 45°F 75 mmMildest stretch; hardwood color peaks in October.
- winter
December - February
43° / 25°F 85 mmCold and damp; many private parks closed or limited.
The Ohio River valley climate at West Portsmouth is humid subtropical. Summers are warm and humid, winters are short and very cold, and it is partly cloudy year round, with rain spread across every month. Summer highs commonly reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit, and July is the warmest month. Peak camping demand runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, when Shawnee State Park sites and family resorts near the lake fill on weekends.
Spring is a wet stretch, with May typically among the rainiest months. Trails can be muddy, but wildflowers and the late-April trout derby at Turkey Creek Lake bring anglers and hikers out early. Fall delivers the most comfortable RV weather: cooler nights, drier air, and hardwood color across the Shawnee foothills through October.
Winter camping is possible but limited. January is the coldest month, backwater flooding along the Ohio River can affect low areas of West Portsmouth and Friendship during high-water events, and many private parks reduce services or close between late fall and early spring.
How to book campgrounds near West Portsmouth
Public sites at Shawnee State Park, including both the main Turkey Creek Campground and the Ohio River Campground, are reserved through reserveohio.com or by calling (866) 644-6727, up to six months in advance. Summer weekends and holidays book out early, so setting a reminder for the six-month window is the safest approach for peak dates.
Private parks in the area, including Lazy Village Campground and RV Park, Big Bear Lake Family Resort, and Rockwater Campground, take reservations directly by phone or through their websites. Bens Happy Trails Horsemens Camp caters to riders and should be contacted directly to confirm site type and stock facilities.
A separate primitive equestrian camp near Bear Lake is managed by Shawnee State Forest rather than the state-park reservation system.
What to expect on site
The Turkey Creek Campground offers shaded, hilly sites with a mix of electric and non-electric options, a camp store, showerhouses, an amphitheater, and a beach. Two camper cabins are available in Turkey Creek Campground with limited furnishings, and one is ADA accessible. Site dimensions and site conditions vary, so checking length and slope before booking is important for larger rigs.
The Ohio River Campground is smaller. It features 12 electric sites, two of which are ADA-accessible, with level gravel pads, fire rings, picnic tables, pets allowed, and portable toilets available. Private resorts near West Portsmouth typically add full hookups, laundry, pools or lake swim beaches, and organized weekend activities. Cell coverage is inconsistent in the deeper Shawnee Forest terrain, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended.
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 West Portsmouth, OH
How much does it cost to rent an RV in West Portsmouth, OH?
Good news: an RV rental in West Portsmouth is one of the more affordable ways to explore southern Ohio's Appalachian foothills. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $140 per night, Class C motorhomes run $175 to $275 per night, and luxury Class A coaches can range higher during peak fall foliage weekends. Mid-week bookings in spring or late summer often unlock the best rates, and weekly stays usually come with a discount set by the host. For a cheap RV rental in West Portsmouth, filter by travel trailers and look for hosts offering free local delivery to Shawnee State Park, which saves both gas and stress on your first trip.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-parkDo I need a special license to rent an RV in West Portsmouth?
You're in luck: a regular Ohio driver's license (or your home state or country equivalent) is all you need to rent an RV in West Portsmouth. Ohio does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for any motorhome or travel trailer you'll find on RVezy, even the largest Class A coaches. You'll just need to be at least 25 years old, hold a valid license, and complete a quick ID verification through the RVezy platform when you book. Visiting from outside the US? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home license. Most first-time renters are surprised how quickly the whole process wraps up, often in under 10 minutes.
bmv.ohio.gov/driver-license-id/driver-license/dl-class-typesIs my West Portsmouth RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Peace of mind comes standard. Every RV rental in West Portsmouth booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from pickup to drop-off. The protection plan covers damages to the vehicle and provides financial backup if the unexpected happens on a winding Shawnee State Forest road. During checkout you choose the coverage tier that fits your trip, you (not the host) pick which one feels right. Coverage details and limits are published on RVezy's Insurance and Protection page, making it easy to book with confidence for your first RV trip.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat happens if I need to cancel my West Portsmouth RV trip?
Booking is lower-risk than you might think. RVezy (not the host) sets a clear cancellation policy that applies to every rental in West Portsmouth, including a grace-period window after booking where you can receive a full refund if plans change quickly. Beyond the grace period, your refund depends on how far out you cancel before the trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or offers travel credits so your plans are not left in limbo. The full policy is published on RVezy's Help Center so you can review it before confirming, and RVezy support is available if life happens.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in West Portsmouth?
Bring the whole family, four-legged members included. A pet-friendly RV rental in West Portsmouth is easy to find on RVezy: toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you will see hosts who welcome dogs and cats. Shawnee State Park allows leashed pets at designated campsites, and the 60-plus miles of trails in Shawnee State Forest are great for leashed walks with your pup. Pro tip: pack a tick-prevention treatment, since the dense hardwood forests around West Portsmouth are prime tick habitat from April through October. Confirm any pet fees directly with your host before booking.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near West Portsmouth?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to start your first trip. RV delivery in West Portsmouth is offered by many RVezy hosts, who will tow or drive the motorhome straight to campgrounds such as Shawnee State Park's Turkey Creek Campground or Bear Run Loop. Your host will level the rig, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees vary by distance and are set by each host, often as a flat rate within a set radius. Look for the Delivery filter on RVezy: this option turns a campervan rental in West Portsmouth into a truly zero-stress vacation.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008794-What-is-RV-deliveryHow far can I travel on an RV road trip from West Portsmouth?
Plenty of road awaits. Most hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day) with additional miles available at a small per-mile rate, and some listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, just filter for it. Popular destinations for an RV road trip from West Portsmouth include Hocking Hills State Park (about 90 miles north), Red River Gorge in Kentucky (about 130 miles southwest), Cincinnati (about 100 miles west), and the Great Smoky Mountains (about 320 miles south). Message the host before booking to confirm mileage so the math works for your itinerary.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340174-Understanding-mileageWhere are the best campgrounds near West Portsmouth?
You are spoiled for choice in this corner of Ohio. The best campgrounds near West Portsmouth start with Shawnee State Park's Turkey Creek Campground, which offers electric hookup sites, shower houses, and a dump station just a short drive from town. Bear Run Loop within Shawnee State Park provides additional family-friendly sites tucked into the forest. For broader exploration, Pike Lake State Park sits about an hour north with shaded family sites, and Cave Lake Park in nearby Adams County is another quiet option. Reserve early for fall foliage weekends, when sites near Shawnee fill up fast.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in West Portsmouth?
Shoulder seasons are the sweet spot for RV camping in West Portsmouth. Spring (mid-April through May) brings mild 60 to 75 degree days, blooming dogwoods, and excellent songbird migration through the Shawnee region. Fall (late September through late October) is the area's signature season, with crisp 50 to 70 degree weather and brilliant foliage across Shawnee State Forest, often called the Little Smokies of Ohio. Summer is warm and humid with highs in the mid 80s and afternoon thunderstorms, so plan early starts. Winter rentals are possible for hardy campers, but expect freezing nights and limited campground services.
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