Tar Hollow State Park offers pet-friendly primitive camping 20 miles from Adelphi, Ohio at an elevation of 900 feet. The park sits within 16,000 acres of Tar Hollow State Forest, Ohio's third largest forest area, with campsites nestled among dense pine and hardwood forests. Weather fluctuates seasonally with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Logan: Campbell Cove Camping provides access to Lake Logan where "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view" according to Ann H. The lake permits non-motorized watercraft with rentals available nearby.
Swimming options: A.W. Marion State Park Campground features a small swimming beach where dogs can cool off. The campground has "Movie for the kids at the outdoor theater" notes Karen H., though she adds "there are no showers, concrete floored, hole in the ground 'outhouses' (one men's, one woman's) by the playground."
Hiking trails network: Hocking Hills State Park Campground provides access to numerous trails. "There's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Mans Cave," reports Elana C. The trails range from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes, with most under 2 miles long.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers fishing at their 120-acre lake. One visitor mentions, "Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open." The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegill.
What campers like
Private tent camping: Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers secluded tent sites at North Ridge. Anne noted, "Sites 87 & 88 are a bit more secluded but closer to bathroom so may have more foot traffic when busier." These sites provide a true wilderness experience while remaining accessible.
Cleanliness of facilities: Campbell Cove Camping maintains well-kept bathrooms. Brianna L. shares, "The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals." Clean facilities make bringing pets more comfortable for multi-day trips.
Natural isolation: Lake Hope provides a quieter alternative to busier parks. One visitor reported, "Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites... solitude...peace and quiet." The remote location means minimal cell service for a true getaway with your pet.
Wildlife viewing: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers pet-friendly sites with wildlife viewing opportunities. Sara and her husband are described as "great very welcoming definitely our go to place when in hocking hills great place to get away!" by Scott P.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Tar Hollow has almost no cell service. Jonathan W. notes, "It is pretty remote (no cell phone coverage at even the top of the hills), and really is a chance to 'get away' from modern life." Download maps and have emergency contacts for your pet before arrival.
Campsite terrain challenges: Some tent sites require hauling gear uphill. Sydney reports about Tar Hollow North Ridge: "You cannot park your car directly at your campsite. There is a parking lot at the bottom of the campground hill. You have to carry your items to your campsite... for about 100-150 yards."
Weather considerations: The region experiences heavy rains that can flood sites. Ryan B. experienced completely flooded sites at one campground where "it was an absolute mud pit" with "standing water of over 12 inches deep." Always check weather forecasts before bringing pets.
Wildlife awareness: Top O' The Caves Campground requires pet owners to be vigilant about local wildlife. One visitor mentions, "Plenty of wildlife to see. This place brings you back to your roots of nature" while Cat notes the campground "offers awesome views for the sunsets/sunrises."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers family-friendly water activities. Anne P. shares, "my family and I even spent some time at the lake and rented a paddle board and a water bike which was so much fun! we also did some kayaking." Pet-friendly beaches allow dogs to join family swimming activities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday provides play areas specifically for children. Bill R. notes, "There are plenty of things for the kids to do. It does cater to the RVers so not that many tent sites." The campground features scheduled activities for children throughout summer months.
Playground facilities: Big Sycamore Family Campground includes a playground for children. Amber R. describes it as a "Great small family campground" with "a small playground for kids. It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer." Their pet-friendly policies extend throughout all facilities.
Budget-friendly options: Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe offers affordable riverside camping. Recent visitor Kyle B. reports, "large primitive campsites right on the river with tons of shade trees!" This creates natural play areas for both children and pets.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. Daniel at Lake Hope noted, "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions."
Electric hookup options: Tar Hollow offers 30-amp service at most RV sites, but water hookups are communal. Robert's experience at the non-electric sites includes "Creek adjacent, hiking trail nearby, small lake... the only down side was the sound of the water treatment thingy across the creek."
Site selection recommendations: At A.W. Marion, Shannon G. recommends: "We chose site #56 which had electric. It's one of the best sites we found there for it's size, shade and privacy. We set up our camper and our ez-up tent which enclosed our fire ring."
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Vicki H. warns about Hocking Hills KOA, "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township... it was a little scary, but we just drove slow."