Camping near Athens with swimming

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

94% (910 reviews)

United States
—
Ohio
—
Athens

94% (910 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Athens

Community favorites near Athens

Public campgrounds near Athens

100%

(12)

Lake Hope Campground

25 sites In Lake Hope State Park

99%

(47)

Old Man’s Cave Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Hocking Hills State Park

100%

(2)

Burr Oak Cove Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In Wayne National Forest

100%

(2)

Burr Oak Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In Burr Oak State Park

100%

(2)

Hocking State Forest Horse Camp

23 sites In Hocking State Forest

100%

(3)

Tar Hollow Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In Tar Hollow State Park

100%

(2)

Jackson Lake Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In Jackson Lake State Park

100%

(1)

Blue Rock Campground

25 sites In Blue Rock State Park

100%

(2)

Scioto Trail Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Scioto Trail State Park

Forked Run Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Forked Run State Park

50%

(3)

Lake Alma Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Alma State Park

90%

(10)

Dillon Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Dillon State Park

12 top campgrounds near Athens with swimming

98%

(120)

Pop's Place Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Corning, OH

A small primitive camping area in SE Ohio. We have 2 acres with four sites available. A short distance to Burr Oak State Park, Tecumseh Trails Off-road, Merckles offroad, Wayne National Forest, Bailey's Trail System and The Triple Nickel. A side x side, ATV or hunters paradise. We are also motorcycle friendly.

99%

(136)

Private Forest 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 oneself in nature. From our parking area, our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) by way of a well maintained footpath which leads you alongside a farm pasture, to a wooded trail that empties on to a level forest understory ideal for your hammock or tent. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a table, your own private outhouse, and unlimited sights and sounds of nature. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to one of our best stargazing hilltops, to the shallow creek which runs alongside the campsite, through shaded forests and ridgetop views. Our pond, a short 7 minute hike, offers fishing, swimming or simply relaxing on the dock. For longer hikes, all trails connect to our larger network of maintained trails winding over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails offering the hiker farm-life views across our 80 acres. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost. Please order your "extra items" at the time of booking. *Additional fees may apply for items not ordered in advance of stay.* - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - Garbage disposal (limit 2 bags per booking) - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - *Stringed twinkle lights - 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.

99%

(292)

Fish Farm Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents128 acres · Pleasant City, OH

We have a beautiful 20 acre lake. It's 60 ft deep with crystal clear water and is great for swimming and fishing. Kayaking welcome too. We also have a couple other ponds available for fishing as well. We raise fresh water prawn and bluegill in the summertime, so late september we have fresh shrimp available. Lots of waterfowl and deer here to see.

99%

(126)

Triple D Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

My wife and I purchased this property as a family get a way. Great place to relax and unwind.

100%

(11)

Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

2 sites · RVs3 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 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 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.

89%

(247)

Geneva Hills

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Lancaster, OH

99%

(104)

Dexter Run Farms and Lodging

5 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.

100%

(13)

Birdhouse Farm Camp And Cabin

11 sites · Lodging, Tents35 acres · Albany, OH

Relax and explore on 35 acres of mowed & maintained trails on our historic farm in Albany, Ohio! Birdhouse Farm is a chef-driven and sustainable farm featuring seasonal produce, poultry, foraged foods, and goats, with more in the works! Our farm sits on 35 acres of former dairy pasture and features a private, spring-fed pond, open areas for yard games, wooded trails, and two cozy, off-grid campsites. Local attractions, breweries, wineries, music, outdoor activities, and the arts are a short car ride away: Uptown Athens/Ohio University Campus: 9.2 miles Pleasant Hill Winery: 3 miles Hocking Hills: 35 miles Pomeroy, Ohio: 20 miles Fur Peace Ranch: 12 miles Nelsonville, Ohio: 23 miles Baileys Trail System: 20 miles Strouds Run State Park: 15 miles Planning a special weekend? Reach out to the hosts to create a memorable, private farm-to-table meal! Birdhouse Farm is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly space.

93%

(14)

Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

4 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.

