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Best Campgrounds near Newark, OH

874 Reviews

The camping landscape around Newark, Ohio features a range of accommodations from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Several established campgrounds dot the region, including Dillon State Park Campground near Zanesville and Lazy River at Granville, which offers tent, RV, and cabin options approximately 15 miles northwest of Newark. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provides glamping opportunities alongside traditional camping experiences, while LA-Z Acres Campground in Nashport offers year-round access with multiple accommodation types. Most campgrounds in the area maintain moderate to high ratings from visitors, with many facilities receiving 4+ star reviews.

Seasonal operations vary significantly across the Newark area campgrounds. While some parks like Dillon State Park and LA-Z Acres operate year-round, others like Buckeye Lake KOA (April through October) and Rustic Knolls Campground (mid-April to mid-October) close during winter months. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Campgrounds frequently provide amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with spring rainfall sometimes creating muddy conditions at certain sites. A review mentioned: "Our site was muddy when we arrived and only got worse due to only having 2 days with no rain. That said it was one of the widest in the strip and would have suited us and our pups just fine had we been able to really enjoy the space."

Family-friendly activities stand out as a common highlight in camper feedback for sites near Newark. The Lazy River at Granville receives consistently positive reviews for its recreational offerings. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a small, family owned campground that is perfect for families with kids of all ages! Beautiful creek that runs along side some nice deep sites! Two pools, tons of activities!" Swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized events appear frequently in positive reviews. Campgrounds with water features like creeks or lake access tend to be particularly popular. Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels during peak seasons, with several reviews noting issues with noise during quiet hours at certain locations. Visitors seeking more peaceful environments might consider sites farther from recreational facilities like pools and basketball courts, as these areas sometimes experience higher foot traffic and activity noise throughout the day.

Map showing campgrounds near Newark, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Newark, Ohio (140)

    1. Dillon State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nashport, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    "I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."

    "I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."

    2. Lazy River at Granville

    8 Reviews
    Granville, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 366-4385

    "I probably wouldn't select site 20 again, as it is close to the pool and the basketball court, alot of youth noise, but understand."

    "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("

    3. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA

    12 Reviews
    Heath, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 928-0706

    "Then outside is the picnic table.  Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin.  "

    "Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."

    4. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."

    5. LA-Z Acres Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dillon Lake, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 452-0113

    6. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    45 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    7. Tree Haven Campground

    7 Reviews
    New Albany, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 965-3469

    "They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."

    "Great walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice. Well....I guess we did! We are now in a search for a Diesel pusher to go full-time!"

    8. Rustic Knolls Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 397-9318

    "Rustic is down a gravel road, well off the beaten path, and a little more remote than the boondocks. Frank, the owner, and his team are great."

    9. Mohican State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Loudonville, OH
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 994-5125

    "It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."

    "The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site.  Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace.  More space and great neighbors. "

    10. Wolfie's Campground

    6 Reviews
    Zanesville, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 454-0925

    $48 - $75 / night

    "Not far from I-70, near the river, quiet and clean… almost too quiet."

    "Doesn’t make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late."

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Recent Camping Photos near Newark, OH

356 Photos of 140 Newark Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newark, OH

874 Reviews of 140 Newark Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park

    Can’t wait to come back!!!

    Beautiful campground with fire pit and table. Our site was big enough for 3 6 person tents but most sites are smaller and fit 1-2 4 person tents.

    Good trails to hike and wonderful scenery. No cell reception unless you have satellite.

    The raccoons were a little to close for comfort in the evening make sure you lock your food and trash in your car at night.

  • J
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Delaware State Park Campground

    Great peaceful campground

    This is our second time coming here really enjoy this place it's typically more of a quiet relaxed camp there is a playground in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one. Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Nice park but some traffic noise

    Spent three nights here while we were visiting friends in Lewis Center. We stayed in F09 and it was a great spot. Lots of protection on both sides so it was very secluded. And close to the shower house. Only reason I didn’t give this five stars was there was still quite a bit of traffic noise around the park that you could hear. Some nice hiking trails as well. Campsite was nice and level. Showers were super clean and awesome water pressure.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Mt Gilead State Park Campground

    Small, quiet campground

    We like this small campground, it works well for us. Our pad was pretty level and not hard to back into with a small camper. however, a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in. The full hook up side the sites are really tight together. The electric only sits are spread out a little more. Some have decent shade while others have none at all. Our site was really nice and had space for a tent or you could hang from a hammock. Great camp store, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking paths and small lake.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Scenic Hills RV Park

    Great campground

    Close to everything Amish in Berlin. Asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day. Friendly and helpful staff. Free firewood.Very clean and well kept park.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    A Very Pleasant and Quiet Campground

    This campground is clean and we'll maintained. They have a pool, and activities on the weekends. Must sure have a tree and grass with fire pits and a table.

