Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Athens, Ohio

United States
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Ohio
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Athens

97% (1111 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Athens

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Athens

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Altenbrauch Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

Located only 8 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, Altenbrauch Farm features 62 acres of open fields, small streams and wooded hills intersected by a lonely country road. Aside from our house, there are no neighbors in sight. Easily pitch your tent in an open field or trek through the hills and hollows to find your perfect campsite.As part of Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is home to the second largest state forest, in addition to multiple state parks and wildlife areas. You’ll encounter abandoned historical sites and relics dating back to the early 1800s, hidden away among the wooded hills of Ohio’s least populated county. If you're a lover of outdoor recreation, this is the place to be. Within about a half-hour drive, there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and birding. Nearby parks and forests include Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Forest, Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Rail Trail, Lake Alma State Park, Tar Hollow State Forest, and more!Set up camp wherever you like! There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle. The fields have about a dozen "permanent" sites with stone or metal fire rings and log seating. Portable fire rings are also available that can be moved anywhere. Dead wood for campfires is free to gather, or split firewood is available to purchase for $5/bundle. A toilet and solar shower are located at the center of the property. An outdoor water spigot is also available. Guests are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Any trash packed onto the property must be bagged and taken with you.

Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents240 acres · Chauncey, OH

Sunnyvale Farm est. 1949 - is a 240 acre tree and grain farm nestled in the foothills of Southeast Ohio and situated along the Hocking River. Almost 200 acres of the farm is forested with many changes in elevation. This is a great place to sit back and relax or use as a base camp for your exploration of nature. Just 3 minutes from the Bailey mountain bike trails and the Hockhocking Adena bikeway. We are also 30 minutes from the Hocking Hills or 15 minutes from Strouds Run State Park and if you are a little more adventurous, you are welcome to hike the farm with many uphill climbs or an easier hike to see the little grotto. If going into town is more your speed, Athens is a few minutes away and you can be on the campus of Ohio University in less than 10 minutes without having to leave paved roads.

Benton's on the Baileys

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Millfield, OH

Learn more about this land:Primitive tent camping in Wayne National forest. This area is in extremely private area right off the the Baileys trail system. Recently cleared and leveled terrain with a plethora of trees surrounding it. Enjoy your time around the firepit while preparing dinner on the provided picnic table. Whether you are enjoying the Baileys trail system or hiking in Hocking Hills this a prime location for outdoor enthusiast. Athens county has many locally sourced restaurants and breweries to explore and experience. Please feel free to reach out and contact me with any question.

Baileys Basecamp

4 sites · Tents5 acres · Millfield, OH

Located in the middle of Wayne National Forest and surrounded by the Baileys Trail System. Local attractions include Hocking Hills, Ohio University and many other Southeastern Ohio treasures. We purchased this beautiful piece of property in 2016 to be used primarily as a family hunting camp. Over the years we have continued to improve the land and make it a cozy get-a-way. The land host abundant wildlife and amazing views. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

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Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

1 site · RV3 acres · New Marshfield, OH

UNPLUG & GET BACK TO NATURE at our secluded 3-acre PRIVATE RV RETREAT. Be immersed in nature and cocooned from the sights and sounds of city life. No cellular or wifi service will keep you communing with nature. String up your hammock on the banks of Hewitt Creek and bask in the peaceful serenity of nature. Stroll down our creekside path to the Paw-Paw patch and observe the kaleidoscope of wildlife including butterflies, birds, & bees. Come night, relax by our CREEKSIDE FIREPIT and enjoy our unpolluted night sky. Park your camper at the end of our 120ft long private gravel driveway with 50-amp electric hook-up. Enjoy a large mowed clearing by the creek with firepit and picnic table. In late summer and fall, a field full of 8ft tall annual flowers keep you hidden from the few passing travelers. Split seasoned firewood is usually available for purchase. Plenty of recreational opportunities are near for outdoor enthusiasts. We border the nearly 28K-acre Zaleski State Forest, which boasts of Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, and more. LAKE HOPE STATE PARK is just 4 miles away down an old dirt road, with a 120-acre lake for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and swimming. They also have a free public Shooting Range. HISTORICAL REMNANTS are sprinkled throughout the area, most notably the haunted Moonville Tunnel, Kings Hollow Tunnel and the Hope Iron Furnace. While we don't allow hunting on our property, PUBLIC HUNTING is permitted in Zaleski State Forest (bordering our property) as well as the neighboring Waterloo Wildlife Area and the 5000 acre Wild Turkey management area. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: ~ 1/4 mi to Kings Hollow Tunnel ~ 3 mi to Moonville Tunnel ~ 4 mi to Lake Hope ~ 4 mi to Zalenski Shooting Range ~ 4 mi to Uncle Bucks Riding Stable ~ 4 mi to Hope Iron Furnace ~ 8 miles to Albany, OH ~ 12 mi to Athens, OH ~ 17 mi to Dorr Run ATV Trails Wayne National Forest (145 miles of trails) ~ 30m to Burr Oak State Park ~ 20 minutes from Old Man’s Cave, Hocking State Park ~ 1hr drive from Columbus PLEASE NOTE: Our property is monitored by game camera. The property is located in a field by a creek and has the potential to flood with prolonged heavy rains. If you plan to camp during a rainy weekend, we suggest a NOAA weather radio to keep informed since no Wi-fi or internet.

