Best Campgrounds near Amanda, OH

The Amanda, Ohio region supports several camping options within a 30-mile radius, including developed state parks and private campgrounds. Hocking Hills State Park Campground stands as one of the most popular destinations, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. A.W. Marion State Park Campground and Tar Hollow State Park Campground provide additional public land camping opportunities, while private establishments like Campbell Cove Camping and Jackson Lake Park offer more amenities. The area's mixed-use campgrounds typically feature a combination of wooded sites and lake access points.

Reservations are strongly recommended at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Many campgrounds operate with limited services during winter months, with several closing entirely from late October through early April. "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park," noted one reviewer, highlighting one of the few year-round options. Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds reporting spotty service, especially in more remote locations like Tar Hollow. Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, though some primitive camping areas may require higher clearance.

Campers consistently mention the scenic qualities of the region's state parks, particularly those near water features. Hocking Hills State Park receives high ratings for its natural features, with one visitor describing it as "the most scenic camping area in Ohio" with "lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area." Several reviews note that campgrounds in the region can become crowded, especially those closest to popular hiking destinations. The primitive tent-only section at Tar Hollow State Park offers more solitude but provides minimal amenities with pit latrines instead of flush toilets. Lake Hope State Park was praised by one camper as providing "a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people," suggesting it as an alternative to more popular developed campgrounds in the Hocking Hills region.

Best Camping Sites Near Amanda, Ohio (118)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    19 miles
    Website

    $20 - $70 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    2. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $25 - $40 / night

    "They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."

    "Marion State Park on this particular weekend because it's relatively close to home (Columbus area)."

    3. Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Adelphi, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 887-4818

    $27 - $75 / night

    "The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. "

    "The drive there was a very interesting tour of trump flags Amish buggies and more. Would come back if I was stranded in Ohio, but overall great pit stop for cleaning up on a long journey."

    4. Campbell Cove Camping

    18 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."

    "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."

    5. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 837-2656

    $40 - $139 / night

    "As a moto camper, we really lucked out with a flat plot and didn’t have anyone in the spots next to us. My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation."

    "Easy access to sites. Staff could take a lesson in hospitality and giving directions on park."

    6. Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-9764

    "River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice."

    "Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds."

    7. Big Sycamore Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-7120

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite."

    "Nice little campground right down the road from Lake Logan. Convenient to shopping nearby(Walmart and Kroger) About 10 miles from the caves and trails. Right off the highway. Good cheap firewood."

    8. Top O' The Caves Campground

    17 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."

    "There's a small pond for fishing and a church from the 1800s and all together a beautiful place to walk around. The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite!"

    9. Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-4295

    "Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park."

    "The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."

    10. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    2 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 746-8439

    $35 - $600 / night

    "It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."

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Recent Reviews near Amanda, OH

754 Reviews of 118 Amanda Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    lake logan KOA Campground

    Not a good place for tent camping

    THIS IS AN RV CAMP. They have tent sites but they are just squares of gravel/wood. Our site was placed just feet from the ROAD you turn off of to enter the campground. Ridiculous and incredibly overpriced for what you get.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2026

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Peacefull

    Great quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2026

    Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    Good things in small package

    Stayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.

  • Ilce H.
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Monday Creek OHV Dispersed

    Ok but FREE

    Its free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.

  • Joe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2026

    Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    Very Nice KOA

    This is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.

  • a
    Apr. 3, 2026

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Alum creek camping

    Had a great experience. Plenty ofntrail and water for my dog to play on and all the amenities we clean and functioning . Great experience and well priced .

  • Travis L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2026

    New Straitsville Trailhead

    Very nice

    Nice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend

  • Andrew R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2026

    Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead

    Good stop over point - OHV

    Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.

    NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.

    Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

    Family Camping

    We had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.


Guide to Amanda

The Amanda, Ohio area offers access to multiple camping options within an hour's drive. The region sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Plateau with elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet. Campgrounds in this region typically feature wooded terrain with occasional limestone outcroppings characteristic of the Hocking Hills region. Rural highways provide access to most camping areas, though some secondary roads may require careful navigation during winter and early spring.

