Southeastern Ohio features rolling hills with elevations between 600-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain for glamping close to Long Bottom, Ohio. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winters dropping to 20-30°F. Winter visitors should note that while some locations operate year-round, temperatures can make primitive camping challenging without proper equipment.
What to do
Lake activities at Forked Run: The 102-acre lake offers fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill. According to one visitor, "I grew up near Burr Oak and spent a lot of time at the beach and campground as a child. The lodge has been remodeled and is absolutely beautiful and the food at the restaurant is delicious. Campers can rent pontoons or enjoy a day kayaking the lake, or swimming on the beach."
Disc golf courses: Several parks near Long Bottom feature disc golf courses for all skill levels. At Forked Run State Park Campground, a camper noted, "site: wooded. scenic. some sites more private than others. some slightly sloped sites. amenities: very clean. attractions: rural area. lake. disc golf. fishing. swimming. hiking."
Hiking at Strouds Run: The network of trails connects to the Athens city trail system. A visitor to Strouds Run State Park Campground shared, "Strouds is a beautiful park with incredible trails! Bathrooms were clean." Another reviewer mentioned, "The trails are worth it though! Lots of mountain bikers and trail runners frequent the trails."
What campers like
Affordability for overnight stays: Many campgrounds offer basic sites under $25 per night. A camper at Forked Run noted, "This campsite costed about 2o dollars per night. There is electricity and restrooms. There are showers like usual and there is also boat rentals which was really expensive."
Proximity to river towns: Local communities offer additional amenities within short drives. A visitor to Kountry Resort Campground mentioned, "We did a couple day trips down to Pomeroy, which is a nice little river town with ice cream, playgrounds, and shops less than five miles from the campground."
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds report significantly lower occupancy Monday through Thursday. According to a Lake Hope camper, "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. Which is fine by me...solitude...peace and quiet."
What you should know
Site conditions can be challenging: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring careful setup. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, one camper reported, "Lake Hope was super crowded and the sites felt like they were literally on top of each other. It also was not super clear on which site was which. Our site was on a hill, but there were 2 sites, one at the bottom and one midway down so we had to ask."
Water quality varies: Some lakes experience seasonal color changes. A Forked Run visitor noted, "The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal."
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities range from updated to primitive across the region. One camper shared, "Vault toilets only and stuck to high Heaven. Not serviced well at all. Hiked the lake view trail, poorly maintained."
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the area. A reviewer at Strouds Run said, "Zero cell service in the entire Hocking Hills park so that would have been great to know."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several parks offer kid-friendly swimming areas. A visitor to Burr Oak State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is awesome. There are adequate shower facilities. Bring your own firewood. The firewood at the campstore is less than amazing."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can observe local fauna during quieter hours. A Lake Hope visitor noted, "Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable."
Geocaching trails: Several parks feature maintained geocache sites. A Burr Oak camper shared, "Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest. The docks have near constant traffic but it's not super busy. Just a car every few hours."
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: RVers should reserve early for the few truly level spots. A camper at Ashland RV Park reported, "Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH owner and Staff are very friendly and easy going! Clean, nice newer bath house. With laundry large shelter house I believe there is dockage but not sure if it is for seasonal rental only? Hook ups for each site!"
Site spacing considerations: Some parks place RVs close together. A visitor noted, "We have camped in a tent here several times. Popular for Scouting campouts and popular with local boaters. Hiking trails are good, the lodge has been renovated, however, I have not stayed there since the reno."
Winter accessibility: For those seeking glamping options near Long Bottom in colder months, research road conditions. One winter visitor shared, "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed. There were only 3 other sides occupied. Nice little campground in the Appalachian Foothills."
