Primitive camping options can be found throughout the Hocking Hills area near Laurelville, Ohio. This region sits within the Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 600-1,000 feet, creating distinctive sandstone formations and ravines. Late spring through fall offers the most comfortable camping conditions, though several campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Located near Tar Hollow State Park Campground, visitors can access trails leading to scenic water features. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake," notes camper Renée C. who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Swimming at natural beaches: Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers a swimming beach on Pine Lake. "Pine Lake is nice, but the beach is a bit small. Overall, this has been a lovely place to relax and decompress! Would certainly return again for another trip," shares Lisa S.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Laurelville campgrounds provide fishing access. "I stayed in the non electric sites near the lake & had the place to myself on a sun & mon night," reports Anne from Tar Hollow, adding that "proximity to the lake was nice & trails are well marked."
Disc golf courses: Jackson Lake Park offers disc golf among other recreational amenities. "Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," notes reviewer Jess N., who appreciated the recreational options despite some bathroom maintenance issues.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: North Ridge Campground at Tar Hollow offers elevated tent camping. "The north ridge campground is in an entirely separate area of the park than the RVs and there aren't many campsites, so in that way it feels a little more remote and secluded," explains Sydney, who recommends site 105 as "probably the most level site in the campground."
Luxury glamping accommodations: At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat provides distinctive overnight accommodations. "Perfect place for a getaway! They have tipi and cabin rentals. Such a nice place tucked away that isn't as over crowded as other places," shares Renée C. about this glamping option near Laurelville.
Cabin alternatives: When tent camping doesn't suit weather conditions, cabins are available. "We waited awhile to be able to get in here. It was awesome. Tipis are very cool and the outdoor shower is my favorite part. Short hike to the Rock bridge. Well worth it," notes Neal C. about At Boulders Edge.
Seasonal availability: Lake Hope State Park Campground operates year-round for campers seeking off-season experiences. "The trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn," writes Dave V., who recommends the park for its solitude.
What you should know
Cell service varies: Many campgrounds in the Hocking Hills region have limited connectivity. "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up," advises Sydney about Tar Hollow's North Ridge Campground.
Bathroom facilities differ: Quality of facilities varies between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are pit latrines. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned about this (you're camping! it's cool to rough it a bit!) However…these are some of the dirtiest I've experienced," notes Sydney about Tar Hollow's facilities.
Terrain challenges: Many sites in the region sit on uneven ground. "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," explains Daniel about Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Weather considerations: Rain can impact camping experiences in this hilly region. "Beware if you are parking down there if its raining or you expect rain. There were a lot of people, from cars to trucks, that got stuck down that little hill and had to be towed out!" warns Jennifer R.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer swimming and boating. "The lake has a sand beach and designated swim area. It is blocked off from the rest of the lake by a wooden dock from which you are able to shallow dive," explains Jonathan W. about Lake Hope State Park.
Children's activities: Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds offers numerous amenities for families. "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," shares Mitchell C.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities. "In past years we've been able to spend an hour or so at the nature rooms, and then let the kids go off with the naturalist on an hour+ guided hike down the creek to explore for wildlife and plants," Jonathan W. notes about Lake Hope State Park.
Group camping sites: For larger family gatherings, dedicated group sites are available. "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," Renée C. shares about Tar Hollow State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Hocking Hills KOA Holiday offers various RV site options. "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," shares Vicki H., who recommends the campground for its professional staff.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash," notes Chris C. about Jackson Lake Park, though he mentions that "the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose."
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds in the hills have space constraints. "The RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded," Kevin F. shares about Lake Hope State Park, which has narrower sites due to the forested setting.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require caution. "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," explains Vicki H. about Hocking Hills KOA Holiday.