What to do

Canoe or kayak on rivers: Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe offers riverside camping with direct water access. "We had a great time. River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice," notes one visitor who appreciated the proximity to water activities.

Hiking to natural features: Hocking Hills State Park Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails. "We enjoyed a full hookup site. The spots aren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Mans Cave. We enjoyed swimming in the pool," mentions one camper highlighting the direct trail access.

Fishing at established lakes: A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities at its lake. "AW Marion is near 23 and easy access to the highway to get to Columbus. Plenty of space and shade in not electrical campsite for a hot summer day," reports one visitor who enjoyed the lake access.

Disc golf nearby: Campbell Cove Camping provides access to a disc golf course in the area. "We hope to come back someday," mentioned one camper who noted the course was "down the road" from the campground among other recreational activities.

What campers like

Well-maintained shower facilities: Tar Hollow State Park Campground receives praise for its facilities. "The grounds were clean and fairly well maintained. There are shower facilities, potable water and vault toilets. Pine Lake is nice, but the beach is a bit small," notes one visitor.

Quiet, secluded camping spots: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers peaceful sites. "The owners here are really great. Small campground and kind of close to the highway, but the sites are a good size, mostly shaded, and bathhouse was adequate," reports one camper who valued the size of individual sites.

Lake swimming opportunities: Campbell Cove Camping provides lake swimming options. "Our favorite place to camp. Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," mentioned a camper who appreciated the water activities.

Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Jackson Lake Park features amenities for families. "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," noted one visitor, highlighting the additional recreational options beyond standard camping.

What you should know

Winter camping limitations: Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Big Sycamore Family Campground runs "April 15 - October 31" according to their listing, which reflects the typical operating season for many private campgrounds in the area.

Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires attention. "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township, so its completely out of their ability to make improvements," noted a camper at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday.

Reservation requirements: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday operates a structured reservation system. "They escort you directly to your site so you don't get lost or go down a one-way road the wrong way," mentioned a visitor, indicating the formalized check-in process at more developed campgrounds.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. "It is pretty remote (no cell phone coverage at even the top of the hills), and really is a chance to 'get away' from the modern life," observed one camper at Tar Hollow State Park, highlighting the limited connectivity.

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options for easier stays: Top O' The Caves Campground provides cabin alternatives. "We have returned to this camp ground four times! Everything is quite outdated especially the park and mini golf. With that said it was a great time. It has mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids," noted a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.

Look for swim areas: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. "The tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," mentioned a camper at Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center who found the site comfortable for family camping.

Select sites near bathroom facilities: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. "We were on site 106, which is at the far end of the campground... Since site 106 is at the far end, you don't have anyone walking by your campsite to and from the parking lot," noted a Tar Hollow State Park visitor, highlighting site location considerations.

Check entertainment options: Campgrounds offer varying activities. "My family recently stayed at Campbell Cove for the weekend. Everything appeared new and updated. The sites were nice and level. Nice playground and clubhouse building," reported a visitor, emphasizing the importance of on-site entertainment for families.

Tips from RVers

Check site levelness: Site conditions vary greatly across the region's campgrounds. "We were on site #31 in January and my husband thought this site was more level than #31," noted a camper at A.W. Marion State Park who found site variations even within the same campground.

Seasonal camping options: Some campgrounds accommodate long-term stays. "Most of the campers are year round. In the back of the campground is a beautiful area to access the lake," reported a visitor at Campbell Cove Camping, indicating opportunities for seasonal arrangements.

Hookup availability: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers various site types. "Some sites are full hook up, some sites are electric and water, and some are primitive. The dump station is easily accessible if you need it," explained a camper describing the variety of RV accommodations available.

Maneuverability concerns: Big rig access varies by location. "We had some issues with someone else using our spot when we arrived tried to call the park office to get a resolution with no result. had to use another open spot," noted a Hocking Hills State Park visitor, highlighting potential challenges with site accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Amanda, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Amanda, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Amanda, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Amanda, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Amanda, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Amanda, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Amanda, OH.

What parks are near Amanda, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Amanda, OH that allow camping, notably Deer Creek Lake and Alum Creek Lake.