Sycamore Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Glouster, OH

Discover a serene camping lot spanning over 4 acres, nestled alongside the Wayne National Forest. Located just over 1 mile from Long Ridge in Butchel, this primitive site offers an authentic outdoor experience. Priced at $75 per weekend (Thursday-Sunday or Friday-Monday), it's ideal for those seeking solitude and immersion in nature. Please note, this site does not feature water or electric hookups, but generators are welcome. To prioritize your privacy, we only rent to one group at a time. Thank you for considering us for your outdoor getaway!

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Dexter Run Farms and Lodging

4 sites · Lodging, Tents300 acres · Langsville, OH

Welcome to Dexter Run Farms. Our farm is a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you will experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. Surrounded by forest yet boasting beautiful views of mountain ridges and valleys. Choose from many large yard/open spaces that's perfect for playing outdoor games, yoga, sunbathing. Tons of hiking trails throughout our 300-acre homestead offer a variety of views from different elevations. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing. Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure. Ask us about our farm fresh eggs, bacon or sausage for your breakfasts. Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations! Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs. Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise. Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests. We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins. Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways. 15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh. 24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University) 28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV 30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh 37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival) 70 miles to Ashland, KY 82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia. 92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus) *Electric is available as an extra add-on with a $15/night fee. Dexter Run Farms is a working farm, selling grass-fed beef.

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My Spot Private Campsite

1 site · Tent80 acres · Dexter , OH

Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing in nature’s solitude. Our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) from parking where you’ll find a footpath that empties out onto a level forest understory, surrounded by trees ideal for pitching tents and hammocks. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a large table, and your own private outhouse with a composting toilet. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to our best stargazing hilltop, for playing in the shallow creek running alongside our campsite, as well as shaded forest and ridgetop views. Our pond, equipped with a dock, ladder and seating is a favorite short 7 minute hike for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing. For longer hikes, any trail will connect you to our larger network of maintained trails over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails and farm-life views across our 80 acre farm. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost: - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - 5 gallons of water (or less) in jugs with handy pour spout - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - Stringed twinkle lights - prehung (we do the hanging before you arrive) * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing.

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Near/Far Cabin and Campground

2 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Stewart, OH

Immerse yourself in nature alongside a working farm! Our 15 acre property has many features. Enjoy hiking trails, a small 3 season creek, rock walls and large boulders, trickling waterfalls and caves if you're feeling adventurous. (The cave is currently an off trail experience, is only accessible at certain times of the year and requires steep hiking and some climbing large rocks.) An abundance of wildflowers and native flowering trees grow amongst the beautiful rolling hills of forest. In spring the wildflowers paint the landscape, in the summer the fireflies compete with the stars in a sparkling symphony and in the Fall colors fill the trees. You will experience true darkness, bright stars and the simplicity of being out in the country. We are a small homestead raising much of our own food. It's likely you will be greeted by dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, pigs and a cow. The property is adjacent to hunting club land, which means hundreds of acres of undeveloped, wooded and wild. Wildlife is abundant, including coyote, fox, bobcat, turkey, raccoon, hawk, owl, (reportedly) bear and lots of deer. Most are nocturnal, so you may hear them rather than see them, but they are near. Our livestock guardian dog keeps the pasture occupants safe, but that means nighttime barking. We provide noise machines in the cabin for white noise and you are welcome to bring a small fan. We live in a rural neighborhood, so there will be occasional sounds from other dwellings, there is a dog rescue across the street and although infrequent, you might hear ATV's and gun shots from down the road. There are copperheads snakes in the area as well as black widow and brown recluse spiders. You will not likely see them but it is wise to wear boots and stay on the trails. The cabin and campground currently share a composting toilet/outhouse with a space for hanging a shower bag (you must bring your own shower bag). There are 5 gallon jugs of water for filling shower bag, hand washing station and dish washing. There is a Berkey water filter in the cabin, but campers will need to bring their own drinking water. Please be aware that you may have minimal cell service during your stay and there is no wifi. The best place to get a good cell signal is the parking lot. The town of Amesville is filled with personality and is just 7 miles away. With a convenience store, park and a wonderful restaurant, Parks Place, which serves American fare cooked with a chefs flare and local ingredients. There is also a community studio that offers yoga and other fitness classes. Amesville hosts Coonskin Saturdays from May to October with music, food, classes and more on the Third Saturday of each month. The city of Athens is 20 miles away, with many restaurants and shops, ample grocery stores, movie theaters etc, as well as the beautiful campus of Ohio University. Strouds Run State Park and several Nature Preserves are within 15 miles of us, Baileys Bike Trail System is 20 miles away, Burr Oak is 25 miles away, and Hocking Hills State Park is 50 miles away. It is a spectacular area with so much to offer in the way of hiking and other nature related activities.

