The Athens area offers a mosaic of forested terrain with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet across the Appalachian foothills. Campers find pockets of wilderness interrupted by lakes, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water access may be limited during cold months.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding on calm waters: Lake Hope State Park Campground provides boat rentals right at the lake. "During the summer they set up large inflatable slides and create a makeshift lake waterpark!" notes one Lake Snowden camper.
Geocaching adventures: Burr Oak State Park's surroundings are rich with hidden treasures. "Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest," explains one visitor who stayed at Burr Oak's pet-friendly camping areas.
Stargazing in dark skies: Strouds Run State Park offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. One camper reported it was "Amazing at night for stargazing!" The park's relatively remote setting minimizes light pollution.
Wildlife observation: Lake Hope State Park features unique wildlife programming. "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!" describes an enthusiastic visitor.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offers free dispersed camping with established sites. "Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," notes a regular visitor who adds, "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers."
Dog-friendly water access: Burr Oak Cove Campground welcomes pets throughout the grounds. "We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog, those are the only two areas that allow pets. At Dock 3 we were right on the water but dock 2 is probably 200 yards from the water," explains a camper who appreciated these pet-friendly options.
Spacious group sites: Zaleski State Forest accommodates larger gatherings with dedicated areas. "This is a great place to camp! Very spacious with lots of fire rings and picnic tables. The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike," shares a visitor who used the group camping area.
Off-the-beaten-path atmosphere: Lake Hope State Park offers quieter alternatives to busier parks. "Lake Hope gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people," explains one camper who preferred this location to avoid crowds at Hocking Hills.
What you should know
First-come camping logistics: Strouds Run State Park Campground operates on a first-arrival basis. "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," explains a recent visitor.
Varying campsite quality: Sites at many Athens-area campgrounds differ significantly in size and terrain. At Lake Hope, "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," reports one RVer.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: For backpacking options, prepare accordingly. At Zaleski State Forest, "Latrine available (bring toilet paper). Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings," warns an experienced backpacker.
Seasonal water access: Winter campers should check ahead. "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed," notes a Strouds Run visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Lake Snowden Campground offers family-friendly water activities. "The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new 'water park' opened during the summer," writes one reviewer who found it ideal for children.
Tent pad considerations: When tent camping with kids at Burr Oak, look for the most level options. "There are nice leveled pads at most sites for tents," shares a family camper, which helps when managing younger children's sleeping arrangements.
Playground access: Some Athens-area campgrounds include play equipment. At Forked Run, "A swingset is across the road in the main campground," which gives children something to do between outdoor adventures.
Wildlife programs for kids: Search for campgrounds with educational components. "We have backpacked the trails here since the 1980s. More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares a parent about Zaleski, noting that children often spot "salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup distribution: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers electric sites but requires planning. "The RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded," notes one RVer who appreciated the tree cover despite tight spacing.
Level challenges: Many Athens-area campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Burr Oak Cove, "if you are bringing a trailer or RV it can be a challenge to level them as the parking pads are sloped," warns a visitor with a trailer.
Hookup clarity: At Lake Snowden, verify electrical service type before booking. "The website advertises electrical hookups but it fails to mention that some sites on the premises are only 50 amp hookups and not 30 amp and 50 amp," cautions an RVer who encountered compatibility issues.
Seasonal considerations: For off-season RV camping near Athens, prepare for limited services. "The sites are pretty large and grassy," mentions a Lake Snowden camper, but notes that facilities may be reduced during quieter periods.
