Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, OH

Lancaster, Ohio and surrounding Hocking Hills region support multiple camping options, from established campgrounds to more remote experiences. Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin sites within proximity to scenic hiking areas, while A.W. Marion State Park provides a smaller, more intimate camping setting with both electric and non-electric sites. Campbell Cove Camping and Hocking River RV Park serve as privately operated alternatives with full hookup options for recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, typically closing from late October through early April.

Weather conditions significantly affect camping experiences in the region, with hot, humid summers and occasionally cold, wet springs. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays at popular locations like Hocking Hills State Park, where sites fill quickly during peak season. Most campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites with pit latrines to full-service RV hookups with shower facilities. Cell service remains spotty throughout much of the region, especially in more remote camping areas. As one camper noted, "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave."

Campground selection near Lancaster varies based on desired privacy levels and amenities. Sites at Hocking Hills State Park provide access to numerous hiking trails leading to scenic rock formations, caves, and waterfalls, making it a popular base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. Tent-only areas like Tar Hollow State Park North Ridge campground offer more primitive experiences but require campers to carry equipment from parking areas to campsites. Visitors frequently mention proximity to natural attractions as a primary consideration when selecting camping locations. Private campgrounds like Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA and Jackson Lake Park provide more amenities such as swimming areas, playgrounds, and camp stores. Several reviewers commented on the crowds at better-known locations, with one noting, "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes" at Tar Hollow, highlighting the importance of researching specific site conditions before booking.

Best Camping Sites Near Lancaster, Ohio (112)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    20 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    2. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $21 - $25 / night

    "They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."

    "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "

    3. Campbell Cove Camping

    17 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."

    "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."

    4. Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-9764

    "River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice."

    "Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds."

    5. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA

    12 Reviews
    Heath, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 928-0706

    "Then outside is the picnic table.  Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin.  "

    "Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."

    6. Big Sycamore Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-7120

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite."

    "Nice little campground right down the road from Lake Logan. Convenient to shopping nearby(Walmart and Kroger) About 10 miles from the caves and trails. Right off the highway. Good cheap firewood."

    7. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 837-2656

    $40 - $139 / night

    "As a moto camper, we really lucked out with a flat plot and didn’t have anyone in the spots next to us. My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation."

    "Easy access to sites. Staff could take a lesson in hospitality and giving directions on park."

    8. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    2 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 746-8439

    $35 - $600 / night

    "It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."

    9. Hocking River RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 331-4840

    $15 - $40 / night

    "There was some mud where camper wheels were situated in the spot (needs material). Fire rings are not near RV but behind across the road on the river. Bath house is just ok - not great, not gross."

    "The river is small and is perfect to have a fire right next to. We also just went up the highway a little to a rafting rental place called murrys landing to raft down the river."

    10. Lakeview RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 653-4519

    "Small swimming lake!  Canoe rental and jet pack “skiing”"

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Recent Reviews near Lancaster, OH

743 Reviews of 112 Lancaster Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Nice park but some traffic noise

    Spent three nights here while we were visiting friends in Lewis Center. We stayed in F09 and it was a great spot. Lots of protection on both sides so it was very secluded. And close to the shower house. Only reason I didn’t give this five stars was there was still quite a bit of traffic noise around the park that you could hear. Some nice hiking trails as well. Campsite was nice and level. Showers were super clean and awesome water pressure.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    A Very Pleasant and Quiet Campground

    This campground is clean and we'll maintained. They have a pool, and activities on the weekends. Must sure have a tree and grass with fire pits and a table.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Jenny C.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Family Fun For Everyone!

    We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons). We love that electric is included and was helpful for plugging in fans during the hot night.

  • Andrea H.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Dillon State Park Campground

    Campground is quiet

    My partner and I have been here for 3 days , were staying for a week. So far everyone has been friendly or keeps to themselves. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the deer are plentiful and beautiful

  • Ravi G.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    The Caves Campground

    Great campsite!

    Pulled up right to the site- directions well marked. Met with the host, very nice campground with electric and water - not full hookup, but there was a septic drain accessible near the site. Will definitely stay again!


Guide to Lancaster

Camping near Lancaster, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The park is very neat and clean," highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
  • Disc Golf: Check out the disc golf courses at Delaware State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "They put in a putt-putt course recently, had disc golf," which adds a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large sites at Buck Creek State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," indicating plenty of room to spread out.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. A review for Dillon State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms we had access to were heated and perfectly clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the amenities at Lake Hope State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great area. Camped here with my friends," emphasizing the welcoming vibe.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak times. A visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, "It was busy, but a nice amenity for some," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A review for A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no beach, and what is probably a snack bar or boat rental place was all boarded up."
  • Site Selection Matters: Some sites may not be ideal for tents. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground said, "The site was sloped down from the pad and not a great place to tent camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Delaware State Park Campground mentioned, "Each section has its own playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping on a weekend, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground noted, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, "There is plenty to explore and see," which can help keep the family entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together," which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, "Electric only site was convenient to fill the camper."
  • Be Prepared for Curvy Roads: Some campgrounds have winding roads. A camper at A.W. Marion State Park Campground advised, "Take your time and you’ll be fine," when navigating to the campground.

Camping around Lancaster, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lancaster, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lancaster, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Lancaster, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lancaster, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lancaster, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lancaster, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Lancaster, OH.

What parks are near Lancaster, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Lancaster, OH that allow camping, notably Deer Creek Lake and Dillon Lake.