Burr Oak State Park Campground provides diverse camping experiences in southeastern Ohio's rugged terrain. At 740 feet elevation, the area features mixed hardwood forests with rolling hills surrounding the 664-acre reservoir. Winter temperatures average 25-40°F while summer months range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, affecting camping comfort throughout different seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: The park's extensive trail system connects campgrounds with scenic overlooks and natural features. "Spending three days hiking around the lake, up and down hills and through wetlands was amazing," reports one camper from Burr Oak State Park Campground. Trails range from short 1-mile loops to challenging 10-mile routes.
Winter recreation options: Cold-weather activities continue beyond summer months. "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. Ice fishing is permitted with proper license when conditions allow.
Archery practice: Hook Lake Campground offers specialized outdoor sports amenities. "Archery range and lots of fishing spots. Great for families with pets too!" mentions one reviewer. The designated range includes multiple target distances from 10-40 yards for various skill levels.
What campers like
Private sites at affordable rates: Budget-conscious glamping close to Glouster, Ohio doesn't mean sacrificing quality. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting. "Lake Hope gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people. It was a great quiet and spacious campground."
Fishing opportunities: Access to multiple fishing spots ranks high among camper preferences. "LHSP still has hot showers. I guess because it doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have the crowds. Shoot! I'd stay home if I wanted a pool," notes one Lake Hope visitor. The campground provides multiple shore fishing locations with bass, catfish and bluegill.
Wildlife viewing: Strouds Run State Park Campground offers natural encounters. "Awesome park! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going! Kept going even more and found an abandoned train cart!" Star-gazing opportunities are excellent with minimal light pollution according to reviewers.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell phone coverage varies widely across campgrounds. At Top O' The Caves Campground, a visitor notes: "There is a camp store in the office, but it's rather small without anything interesting. There is a large barn with a few arcade games that the kids seemed to like." Plan for offline activities and download maps in advance.
Weather preparedness: Weather patterns can change rapidly in the hilly terrain. "Very hot outside so aware that many sites do not have shade. Camp store people friendly, made a site change for us," advises a Burr Oak camper. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F while winter nights drop below freezing.
Campsite specifications: Many sites require leveling equipment. "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 a Lake Hope visitor. Measure your equipment before reserving specific sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground specializes in children's entertainment. "We loved it. Our kids had a blast and didn't run out of things to do or kids to play with. We weren't very far from Old Man's Cave either," shares one family. Scheduled activities include movie nights, crafts and supervised games.
Swimming access: Water recreation options vary by location. "The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn't very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings," cautions a Strouds Run visitor. Check water quality reports before planning swimming activities.
Educational opportunities: Naturalist programs provide learning experiences. "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!" describes a Lake Hope camper. Programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Choose camping spots based on specific RV requirements. "While the site we stayed in with the motorhome was fairly level, sites are mostly small and tight on hilly terrain. That said, I would still recommend this as a nice weekend getaway," advises a Lake Hope visitor with a Class A motorhome.
Utility connections: Electric service varies widely between campgrounds. "RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded. We took a couple of the hikes down by the lake and it was great," notes a camper at Lake Hope. Most electric sites offer 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability.
Supply planning: Remote campground locations require advance provisioning. "Fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased. Beautiful scenery. Fall is a good time to visit. Not much nearby in the way of supplies," cautions a Burr Oak visitor. The nearest full-service grocery stores are often 20+ miles away.
