Jeff A.
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Travelerhawking hills state park campground
Hawking Hills Campground
Great - close to hiking trails at Hawking Hills state park!
Camping near Malta, OH
152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The rugged terrain surrounding Malta, Ohio supports several camping areas from full-service state parks to primitive sites on public lands. Jesse Owens State Park encompasses multiple campgrounds including Sand Hollow, Hook Lake, and Maple Grove where tent camping and limited RV sites are available at no cost. Burr Oak State Park Campground offers more developed facilities with cabins, RV hookups, and shower houses within a 30-minute drive. Free primitive camping opportunities can be found at the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed area, particularly appealing to backpackers seeking solitude.
Most campgrounds in southeastern Ohio operate year-round though services may be limited in winter months. Permits are required for camping in Jesse Owens State Park (formerly AEP ReCreation lands), though they remain free of charge. "You need to get a free permit to use this recreation area. Pick one up at local gas stations or convenience stores, it takes less than 5 minutes," noted one visitor about Sand Hollow. Cell phone coverage is extremely limited in the region, particularly at primitive sites. Vault toilets are standard at most free campgrounds, while developed state parks provide flush toilets and shower facilities. Campers should bring adequate water supplies as some locations have unreliable water sources, particularly at primitive sites.
Waterfront camping represents a particular draw throughout the area, with numerous lakes and the Muskingum River providing scenic settings. A camper described Riversedge Campground: "Our tent was right on the river and Kelli was the best host ever!" Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though seasonal challenges include mosquitoes and poison ivy during summer months. The terrain across camping areas varies significantly from sunny, open sites to densely wooded areas providing shade. Primitive sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though maintenance quality varies between locations. Many campers appreciate the night sky visibility, as one review mentioned "no cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars." Fishing access represents a common attraction at campgrounds near water bodies.
Best Campgrounds near Malta (152)
1. Burr Oak State Park Campground
"Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."
"The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability2. Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park
"It's not listed on maps, but it is right across the way from hook lake, there is an access road you'll go on that will take you there. It's right off 83 in McConnellsville, outside Caldwell, ohio."
"Very secluded, perfect for those nature lovers looking to get away from it all. No cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars."
3. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
"Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year."
"Great spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail."
4. Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park
"Hook Lake AEP is I think the second largest of the campground areas, outside McConnellsville, Oh. Hook Lake campsites are spread throughout the woodland loop above the lake recreation area."
"We did buy wood from a private home in a near by town. Great deal. $10 for a whole wheel barrow full of wood. Quality wood (dry and well cut). "
5. Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park
"It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page."
"Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power. The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit."
6. Burr Oak Cove Campground
"Some sites are close to each other, some are more spread out - see attached map. The ones you need to walk to (3-7) aren’t far - I wish I noticed them when I drove by."
"A friend and I were just traveling through Ohio and needed a place to stay."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability7. Riversedge Campground
"We chose rivers edge for our annual father son getaway and we were not disappointed. The tent sites are right next to the water and there is a beach and dock nearby also."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability8. Blue Rock State Park Campground
"Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery."
"Newer flush toilets near the group camp sites are nice. Camp store has showers for camper use. Really pretty lake!"
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Wolf Run State Park Campground
"Great smaller park, (1,000+acre) with easy access to the interstate. My Grandsons Love that the water is clearer than most lakes here in Ohio!!"
"Lots of Ohio farmland countryside though. There is a nice size lake in the middle of Wolf Run so everything is based around it. Watch the traffic when driving from one area to another."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Bicentennial Campground
"We were camping there as volunteers with the Buckeye Trail Association to assist with trail cleanup. The Buckeye Trail is easily accessible from the campground for hiking."
"I showed up at 1am and drove around looking for a spot, settling for the one that was closest to the entrance, and much more private."
Drive Time
- 50 min from Parkersburg, WV
- 1 hr 18 min from Columbus, OH
- 1 hr 28 min from Wheeling, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Malta, OH
239 Photos of 152 Malta Campgrounds
salena
Riversedge Campground
Joaquim P.
Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park
Madison S.
Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park
Tony M.
Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park
Leon H.
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Tammy M.
Sawmill (Campground D) — Jesse Owens State Park
Kelsey R.
Dock Area Campsites — Burr Oak State Park
Nicole C.
Blue Rock State Park Campground
Shelly S.
Burr Oak State Park Campground
Eira T.
