The Dock Campground

For West Virginians looking for a unique riverside camping experience that blends local charm with convenient access to history and natural beauty, The Dock Campground in St. Marys is a hidden gem. Situated right on the banks of the Ohio River, this campground and marina offers a truly distinctive atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate quiet surroundings and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where the rhythm of the river and the gentle rumble of passing trains on Main Street create a memorable backdrop to your stay.

While The Dock Campground is particularly popular among locals and tradespeople for longer-term stays, its amenities and location also make it an appealing option for short-term visitors willing to persevere with reservations. Guests consistently praise its beautiful setting, excellent utilities, and proximity to the charming town of St. Marys, with its unique train activity, and the historical richness of nearby Marietta, Ohio. If you're seeking a tranquil, pet-friendly spot with a focus on comfortable RV camping and a welcoming local vibe, The Dock Campground offers an experience unlike any other along this stretch of the Ohio River.

The Dock Campground is ideally located at 100 Dock Ln, St Marys, WV 26170, USA. This prime address places it directly on the banks of the Ohio River, offering picturesque waterfront views and immediate access to the water for boating and other recreational activities. What makes its location particularly appealing for West Virginians is its easy walking distance to downtown St. Marys. This charming little town is known for its unique feature of long coal trains passing directly down Main Street, providing a nostalgic and memorable experience for visitors.

Furthermore, The Dock Campground is within easy driving distance of Marietta, Ohio. Marietta holds significant historical importance as one of the very first European settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains on the Ohio River. This proximity allows campers to effortlessly explore a wealth of historical sites, museums, and other attractions just across the river. Access to St. Marys is generally via well-maintained state routes, connecting easily to major highways in West Virginia. While the campground offers a peaceful, almost isolated feel next to the river and a nearby island, its close proximity to town ensures that essential services, shops, and dining options are never far away. This combination of natural beauty, local character, and historical accessibility makes The Dock Campground a perfectly situated base for exploring this unique border region of West Virginia and Ohio.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers sites equipped with "excellent utilities," including full hookups (electricity, water, and sewer connections). These sites are noted for having "level cement pads," providing a stable and comfortable setup for RVs.

• Marina Access: As its name suggests, The Dock Campground operates alongside a marina, offering direct access to the Ohio River for boating enthusiasts.

• Bath House: A bath house is available on-site, providing restroom and showering facilities for campers.

• Laundry Room: For added convenience during longer stays, a laundry room is provided, allowing campers to wash and dry their clothes.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground is described as "very pet friendly," making it an ideal choice for campers who wish to bring their furry companions along.

• Community Focused Management: While primarily managed by a family living nearby, they prioritize reservations for longer-term customers, indicative of a strong community focus amongst their clientele.

• Wi-Fi Access: While not explicitly stated as "excellent" like some other campgrounds, the expectation of modern amenities often includes Wi-Fi, which is crucial for communication, especially given the suggested contact method.

• Riverside Location with Island Access: The campground boasts a beautiful location right next to a creek and an island that connects to the Ohio River. This offers unique opportunities for riverside activities and exploring "interesting" hiking trails on the island.

• Proximity to Downtown St. Marys: It's within "easy walking distance of downtown" St. Marys, a "fun little town" famous for long coal trains passing directly down Main Street. This provides a distinctive local experience.

• Convenient to Historic Marietta, OH: The campground is in "easy drive to Marietta OH," a historically significant city with "lots of history and stuff to see there," making it an excellent base for exploring regional attractions.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Guests consistently describe the campground as "large" and "quiet," offering a serene environment ideal for relaxation away from noise.

• Level Cement Pads for RVs: The presence of level cement pads at sites is a significant convenience for RVers, ensuring easy and stable setup.

• Excellent Utilities: Campers highlight the "excellent utilities" provided, indicating reliable full hookups.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Being "very pet friendly" is a major plus for travelers with animals, allowing them to fully enjoy their outdoor adventure with their companions.

• Adjacent Park/Playground: There is a "park next to it for children," providing a convenient and safe area for younger campers to play.

• Local and Long-Term Focus: While not a traditional tourist campground, its strong appeal to "locals or tradespeople working in the area" who keep their trailers there all summer creates a unique, established community feel.

Based on the provided information, The Dock Campground primarily caters to longer-term stays and locals, with a management style that prioritizes these types of reservations. This suggests that their pricing structure may favor extended periods, though specific "promotions" in the conventional sense (like discounts for certain groups or seasonal sales) are not explicitly mentioned.

Given the difficulty some short-term visitors have experienced with reservations, and the focus on "locals or tradespeople working in the area," it is highly recommended to contact them directly for current rates, availability, and any potential long-term stay discounts. The suggested best way to reach them is via Facebook Messenger from "The Dock's Facebook page." This implies a modern, informal approach to communication. Perseverance in contacting them is advised to secure a spot, especially if you're planning a shorter visit.

To inquire about availability, make a reservation, or get more details about The Dock Campground, the most effective method, as suggested by a recent visitor, is:

• Best Contact Method: Via Facebook Messenger from "The Dock's Facebook page."

• Address: 100 Dock Ln, St Marys, WV 26170, USA

While a phone number is not directly provided in the current information, relying on their Facebook page for communication aligns with the "local" and slightly less formal management style described. It is crucial to have "perseverance" when trying to make reservations, particularly for shorter stays, as they prioritize longer-term customers.

For West Virginians, The Dock Campground in St. Marys presents an exceptional and uniquely suitable camping option, especially for those who cherish both tranquility and a strong connection to local life and history. It's a place that genuinely feels like "home away from home" for many who frequent it.

Firstly, its prime location on the Ohio River offers unparalleled access to water recreation, which is a significant draw for many West Virginia residents. Whether you own a boat, enjoy fishing, or simply love the scenic beauty of a riverside setting, The Dock provides direct opportunities for these activities. The quiet, large expanse of the campground itself, right by the river, fosters an immediate sense of relaxation and escape from the everyday.

Secondly, the campground's deep integration with the local community of St. Marys is a major advantage for West Virginians. Being within easy walking distance of downtown allows locals to enjoy the unique charm of the town, including the captivating sight of trains passing down Main Street. This offers a blend of natural retreat and authentic small-town experience that is distinctively West Virginian. Furthermore, the short drive to historic Marietta, Ohio, provides an enriching cultural and educational excursion that many locals appreciate, allowing them to explore regional history without extensive travel.

Finally, the strong focus on accommodating long-term guests and locals creates a stable and friendly community atmosphere within the campground. While it might require some "perseverance" to secure a short-term spot, for West Virginians looking for a seasonal base or a frequent getaway, the established clientele and the relaxed management style make it a welcoming and consistent choice. The pet-friendly policy and essential amenities like restrooms, laundry, and a nearby park for children further solidify its appeal as a convenient and comfortable option for families and individuals alike, right in the heart of their home state.

The Dock Campground

100 Dock Ln, St Marys, WV 26170, USA