Camping near Huntsville, Ohio offers a mix of lakefront, forested, and seasonal facilities within central Ohio's rolling terrain. Most sites in the region sit at elevations between 800-1,100 feet, experiencing humid summers and cold winters with regular snowfall from December through February. Sites throughout the area commonly feature varied terrain with some campgrounds requiring leveling equipment for RVs and trailers.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Logan: Campbell Cove Camping provides direct access to Lake Logan for kayaking and fishing. "Our favorite place to camp. Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," notes one camper about the lakefront experience.
Trail hiking to Ash Cave: Top O' The Caves Campground connects directly to hiking trails leading to Ash Cave. A camper confirms, "There is a connecting trail right at the front of the campground. It was a fairly simple hike too," making it accessible for different skill levels.
Explore Moonville Tunnel: Located near Lake Hope State Park Campground, this historic railroad tunnel provides a unique hiking destination. "The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike," shares one visitor who enjoyed this historical site despite noting it's "becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers."
What campers like
Primitive campsites with water views: Sites along rivers provide more secluded experiences than developed campgrounds. One visitor to Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe shared, "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."
Forested tent camping: North Ridge Campground at Tar Hollow offers a more remote tent camping experience. "The primitive camping is at the North Ridge campsite at the top of the hill to the north of the lake. It is the crest of the hill, so the different spots have different amounts of slope," explains a visitor who appreciated the park's quieter atmosphere.
Off-season solitude: Winter camping provides empty campgrounds for those seeking isolation. "All alone... again! A cold but sunny weekend in February at site #32. No other campers there for the weekend, but a lot of foot traffic," notes one A.W. Marion visitor who enjoyed having the campground to themselves.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring preparation. At A.W. Marion State Park Campground, "It's fairly small, and some of the spots looked challenging to back into, including the one I chose," reports one camper about navigating the terrain.
Walk-in camping requirements: Some tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "Make sure to pay attention to 'walk-in' sites. It's more like 'hike a half mile with your gear' sites! All in all we had a blast and a good laugh about our trek with all our stuff," shares a Hocking Hills State Park camper.
Seasonal facility limitations: Many campgrounds operate with reduced services in winter. "Only electric and vault toilets are available in the winter. You register on your own in the winter and it's walk-ins only at this time," notes an A.W. Marion visitor explaining off-season protocols.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for summer visitors: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers swimming options close to hiking trails. "There is a nice sized pool for summer (we camped in October so it was closed for the season). Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer," mentions a camper who appreciated the campground's amenities and location.
Kid-friendly activities beyond hiking: Several campgrounds feature recreational amenities. "There is a small playground for kids. It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer," reports a Big Sycamore visitor listing the family-oriented facilities.
Group campsite availability: For larger family gatherings, designated areas provide more space. "This was such a great place to book a group site. The shelter was perfect for group lunch/dinner area and a nice place to put gear that we didn't want to get wet," notes one camper about Tar Hollow's group camping options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday accommodates various RV sizes with different site types. "From primitive tent sites tucked back in the woods to large RV sites with water/sewer/electric/cable hookups. We are first-time owners of a 29 ft Fifth Wheel and got a pull-through site," explains a visitor who found the campground well-suited for new RV owners.
Road conditions awareness: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "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," warns a KOA visitor who still had a positive experience despite the rough approach.
Winter hookup limitations: Off-season camping typically offers reduced services. "We stayed at site #32. Only electric and vault toilets are available in the winter," reports an A.W. Marion camper, highlighting the need for RVers to plan accordingly for cold-weather stays near Huntsville, OH.
