The 5 Best Campgrounds Around Steubenville

For many people, the best way to escape the constant hum of daily life is to pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a rustic cabin in the quiet solitude of nature. Camping has long been a foundational American pastime, providing an accessible and rejuvenating vacation experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The appeal lies in the simplicity: a campfire under the stars, the sound of crickets, and the opportunity to hike, fish, and swim in a setting far removed from city bustle. The Steubenville area, located close to the Appalachian foothills and the Ohio River Valley, offers numerous campgrounds, RV parks, and state parks that cater to this love of the outdoors, combining natural beauty with a variety of modern recreational amenities. Readers of the Weirton Daily Times have spoken, selecting the top spots for a wilderness getaway in the 2025 Best of the Best readers’ choice contest.

Austin Lake RV Park And Cabins

The winner this year is Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins, a destination resort that has been family-owned and operated since 1946. Situated on 1,300 acres of land, the park offers a wide range of options, from full hookup RV sites, some of which feature stamped concrete patios, to fully equipped cabins and primitive tent camping. Guests have access to an 80-acre stocked lake where they can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, fishing, or renting various watercraft such as pontoons, kayaks, and bumper boats. For a unique aquatic experience, the park features an inflatable Wibit obstacle course on the water, providing a fun challenge for all ages. Beyond the lake, the sprawling grounds include hiking and mountain biking trails, a gem mine, a gaga ball pit, and a full schedule of weekend activities, including themed events like Christmas in July and a Spooktacular Weekend.

Brooke Hills Park

Following closely in the rankings is Brooke Hills Park, which provides an extensive array of recreational opportunities in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. This county park covers more than 600 acres of green space, featuring a newly designed campground with 29 full hookup RV sites, as well as several cabins and tent spots. Beyond camping, visitors can enjoy the park’s golf facilities, which include both a full executive course and a miniature golf area. Families frequently utilize the renovated swimming pool, complete with water slides and a splash pad, and can rent one of the seven different-sized shelters for picnics and gatherings. For anglers, the park maintains private ponds stocked with fish, allowing guests to cast a line without needing a state fishing license.

Tappan Lakeside Resort | Waterfront Cabin Rentals

The third top spot goes to Tappan Lakeside Resort | Waterfront Cabin Rentals, which specializes in comfortable lakeside cabin and lodge rentals on Tappan Lake in Ohio. The resort caters to guests looking for a more refined “glamping” experience, offering a choice of lodging styles, including luxury mini-lodges, cozy midsize cabins, and A-frame cabins. The largest lodges feature luxury amenities such as a full kitchen and a walkout porch with a hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day on the lake. Even the smaller A-frame cabins, which are designed for couples, include modern comforts like luxury linens and a Keurig coffee maker. Situated on a hillside, many of the cabins offer a raised, treehouse-like feel with beautiful lake views.

Jefferson Lake State Park

The readers’ choice for the fourth-best campground is Jefferson Lake State Park, an Ohio state park situated in the Appalachian Highlands. The park offers both family and equestrian camping, welcoming tents and trailers, and permits pets on all sites. Spanning 962 acres, the area provides nearly 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The 17-acre Jefferson Lake is open to non-motorized boats and those with electric motors up to 4 horsepower, offering fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park remains a serene destination featuring wooded hills, a public beach for swimming, and scenic areas with picnic tables and grills for lakeside dining.

Tomlinson Run State Park

Rounding out the top five is Tomlinson Run State Park, located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, near the Ohio River. The park's camping facilities are open from spring through fall and feature 48 traditional campsites, most of which have electric hookups, along with five camper cabins and unique yurt rentals. Yurts are a circular, durable structure that functions like a strong tent, providing a unique option for novice campers. Throughout the park, visitors can find a variety of recreational activities, including mini golf, a swimming pool with a water slide, hiking trails, and a boat dock on the lake for fishing and kayaking. The park also maintains a rustic camping area, which is an ideal spot for scout groups.

Thanks, Gemini.