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Hope's Hippie Hideaway

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

10 acres altogether, about 5 acres mowed. Enough almost the size of a soccer field for kids to play in, in more than one place. Each campsite is about half an acre and we do have fire pits once you decide where you want to camp. We do not often have guests so you should have most of the property to yourself. The campsites are on the far shaded side of the property with my camper and cabin on the other five acres. Learn more about this land: Bookings available for 2023 season. Hope’s Hippie Hideaway at Wheelabout Creek is your new private LGBT friendly 10 acre camping site, less than 10 mi away from Lake Hope. If you could go through Zaleski, it would be 2 minutes. This is not a campground. Hike all day at Lake Hope, Zaleski, or Iron Furnace State Park, and cool off in the private creek that lines the entire property. Attention: The pool is closed for 2023. Lot's of area for exploring, creeking and to enjoy the wildlife. We have swimming holes, port-o-potty, 24-foot shelter house, over six half acre shaded non-hookup camping sites to choose from with private creek access. All campsites have a fire ring, access to charcoal grill, share access to water and electric, but not hookups. Sites #1 & #6 come with picnic tables. We also now have a trash container on site. There is currently one 40-ft gravel pad with pull through access next to temporary water in a full sun area. Dogs are normally on the property with huskies a qtr mile away. Dogs are welcome when leashed. And well-behaved. This is our own little happy place where we enjoy the view, the sounds of nature and togetherness with our friends and family. There is a shooting range near Lake Hope State Park, but shooting is not allowed on the property. The property is technically in McArthur, Ohio, but Google also considers it in Albany, Ohio. 10 miles from Lake Hope, 20 mi from Athens, 6 mi from McArthur Ohio where there are gas stations, fast food, pizza can be delivered, and three dollar general's within 15 minutes. Each campsite can have up to 6 people, any more and the site next door can also be booked. This listing is only for the 4 currently available non-hookup campsites or gravel pad. All amenities including water and electric are shared with owner and other guests. Daily electric hookup for gravel pad not available yet. Please bring some extra firewood as we go through quite a bit of it and firewood is not provided. We have room in the sun and shade for trucks, trailers, ATV's, we have walking trails mowed out, a driving trail around the property, and the pool can be reserved an hour ahead of time. Let us know what you want to bring and we will let you know what is planned that weekend and things to do in the area. Adults can float, kids can go play somewhere else. Bring your hammocks and tents. Can provide tent for extra fee. Wildlife preserve area in tall grass. Discounts for returning customers.

The Preserve

1 site · Tent12 acres · Albany, OH

The Preserve is inside of a Nature Preserve which is located inside of a very exclusive and private gun club and firing range. All firearm actitivity is stopped on the entire property while the place is rented. No one but you will be on the property while it is rented through Hip Camp. The Preserve is registered butterfly habitat and a U.S. Dept of Agriculture farm. Although no farming takes place, and hasnt for decades there are ample opportunities to find black berries, mushrooms, Paw Paws and a plethora of edibles throughout the property. The Preserve offers 1.5 miles of hiking trails, a celestial viewing area, archery target trail, 2 very small ponds, a creek and a wet land. Hip Campers can use the archery range and or firing range as long there is approval by the gun clubs Range Officer. The place has a primitive camp site to park a trailer and truck, and a very nice quaint cabin with a front porch and a romantic fire pit and ring. Located just 3.4 miles from Albany and 8 miles from Athens Ohio.

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Monday Creek

3 sites · Lodging3 acres · New Straitsville, OH

Set up in an open field or take cover under some trees. Acess to a beautiful clear water stream. Close to plenty of hocking county activities such as old mans cave, zipe lining adventures, hiking trails, atv trails and more. Plenty of parking room and a pole barn with electric available to charge devices ect. Soon to be a glamping site with tree houses.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(8)

Wayne National Forest

Murray City, Ohio

Zaleski State Forest

Zaleski, Ohio

Forked Run State Park

Tuppers Plains, Ohio

Muskingum River State Park

North Zanesville, Ohio

River, stream, or creek camping near Athens guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience in the United States. If you're looking to camp near Athens, Ohio and enjoy the beauty of a river, we've got you covered. With over 960 options in the area that offer river access, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a rustic retreat or a glamping experience, our campsites have got it all. Check out our top campsites, like Fruitdale Farm with 352 reviews, The Viking Longhall with 257 reviews, and Grins & Pickin's CampFarm with 258 reviews. And don't forget to take advantage of popular amenities like showers, campfires, and cooking equipment, as well as activities such as hiking, climbing, and whitewater paddling. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $5, you'll find the perfect camping experience within your budget.