Shawnee State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Shawnee State Park is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southern Ohio. It is surrounded by Shawnee State Forest and received its name as it was once a hunting ground for the Shawnee Indians. Covering an area measuring 1,095 acres, the region is one of the most picturesque in the state and features erosion-carved valleys and wooded hills. It is home to an abundance of fauna too, with species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoon, various songbirds, bobcat, and black bear being sighted in the past. Visitors can also enjoy forest for as far as the eye can see, as well as stunning wildflowers such as several rare types of orchids.
The region enjoys a fairly moderate climate, with the maximum daily summer temperature reaching 87°F. Winter, on the other hand, can fall to as low as 40°F during the day. As a result, there are plenty of fun recreational activities to be enjoyed year-round, including golf, fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating. If you’re planning a trip to Shawnee State Park in the near future, you’ll certainly want to keep reading to find out more about this place!
Spring 32°F - 77°F
Summer 57°F - 87°F
Fall 33°F - 81°F
Winter 20°F - 47°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Shawnee State Park
If you’re thinking about staying in or near Shawnee State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The family campground at Shawnee has 107 sites suitable for tents or trailers. The campground features electric hookups, waste disposal, heated shower houses, flush toilets and laundry facilities. Spaces can fill up quickly, however, so we’ve also listed three additional campgrounds and RV parks within vicinity of the state park.
Lazy Village Campground & RV Park
Just over a 10-minute drive from the state park is theLazy Village Campground & RV Park. It’s a fun, family-oriented, and activity-filled campground located near the hills of Shawnee Forest, in proximity to golfing, boating, and hiking.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, laundry, propane filling station, general store, showers, pool, basketball court, playground, creek fishing.
Sandy Springs Campground
Sandy Springs Campground is in an idyllic, riverside setting near the Ohio / Kentucky border. It regularly receives 5-star reviews due to its cleanliness, scenic location, and friendly hosts. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the Shawnee State Park!
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: N/A
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, pet area, playground, fishing.
Shady Pines Campground
A little over a half-hour drive away from the state park isShady Pines Campground, which offers both primitive camping and spaces with water and electric hookups. They also have a range of amenities and recreational activities for the family to enjoy, including a swimming pool. Daily rates start at $20.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: N/A
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, swimming pool, camp store.
What to Do at
Shawnee State Park
Inside Shawnee State Park
Shawnee State Park might be popular due to its camping opportunities, but with miles of hiking and biking trails, a golf course, two public beaches, well-stocked lakes, and more, it also offers a wide range of recreational activities that the whole family will enjoy!
Hiking: The Shawnee forest offers over 75 miles of trails for hiking, as well as horse riding. There is also the Shawnee backpack trail (operated by the Division of Forestry), which takes hikers to some of the best wilderness areas in Ohio.
Golf: Not many state parks can boast an 18-hole championship golf course, but Shawnee can. Although the golf course isn’t in the main park, it is just a short drive away in a separate location of the state park.
Swimming: Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes house two public beaches that are perfect for swimming. These are especially popular during the summer months when visitors are craving a cool dip.
Boating: The two lakes also offer boating opportunities, thanks to the provided launch ramps. Canoes are available for rental for a small fee. The park also has a marina facility, allowing boaters to access the Ohio River.
Fishing: If you love to sink a line, then you’ll also be pleased to hear that the Roosevelt and Turkey Creek lakes are well-stocked with species such as largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and trout.
How to Get to
Shawnee State Park
Shawnee State Park is just 13.3 miles west of the city of Portsmouth. Head west on 2nd St towards Washington St, then continue straight onto OH-104 N/OH-73 W/2nd St. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for US 52 W/Cincinnati and merge onto US-52 W. Turn right onto OH-125 W, then turn left onto State Forest Service Rd 16. Turn right and the state park will be on your left.
Entering Shawnee State Park
Like all Ohio state parks, there are no park entrance fees to enter Shawnee State Park.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Shawnee State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shawnee State Park
The best time of year to visit Shawnee State Park is in the spring or fall. The weather is milder during these seasons, making it more comfortable to hike or bike the trails. The leaves also change color during these seasons.
The climate of Shawnee State Park is humid continental. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are cold and snowy. The weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out.
Shawnee State Park is home to numerous wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and ruffed grouse. There are also a variety of fish in the streams, including trout and smallmouth bass.
Yes, there are 15 designated RV camping spots in Shawnee State Park. These sites have water and electric hookups, and some also have sewer hookups. There are also group camping sites available for larger groups.
No, you do not have to reserve a camping spot at Shawnee State Park. The cost is $20 per night for a site with water and electricity and $30 per night with water, electric, and sewer hookups.