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Shawnee
Overview
Shawnee State Park is frequently referred to as the Little Smokies of Ohio due to its location within the rolling Appalachian foothills. This expansive destination is nestled within the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, offering RV travelers a rugged yet accessible escape into the wilderness. The park provides a serene atmosphere where dense forest canopies meet the peaceful shores of Roosevelt Lake, creating a picturesque backdrop for a weekend getaway or an extended nature retreat.
Location & Surroundings
Located just west of Portsmouth, Ohio, the park sits in the heart of Scioto County along the Ohio River valley. The surrounding landscape is defined by steep ridges and deep, winding valleys that offer some of the most dramatic terrain in the state. Travelers will find themselves immersed in a massive expanse of hardwood forest that undergoes a stunning transformation during the fall foliage season, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility while remaining a short drive from local city conveniences.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Shawnee is well-equipped for modern RVers, offering over 100 campsites with various hookup options. The park features dedicated full hookup sites and numerous electric-only sites that can accommodate a variety of rig sizes. Visitors have access to essential comforts, including heated shower houses, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store. For recreation, the park includes a nature center, multiple playgrounds, and easy access to boat ramps for those bringing kayaks or canoes.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the campground, the area is rich with outdoor and cultural activities. The Portsmouth Floodwall Murals are a must-see, featuring over 2,000 feet of local history painted along the riverfront. Hikers can tackle miles of scenic backcountry trails that weave through the state forest, while golfers can enjoy the championship course located at the nearby Shawnee State Park Lodge. The two on-site lakes are also popular spots for fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal destination for active families and outdoor adventurers who prioritize hiking, boating, and exploring the great outdoors. Because of the hilly terrain and diverse wildlife, it is also a top choice for nature photographers and birdwatchers seeking a quiet environment. While the park provides modern amenities, its overall vibe is best suited for travelers who prefer a rustic, forest-heavy experience over a typical commercial RV resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Greg
Very spacious sites nice walking trails Full hookups Girls working the registers at the check in were not that friendly other than. That it would have been a five star
Benny Rutherford
Although there aren't a lot of hiking trails here, hikers will find the few trails offer a variety of scenes along with some interesting wildlife. Birds, insects and the occasional deer. Walking along the Ohio River gives hikers some views not found in some other State Parks. We saw barges traversing it & kudos are due their captain(s) because it's something unseen in NW Ohio where we're from. It's a laid back park with plenty of roomy sites, which are very well maintained. Portsmouth sports a wall along its outskirts dedicated to their famous local athletes. Among them is one devoted to Chuck Ealey who played for the University of Toledo Rockets in the mid to late 60s. Amazingly, Chuck had never lost a game from his high school days into college. Even more amazing was his college record reflected his perfection by way of also not losing one game. Toledo's record with Ealey was 35 - 0; regular games along with bowl games. He wasn't inducted into college's HOF until 2002. A travesty if ever there was one. A very nice relaxing park. Stay here & suffer no disappointments.
Carol Shull
Shawnee Ohio River is a great little park. It has 80 full hookups, a shower house, a playground and splash pad for kids. It has a bike path, park store, and dump station. This park is only seven miles from Shawnee State Park, and the lodge where you can go swimming. Portsmouth is a cute little town close by. They have several restaurants a grocery store. Lots of antique shops, and the flood wall mural. Take a drive over the bridge to Kentucky. Or drive the Ohio River scenic by-way. If you want a day trip check out Rocky Fork state park and catch some lunch or dinner at the porch carryout and grill in Hillsboro Ohio. The food was fantastic! Have a great time!
Jackie Wolgamott
Great place for a day trip or vacation. The lodge is beautiful with a balcony to view the scenery. There are cabins and camping sites. The campgrounds offer a small store with a gift shop, boats to rent. There is also miniature golf, disc golf, hiking trails, a nature center and a historic cabin set up as a museum. Picnic area is by the campgrounds and plenty of swimming spots.
Kathryn R
This is a beautiful and peaceful state park! Not too crowded and has great outdoor activities !
SUO Family
Great a getaway place. We spent 2 nights here in March 2025. In our cabin, internet and cable didn’t work, exactly what we wanted.
April Beachy
The new Ohio River Campground is a lovely and well thought out development. The sites are decent sized, paved and have water, electric and sewer on site. It has a good sized bathroom, shower house and laundry building. The amenities are even available during winter! There is also disc golf, archery, kayak loop, splash pad, dog park, camp store and trails on site. The one trail is paved and relatively flat. There is noise from the road and from the train, but those weren't that bad. Also, the picnic tables are on cement pads and are secured.