Great Bend Campground Introduce
For those of us in West Virginia who crave a scenic getaway where the mighty Ohio River provides a stunning backdrop to our adventures, Great Bend Campground in Ravenswood offers a compelling option. Nestled along Sandy Creek, close to its confluence with the Ohio River, this campground is designed to help families unwind and connect with nature. It promises clear skies, abundant wildlife like woodchucks and deer, and the soothing sounds of the water. While some past reviews mention initial challenges with site conditions or communication, the potential for a truly relaxing riverside experience, coupled with impressive amenities, makes it a destination worth considering for a local escape. Great Bend Campground is a testament to the picturesque beauty and recreational opportunities that await us right here in West Virginia.
Great Bend Campground is conveniently located at WV-2, Ravenswood, WV 26164, USA. This prime location places it directly on West Virginia Route 2, a major roadway that traces the Ohio River, making it incredibly easy to find and access for travelers from across West Virginia and neighboring states. Ravenswood, a charming city in Jackson County, is known for its position within the "Great Bend" of the Ohio River, a significant geographical feature. The campground's proximity to the river means stunning views and direct water access are always at hand. Furthermore, its location is within a reasonable drive (within 45 miles) of several notable destinations, including Cedar Lakes in Ripley, Charleston, Parkersburg, and even Athens, Ohio. This makes Great Bend Campground an excellent "jumping off point" for excursions to other outstanding state parks and attractions, blending a serene camping experience with the convenience of exploring the wider region.
Great Bend Campground is designed to offer a comfortable and engaging experience for various types of campers, with a solid set of amenities catering to relaxation and recreation.
Paved, Level RV Sites: The campground boasts thirteen paved and level camper sites with sewer, water, and 50/30/20-amp electrical outlets. There are also five additional campsites with sewer, water, and 30-amp/110 electricity, providing diverse options for RVs.
Full Hookups: All RV sites include water, electric, and sewer hookups, offering the full convenience of home for RV campers.
Individual Campsite Amenities: Each campsite comes with its own picnic table, grill, and fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
Boat Docks for Rent: For boating enthusiasts, the campground provides nine boat docks suitable for pontoons or smaller boats, allowing for easy access to the Ohio River.
ADA Compliant Kayak Boat Launch: A significant amenity for paddlers, ensuring accessible launching for kayaks.
ADA Compliant Playground: A modern and accessible playground for children, designed to be inclusive for all abilities.
Concrete Walking Trails: Enjoy leisurely strolls or invigorating walks on the well-maintained concrete walking trails within the campground.
Community Room (Nearby): Access to a community room in the vicinity, potentially offering a space for gatherings or indoor activities.
Trash Dumpsters: Conveniently located dumpsters for waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean.
Fishing Opportunities: The waters provide excellent fishing for muskie and bass, catering to avid anglers.
Picnic Shelters: Available for group gatherings or shaded relaxation.
Open Year-Round: The campground is open year-round, offering flexibility for camping trips in any season.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, providing an opportunity to bring your furry companions (check specific rules for leash requirements and waste disposal).
Great Bend Campground offers a variety of compelling features and highlights that cater to a range of outdoor enthusiasts, making it a potentially fantastic spot for your next West Virginia adventure.
Beautiful River Views and Access: Nestled close to where Sandy Creek flows into the Ohio River, the campground offers picturesque river views. This prime location provides immediate access for boating and fishing, making it a haven for water lovers.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The waters are rich with muskie and bass, making it a popular spot for anglers. The campground even hosts summer Bass Fishing Tournaments every Monday, starting at 4:30 PM, for those who enjoy competitive fishing.
Inclusive Amenities: The presence of an ADA Compliant playground and an ADA Compliant kayak boat launch demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that more visitors can enjoy the facilities.
Family-Oriented Environment: With a playground, designated fishing opportunities, and a setting conducive to relaxation, it's pitched as a "perfect campground for families to just unwind and relax."
Modern RV Hookups: The campground offers paved, level RV sites with full sewer, water, and robust electrical hookups (20/30/50-amp), providing convenience for modern RVs.
Ample Boat Docking: With nine boat docks available for rent, it's incredibly convenient for those who wish to bring their pontoon or smaller boats for river exploration.
