The area surrounding Cumberland, Ohio offers primitive camping options in reclaimed mining land through the Jesse Owens State Park system. The terrain features rolling hills with elevation ranges of 800-1,100 feet and numerous small lakes formed from former strip mining operations. While summer temperatures average in the 80s, high humidity can make tenting uncomfortable during peak months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fish Farm Camp, visitors can fish in a private lake with excellent conditions. "Beautiful lake to take a swim in, nice ground for the tent and a pleasant toilet. This is brilliant for the price, definitely recommended!" notes Axel A.
Covered bridge exploration: Near Sawmill Campground, campers can walk across a historic covered bridge. "This campground is wonderful... it has its own covered bridge. How special is that," writes Karen K., who adds, "Miners memorial is nearby. Go check out Big Muskie Bucket and learn a bit about Coal and power."
Hunting access: Many of the campgrounds in the Jesse Owens State Park system serve as base camps for hunters during season. "Lots of deer hunters there. Did find a nice level spot though," notes Steve S. about Bicentennial Campground. The fall hunting season often coincides with reduced camper traffic at most sites.
What campers like
Privacy levels: At Wolf Run State Park, secluded sites offer quiet camping experiences. "Secluded, peaceful, great campground!" writes Jessica R., who visited multiple times. Another camper notes "We had the whole back section to ourself! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing."
Free camping options: The Bicentennial Campground offers no-cost lakefront camping. "We picked a waterfront lot (number 5). It sat back in from the driveway around the camp. NO water available. NO cell service. Outhouse or ports johns available," reports Tanner G.
Off-season tranquility: Late fall through early spring brings significantly reduced crowds. "We were camping there as volunteers with the Buckeye Trail Association to assist with trail cleanup. The campground has a beautiful lake you fish or kayak on and there are a ton of birds so bring your binoculars," explains Shannon G., who visited Bicentennial in early season.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive campgrounds lack basic services. At Hook Lake Campground, "No cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars," reports Greg K. "No service and no electric hookup," adds Kelly L. about AEP lands.
Vault toilet conditions: Toilet facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Pit toilets were well maintained, fire rings provided and nicely kept grounds with observed quiet times made for a fantastic stay!!" reports Tony M. about Hook Lake, while Derek C. notes, "The only bad thing I have to say about the area was the 'rest rooms'. Definitely need to have bug spray in hand and possibly your own TP. They were disgusting."
Bug issues: Insect problems can be significant, especially in summer. "After about 6 hours unfortunately I couldn't handle them anymore, packed up and left," writes Tammy M. about Sawmill Campground. Another camper at Hook Lake stated, "It may have just been the time of year that we went but the bugs were especially terrible at this campground. We used spray and still had so many bites."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access: Sand Hollow offers kid-friendly water areas. "Plenty of shallow water for the kids to play in if they wanted to go exploring," notes a visitor to nearby campsites. "This campground is wonderful for tents, hammocks or RV. It always has spots available and they are completely free," adds Madison S.
Fire preparation: Bring your own firewood to primitive sites. "No firewood to buy, no water (so make sure you pack what you will need)," advises Kenpocentaur K. Some visitors report buying wood from local homes: "We did buy wood from a private home in a near by town. Great deal. $10 for a whole wheel barrow full of wood."
Wildlife education: The area supports diverse wildlife viewing. "Beautiful, peaceful woodsy area with lots of trees and wildlife to watch," writes Mike T. about Wolf Run State Park. Children can fish without licenses at several campgrounds, with Hook Lake specifically mentioned: "At the campground children up to the age of 15 are allowed to fish. Adults need to go elsewhere to fish."
Tips from RVers
Site selection crucial: At many dog friendly campgrounds near Cumberland, RV site quality varies dramatically. For Blue Rock State Park, Shannon G. advises "Some of the electric sites were very small or had a very bad dip on the pad. Choose your site wisely."
Seasonal availability: Many primitive campgrounds become difficult to access during wet seasons. "Drive past Sandy Hollow which is another great Dispersed Campground with around 82 sites to handle all types of vehicles within a mile of Hook Lake," writes James D., adding "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to most campgrounds show limited maintenance. "Roads in the campground are very rough with large potholes," notes Dave B. about Spring Valley Campground. Larger rigs should scout routes before commitment, particularly after rainfall.
