Map showing campground location near Athens, Ohio

Camper submitted image from Strouds Run State Park Campground

Strouds Run State Park Campground

Trail runners and mountain bikers use Strouds Run State Park Campground as a base for exploring the extensive trail network that winds through the Appalachian foothills. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-pay stations, and sites tend to be smaller with close spacing between neighbors. A road runs along the edge of the campground, creating some traffic noise throughout the day and night.

Water access draws many visitors to the 161-acre lake, where campers can rent kayaks, canoes, and pontoon boats from the on-site marina. The beach area includes a volleyball net, though several reviewers mention goose droppings can be an issue during certain times of year. Fishing produces mixed results according to long-term visitors. The campground includes pit toilets and potable water near the front entrance, with one electrical outlet available at the bulletin board for charging devices.

"Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side," notes Isaac K. about the camping areas. The group site sits separated from the main campground with its own pit toilet and parking area. A large wooden screen near the entrance allows campers to project movies at night. Off-season rates drop to around $15, though restroom facilities may be closed during winter months. Campers seeking more amenities can explore campgrounds around Athens just a few miles away.

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Map & DirectionsStrouds Run State Park Campground is located in Ohio near Athens

Public Campground

Directions

From jct US 33 (Columbus Rd exit) & N Lancaster Rd: Go E on N Lancaster Rd, which becomes Columbia Ave then Strouds Run Rd (CR 20).

Address

11661 State Park Rd
Athens, OH 45701

Coordinates

39.3556637 N
82.03903236 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

33 min from Parkersburg, WV
1 hr 9 min from Columbus, OH
1 hr 33 min from Huntington, WV

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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Strouds Run State Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the level sites and scenic trails despite the primitive facilities. Several guests reported road noise issues, though the location offers excellent trail access and lake activities.

Anna S.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 7, 2025

Nice space, generally quiet

In mid April 2023 I arrived late afternoon and there were TONS of spots available. Happy with the spot I picked. There was some noise from other campsites, but overall not terrible. Strouds is an amazing park with incredible trails! Bathrooms were clean.

Site15

Month of VisitApril

(5) View All

JG S.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 13, 2023

Great fishing, disappointed camping

Stayed 2 nights at camper cabin in April. Lake Hill Cabins runs the campground and boat rentals. The prices advertised on their website are not accurate. Expect to pay about 25% more. The cabins are supposed to have solar lighting. There is a handwritten sign saying the lights don’t work taped to the light switch.

Site21

Month of VisitApril

Megan M.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2022

It's fine, not great.

This is an extremely primitive place that is not run by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It is run by the same woman who runs the boat rentals at several other state parks in SE Ohio- this is her business. There are very few amenities here. There are pit toilets, potable water towards the front, and that's it. There is a road that runs alongside the entire length of the campground, right at the edge, so you can hear cars and coming and going, especially at night. I was here in late October, so I can't attest to whether this place has a loud party atmosphere like many other state parks, but it seemed pretty chill, probably due to the fact that you can't reserve a site in advance- you pay when you arrive, and pick your spot then. The boat house's hours said they were still open for the season, but I arrived long after they were supposed to open according to their hours listed on the door, and I never saw a person all day. So I went to go rent a boat at a different place. All in all, the campground is fine, just the traffic along the road was a bit annoying, and the sites are not very wide- you are close to your neighbors and there is nothing separating the sites.

Site30

Month of VisitOctober

Isaac K.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2022

Overall nice camping experience

Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park.

Month of VisitJune

Anna S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2022

One night at group site

I stayed one night at the group site for the Thunderbunny trail races. It was raining and I was prepared and just slept in my car, as many others did. Group site is set off from the main campground which is nice - it was quiet and felt remote. Just one portajohn. I'm not sure if there was water because I didn't need it. Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it! Also great spot for kayaking!

SiteGroup

Month of VisitMay

(21) View All

Birgit H.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2021

Winter Visit

We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed. There were only 3 other sides occupied. Nice little campground in the Appalachian Foothills. Be aware that Google maps doesn't send you to the campground but to a parking lot at the Lake (25 min detour). So make sure you follow the State Park signs.

