Nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, the Athens, Ohio area offers diverse camping opportunities across elevations ranging from 650 to 1,100 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s while summer highs reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity. Camping availability varies seasonally, with limited winter options outside of state parks where vault toilets remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hope State Park offers a peaceful flatwater experience for anglers. "Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open," notes one visitor who appreciates the serene morning conditions at the Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Trail running: The region provides excellent terrain for runners with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to Strouds Run State Park Campground explains: "Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it! Also great spot for kayaking!"
Historical exploration: Beyond natural attractions, the area offers historical sites. "Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first 'put-in' for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," shares a Lake Hope camper. Another adds, "The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike."
What campers like
Tent-friendly terrain: While many campgrounds cater to RVs, several locations offer dedicated tent spaces. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, "The primitive camping is at the North Ridge campsite at the top of the hill to the north of the lake. There is a single gravel parking lot here, and you are carrying your gear in at most 100 yards, up hill, to the farthest spot."
Yurt camping Athens, Ohio: For those seeking yurt accommodations near Athens, Burr Oak State Park Campground offers these unique structures. "Burr Oak gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the yurt camping experience as an alternative to traditional tent sites.
Wildlife viewing: Nature enthusiasts appreciate the biodiversity. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" reports an excited Lake Hope visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited connectivity. A Tar Hollow visitor 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 the modern life."
Site selection considerations: Campsite topography varies significantly. "The north ridge campground is in an entirely separate area of the park than the RVs and there aren't many campsites, so in that way it feels a little more remote and secluded," explains a camper at Tar Hollow, adding, "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes. 106 wasn't too bad."
Solar lighting inconsistency: Some glamping and cabin facilities advertise solar lighting which may be unreliable. A visitor to Forked Run State Park Campground cautions, "Outhouses are gross. Usable, but gross. No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activities: Some campgrounds offer family-oriented programming. "There is a small two-room nature center, and there is a naturalist who conducts several activities. In past years we've been able to spend an hour or so at the nature rooms, and then let the kids go off with the naturalist on an hour+ guided hike down the creek," describes a Tar Hollow visitor.
Consider rental equipment: Many parks offer on-site rentals for water activities. At Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds, "There is a nice sized sand ground play set with swings and 2 slides, an air pillow (blob) putt putt, a trail to the lake, a dog run, poop pickup stations, an A/C'd game room and very pleasant staff," according to a satisfied camper.
Verify bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Forked Run observed, "The pit toilets were filthy- covered in flies, spiderwebs and dirt. They look like they have not been hosed out since the 70's."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. A visitor to 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."
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common in the region. At Kountry Resort Campground, campers appreciate that "There are a lot of amenities but they need updated. The playgrounds need replaced. The activities building had a pool and game room area, which we used a lot."
Access considerations: Roads leading to some campgrounds can be challenging. As one KOA visitor explains, "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."
