Campsites near Kingston, Ohio typically occupy forested terrain with elevations ranging from 750-900 feet above sea level. The region experiences moderate seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds in the area offer a mix of wooded and open sites, with several providing direct access to small lakes or ponds for recreational activities.
What to do
Hike to the fire tower: Tar Hollow State Park offers extensive hiking with access to a prominent fire tower. "Part of the Buckeye Trail runs through the park. They also have a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population. Watch your steps," notes a camper at Tar Hollow State Park Campground.
Fish at small lakes: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing opportunities in small, manageable lakes. A visitor at Campbell Cove Camping reports, "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view." Most lakes permit non-motorized boats and have accessible shorelines.
Explore nearby caves: The region offers excellent access to popular cave formations. "Great hiking trails. Very busy on holiday weekends so I think it is best to go when that is not the case or even through the week," advises a camper at Hocking Hills State Park.
What campers like
Secluded tent camping: The North Ridge area at Tar Hollow provides a more isolated experience. "It's a very secluded campsite so it really feels like you're one with nature. Site 106 is a great site if you choose to stay here. It is very flat, one of the most flat sites," explains a reviewer.
Clean swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain small but well-kept swimming facilities. At A.W. Marion State Park Campground, a visitor mentions, "There is a nice size pond for fishing. Our only regret is we didn't realize there was no shower house here." Swimming areas typically have limited hours during peak season.
Walk-in primitive sites: For those seeking a more authentic camping experience, walk-in sites offer added privacy. "The primitive section is located far from the electric sites, which is desirable for us. It's also a walk-in campground, which wasn't really made clear when making reservations," notes a camper at Scioto Trail State Park Campground.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and type of restroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Scioto Trail reports, "There are no showers and pit toilets, which weren't bad at all. The campground is also really, really dark, especially since the electric sites are in a totally different section of the park."
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds place sites very close together. "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," notes a visitor to Hocking Hills State Park.
Limited cell service: Most areas have poor to no cellular coverage. At Sun Valley Campground, campers appreciate this feature: "This is a beautiful campground, well maintained. Sites have space between them, many are shaded. This is near the highway and made a great place to stop for an overnight while traveling."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity centers: Some campgrounds offer additional entertainment options beyond natural features. A visitor to Top O' The Caves Campground notes, "It has mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids. It offers rustic cabins for those that dont tent camp or have a rv."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. "We enjoyed a full hookup site. The spots aren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Mans Cave. We enjoyed swimming in the pool," mentions a family at Hocking Hills.
Evaluate hiking difficulty: Trail difficulty varies significantly across the region. At Campbell Cove, a camper observed, "We loved the location of Campbell Coves to Old Man's Cave and hiking trails. We do a family trip to the area every fall and this will be our go-to location."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Kingston area have uneven terrain. "I would give it a higher rating but there are no showers, concrete floored, hole in the ground 'outhouses' by the playground and port-a-johns at the other end of the campground," shares an RV camper at A.W. Marion.
Full hookup availability: For those requiring complete amenities, options exist but are limited. At Walnut Creek Campground and Resort, a visitor reports, "Great time! Has fishing, kayaking, golf cart trails, volleyball set up, basketball court, swimming pool and super nice cabins."
Consider site privacy: While many campgrounds allow pets, privacy between sites affects the pet camping experience. "AW Marion is near 23 and easy access to the highway to get to Columbus. Plenty of space and shade in not electrical campsite for a hot summer day. Plenty of flat space," notes a reviewer who appreciated the pet-friendly accommodations.
