Rustic camping options surround Cutler, Ohio in the hilly terrain of southeast Ohio where elevations range from 650-1,000 feet above sea level. The region features mixed hardwood forests with distinctive sandstone formations carved by ancient river systems. Campgrounds in this area experience seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Forked Run State Park maintains an 18-hole course through wooded terrain. "There is a disc golf course. Fishing, swimming, hiking. I would go camping here again," notes one visitor at Forked Run State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several stocked lakes provide year-round angling near Cutler. "The fishing is good as well. What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you," explains a camper who visited regularly.
Historic exploration: Visit the former iron production facilities near Lake Hope. "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 visitor to Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Kayaking and paddling: Multiple lakes offer calm waters for paddling, with rental equipment available seasonally. "We took a couple of the hikes down by the lake and it was great," explains a Lake Hope visitor, while another adds, "Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open."
Stargazing: Clear night skies and minimal light pollution create excellent conditions for astronomy. According to one camper at Strouds Run, the park is "Amazing at night for stargazing!"
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams running through campsites provide natural ambiance and recreation. "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch, plenty of shade," notes a visitor to Blue Rock State Park Campground.
Secluded yurt camping: Several parks near Cutler offer yurt accommodations in private settings. A Blue Rock visitor mentions, "Out of the way, small camping area with basic sites. A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around campgrounds support diverse wildlife populations. "We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog... Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest," shares a visitor to Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Campgrounds are notably less crowded midweek. "Very hot outside so aware that many sites do not have shade. Camp store people friendly, made a site change for us... Going to rent a pontoon boat today and check out the beach, as well. In the 90's so very few spots taken!" reports a summer visitor to Burr Oak.
What you should know
Shower and bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between parks. "Showers were clean but only central and shared between all loops. We drove through loop 1 on our way out and it looked to be kept up better and cleaner," notes a recent visitor to Strouds Run State Park Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. "I stayed one night at the group site for the Thunderbunny trail races. Group site is set off from the main campground which is nice - it was quiet and felt remote," explains a Strouds Run camper.
Beach conditions: Water quality can fluctuate seasonally. "The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn't very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings," warns a Strouds Run visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require equipment for leveling. "Camp sites are very bad for tent camping and not the best for RV's. Back ins are sort and most sites have no level ground even for the picnic table or fire ring," warns a visitor to Forked Run.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "There is a swingset across the road in the main campground. There is also a large wooden screen near the entrance where you can use your own projector to watch movies at night," shares a visitor to Strouds Run.
Nature programs: Scheduled activities provide educational opportunities. "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!" explains a visitor to Lake Hope.
Group camping options: Designated areas accommodate larger family gatherings. "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," reports a visitor to Hook Lake Campground about their group camping experience.
Family-friendly yurt rentals: Yurt accommodations near Cutler provide comfort for families with young children. "We actually stayed at the lodge and it was lovely. We would hike around during the day and swim inside as it was before spring. Lots of great trails," notes a winter visitor to Burr Oak.
Tips from RVers
Water access points: Potable water is available at designated locations. "No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains. We were by a water spout and every time an RV/Trailer came in they of course had to fill up," shares an RVer at Dillon State Park.
Electric service: Most sites offer limited electrical options. "All RV sites have 50A/30A electric. Limited sites have full hook-up. There is a dump station near the entrance. There is also a small camp store at the entrance," explains a visitor to Dillon State Park Campground.
RV length limitations: Many sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "Sites are small back in, we stayed in loop two site 69 with great shade and electric," notes a Forked Run visitor, while another adds, "I do like they have water fountains with faucets every 10-15 sites. As well as grey water dump stations about the same spacing but stagers with the filling."
