Salt Fork State Park Campground spans over 17,000 acres near Cumberland, Ohio, making it the largest state park in the region. Located just 6 miles off Interstate 70, the campground offers a variety of terrain from wooded hillsides to open meadows at elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level. The area typically receives around 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for glamping close to Cumberland, Ohio during the peak camping season from April through October.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Visitors at Salt Fork State Park Campground can explore numerous trails through varying terrain. "Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access," explains one camper, who also notes the availability of "natural spring fed water supply" in the area.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes at Hook Lake Campground provide excellent fishing spots, though with some restrictions. "At the campground children up to the age of 15 are allowed to fish. Adults need to go elsewhere to fish," notes a visitor who explored nearby McConnelsville, which features a wharf, opera house, and Kroger for supplies.
Boating and water activities: Multiple boat launches are available for water enthusiasts. At Burr Oak State Park, "Campers can rent pontoons or enjoy a day kayaking the lake, or swimming on the beach," according to a longtime visitor who grew up in the area. The site also provides "easy access to the water for a fun-filled day off boating."
What campers like
Privacy and space: Many campsites at Dillon State Park Campground offer reasonable separation between sites. "There is reasonable space between the sites to allow for some privacy and to allow you to spread out. Area C is the most secluded area," notes a camper who appreciated the heavily forested setting approximately 10 miles west of Zanesville.
Natural features: The landscape around luxury glamping sites near Cumberland provides diverse natural experiences. "The park is well cared for... We did take a little time to walk and bird. It is a very good birding hotspot in the spring!" shares an enthusiastic visitor at Burr Oak State Park, highlighting the seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Convenience and accessibility: National Road Campground receives praise for its strategic location. "Good overnight stay just 1 miles off of Interstate 70, leaving the convenience of Cambridge and city amenities close by while allowing for great trails and solitude," mentions a visitor who appreciated both the access to services and natural features.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: At Barkcamp State Park, one camper warned, "We stayed here November 21, 2020. The campground had no water hookups, about 90% of the sites were not level (and....I mean by A LOT)." Another visitor confirmed this challenge, noting "the pad was narrow so you had to pay attention when exiting the camper, most of the site are on a hill."
Seasonal differences: Weather and facilities change throughout the year. "The change of season brings a very different atmosphere to the park and the people staying in it," explains a Salt Fork visitor who observed "mostly hunters set up in the C campsite area" during fall visits when temperatures cool considerably.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks and other wildlife require preparation. At Salt Fork, a camper warned, "After a morning hike down wooded Trail, we spent A LONG TIME pulling ticks from dogs...even though the temps were in the 30's overnight and everyone was treated with flea & tick protection." At Hook Lake, another visitor noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and recreation options: Family-friendly glamping near Cumberland includes activities for children. "Nice place to stay! We enjoyed fishing as well as watching our child on the playground and splash pad!" reports a visitor to National Road Campground, which offers structured recreation beyond natural features.
Space for group activities: Barkcamp State Park Campground accommodates large family gatherings effectively. "I used to have a large family when I was young and we would get together here and rent out large portions of lots and all the kids would play on the trails and flash light tag at night," recalls a visitor who grew up in the area.
Pet-friendly options: Families with pets should research site-specific rules. At Burr Oak, one camper noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Spring Valley Campground, one RVer reported, "Pull-thru site #18 was very unleveled from front-to-back; hitch was on ground and rear stabilizers were fully extended with blocks underneath." Having leveling blocks and stabilizers is essential for comfortable overnight stays.
Hookup placement: Consider hookup locations when selecting sites. One Spring Valley camper mentioned they "felt bad hooking into all of our full hook up because the sewer hose was right in the middle of the next campsite," indicating the tight spacing can affect setup logistics.
Alternative sites for large rigs: For those with larger RVs seeking upscale glamping experiences around Cumberland, Hook Lake offers flexibility. "I chose a site on a hill that I was able to get my 40+ rig into, I was all by myself with a great view," notes a visitor who appreciated the site options, adding "Both of the Camp Grounds mentioned there is no danger of getting a big rig into and not out of so don't be afraid."
