Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest - Matamoras, Ohio

Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest

Located in the heart of the Wayne National Forest, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground offers a serene and scenic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. With its picturesque location along the Leith Run stream, this campground provides a tranquil atmosphere perfect for fishing, hiking, and relaxation.

Address: 44400 OH-7, Matamoras, OH 45767. Phone: 403-739-055. Website: recreation.gov.

Specialties

• Campground.

Other Information

The campground has 65 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.2/5.

The campground offers various amenities, including picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. However, it is essential to note that the facilities are somewhat lacking, with limited access to flush toilets and showers for tent campers. Motorhome campers will find only electric hookups at their sites, with no water or sewer connections. A minimal dump station is also available.

Furthermore, the campground is situated in a national forest, which can result in limited connectivity and cell phone reception.

Overall, Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground has promise, but it requires more investment to cater to a wider range of campers and provide better facilities.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
• Picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for camping comfort.
• Scenic location along the Leith Run stream.
• Cons:
• Limited access to flush toilets and showers for tent campers.
• Only electric hookups for motorhome campers, with no water or sewer connections.
• Minimal dump station.
• Limited connectivity and cell phone reception due to national forest location.

Insights

To make the most of your stay at Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground, consider booking a site with electric hookups if you're in an RV. For tent campers, opt for a site with access to the flush toilet and shower. Be prepared for limited connectivity and plan your activities accordingly.

Ultimate Tips

Before visiting Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground, check the campground's website for up-to-date information on facilities and regulations.

Bring plenty of water, food, and entertainment for a comfortable stay, as services may be limited.

Take advantage of the scenic location and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, but be mindful of the limited connectivity and potential distractions.

👍 Reviews of Leith Run Recreation Area & Campground - Wayne National Forest

Sean

3/5

It was okay. Fairly large spots and nice location along the river. But somewhat lacking in facilities. If you were in tents, there were 2 pit toilets and one flush toilet (and one shower). If you were in an RV, it was electric only at site, no water or sewer. And a minimal dump station So somehow didn't cater to either? And being in a Nation Forest, minimal connectivity. Overall a site with promise that needs more investment.

rescueagreyhound

Site 12 has a slight incline, complete shade and the walking path passes between the site and river. However, we had no issues with our tent at this site. Based on Recreation.gov website only so many sites can be reserved online, leaving the other sites for walk-in only. We took a chance and went with no reservations. Upon our arrival we noticed only 10 campers and a few reserved signs. The campground is not that big so we drove around looking at the available sites. Walk-in primitive sites are also available. After making a loop through the campground, we stop at site 12. It is river front and offers electric. A picnic table and a campfire ring are provided, as are accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water. We did speak with the camp host and he mentioned that we are extremely lucky to have gotten this spot. During prime season the river front spots fill quick. The only minor issue we had was the road noise. This is no fault of the campground. Across the river is a highly busy, non stop road. At night the noise carries right across the water. Despite this the site is wonderful. The shower/bath house was clean. 1 shower and two toilets for the entire campground. The shower has to be one of my favorites. The water was hot, powerful and stayed on long, push to start. I was even able to get the shower head to message mode. There is plenty of room, 1 large bench and 2 hooks, for your personals and to get dressed without getting stuff soaked. ||Overall, the campground is well maintained and offers great views.

Jolynnae R.

We spent 3 nights in this smaller secluded campground and had site #12 overlooking the Ohio River. I never knew how interesting the river could be! We watched many tug/push boats steering up to 6 barges hauling their cargo, plus speedboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and even a few swimmers on the WVa side. The campground is very well maintained by the national park service, but mostly by the friendly and helpful camp hosts. They even provided FREE campfire wood (and he split it for us since we were two females who tried and failed at wielding an ax!) There are only 19 electric sites and 3 primitive tent sites -- we had the perfect spot on the river for our tent. Most sites could hold a full sized camper and a few of them are pull through. No water hookup, but there is a fill and dump station. Each site has a metal fire ring with a grate and a sturdy pole for hanging a lantern. There is a trail leading from the campground to one of the main trails in the Nat'l Forest, plus a (I'm guessing) 1/2 mile paved path all along the outside of the camp. There are a few observation decks, one overlooking the river and 3 others overlooking a wetland--all accessible from the paved walking path. There is a nice playground for smaller children and plenty of river front for fishing. We saw 2 people reel in catfish one evening. ||Our ONLY complaint was the ONE shower in the bath house. The bathhouse is kept clean every day by the camp host, but with only 1 shower, you may have to wait or plan your shower for an odd time. Fortunately, we were the only tent campers and I think most others showered in their campers or were only there overnight and didn't require a shower.

Gr8 H.

5/5

The camper host was exactly what one should be: accommodating, helpful and friendly, known as "camp mom." This is her last year there.
The site is one that we would be content never leaving, watching the river only feet from our site, we could fish any time we wanted. The trail head to the scenic overlook trail was easy to get to and an amazing hike! Saw two snakes and a turtle in the 6 mile round trip hike.
Camp itself was small and quiet. Shower was huge and clean. We will be back!

David C.

4/5

We were really surprised at this campground when we arrived. The campground is in excellent condition. Well maintained. It won't be for everyone because it is 30 amp electric only at RV sites. Water is available when you arrive to fill your freshwater tank. A dump station is available too. Showers are available but we preferred our own. Some sites are right on the Ohio river. Bring your honey wagon if staying for an extended time (max 14 days)

Betsy B.

4/5

Small campground right on Ohio River. Our site, 9, was paved and level making for an easy set up. Charcoal grills and campfire rings. Choice of pit toilets or modern amenities. Push button shower with no temp control. Nice views of river,saw and heard barges passing. Fair amount of road noise, mostly from across river. Short Nature trails and boardwalk to potential wildlife viewing. No beavers appeared for me. Access from campground to Scenic River and Green Wood mountain bike trails. Playground. Canoe launch.

Valerie A.

My boyfriend and I spent almost a week here. It was so beautiful, and very well maintained. The camp host Keith was extremely accommodating, and helped us out when we didn't even have a reservation. It was awesome meeting him, and many of the other campers there, very much like a little community. We will definitely be returning!

Joseph S.

2/5

This is a beautiful campground located right on the Ohio River. Unfortunately, it is managed by individuals who are not very accommodating. They were kind, but nibby and were not very receptive of our dogs. They were rude to the other group who were using primitive sites next to our camp. This seems like the kind of place if you roll in with a nice camper and appear to "belong" than you will be just fine. If you want to tent camp be prepared to be judged and spied on. The shower house only had 1 shower and 1 toilet and was well maintained. The views are great, and there is a nice playground, but I fear that children who are "too loud" or "too busy" will not be welcomed.