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Camper submitted image from Jefferson Lake State Park CampgroundView 2 Photos
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Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Five electric sites and a handful of non-electric spots make Jefferson Lake State Park Campground a compact option in southeastern Ohio. The campground operates year-round within the 933-acre state park, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet alongside tent camping on a mix of level and sloped terrain.

Site conditions vary significantly across the small loop. While some spots provide ample space to spread out, others present challenging slopes that make tent setup difficult. Kellie A. notes the campground was "very quiet" due to its limited size, with "very clean pit toilets and the campground overall was well maintained." The vault toilets receive daily cleaning during busy periods, though shower facilities remain non-functional according to multiple visitor reports.

Water access comes through non-threaded spigots that require holding a hose in place for tank filling, though staff can direct campers to a threaded connection at the maintenance building. The campground sits adjacent to Jefferson Lake, providing fishing and wading opportunities, plus 18 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park. Fire rings include flip-over grates for cooking, and the small size typically ensures peaceful stays away from crowded conditions.

Limited services in the surrounding area mean campers should arrive well-stocked with supplies. The combination of electric hookups, lake access, and trail systems works well for RV travelers and self-sufficient tent campers comfortable with basic amenities.

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Map & DirectionsJefferson Lake State Park Campground is located in Ohio near Valley View

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From jct Hwy 152 & Hwy 43: Go 1-1/2 mi W on Hwy 43, then 1-1/2 mi N on State Park Rd/CR 54.

Address

501 Township Road 261 A
Richmond, OH 43944

Coordinates

40.466561 N
80.807479 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the peaceful atmosphere and family amenities at this smaller campground. Several guests reported problems regarding sloped sites and non-functional showers, though clean facilities and quiet setting were commonly praised.

Reviewed May. 4, 2024

Peace and quiet with level pads.

Perfect for our little Scamp trailer. Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful! We loved our rainy stay. There are some lovely hiking trails around the lake and spillway. But lately there has been no swimming because of blue green algae.

Site025
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2022

Ohio website (and several others) need updating...

We picked this campground because of it's proximity to an event we were doing and because it had showers. There are showers...but they look as if they've been boarded up for several years and are definitely NOT functional - they are also down by the lake and not actually at the campground. We ran a mud run and ended up having to wash mud off in the lake before going back to our tent. Prior to reserving I did try calling the park office but was never able to get a hold of anyone - there was also no one working the check in station when we arrived and our neighbors who had been at the campground for 2 days prior to us said they hadn't seen anyone at the station since they arrived either.

They also advertise a water filling station but neglected to mention that it is non-potable water so if thats something you're looking for then keep that in mind.

The majority of the campsites are also so hilly that you can't put a tent up on a flat spot. We ended up sliding downhill all night because the space we rented was on a hill (and you can't tell in the photos they provide online).

The one redeeming quality was the bathrooms do look new and kept clean

Overall not thrilled with the campground. Very tightly packed spaces and majority are on a hill. No working showers or potable water.

If you're looking for a place for a camper then it would probably be fine since the parking spaces were pretty flat but for a tent I would look elsewhere

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2021

Quiet and Beautiful

This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot.

Site45
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Jefferson Lake State Park Campground by Kimberly , June 25, 2021
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Quiet and Comfortable

Not a huge campground, but as a result it was very quiet.

Some sites are small and very sloped. Others have lots of room to spread out. Highly recommend the one we booked! Very clean pit toilets and the campground overall was well maintained. Fire pits have a nice grate to flip over and cook on (this varied highly bw Ohio campgrounds).

Nice hiking trails and the lake is nice. Lots of geese and the expected goose poop. Plenty of solitude. 

Overall this is a pretty spot to relax and enjoy some time outdoors.

Site45
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2020

Nice campground. Limited amenities.

Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground. A few equine sites. Only 2 electric eq sites. Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord. All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot. AT&T 5g with 3 bars. Not very many restaurants or grocery nearby. Better make sure you have what you need bf you travel. Bridge out in Bergholtz (sp) had a backroad detour. But overall great smaller campground.

  • Review photo of Jefferson Lake State Park Campground by Eddie , October 10, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Quiet little campground

Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court. Dump station and 18 miles of multi use trails! Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek. But be sure to pack a picnic and relax and enjoy! Only a few electric sites available. Mostly flat shaded sites most perfect for tents or trailers.

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Jefferson Lake State Park?

The campground offers a mix of equestrian and tent/RV sites, with only five electric sites available. Facilities include clean vault toilets but no functional showers. Water is available from non-threaded spigots, sometimes requiring campers to hold hoses while filling tanks. Fire pits come equipped with cooking grates. The campground has a dump station for RVs. Visitors should note there's no potable water directly at sites, and some camping spots are significantly sloped while others offer ample space.

What do visitors say in reviews about Jefferson Lake State Park?

Jefferson Lake State Park is described as a quiet, peaceful gem in southeastern Ohio. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, well-maintained grounds, and overall tranquility. The campground receives high marks for cleanliness of vault toilets and general upkeep. While relatively small in size, this contributes to its serene atmosphere. Visitors should note that some sites are sloped, so careful selection is important when booking. The park's natural beauty and trail system are frequently highlighted as standout features.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Jefferson Lake State Park?

Jefferson Lake State Park offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking on 18 miles of multi-use trails that wind around the lake and spillway. The park features a small lake for fishing (particularly near the dam), though swimming may be restricted at times due to blue-green algae. For families, there's a playground, sand volleyball court, and basketball court. Creek access is available for rock skipping and wading with children. The park also accommodates equestrians with dedicated horse camping areas and trail access.

Where is Jefferson Lake State Park located in Ohio?

Jefferson Lake State Park is located in southeastern Ohio. While the exact address isn't specified in available information, it's a tucked-away location that offers a peaceful retreat in this region of the state. For precise directions and GPS coordinates, contact the park office or check the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.

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