The Ohio River spans a length of 981 miles (1,578.77 kilometers) and passes numerous cities that are situated along its banks. The Ohio River Scenic Byway is an alliance of riverside communities and cities promoting Ohio through scenic riverside sites and sights. Cincinnati, for example, holds the yearly Ohio River Paddlefest, where thousands of participants riding canoes, kayaks, and other floating crafts traverse 9 miles (14.48 kilometers) of water as part of the celebrations. Historic Fort Steuben in Steubenville, on the other hand, is the reconstructed riverside fort meant to protect pioneers setting out to explore the American frontier.
Considering the location you’ll be visiting, it would make perfect sense if you look for accommodations that will help you enjoy the river. Check out this list of the top houseboats on Ohio River, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 11, 2024.
1. The Mermaid Lounge; Florence, Indiana (from USD 177)
The Mermaid Lounge is a cozy and dreamy houseboat moored at Mermaid Cove Marina in Florence. Its location is perfect for exploring and adventuring between the three states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. But it cannot be moved from the marina, so you’ll have to go by road or take a boat service to travel.
The Mermaid Lounge is a bit snug, but the space has been maximized when it comes to the placement of appliances and furnishings. The kitchen has appliances for preparing light meals, mainly the microwave and the toaster. There is a laundry area so you can clean and reuse your clothes.
Florence, Indiana, United States
17.01 km (10.6 mi) from Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteSuperhost
Accommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and tidyvery clean and perfectly decoratedthe houseboat was super clean the shower was immaculateas always very clean and well-appointed will be backin all this was awesome great experience very clean and beautiful tracey is very prompt with communicationHost:
this boat was so peaceful and a great escape and experience the host was very helpful and kindtracy was a great hosttracey is a very gracious hostwonderful experience host was prompt and friendly throughly enjoyed the experienceshe was a great host she responded very fast to any messagesRead more reviewsLocation:
cute comfortable and the location was superban ideal location for rest and relaxationi'm glad i found this locationtracey was very responsive and her boat house was such a fun and unique locationwe enjoyed the quiet and getting away for a few nights
2. Take Five; Dayton, Kentucky (from USD 125)
Take Five is a houseboat located in Dayton, Kentucky, and with Cincinnati in Ohio just across the river, you can enjoy the attractions in both states.
The newly renovated living room features a spacious area where you can stretch your legs while enjoying a TV show. The kitchen comes fully equipped, including modern appliances such as a stove and oven. The houseboat has air conditioning and heating, so you don’t need to worry if you’re visiting during summer or winter. Here, the master bedroom has a queen-size bed, while the others are equipped with double-size beds. There are also air mattresses available for extra sleepers. The upper deck has chairs and a table so you can hang out or even dine alfresco.
Dayton, Kentucky, United States
35.42 km (22.1 mi) from Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lots of space comfy beds fantastic amenities and anything you need is provided to youCleanliness:
very cool place to stay clean and cozyRead more reviewsHost:
kind people in the arethey are friendly fun extremely thoughtful hostsvery accommodating and wonderful experiencegreat location and space and the owners and staff at the marina were very helpfulbathroom use should be limited but owner had boat was very close to marina with very nice bathrooms
3. Palm on the River; Florence, Indiana (from USD 155)
Palm on the River’s choice of decor and aesthetics evoke a tropical getaway by the water. Although these northern states are far from tropical, you can still enjoy plenty of lovely waterside sceneries and activities nearby.
The boat’s bridge has been converted into a bedroom, giving renters a lovely panoramic view. It’s also fitted with a queen-size mattress and air conditioning for a comfy night’s sleep. The kitchen has a classy wooden finish which goes well with the tropical and nautical feel.
Guests also have access to the areas on the marina’s grounds which include a covered shelter with facilities such as showers, and a barbecue and picnic area.
Florence, Indiana, United States
19.01 km (11.9 mi) from Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was very cleanbeautiful place to stay it was so relaxing clean and quiet tracey was a great hostthe boat was clean and had all necessitiesHost:
the hosts are greatall the guests that were there at this time were all so friendly and fun anything you needed…tracey is a great host and offers extras while you are there we saw live musicbeautiful view and great hosts we will be back thank you tracey :)great place to stay friendly environment and welcoming atmosphereRead more reviewsLocation:
just ask it’s also a great location to stay if you want to go to the ark encounterit is absolutely perfect the place location and overall experience was beautifulnew to a houseboat stay? this host and location make the experience fun and safea wonderful place to stay
Other boat accommodation on Ohio River, USA
4. Cool and stylish classic yacht; Florence, Indiana (from USD 145)
This 1968 Chris Craft Constellation Yacht has been converted into a large and spacious multi-story home. For keeping cool here, you can make use of portable air conditioners and fans. There’s a kitchen with a microwave for making small meals, too.
Apart from the houseboat, you will have access to a shelter with extra bathrooms and outdoor showers. These are shared with guests from the host’s other properties. It includes a fire pit area where you can warm up and socialize.
Being a classic property, this yacht comes with some caveats. For one, it cannot handle having too many devices being plugged in. Another is the amount of noise fish swimming underneath the boat can cause. If you’re a light sleeper, the host recommends using earphones while sleeping!
Florence, Indiana, United States
18.99 km (11.8 mi) from Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the grill and showers on shore are greatHost:
fantastic stay and great hosthost was very gracious to refund our money and direct us to other accommodationstracey is a great host she has given so much attention to detail at every cornertracey was a very sweet host who made sure we were comfortable and taken care ofa one of a kind experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
the yacht and location are absolutely beautiful
The Ohio River has many scenic vacation locations
The notion of living beside the river remains a very romantic notion, especially for landlocked city dwellers. Why not experience it for yourself during your vacation in Ohio? Make sure to check out this list of the top houseboats on the Ohio River, USA.
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