Portsmouth, in southern Ohio, is within driving distance of several state parks and in the middle of some prime wilderness areas in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Due to its proximity to many outdoor recreational areas, including Shawnee State Park and Pike Lake State Park, the Portsmouth area contains many RV parks and campgrounds. However, only a few of these offer cabins, so you'll need to plan carefully if you prefer to camp with a roof over your head.
Shawnee State Park, located on nearly 1,100 acres within the massive 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, is situated off State Route 125 just outside Portsmouth, Ohio. Nicknamed "The Little Smokies" for its rugged terrain, and featuring wooded hills and deep valleys, the region surrounding Shawnee State Park is considered to have some of the prettiest scenery in the state. Shawnee also features campgrounds and camping opportunities, including cabin rentals. You can rent one of 25 two-bedroom cottages complete with a separate living area, a bath with a shower, a double-wide roll-away bed and enough room to sleep six people. There is even a complete kitchen, telephone, screened porch and a grill. Pets are permitted in select cottages, and two of the cottages offer Jacuzzis.
Shawnee State Park
4404 State Route 125
Portsmouth, OH 45663
800-282-7275
dnr.state.oh.us/parks
Located 35 miles north of Portsmouth, near Bainbridge, Ohio, Pike Lake State Park offers opportunities for nature watching of both flora and fauna. The wooded hills are choked with dense pockets of oak and hickory, and provide prime habitat for many varieties of animals, including such common species as deer, wild turkey and raccoon, as well as the endangered timber rattler. The park features camping opportunities, including 12 cottages that can comfortably sleep six and include heat, air conditioning, full kitchen, log fireplace, two bedrooms, a bath with shower, and gas log fireplace. Linens, dishes and standard kitchen utensils are also provided. Pets are permitted in some cottages.
Pike Lake State Park
1847 Pike Lake Road
Bainbridge, OH 45612
866-644-6727
dnr.state.oh.us/parks
Located in Beaver, Ohio, within 30 miles of Portsmouth, Big Rock Cabins are built on 60 acres of forest. The property contains a number of walking and hiking trails, including a trail leading to Big Rock, a 200-foot-tall landmark. Cabins here feature amenities such as queen-sized bed, full kitchen with cookware and common utensils provided, and a gas grill on a deck complete with a Jacuzzi. Towels and linens are also provided. These deluxe cabins are air conditioned, with a private road leading to each. The cabins are private and meant for a romantic getaway for two.
Big Rock Cabins
4348 Big Run Road
Beaver, OH 45613
740-988-5120
bigrockcabins.com
