The best river, stream, or creek RV parks near Athens

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If you're looking for an adventure-packed camping experience near Athens, Ohio and prefer to travel with an RV, Hipcamp offers over 1350 options that suit your preference for camping by the river. The average price per night is $35, with options as low as $5. Top campsites such as The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (258 reviews), and The Turkey Hollow Campground (239 reviews) offer popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly options. Popular activities include whitewater paddling, wind sports, and surfing.

93% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Appalachian Retreat Camp

100%
(40)
42mi from Athens · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring a friend and rent this site in conjunction with some of our other sites or split up your camping trip with a night in our backcountry camp site. Located in the rolling Appalachian hills of Southeast Ohio. This farm has been in our family since 1869 when our relatives settled here from Germany. Originally farmed for cattle and sheep with many orchards over the years our property is now mostly mature forest. Southeast Ohio, including our property is known for its hilly topography and microclimates. Hills range from 400 to 1,100 feet. Nearly 500 acres of land with an additional 200+ acres of Wayne National Forest adjacent to our farm and close proximity to other Wayne areas for outdoor activities. We have nearly 10 miles of available trails for hiking. Many activities can be done at or centered around our property. Such as excellent and challenging road biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating. We are two miles from the Little Muskingum River. A great river for kayak trips. The Wayne Kinderhook horse and hiking trail is roughly 5 miles from our location. Hike to the Irish Run Natural Land bridge trail also a short drive to the trailhead from our property. Ride your motorcycle up Rt. 26 a great Ohio byway for scenic driving. This is also a great home base for dual sport or adventure bike motorcycle riders to camp while adventuring along gravel roads through Appalachia. If motorcycles aren't your method of entertainment and travel. Bring your horse and ride on several of our trails. From steep ascents to long flat ridge lines, you will have lots of time to immerse yourself with nature while hiking. We're next to a section of the Wayne National Forest and a short drive to other similar Wayne activity sites. If you like to camp, but don't want the busy public park experience then you will enjoy the privacy of our camping location. We are also only about a 20-minute drive to downtown Marietta. Where you can find restaurants, bars, and many other fun activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

3. Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

94%
(35)
3.9mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Established in 1949, Sunnyvale Farm spans 160 acres of scenic trees and grain fields in the foothills of Southeast Ohio, nestled along the tranquil Hocking River. With nearly 120 acres of forested land featuring diverse elevation changes, our campground offers a serene retreat to unwind or a perfect base for exploring nature. Enjoy proximity to adventure: just 3 minutes from Bailey mountain bike trails and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, 30 minutes from the stunning Hocking Hills, or 15 minutes from Strouds Run State Park. For those eager to explore the farm itself, hike through varied terrain with rewarding uphill climbs or take a leisurely stroll to discover our charming little grotto. If you prefer a touch of city life, the vibrant town of Athens is just minutes away, and you can reach Ohio University’s campus in under 10 minutes, all on paved roads. Please note that our campsites are located close to the road, so you may experience some road noise during your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night

6. Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms

89%
(14)
19mi from Athens · 3 sites · RVs
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms is a separate 100-acre space that provides the opportunity to tent camp or RV/Camper hook up. Rolling farmland covers about 30 acres which gives you beautiful peaceful views during the day and breathtaking sky watching at night. The remaining 70 acres are wooded with many scattered springs that flow from beneath the ground. Our farm and homestead are a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. We have been a working black angus cow farm for over 20 years. While exploring we ask our guests to please close any gate you have opened. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you are presented with the opportunity to experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. 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. 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)
Full hookups
from 
$65
 / night

7. Altenbrauch Farm

98%
(501)
25mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

8. Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

100%
(25)
9.8mi from Athens · 2 sites · RVs
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 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. This is the perfect time to meander our Butterfly Walking Trail through the meadow. 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 Zaleski 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 *This property has the potential to flood with prolonged heavy rains.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$48
 / night

20. Peaceful Pines

60%
(5)
29mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
These newly updated gravel RV sites are located in the Hocking Hills area. Just a short distance away from Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave. Other parks nearby are Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, Tar Hollow State Forest, Cedar Falls and many more. Located right across the road is the Buckeye Trail that is walked by many hiking enthusiast through the hocking hills region. You can enjoy some peace and quiet at the end of the day around the fire or walking the nearby creek. Please be respectful of our neighbors and stay on your side of the creek. The creek is marked to the right with orange markers and to the left the property ends at the bridge. Pack it in, pack it out: Check your campsite for trash and leftover food, and pack if there is any please place them in the dumpster at the entrance. Please leave the property just like it was when you got there. There is no cell phone service in this area. We do have extended WiFi from the cabin now. After a long day of hiking grab a delicious burger from Jimbo's or a slice of heaven from Papa Dino's Pizzeria. Side note: There is a cabin also available to rent on site it has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for friends that do not have campers. Here is the link. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1455115169782441954?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=f2de1681-3d6d-4de0-a1b2-7ab74b226462 15 min Ash Cave 17 min Conkles Hollow 18 min Old Man's Cave 20 min Tar Hollow 20 min Cedar Falls 30 min Zaleski State Forest 36 min Lake Hope State Park 42 min Clear Creek 58 min Wayne National Forest
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

If you're looking for an adventure-packed camping experience near Athens, Ohio and prefer to travel with an RV, Hipcamp offers over 1350 options that suit your preference for camping by the river. The average price per night is $35, with options as low as $5. Top campsites such as The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (258 reviews), and The Turkey Hollow Campground (239 reviews) offer popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly options. Popular activities include whitewater paddling, wind sports, and surfing.

93% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Appalachian Retreat Camp

100%
(40)
42mi from Athens · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring a friend and rent this site in conjunction with some of our other sites or split up your camping trip with a night in our backcountry camp site. Located in the rolling Appalachian hills of Southeast Ohio. This farm has been in our family since 1869 when our relatives settled here from Germany. Originally farmed for cattle and sheep with many orchards over the years our property is now mostly mature forest. Southeast Ohio, including our property is known for its hilly topography and microclimates. Hills range from 400 to 1,100 feet. Nearly 500 acres of land with an additional 200+ acres of Wayne National Forest adjacent to our farm and close proximity to other Wayne areas for outdoor activities. We have nearly 10 miles of available trails for hiking. Many activities can be done at or centered around our property. Such as excellent and challenging road biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating. We are two miles from the Little Muskingum River. A great river for kayak trips. The Wayne Kinderhook horse and hiking trail is roughly 5 miles from our location. Hike to the Irish Run Natural Land bridge trail also a short drive to the trailhead from our property. Ride your motorcycle up Rt. 26 a great Ohio byway for scenic driving. This is also a great home base for dual sport or adventure bike motorcycle riders to camp while adventuring along gravel roads through Appalachia. If motorcycles aren't your method of entertainment and travel. Bring your horse and ride on several of our trails. From steep ascents to long flat ridge lines, you will have lots of time to immerse yourself with nature while hiking. We're next to a section of the Wayne National Forest and a short drive to other similar Wayne activity sites. If you like to camp, but don't want the busy public park experience then you will enjoy the privacy of our camping location. We are also only about a 20-minute drive to downtown Marietta. Where you can find restaurants, bars, and many other fun activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

3. Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

94%
(35)
3.9mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Established in 1949, Sunnyvale Farm spans 160 acres of scenic trees and grain fields in the foothills of Southeast Ohio, nestled along the tranquil Hocking River. With nearly 120 acres of forested land featuring diverse elevation changes, our campground offers a serene retreat to unwind or a perfect base for exploring nature. Enjoy proximity to adventure: just 3 minutes from Bailey mountain bike trails and the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, 30 minutes from the stunning Hocking Hills, or 15 minutes from Strouds Run State Park. For those eager to explore the farm itself, hike through varied terrain with rewarding uphill climbs or take a leisurely stroll to discover our charming little grotto. If you prefer a touch of city life, the vibrant town of Athens is just minutes away, and you can reach Ohio University’s campus in under 10 minutes, all on paved roads. Please note that our campsites are located close to the road, so you may experience some road noise during your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night

6. Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms

89%
(14)
19mi from Athens · 3 sites · RVs
Salem Springs at Dexter Run Farms is a separate 100-acre space that provides the opportunity to tent camp or RV/Camper hook up. Rolling farmland covers about 30 acres which gives you beautiful peaceful views during the day and breathtaking sky watching at night. The remaining 70 acres are wooded with many scattered springs that flow from beneath the ground. Our farm and homestead are a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. We have been a working black angus cow farm for over 20 years. While exploring we ask our guests to please close any gate you have opened. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you are presented with the opportunity to experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. 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. 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)
Full hookups
from 
$65
 / night

7. Altenbrauch Farm

98%
(501)
25mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

8. Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

100%
(25)
9.8mi from Athens · 2 sites · RVs
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 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. This is the perfect time to meander our Butterfly Walking Trail through the meadow. 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 Zaleski 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 *This property has the potential to flood with prolonged heavy rains.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
$48
 / night

20. Peaceful Pines

60%
(5)
29mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
These newly updated gravel RV sites are located in the Hocking Hills area. Just a short distance away from Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave. Other parks nearby are Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, Tar Hollow State Forest, Cedar Falls and many more. Located right across the road is the Buckeye Trail that is walked by many hiking enthusiast through the hocking hills region. You can enjoy some peace and quiet at the end of the day around the fire or walking the nearby creek. Please be respectful of our neighbors and stay on your side of the creek. The creek is marked to the right with orange markers and to the left the property ends at the bridge. Pack it in, pack it out: Check your campsite for trash and leftover food, and pack if there is any please place them in the dumpster at the entrance. Please leave the property just like it was when you got there. There is no cell phone service in this area. We do have extended WiFi from the cabin now. After a long day of hiking grab a delicious burger from Jimbo's or a slice of heaven from Papa Dino's Pizzeria. Side note: There is a cabin also available to rent on site it has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for friends that do not have campers. Here is the link. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1455115169782441954?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=f2de1681-3d6d-4de0-a1b2-7ab74b226462 15 min Ash Cave 17 min Conkles Hollow 18 min Old Man's Cave 20 min Tar Hollow 20 min Cedar Falls 30 min Zaleski State Forest 36 min Lake Hope State Park 42 min Clear Creek 58 min Wayne National Forest
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field