Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest

leith run camping

For Ohio residents seeking a tranquil and scenic escape into nature, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground in the Wayne National Forest offers a compelling destination right on the banks of the mighty Ohio River. This isn't your sprawling, bustling resort campground; instead, it's celebrated as a "very nice small spot to stop for a quick getaway weekend," providing a peaceful and well-maintained environment for those looking to reconnect with the outdoors. Nestled in a scenic hardwood-pine forest, Leith Run provides a comfortable base for enjoying river activities, hiking, and simply unwinding in the beauty of southeastern Ohio.

Leith Run Recreation Area strikes a balance between accessibility and a feeling of seclusion. While it offers essential amenities like electricity at many sites, it retains a rustic charm that appeals to true outdoor enthusiasts. The constant presence of the Ohio River, with barges slowly moving by, adds a unique and captivating element to the camping experience. It's an ideal location for locals who appreciate a quiet, well-kept campground with direct access to fishing, boating, and scenic trails within the expansive Wayne National Forest, promising a refreshing break from the everyday hustle.

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground is located at 44400 OH-7, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA. This address places it directly on the north banks of the Ohio River, just a few miles from the Ohio-West Virginia border. It's situated within the Athens Ranger District of the Wayne National Forest, which encompasses rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic river valleys in southeastern Ohio.

The campground's primary appeal for accessibility is its direct frontage on the Ohio River. This provides easy access for activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying the river's dynamic traffic, including barges. While it feels wonderfully remote, the campground is easily reached via State Route 7, approximately 18 miles north of Marietta, a historic Ohio river city that offers additional amenities, dining, and cultural attractions. The Ohio River Scenic Byway also passes by the campground, offering a picturesque drive through forested hills and open pastures, complete with several 19th-century covered bridges for a touch of local history and charm.

For those interested in hiking, the Scenic River Trail has a trailhead directly within the campground. While cell service can be minimal in this National Forest setting, it contributes to the "get away from it all" vibe. The combination of easy road access, direct river frontage, and proximity to the vast Wayne National Forest trails makes Leith Run a convenient and appealing destination for Ohioans seeking a natural retreat.

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground, while offering a more rustic experience compared to some private campgrounds, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable stay within the Wayne National Forest:

• Campsites: The campground features 21 total campsites. This includes 18 RV/trailer sites, with various sizes accommodating vehicles from 30 to 90 feet (back-in and pull-through options). All 18 RV sites offer electric hookups (a mix of 30-amp and some 50-amp). There are also 3 dedicated walk-in tent sites that do not have electricity. Each campsite typically includes a picnic table, a grill, a fire ring, and a lantern post.
• Restrooms & Showers: The campground is equipped with restrooms. While flush toilets and showers have historically been available and praised for cleanliness, recent information indicates that showers, sinks, and flush toilets might be temporarily unavailable due to flood damage. Vault toilets are available. It is crucial to confirm the current status of these facilities directly with the campground or through Recreation.gov before your visit.
• Potable Water: Potable water is generally available at the campground. However, some recent updates suggest potable water might not be available at individual sites, and a central water source may be used. Again, verifying current availability is recommended.
• Dump Station: A dump station is provided on-site for RVs, although some users note it can be "minimal."
• Picnic Areas & Group Shelters: The recreation area includes grassy picnic areas, and two group picnic shelters are available for reservation through Recreation.gov. These shelters have a maximum capacity of 65 people and are equipped with electricity, grills, and picnic tables.
• Playground: A playground is available for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Boating Access: While the campground is on the Ohio River, large boats usually need to be launched from the Frontier Boat Launch, located about 0.5 miles north on SR 7. Small boats, kayaks, and canoes can often be launched more directly from the campground area.
• Accessibility: The facility is designed to be fully accessible, including accessible fishing piers and a wildlife viewing gazebo accessible via a paved path.

