Discover the best campgrounds near Athens, Ohio with swimming

United States
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Ohio
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Athens

95% (887 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Athens

Star Hosts in Athens

12 top campgrounds near Athens with swimming

98%

(110)

Pop's Place Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Corning, OH

A small primitive camping area in SE Ohio. We have 2 acres with four sites available. A short distance to Burr Oak State Park, Tecumseh Trails Off-road, Merckles offroad, Wayne National Forest, Bailey's Trail System and The Triple Nickel. A side x side, ATV or hunters paradise. We are also motorcycle friendly.

89%

(243)

Geneva Hills

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Lancaster, OH

Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide.

Private Forest Campsite

1 site · Tent80 acres · Dexter , OH

Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing oneself in nature. From our parking area, our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) by way of a well maintained footpath which leads you alongside a farm pasture, to a wooded trail that empties on to a level forest understory ideal for your hammock or tent. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a table, your own private outhouse, and unlimited sights and sounds of nature. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to one of our best stargazing hilltops, to the shallow creek which runs alongside the campsite, through shaded forests and ridgetop views. Our pond, a short 7 minute hike, offers fishing, swimming or simply relaxing on the dock. For longer hikes, all trails connect to our larger network of maintained trails winding over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails offering the hiker farm-life views across our 80 acres. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost. Please order your "extra items" at the time of booking. *Additional fees may apply for items not ordered in advance of stay.* - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - Garbage disposal (limit 2 bags per booking) - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - *Stringed twinkle lights - we do the hanging before you arrive * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing.

Fuller's Fish Camp on Hocking River

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Coolville, OH

Come stay at the Hocking River. We have a large concrete camper pad 18'x45' and a 16'x24' covered pavilion. Launch your kayaks or SUP's from our private dock. Water and electric is on site. We have a septic hook up for RV's and trailers. There is a porta potty on site for tent campers. Go fishing, boating, tubing or relax by the campire. Bike and Hike the Athens/Belpre Rail Trail right across the street from our driveway. Public boat launch a few miles down the river. The Hocking River flows into the Ohio River about 7 miles downstream.

90%

(10)

Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents240 acres · Chauncey, OH

Sunnyvale Farm est. 1949 - is a 240 acre tree and grain farm nestled in the foothills of Southeast Ohio and situated along the Hocking River. Almost 200 acres of the farm is forested with many changes in elevation. This is a great place to sit back and relax or use as a base camp for your exploration of nature. Just 3 minutes from the Bailey mountain bike trails and the Hockhocking Adena bikeway. We are also 30 minutes from the Hocking Hills or 15 minutes from Strouds Run State Park and if you are a little more adventurous, you are welcome to hike the farm with many uphill climbs or an easier hike to see the little grotto. If going into town is more your speed, Athens is a few minutes away and you can be on the campus of Ohio University in less than 10 minutes without having to leave paved roads.

Birdhouse Farm Camp And Cabin

11 sites · Lodging, Tents35 acres · Albany, OH

Relax and explore on 35 acres of mowed & maintained trails on our historic farm in Albany, Ohio! Birdhouse Farm is a chef-driven and sustainable farm featuring seasonal produce, poultry, foraged foods, and goats, with more in the works! Our farm sits on 35 acres of former dairy pasture and features a private, spring-fed pond, open areas for yard games, wooded trails, and two cozy, off-grid campsites. Local attractions, breweries, wineries, music, outdoor activities, and the arts are a short car ride away: Uptown Athens/Ohio University Campus: 9.2 miles Pleasant Hill Winery: 3 miles Hocking Hills: 35 miles Pomeroy, Ohio: 20 miles Fur Peace Ranch: 12 miles Nelsonville, Ohio: 23 miles Baileys Trail System: 20 miles Strouds Run State Park: 15 miles Planning a special weekend? Reach out to the hosts to create a memorable, private farm-to-table meal! Birdhouse Farm is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly space.

Fish Farm Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents128 acres · Pleasant City, OH

We have a beautiful 20 acre lake. It's 60 ft deep with crystal clear water and is great for swimming and fishing. Kayaking welcome too. We also have a couple other ponds available for fishing as well. We raise fresh water prawn and bluegill in the summertime, so late september we have fresh shrimp available. Lots of waterfowl and deer here to see.

99%

(103)

Dexter Run Farms and Lodging

5 sites · Lodging, Tents300 acres · Langsville, OH

Welcome to Dexter Run Farms. Our farm is a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you will experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. Surrounded by forest yet boasting beautiful views of mountain ridges and valleys. Choose from many large yard/open spaces that's perfect for playing outdoor games, yoga, sunbathing. Tons of hiking trails throughout our 300-acre homestead offer a variety of views from different elevations. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing. Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure. Ask us about our farm fresh eggs, bacon or sausage for your breakfasts. Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations! Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs. Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise. Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests. We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins. Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways. 15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh. 24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University) 28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV 30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh 37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival) 70 miles to Ashland, KY 82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia. 92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus) *Electric is available as an extra add-on with a $15/night fee. Dexter Run Farms is a working farm, selling grass-fed beef.

