Ohio's northeastern landscape near Geneva features rolling hills and elevation changes ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet, creating diverse camping environments with thick deciduous forests. While there are no designated free dispersed camping areas in this region, campers can find established campgrounds within a 90-minute drive offering varying levels of amenities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with most primitive camping areas closing by late October.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Logan: Campbell Cove Camping offers direct lake access with rentals available. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," notes Ann H., highlighting the peaceful setting for water activities.
Explore historic iron furnaces: Lake Hope State Park Campground provides a unique opportunity to learn about Ohio's industrial past. "You are plopped down smack dab in the Zaleski State Forest... 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 Dave V.
Night paddling adventures: Hocking Hills Canoe Livery offers unusual evening experiences on the water. "I went on the torch light canoe trip... The basic set-up is a standard canoe with a tiki torch in the back of it. You set off at 7:30-8pm," explains Betsy B., adding, "Best sight was looking ahead or behind and seeing all the lights. A girl in my group said it looked like Harry Potter."
Wildlife observation: Lake Hope State Park has dedicated naturalist programs featuring local wildlife. "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!" reports Chris C.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe offers primitive camping right on the river. "Really enjoy this spot. Been to it a couple times now. Primitive camping and you can pick a spot right on the river. We were able to walk down from the site and swim," shares Danielle T., adding that "Sites are big enough and plenty of space from neighbors!"
Unique accommodation options: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday provides diverse lodging choices beyond traditional sites. "From primitive tent sites tucked back in the woods to large RV sites with water/sewer/electric/cable hookups," explains Vicki H., who adds that the campground is "located close (within a few miles) to all the main hiking trails, and about 12 miles from Logan."
Clean facilities: Big Sycamore Family Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and sites. "The shower house and bathrooms were clean and adequate. There is a small playground for kids. It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer," notes Amber R., who appreciated the campground's proximity to local attractions, stating it's "within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer."
Fall foliage viewing: Burr Oak State Park Campground offers stunning autumn colors. "Fall is a good time to visit," recommends Leon H., who appreciates the "beautiful scenery" and notes that while it's "fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased."
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Careful research is needed when booking at Lake Hope State Park Campground. "Lake Hope was super crowded and the sites felt like they were literally on top of each other. It also was not super clear on which site was which. Our site was on a hill, but there were 2 sites, one at the bottom and one midway down so we had to ask," warns Rachel H.
Limited facilities at some locations: A.W. Marion State Park Campground lacks certain amenities that might be expected. "I would give it a higher rating but there are no showers, concrete floored, hole in the ground 'outhouses' (one men's, one woman's) by the playground and port-a-johns at the other end of the campground," explains Karen H.
Highway noise considerations: Hocking River RV Park experiences traffic sound due to its location. "Right on the river, which is interesting, but it's also right alongside State Route 33, so you hear freeway traffic constantly. Trucks and motorcycles woke me up all night, AND there is a train track right across the river (about 200 yards away)," cautions Megan M.
Weather impacts on sites: Some campgrounds struggle with drainage after rain. "Before last night it hasn't rained in a month... the sites were absolutely unusable," shares Ryan B. about one location, while another camper at a different site noted, "Decent sites, some retained water days after the rain."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreational amenities: Campbell Cove Camping offers multiple family-friendly features. "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," recommends Brianna L.
Consider cabin options for comfort: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday provides alternative accommodations for families not wanting to tent camp. "They have sites that are full hook up with wooden decks prices were 80.00 to 135.00 per night for those that were paved and with decks," notes jeffrey D., adding that they have "Handicap sites available including cabin rentals."
Seek out special programs: Look for campgrounds offering educational experiences for children. "We have never stayed at a KOA before and were very happy with this campground. The staff were friendly and professional, the sites were clean, and there were a wide variety of sites to choose from," shares Vicki H., who appreciated family-friendly amenities.
Plan for walking distances: Hocking Hills State Park Campground requires preparation for bathroom access. "The campsites are so close together, which you think would at least mean the bathrooms were close, but no, they were a serious hike. Not good with kids," warns Jenny K.
Tips for RVers
Leveling challenges: Burr Oak State Park Campground presents terrain difficulties for larger rigs. "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. Site around is sloped in all directions," explains Daniel, though he noted the "Friendly staff" and clean facilities.
Limited hookup availability: Check reservation details carefully for utility connections. "The RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded," notes Kevin F. about Lake Hope State Park, while A.W. Marion offers "Both electric and non-electric sites" according to Shannon G., who added that their site was "big and spacious and backs up to trees."
Road condition warnings: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township, so its completely out of their ability to make improvements," explains Vicki H. about one Hocking Hills location, advising, "we just drove slow and our truck handled it just fine."
