Tent and RV camping options surround the Kingston, Ohio area, providing alternatives to luxury glamping accommodations. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet, this region experiences seasonal temperatures from below freezing in winter to humid 80-90°F summers. Most campgrounds feature wooded terrain with moderate hills and proximity to water features including lakes and streams.
What to do
Hiking to geological formations: Take advantage of trails connecting campgrounds to nearby natural features. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, you can access multiple trail systems. A visitor notes, "The Buckeye Trail runs through the park. They also have a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population. Watch your steps."
Fishing and paddle sports: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. Waters Edge Canoe Livery provides both camping and water equipment rentals. According to one camper, it's a "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings are ideal for spotting local wildlife. Lake Hope State Park has dedicated naturalist programs. A visitor shared, "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!"
What campers like
Remote locations with minimal light pollution: The distance from urban centers creates exceptional stargazing. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, a camper observed, "It is really, really quiet. We could not hear anyone at the park down below. If you're lucky and have no clouds, there is virtually no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds operate with varying amenities throughout the year. A visitor to Hocking Hills KOA Holiday reported, "We are first-time owners of a 29 ft Fifth Wheel and got a pull-through site. It offered little in the way of privacy, which was the only negative about the whole experience. Our site included a fire ring and a picnic table, along with all the hook ups."
Group facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated group sites for larger gatherings. A Tar Hollow camper commented, "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."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking during peak season (May-October). Walk-in availability is limited, especially weekends. Lake Hope State Park can be less crowded. One visitor remarked, "Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites. Granted...I am usually camping during the week...but its a ghost town."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Top O' The Caves Campground, connectivity is spotty. A camper advised, "The attendant was short with our group and failed to mention they have WiFi at the campground office. Zero cell service in the entire Hocking Hills park so that would have been great to know."
Facility maintenance varies: Bathhouse and amenity conditions differ between campgrounds. A visitor to Jackson Lake Park noted, "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever!! Their was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Most campgrounds provide family-oriented recreation. At Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds, families find multiple options. A visitor mentioned, "There is a nice sized sand ground play set with swings and 2 slides, an air pillow (blob) putt putt, a trail to the lake, a dog run, poop pickup stations, an A/C'd game room and very pleasant staff."
Swimming alternatives: When pools are unavailable, consider natural swimming areas. Top O' The Caves Campground offers pool facilities but conditions vary. A camper reported, "The pool was a little bit too dirty for me but the kid liked it enough to cool down in."
Rain planning: Pack board games and consider off-site activities during heavy rain. One visitor to Tar Hollow advised, "The path around the hill allows for great drainage; a huge help if you're camping in rainy weather."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, a recent visitor warned, "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."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by site. Jackson Lake Park offers full-service sites. A camper noted, "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash. But, the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging for larger rigs. A visitor to Hocking Hills KOA mentioned, "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."