96%

(36)

Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents58 acres · Laurelville, OH

A modern and eclectic experience, this forest lodge sleeps 16 and is set on a 58-acre nature preserve. Created by two artists, the curated aesthetics of this home are ideal for retreats, gatherings, and team building. Featuring steel sculptures, wood carvings, tile murals, and a black walnut kitchen and bar; this 4000 sq ft space has a walk out lower level and open floor plan with forest views. Includes WIFI with 200 Mbps, hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, onsite hiking trails and nearby Hocking Hills Parks. Tiny Art Bungalows available in 2025 Pollinator Tiny Bungalow, Tiny Home/Cabin, sleeps 2. (undergoing current renovation) Another Tiny Art Bungalow coming soon, sleeps 2. Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills is just 2 miles from the western Hocking Hills town, Laurelville. There, you can get groceries, gas, supplies, and visit 6 family-owned restaurants. The closest larger towns are Logan, Lancaster, Circleville, and Chillicothe. We, Dustin and Raven, the owners of Sculptdecor, created most of what you will see in all of the spaces. Upon booking, you'll receive our personal cell numbers and a guidebook filled with local recommendations. State Parks/Nature Preserves nearby are: Rockhouse ( 6.5 miles ) Conkles Hollow ( 10.5 miles ) Whispering Cave ( 14 miles ) Old Man's Cave ( 14 miles ) Ash Cave ( 13 miles ) and several more! There are over a mile of private Hiking trails on the property. We are working with local naturalists to ensure that we maintain a healthy forest. We are unable to accommodate domestic animal friends/pets due to our senior dog Peanut who you may see somewhere around the property during your stay. For art enthusiasts, the Sculptdecor Shop, run by master sculptor Dustin Weatherby, is on the 58-acres closest to the Art Lodge located at the bottom of the driveway. Dustin specializes in animatronics, steel sculptures, wood carvings, mixed media sculptures, and starting in 2025, will offer live art performances and experience packages for guests. Feel free to stop by the shop and say hello, our home is on the same 58-acre property. Although you cannot see our home from the Art Lodge or Tiny Bungalows, we're often nearby to assist you if you need us. We hope you love our spaces as much as we do. Your hosts, -Raven and Dustin-

92%

(51)

Buckeye Lake Winery

7 sites · RVs16 acres · Thornville, OH

Learn more about this land:There are seven graveled drives located in the woods at Buckeye Lake Winery. Only self contained RV's are allowed, no tent camping. You will have access to Buckeye Lake. There is a kayak located near Buckeye Lake Winery that guests can use. Camp fires are permitted. Please take all trash with you. Restrooms are not provided at campsites, however there are facilities in the winery when open. Enjoy Buckeye Lake Winery and Restaurant during open hours of operation, see website for more specific information regarding hours of operation, menu and band schedules. Buckeye Lake has multiple bars and restaurants located around the lake, once considered the "Playground of Ohio". It's an undiscovered gem if you've never been here.

96%

(12)

Pop's Place - Cozy Cottage

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Corning, OH

The cottage is nestled in a quiet little town of Congo. This cottage is an original miners shack dating back to the 1900's and is situated on .25 acre. It has 1.5 bedrooms, with a queen size bed in the bedroom and a queen pull out in the living room. Bedding and towels provided. It also has a full bathroom and a full kitchen, pots and pans, dishes and utensils included. You can enjoy a fire out front and your coffee on the porch as well. At this time, the cottage has limited outdoor space. It is located less than 10 minutes from Tecumseh Trails Off Road, Merkles OffRoad, Wayne National Forest and Burr Oak State Park. It is heated and has A/C too. Check out popsplacecamping.com for more information.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Hocking Hills State Park

Logan, Ohio

94%

(8)

Wayne National Forest

Tar Hollow State Park

Adelphi, Ohio

100%

(2)

Jackson Lake State Park

Scioto Trail State Park

Waverly, Ohio

Forked Run State Park

Tuppers Plains, Ohio

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Athens with swimming guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a camping experience near Athens, Ohio with fantastic swimming opportunities, you're in luck. With over 680 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into swimming, fishing, or whitewater paddling, there's something for everyone. Check out popular campsites like Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews), and McKee Farm (188 reviews) for top-rated accommodations. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and trash disposal to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and dive into the perfect swimming spot near Athens, Ohio!