• Ohio River Frontage: The most prominent feature is its direct location on the Ohio River. Many sites offer scenic views of the river, providing opportunities to watch barges and other river traffic, contributing to a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
• Wayne National Forest Immersion: Being situated within the Wayne National Forest, campers are immersed in a beautiful hardwood-pine forest environment, offering a true "North Woods" feel right here in Ohio.
• Scenic River Trail Access: A trailhead for the Scenic River Trail is located directly in the campground, offering immediate access to hiking and mountain biking (on designated sections) that climb to bluffs overlooking the river. This trail connects to the larger North Country National Scenic Trail.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The campground is adjacent to a backwater estuary and wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birds, wetland creatures, fish, frogs, beaver, and otter. An accessible wildlife viewing platform and gazebo enhance this experience.
• Fishing: The Ohio River and its estuary offer excellent fishing for various species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sauger, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and walleye. Accessible fishing piers are available.
• Quiet & Peaceful Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently highlight the campground's small size and peaceful ambiance, making it ideal for a quiet getaway. "Very nice small spot to stop for a quick get away weekend."
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite some facility limitations (like temporary shower closures), the overall grounds are generally described as "well taken care of" and "very nice and well kept."
• Electric Sites Available: The availability of electric hookups at most RV sites provides convenience, allowing for a comfortable camping experience.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground within the Wayne National Forest, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground operates under federal fee structures and participates in federal pass programs rather than offering traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. The primary "special offers" available are discounts provided through national park passes:

• Interagency Senior Pass / Golden Age Passport: Holders of these passes are eligible for a 50 percent discount on single campsites. This discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder.
• Interagency Access Pass / Golden Access Passport: This pass, available for those with permanent disabilities, also provides a 50 percent discount on single campsites.
• Standard Fees:
  • Electric sites: $20/night.
  • Tent sites (no electricity): $15/night.
  • Group shelters: $55/day (no discounts apply to shelter rentals).

For Ohio residents who are seniors or have disabilities, these passes offer significant savings. It is advisable to obtain these passes in advance through the USGS website or at participating federal recreation sites. Reservations for campsites and shelters can be made online through recreation.gov, where applicable discounts can be applied during the booking process. Always check the latest fee schedule and discount policies directly on the Wayne National Forest website or Recreation.gov before making reservations, as conditions and availability can change.

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest

Address: 44400 OH-7, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA

Phone: (740) 373-9055 (This number often directs to the Marietta Unit Office or the Athens Ranger District, which oversees the area).

Mobile Phone: +1 740-373-9055

For reservations, it is best to visit www.recreation.gov and search for "Leith Run Recreation Area" or "Leith Run Campground." For specific questions about current conditions (especially regarding facility availability due to maintenance or damage), it is advisable to call the Wayne National Forest's Marietta Unit Office or the Athens Ranger District directly using the provided phone number.

For Ohio locals, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground in the Wayne National Forest offers a wonderfully accessible and authentic outdoor experience that feels miles away from the everyday hustle, yet is conveniently located. Its prime position directly on the Ohio River provides a unique and dynamic backdrop for camping, with opportunities to witness river traffic and enjoy stunning waterfront views from many sites. This immediate access to the river makes it perfect for Ohioans who enjoy fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on a grand scale.

While one review noted "somewhat lacking in facilities" for RVs with no water/sewer hookups at sites, the availability of electric hookups at most sites, along with a dump station, still offers a comfortable level of convenience for modern camping within a National Forest setting. For tent campers, the peaceful, well-maintained sites are praised for providing a "small spot to stop for a quick getaway." The direct access to hiking trails within the Wayne National Forest is a significant draw, allowing locals to explore the beautiful, rolling Appalachian foothills that are characteristic of southeastern Ohio. For those seeking a quiet, clean, and scenic spot to escape, enjoy river life, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Ohio's national forest, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground stands out as an excellent choice, providing a genuine sense of tranquility and connection to the state's diverse landscapes.

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest

44400 OH-7, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA