Leith Run

LEITH RUN

Part of Wayne National Forest

Overview

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. 

Facilities

Leith Run offers single-family campsites (accommodating up to eight individuals) and group picnic shelters, most of which are accessible. Picnic tables, campfire rings, grills and electric hookups are provided, as are accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water. A dump station is on-site.

An adjacent picnic area, complete with shelters, is equipped with tables, electricity and grills. It also offers a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, scenic overlooks and a playground.

Natural Features

The campground is located on the north banks of the beautiful Ohio River, just miles from the Ohio-West Virginia border, near the town of Newport, Ohio. A scenic hardwood-pine forest covers the campground, which has many waterfront sites.

Recreation

The campground provides access to the mighty Ohio River and the Willow Island Pool, where canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing are popular activities. A backwater estuary lies alongside the campground.

A paved trail and a boardwalk with a gazebo offer not only wildlife viewing opportunities, but also an opportunity to access the estuary and surrounding wetlands area, where fishing is a favorite pastime. Anglers may catch bass, catfish and other species.

Leith Run offers hiking opportunities, group picnic shelters and a playground for kids. A trailhead for the Scenic River Trail, which climbs to a bluff above the river, is available in the campground.

Nearby Attractions

The Covered Bridge Scenic Byway passes by the campground and provides a romantic view of the countryside, complete with forested hills, open pastures and four 19th century covered bridges. Legend has it that it's a tradition for visitors passing over the covered bridges to hold their breath and make a wish.

Important Notices

  • Boat ramp is permanently closed
  • Camping or the establishment of a campsite within the Wayne National Forest shall be limited to a period of time not to exceed 14 days in any 30 day time period.
  • Campers may not occupy an individual developed campsite with more than eight persons at one time.
  • Campers may not occupy more than three developed camping units at one time (one RV and two tents sites).
  • Pets are permitted within recreation areas, but must be caged, on a leash not longer than six feet, or under other physical restrictive control.
  • Click here for more information on the Wayne National Forest
  • Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
  • Reservation Cut-Off Window: Reservations must be made 4 days prior to arrival. Any unreserved campsites within the 4 day cut-off window are no longer reservable and only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • State of Ohio Buckeye Pass is not accepted at any Wayne National Forest recreation sites that charges a fee.

Notifications and Alerts

  • Leith Run will re-open on August 5th, 2026 with limited services. Sites 1-18 are cleared and ready for camping. The bathhouse is open and fully functioning. All trails in the campground and area, including the gazebo trail, will continue to be closed due to storm damage. Be aware that continued clean-up efforts will be occurring at the campground and on adjacent trails. This will include the use of chainsaws and heavy machinery. Thank you for your understanding while we continue repairs.

Available Activities

  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Day Use Area - Day Use Area
  • Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
  • Picnicking - Picnicking

Directions

From Marietta, Ohio, travel approximately 21 miles on Highway 7 to the campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 740-373-9055

44400 STATE ROUTE 7
NEW MATAMORAS, OH 45767

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery