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Leith Run Recreation Area
The Leith Run Campground provides a beautiful location on the Ohio River, where grassy campsites and picnic areas make for a comfortable getaway in the Wayne National Forest. The campground is equipped with modern conveniences like flush toilets and electricity. This fully accessible facility offers a variety of recreation activities.
There are now several no-mow zones and plantings of native shrubs to increase bird habitat and make the landscape more sustainable.
Additional Resources
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hrs. a day during open season. The day use area is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
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| Reservations: | Reservations can be made online through recreation.gov. |
| Fees: | Camping fees:
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| Open Season: | Early Spring - Fall. Foot travel is allowed year-round. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Newport, OH |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | Flush |
| Operated By: | Athens Ranger District-Marietta Unit, 27515 State Route 7, Marietta, OH 45750 740-373-9055 |
General Information
Directions: 18 miles north of Marietta on State Route 7; GPS Lat/Long coordinates for the area are 39 deg 26' 28" / 81 deg 09' 03".Activities
Campground Camping
This campground on the banks of the Ohio River provides many activities for a family and the campground is modern and fully accessible.
| No. of Sites | 21 |
| Reservation Info | May be reserved |
| No. of Accessible sites | 21 |
| Rental info: | Reservations are made through http://www.recreation.gov/ |
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RV Camping
Several RV sites are provided. Sites #2, #5 and #17 are 50 amp. sites; the remaining sites are 30 amp.
| No. of Sites | 18 |
| Pavement Type for Parking | blacktop |
| Reservation Info | Yes - contact www.recreation.gov |
| Hookup - Water | none |
| Hookup - Sewer | none |
| Size Restrictions | 2 are 30' backin, 11 are 50' backin, 1 is 50' pull-through, 6 are 60' backin, and 1 is 90' pull-through. |
| Dump Stations | yes |
| Vehicle Clearance | good |
| No. of Accessible sites | 18 |
| Rental info: | Reservations are made through http://www.recreation.gov/ |
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Estuary Fishing
A backwater estuary from the Ohio River snakes along this popular recreation area. A paved trail and a boardwalk with a gazebo offer not only wildlife viewing opportunities but also an opportunity to access this estuary and wetland area.| Cleaning Station | None |
| Accessible Platform | gazebo |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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River and Stream Fishing
Shoreline fishing for the Ohio River. A boat ramp is also available which accesses the Willow Island pool.| Special Designations | Some fish found in the Ohio River are covered under a fish consumption advisory. |
| Fish Species | largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, sauger, hybrid stripers, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, and freshwater drum |
| Fishing Platform | Shore or an accessible fishing pier |
| Cleaning Station | None |
| Accessible Platform | An accessible pier is available. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Day Hiking
This recreation area ties in with the Scenic River Trail which climbs up to a bluff above the Ohio River.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Viewing Wildlife
This site along the Ohio River is the place to see wetland wildlife. The area has two observation decks, one offering a panoramic view of the Ohio River and the other overlooking the backwaters of Leith Run. This tranquil site along the bustling Ohio River is a place where wildlife, especially birds, seem to congregate.| Species | birds, wetland creatures, fish, frogs, and other bottomland wildlife. |
| Special Feature | wildlife viewing platform available |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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Viewing Scenery
This attractive recreation area on the Ohio River is a fun place to spend the day and watch the Ohio River. Barges go by and you can watch river traffic as well as just the beauty of a forested bottomland area. Trails around the area go to viewing areas or watch children play in the playground or ball fields.
| Special Feature | viewing areas |
Picnicking
A picnic area is available and picnic shelters can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation System. The area has water fountains/hydrants nearby, electricity, grills, and picnic tables. It also offers a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, river overlooks, and a playground.| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Reservation Info | Yes |
| Fire Information | Grills available |
| No. of Accessible sites | 4 |
Group Picnicking
A picnic area is available and picnic shelters can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation System. The area has water fountains/hydrants nearby, electricity, grills, and picnic tables. It also offers a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, river overlooks, and a playground.
| No. of Sites | 4 |
| Reservation Info | Yes |
| Group Shelter | yes |
| Group Cooking Facilities | no |
| Fire Information | grills available |
| Hookups - Electric | yes |
| No. of Accessible sites | 4 |
| Rental info: | Reservations are made through http://www.recreation.gov/ |
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Boating - Motorized
This recreation area includes a boat ramp which accesses the Willow Island pool. Only canoes and small flat boats would be able to launch from this ramp- all others would need to launch at the Frontier Boat Ramp.
| Trailer Parking | Adequate parking is provided |
| Class of rapids | none |
| Type of Craft | small boats. Most boats will need to be launched from the Frontier Boat Launch which is north of Leith Run. |
| Motor Type | Established by the Corps of Engineers for the Ohio River. |
| Fuel availability | near by communities |
| Marina/Mooring | no |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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