Burr Oak Cove Campground
Ed &.
Pops Place Camping
Rachael
Bicentennial Campground
Recent Reviews near Malta, OH
648 Reviews of 152 Malta Campgrounds
Tara R.
RangerBurr Oak State Park Campground
Small
Not our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
- Tara R.Ranger
Wolf Run State Park Campground
Needs some love.
We were there 3 night. With no kids. More of a tent camping campground. Not two many spots could fit bigger campers.
Vidalia S.
LegendMountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Lovely gem
Lovely gem of a campsite close to the highway. Used by atv enthusiasts, the quiet wooded full service campground is clean, quiet, and heavily wooded. Almost empty in July on a weekday. Showers, flush toilets, electric water and pumpout for $30 a night. Non-Electric sites no longer available.
Courtnee H.TravelerHilltop Resorts and Campgrounds
Ok
The campground was well maintained and it did offer some fun activities for the kids (pillow trampoline, basketball court, mini golf). We stayed in the RV section and although the sites are grassy, we prefer more trees and bigger sites for shade and privacy. This is more of an RV park feel that we prefer. However, it was within close driving proximity to Hocking Hills State Park, which was our reason for booking. So it did the job!
Chanda J.
ScoutHarris RV Park
A Peaceful, No‑Frills Gem on the Ohio River
I spent 28 nights at this laid‑back little campground from late May through June, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of no‑frills spot I love. Every site is a pull‑through, long enough for just about any rig and tow vehicle, with a simple grass‑and‑gravel setup that only needed minimal leveling. There’s no shade, so be ready for full sun, but the tradeoff is wide‑open views—especially if you snag sites 11 or 12, which overlook the river beautifully. Hookups were solid across the board: 30/50 amp electric, normal water pressure, and full sewer. Connectivity was fantastic, which made working remotely a breeze. Starlink ran between 250–300 Mbps, Verizon had five bars. I didn’t have a single issue streaming, attending meetings, or getting work done. Amenities are basically nonexistent—no bathrooms, no showers, no pool, and the laundry across the street was closed the entire month I stayed. But honestly, the price reflects that, and I wasn’t paying for extras I didn’t need. Pets are welcome, though there’s no dog park, and families might find it a bit dull since there’s nothing for kids to do. For me, the simplicity was part of the charm. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, with moderate road noise from Route 7 and occasional train and barge traffic along the Ohio River. I actually enjoyed the sounds—they added character. There’s also a nearby church whose bells I found lovely. Most of the other campers were long‑term workers who kept to themselves and were consistently respectful. I rarely saw anyone, which made the whole stay feel peaceful and private. The location is great if you need essentials: gas, ice cream, a post office, and even the occasional food truck. Scenic views and parks are close by, and I stayed here mainly because my family lives nearby and I’ve always loved the area. The staff made the experience even better. Paul greeted me when I arrived, helped me pick a great site, and even assisted with unhooking. Max, the owner, stopped by on the weekend with a packet of local attractions and chatted for a bit. Both were incredibly friendly and welcoming. As for pros, the location, views, and price are hard to beat. The cons are pretty mild—no trees to buffer the road noise and sites that could be a bit roomier—but nothing that ruined the stay. Remote workers, vacationers, and anyone craving a quiet retreat will feel right at home here. My work‑from‑RV score was excellent across connectivity, noise, and comfort, and I’d absolutely work remotely here again. In the end, I genuinely loved my time at this campground. The owner and manager were wonderful, the grounds were well maintained, and the no‑frills vibe fit me perfectly. I fully plan to make this a regular summer stop.