Guide to Newark

Camping near Newark, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic hikes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by,” making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor noted, “The sites have level pads. The park is very neat and clean,” which makes it a great place to relax by the water.
  • Disc Golf: If you’re into disc golf, check out Alum Creek State Park Campground again. One review highlighted, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails,” so you can have a fun-filled day.

What campers like:

  • Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Mohican State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “Make sure to bring some money for ice cream because it’s awesome!” highlighting the enjoyable experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the large sites at Dillon State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites,” which allows for a comfortable stay.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Families love the playgrounds and activities at Delaware State Park Campground. One camper shared, “Each section has its own playground for the kids,” making it a great choice for families.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hope State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together,” so be prepared for some challenges.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Deer Creek State Park Campground can get busy. One visitor noted, “Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out,” indicating that weekdays might be quieter.
  • Road Noise: Campers at Alum Creek State Park Campground have mentioned noise from nearby roads. One review stated, “The main road (55mph) was extremely close and loud,” so consider this when choosing a site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Delaware State Park Campground that have playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper said, “They put in a putt-putt course recently,” which adds to the fun.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. One family shared, “We were in section C; it had upgraded single-person shower houses,” which can be a plus for families.
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campers enjoy setting up games at their sites. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, “Many of the sites have a large area behind the parking pad for tents and setting up games,” making it a great place for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should look for spacious sites like those at Dillon State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “The campground was immaculate,” which is a good sign for RV parking.
  • Be Prepared for Slopes: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hope State Park Campground, have sloped sites. A camper mentioned, “The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together,” so plan accordingly.
  • Use GPS for Directions: When heading to places like Alum Creek State Park Campground, make sure your GPS is set correctly. One camper advised, “Make sure your GPS is set for the campground and not the park,” to avoid confusion.

Camping around Newark, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With a mix of activities, family-friendly spots, and RV accommodations, it’s a great area to explore the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Newark, Ohio?

Newark offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Lazy River at Granville is a popular choice just minutes from Newark with well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a state park experience, Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provides comfortable accommodations including kabins with bunk beds in separate rooms that can sleep up to four people. Other notable options include LA-Z Acres Campground near Nashport and Muskingum River State Park Campground, both offering various amenities for different camping styles. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally, with limited availability during winter months.

Are there tent camping sites available near Newark?

Yes, several campgrounds near Newark accommodate tent campers. Alum Creek State Park Campground offers beautiful tent sites with partial shade and is known for its safe environment, even for solo campers. The park features wooded surroundings, hiking trails, and lake access. Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides another option for tent camping, though availability is limited to weekends and the park does not operate during winter months. For those willing to drive a bit further, Hocking Hills State Park also offers excellent tent camping opportunities. Most tent sites in the area include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with bathrooms nearby.

Where can I find fishing spots at camping areas near Newark?

The Newark area offers excellent fishing opportunities at several campgrounds. Malabar Farm State Park Campground provides fishing access in a beautiful conservation-focused setting. This organic, self-sustaining farm features ponds and streams for anglers. Hocking River RV Park offers riverfront camping with fire rings positioned along the Hocking River, providing direct access to fishing opportunities. Other options include Rustic Knolls Campground near Mt. Vernon, which offers boat-in access and water features for fishing enthusiasts. Most fishing spots in the area target species like bass, catfish, and various panfish. Remember to obtain an Ohio fishing license before casting your line, and check with individual campgrounds about specific fishing regulations or catch-and-release policies.

What amenities do campsites near Newark offer?

Campgrounds near Newark provide various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Toodik Family Campground offers well-maintained facilities including shaded sites, a laundry room, pool, and clean bathrooms. Cross Creek Camping Resort provides pull-through sites suitable for RVs, though they're situated close together with limited privacy. Many area campgrounds feature shower facilities, though quality varies by location. Several offer full hookups for RVs, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some, like Campbell Cove Camping, maintain camp stores with essential supplies and friendly staff. Higher-end sites might include amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, while state parks typically offer more natural settings with basic facilities but greater privacy.

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