Year-Round Operation: Being open year-round offers flexibility for campers, including opportunities for winter activities like duck hunting in the area.
Proximity to Local Attractions and Trails: Beyond the campground, a short drive connects you to golf, disc golf, and the Kevin Clegg Memorial Trail system (just four miles away) for mountain biking and hiking, allowing for varied recreational pursuits.
Abundant Wildlife and Bird Watching: The natural setting offers frequent sightings of woodchucks, deer, and a variety of birds, including birds of prey, ducks, and blue herons, making it a great spot for nature observation.
While specific, flash-sale style "promotions" for Great Bend Campground are not widely advertised, the campground does offer transparent pricing structures that can provide value for various lengths of stay.
Flexible Booking Options: Great Bend Campground provides nightly, weekly, and monthly rates for its RV sites and boat slips, allowing campers to choose the duration that best suits their needs and budget.
Competitive Rates: According to available information, nightly rates for RV sites range from $40, with weekly rates at $225 and monthly rates at $450. Boat slips are also available for rent nightly ($10), weekly ($60), or monthly ($250).
Inclusion of Amenities: The value of your stay is enhanced by the inclusion of full hookups (water, sewer, electric) at RV sites, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and access to the ADA-compliant playground, walking trails, and kayak launch, all within the standard rates.
Year-Round Availability: The fact that the campground is open year-round means visitors can plan trips during off-peak seasons, which might implicitly offer a better value due to potentially fewer crowds, if not always lower prices.
Bass Fishing Tournaments: For fishing enthusiasts, the weekly summer Bass Fishing Tournaments offer an added recreational activity and potential for competitive fun without an extra direct fee for participation beyond the camping rate.
For the most current pricing and any potential seasonal offers, it's always recommended to contact the campground directly or visit their official website.
Ready to plan your riverside escape at Great Bend Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to make your reservation or inquire further:
Address: WV-2, Ravenswood, WV 26164, USA
Phone: (304) 761-6666
Mobile Phone: +1 304-761-6666
We recommend calling ahead to check availability, especially if you're planning to visit during peak season or for a specific event like a fishing tournament. The staff will be able to provide the most up-to-date information on site availability, current rates, and any specific policies. We look forward to welcoming you to the Great Bend Campground for a memorable West Virginia outdoor experience!
For us West Virginians, Great Bend Campground offers a compelling opportunity for a local escape, perfectly blending convenience with a rich array of outdoor activities. Its prime location on the Ohio River, easily accessible via WV-2, means we don't have to travel far to immerse ourselves in a beautiful natural setting. The extensive full-hookup RV sites, coupled with individual amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, provide a comfortable base for any camping style. What truly makes it suitable for locals is its focus on river activities – from ample boat docks and an ADA-compliant kayak launch to excellent muskie and bass fishing opportunities and even weekly tournaments. For families, the ADA-compliant playground and general family-friendly atmosphere are significant draws. While past issues with communication or site conditions have been noted, the campground's commitment to providing a feature-rich, year-round experience with stunning river views positions it as a valuable local resource for West Virginians seeking relaxation, recreation, and a true connection with our state's natural beauty.
Great Bend Campground Photos




Great Bend Campground Location
Great Bend Campground
WV-2, Ravenswood, WV 26164, USA
Great Bend Campground Reviews
Poor communications. Level Asphalt pad but water, electric and sewer hookups were all in a muddy slop. I’ve never had such a mess my shoes were caked with slimy mud. NOT a happy camper.
May 05, 2025 · Dave WrightCampground was nice and easy to find. That's where the positives stop. The code I was given to access the restroom and showers did not work and the campground did not respond to calls or emails so we had to drive to town to use a bathroom. And then we had to call the police because there was a guy who was hanging around the campsite watching us during the day. Then around 9pm we found him crawling through our campsite trying to steal stuff. We called 911 and he took off. The cops said it was a "local dopehead" that steals from people there for drugs. I would recommend staying somewhere else, which is a shame, because like I said it was a nice campgroumd with a beautiful view of the river. But hard to sleep without bathrooms and drug addicts trying to rob you.
Sep 26, 2024 · Thaddeus Jackson- Jul 21, 2024 · Jamie Raterink
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