92%

(50)

Buckeye Lake Winery

7 sites · RVs16 acres · Thornville, OH

Learn more about this land:There are seven graveled drives located in the woods at Buckeye Lake Winery. Only self contained RV's are allowed, no tent camping. You will have access to Buckeye Lake. There is a kayak located near Buckeye Lake Winery that guests can use. Camp fires are permitted. Please take all trash with you. Restrooms are not provided at campsites, however there are facilities in the winery when open. Enjoy Buckeye Lake Winery and Restaurant during open hours of operation, see website for more specific information regarding hours of operation, menu and band schedules. Buckeye Lake has multiple bars and restaurants located around the lake, once considered the "Playground of Ohio". It's an undiscovered gem if you've never been here.

96%

(36)

Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents58 acres · Laurelville, OH

A modern and eclectic experience, the lodge is secluded, sleeps up to 16 and is set on a 58-acre nature preserve. Created by the hosts. The curated aesthetics of this home are ideal for retreats, gatherings, and team building. Featuring steel sculptures, wood carvings, tile murals, and a black walnut kitchen and bar; this 4000 sq ft space has a walk out lower level and open floor plan with forest views. Includes WIFI, hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, onsite hiking trails and nearby Hocking Hills Parks. Tiny Art Bungalows available in 2025 Pollinator Tiny Bungalow, Tiny Home/Cabin, sleeps 2. (undergoing current renovation) Another Tiny Art Bungalow coming soon, sleeps 2. Raven's Retreat is just an hour from Columbus, Ohio and less than 2 miles from the local Hocking Hills town, Laurelville. So, you can get groceries, gas, supplies, buy local cider, and visit 6 family-owned restaurants less than a 5-minute drive away. We, Dustin and Raven, the owners of Sculptdecor, custom art, created much of what you will see in all of the spaces at Ravens's Retreat Hocking Hills, including the kitchens and bathrooms. We have installed Starlink internet connection in our Art Lodge and Tiny Bungalows, ensuring you stay connected while enjoying your time in nature. Starlink is the best internet in the Hocking Hills with an average speed of 200 to 400 Mbps. Upon booking, you'll receive our personal guidebook filled with local recommendations to help you plan your perfect getaway. We're locals and passionate about making your stay exceptional. Upon booking, you'll receive our direct contact phone numbers for any assistance you might need. Events and parties must be approved in writing; talk to us about your plans; we want you to have an incredible experience! The State Parks and Nature Preserves nearby are: Rockhouse ( 6.5 miles away ) Conkles Hollow ( 10.5 miles away ) Whispering Cave ( 14 miles away ) Old Man's Cave ( 14 miles away ) Ash Cave ( 13 miles ) Cantwell Cliffs ( 12 miles away ) and several more! Laurelville is a small town on the western end of the Hocking Hills. It is mostly made up of nice farmers and kind hearted hill people. The closest larger towns are Logan, Lancaster, Circleville, and Chillicothe. HOST INTERACTION: We give our guests space but are available if needed Raven's Retreat is a beautiful, 58-acre nature preserve located in the Hocking Hills, 2 miles east of Laurelville, Oh. This land has remained mostly untouched and was purchased due to its resemblance to the deep forest of West Virginia, home to Raven's mother, Lisa Mahaney. The property is dear to us and we do everything we can to protect and maintain it in its natural state. It contains 4 creeks, hiking trails, a pond, and the top of a ridge. There are several endangered species including whippoorwills and two lined salamanders that reside at Raven's Retreat. There is an abundance of wildlife present due to keeping this property as wild as possible. No hunting, fishing, or swimming is allowed on the preserve. We are working with local environmental specialists to ensure that we maintain a thriving, healthy place for wildlife. We do our best to keep the human traffic on the property low but we want people to feel free to explore our challenging trails. There are over a mile of Hiking trails on the property that are not heavily traveled. The elevation change from the top of our ridge to the deepest part of our creek bed is over 220ft. If you plan to hike our trails, please keep strong scents such as perfumes to a minimum. This is often overlooked, but it can be confusing and disturb the wildlife. Quiet hours are to be honored and kept when the sun goes down. A respectful noise level is to be kept in consideration for our neighbors and animals. 💡 Please note, we do consider the effects of light pollution and use particular lights to lessen our impact on the night creatures. Please do not bring your animals with you if you are staying at the Unique Art Lodge or Tiny Bungalows here at Raven's Retreat. In the future, we have plans to have spaces that are suitable for animal friends. We prioritize guest wellness by having our spaces cleaned by professional cleaners who use eco-friendly products, pay a fair wage, and have serious attention to detail. While we adore animals, we currently cannot accommodate domestic animals due to our resident senior dog, Peanut, who you may see somewhere on the property during your stay. For art enthusiasts, the Sculptdecor Shop, run by master sculptor Dustin Weatherby, is on on the 58-acres closest to the Art Lodge located at the bottom of the driveway. Dustin specializes in animatronics, steel sculptures, wood carvings, mixed media sculptures, and starting in 2025, will offer live art performances and experience packages for guests. Feel free to stop by the shop and say hello—our home is on the same 58-acre property. Although you cannot see our home from the Art Lodge or Tiny Bungalows, we're often nearby to assist you if you need us. We can't wait to share our passion for art and nature seen within our spaces. Book your stay and experience it for yourself. Your hosts, -Raven and Dustin- Ravens Retreat Hocking Hills Important: Before you arrive, you will be asked to complete guest verification through third-party provider Superhog. This is done to ensure we are keeping up-to-date with short-term rental regulations as well as providing both our guests and our properties with extra protection. Superhog will contact you via email and/or text to complete the verification. Please complete the verification process prior to arriving at the property to enable a quick and easy check-in process. You will also be asked to purchase a $35 damage waiver via third party provider Superhog, which will protect you and your group in case of accidental damage of up to $500 during your stay. We understand accidents happen; this lessens stress on all people involved.