Lucille W.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2020

Not bad

The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn’t very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings. The beach area can sometimes be crowded in the summer. The trails are worth it though! Lots of mountain bikers and trail runners frequent the trails. Strouds is a great place to rent a paddle board, kayak, canoe, or pontoon. There are pic nic tables, a beach volley ball area, and bathrooms. The bathrooms are sub par but all you would really need anyway.

Ruby W.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Best Camping Near Athens

The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake. Strouds also has a beach with a volley-ball net! All walking and biking distance from most of the cabins.

(6) View All

Olivia S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2019

Amazing at night for stargazing!

Awesome park! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going! Kept going even more and found an abandoned train cart!

(5) View All

Leon H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Red headed step child of the Ohio State Parks system

This out of the way, hard to find and get to park was once great. It is still a good place to camp, but there is little in the way of maintenance or upkeep going on other than what the volunteer groups are doing. The trails are generally good, some are great, hiking and mountain biking groups are keeping them in good shape. The geese are out of control, the beach is often filthy with goose crap. Fishing is hit and miss. I doubt you will see a Ranger or State Park employee, that can be a good thing or a bad thing, you decide. LOTS of Geocaching opportunities. Athens has a great deal of places to eat, nightlife, shows and any supplies you may need. The trails link into the city trails so it is possible to hike from town to the camp, but it is complex and quite a haul. Pets are allowed, but not on the swimming beach. The Group campsite it larger and has it's own pit latrine, parking and picnic tables. We have used it for Scout groups. A swingset is across the road in the main campground. There is one electrical outlet, near the entrance of the campground at the bulletin board. There is also a large wooden screen near the entrance where you can use your own projector to watch movies at night. Be advised, the cabins are tiny wood shacks.

SiteGroup Campsite

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about camping at Strouds Run State Park?

Strouds Run State Park offers a scenic camping experience in the Appalachian foothills. The campground features level sites, though they tend to be on the smaller side. Camping is first-come, first-served with payment made upon arrival. The park is described as somewhat primitive with varying levels of maintenance. The surrounding area features excellent hiking and mountain biking trails that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The lake and beach areas provide recreational opportunities, though water cleanliness can vary seasonally. The park tends to be quieter during off-season with fewer occupied sites.

What amenities are available at Strouds Run State Park Campground?

Strouds Run State Park Campground offers basic amenities including pit toilets and potable water stations near the front of the campground. The park features hiking and mountain biking trails, a lake with boat rentals, docks, and a beach area with a volleyball net. There's a small store on the premises for essential items. Facilities are somewhat primitive, and visitors should note that restrooms may be closed during off-season. The campground has regular campsites and a separate group camping area that provides more privacy and a quieter atmosphere.

How does Strouds Run State Park compare to other campgrounds near Athens, Ohio?

Strouds Run State Park is considered the go-to camping destination near Athens, Ohio, offering a more primitive and natural experience than some other area campgrounds. While it may lack the extensive facilities of larger, more developed parks, Strouds Run compensates with its scenic lake, extensive trail system, and recreational opportunities. The park provides a genuine outdoor experience in the Appalachian foothills, with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and water recreation readily available. Its proximity to Athens makes it convenient for locals and visitors to the area, though campers seeking more amenities might prefer other options in the region.

Are there cabins available at Strouds Run State Park?

Yes, Strouds Run State Park does have cabins available for rent. There are camper cabins managed by Lake Hill Cabins, which also runs the boat rentals at the park. These cabins are supposed to have solar lighting, though functionality may vary. The cabins are within walking and biking distance of the lake, trails, and other park amenities. Prices may differ from those advertised online, so it's advisable to contact the park directly for current rates and availability before planning your stay.

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Map & DirectionsStrouds Run State Park Campground is located in Ohio near Athens

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What do reviews say about camping at Strouds Run State Park?

What amenities are available at Strouds Run State Park Campground?

How does Strouds Run State Park compare to other campgrounds near Athens, Ohio?

Are there cabins available at Strouds Run State Park?