99%

(121)

Triple D Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

My wife and I purchased this property as a family get a way. Great place to relax and unwind.

100%

(8)

Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

1 site · RV3 acres · New Marshfield, OH

UNPLUG & GET BACK TO NATURE at our secluded 3-acre PRIVATE RV RETREAT. Be immersed in nature and cocooned from the sights and sounds of city life. No cellular or wifi service will keep you communing with nature. String up your hammock on the banks of Hewitt Creek and bask in the peaceful serenity of nature. Stroll down our creekside path to the Paw-Paw patch and observe the kaleidoscope of wildlife including butterflies, birds, & bees. Come night, relax by our firepit and enjoy our unpolluted night sky. Park your camper at the end of our 120ft long private gravel driveway with 50-amp electric hook-up. Enjoy a large mowed clearing by the creek with firepit and picnic table. In late summer and fall, a field full of 8ft tall annual flowers keep you hidden from the few passing travelers. This is the perfect time to meander our Butterfly Walking Trail through the meadow. Split seasoned firewood is usually available for purchase. Plenty of recreational opportunities are near for outdoor enthusiasts. We border the nearly 28K-acre Zaleski State Forest, which boasts of Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, and more. LAKE HOPE STATE PARK is just 4 miles away down an old dirt road, with a 120-acre lake for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and swimming. They also have a free public Shooting Range. HISTORICAL REMNANTS are sprinkled throughout the area, most notably the haunted Moonville Tunnel, Kings Hollow Tunnel and the Hope Iron Furnace. While we don't allow hunting on our property, PUBLIC HUNTING is permitted in Zaleski State Forest (bordering our property) as well as the neighboring Waterloo Wildlife Area and the 5000 acre Wild Turkey management area. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: ~ 1/4 mi to Kings Hollow Tunnel ~ 3 mi to Moonville Tunnel ~ 4 mi to Lake Hope ~ 4 mi to Zaleski Shooting Range ~ 4 mi to Uncle Bucks Riding Stable ~ 4 mi to Hope Iron Furnace ~ 8 miles to Albany, OH ~ 12 mi to Athens, OH ~ 17 mi to Dorr Run ATV Trails Wayne National Forest (145 miles of trails) ~ 30m to Burr Oak State Park ~ 20 minutes from Old Man’s Cave, Hocking State Park ~ 1hr drive from Columbus The property is located in a field by a creek and has the potential to flood with prolonged heavy rains. If you plan to camp during a rainy weekend, we suggest a NOAA weather radio to keep informed since no Wi-fi or internet.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Hocking Hills State Park

Logan, Ohio

94%

(8)

Wayne National Forest

Tar Hollow State Park

Adelphi, Ohio

100%

(2)

Jackson Lake State Park

Scioto Trail State Park

Waverly, Ohio

Forked Run State Park

Tuppers Plains, Ohio

Camping near Athens with swimming guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a camping experience near Athens, Ohio with fantastic swimming opportunities, you're in luck. With over 680 options available, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into swimming, fishing, or whitewater paddling, there's something for everyone. Check out popular campsites like Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews), and McKee Farm (188 reviews) for top-rated accommodations. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you're sure to find a campsite that fits your budget. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and trash disposal to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and dive into the perfect swimming spot near Athens, Ohio!