Kathy C.ScoutHocking Hills Jellystone Campground
Shouldn’t be called Jellystone
Jellystone Hocking Hills Ohio Don’t waste your money! I reserved a full hook up deluxe site with patio. Was supposed to be a level concrete slab. It was not! It was all gravel and dirt. No concrete whatsoever. This deluxe site sloped down so when you had a fire( weren’t allowed to move fire pit) your chairs went down hill and I fell almost every night. They brought in a crushed zone but it didn’t help the situation. Owner told us he would credit us some money back since the site wasn’t as promised, he did not. The playground was a mess. Old and nasty. The jump pad didn’t hold much air, so kids would jump on and sink right o the ground. The mining area was not locked so kids got into the pump and electrical areas which was dangerous for the little ones. YOGI BEAR MADE ONE 15 MINUTE APPEARANCE IN 5 DAYS. The schedule showed daily appearances at least daily if not more than once daily, which is how other Jellystones have been for us. MY GRANDSON was so sad. He had been looking forward to this trip for months, and recalled our prior JELLYSTONE stay at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee, which was a totally different experience than this awful Hocking hills Jellystone. We repeatedly asked about Yogi appearances and were told“Yogi was busy and maybe he would come tomorrow“. The owner made so many excuses like,“my concrete guy didn’t show up last week” that’s why we didn’t have our concrete level patio site that we paid for. The playground didn’t have mulch cause his guy didn’t show up last week. The jump pad didn’t work right because his guy didn’t show up. The new pool wasn’t completed because his guy didn’t show up. Even the yogi bear statue they show in their picture wasn’t there. The pool they did have was in the owners backyard and you had to drive to it. It was slimed and disgusting. I have never been so disappointed. We drove 4.5 hours to get there specifically so my grandkids could camp at a Jellystone with Yogi Bear around. I don’t know how they are allowed to be a Jellystone, they are definitely not up to par. I’m sure we aren’t the only family to pay jellystones higher prices so the kids could see Yogi and friends daily. I could go on…there really were so many bad things about this place, but I see this review is very long. I will attach some photos
- Mikayla H.Scout
Snowden lake
First time camping
Had a wonderful time camping with my family ground were well kept and staff was super friendly and it wasn't super busy
Christina W.ScoutMountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Almost empty
This was a gem of a park to find. There is hardly anyone here and you have your pick pretty much of the camping spots. The spots are mostly level and there are two bath houses onsite. The bathrooms are pretty basic but they have hot water and so far I’ve had them mostly to myself. And it’s only $30 a night.
Guide to Malta
The Muskingum River Valley around Malta, Ohio sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with terrain characterized by steep wooded hills and narrow valleys. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters that can limit services at primitive camping areas. Water access represents a significant feature at most camping sites near Malta, Ohio, with several offering direct waterfront access for fishing and paddling activities.
What to do
Kayaking accessible waters: At Riversedge Campground, visitors can rent kayaks with transportation provided. "They even drop you off upstream to start your trip," explains one camper. The campground recently purchased "62 acres for hiking across the road" to expand recreational options.
Stargazing in dark skies: The remote setting of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed camping area offers exceptional night sky viewing. "We only saw 2 other people on the trail while I was hiking out the second day," notes one visitor, highlighting the seclusion that creates prime conditions for astronomy.
Wildflower viewing: Spring visitors to Wildcat Hollow experience spectacular seasonal displays. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," reports a regular visitor who camps there "allllll the time."
What campers like
Direct waterfront access: Many Hook Lake (Campground A) sites provide immediate water access. "We drove thru Sand Hollow, Bicentennial and Maple Grove before choosing Hook Lake," reports a camper who found a hilltop site with cell coverage, noting, "We were able to get both att and verizon at around 2 bars."
Wildlife encounters: Camping at Bicentennial Campground provides abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "The campground has a beautiful lake you fish or kayak on and there are a ton of birds so bring your binoculars," advises one visitor. Nighttime brings "music of nighttime bugs and frogs" according to another camper.
Camping without crowds: Wolf Run State Park offers secluded experiences even during summer. "We had the whole back section to ourself! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing," reports one visitor, who recommends sites 22-25 for "seclusion and the view."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across camping areas. At Wolf Run State Park Campground, service is typically available, while at Wildcat Hollow "there is cell service when you're up in the ridges but there are a lot of dead zones in the valleys and even at the trailhead."
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Several campgrounds experience significant mud issues. "The trail is challenging terrain, especially when backpacking. It can be very wet and muddy in the spring (or after any rains), so be prepared for that," notes a Wildcat Hollow visitor. Similar conditions exist at other sites.
Water quality considerations: Water sources require careful assessment. At Wildcat Hollow, "there are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against" using stream water even with filters because "there is still active oil drilling in one of the hollows."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: At Burr Oak Cove Campground, families should consider specific sites. "This is our second trip to Burr Oak Cove and it continues to be a great place to camp for the weekend. Very family friendly with spacious sites (especially if you can get two next to each other)," advises a repeat visitor.
Overnight backpacking intro: Wildcat Hollow offers beginner-friendly backpacking. "Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," explains a reviewer who notes both smaller and larger loop options with "campsites every couple of miles" for flexibility in hiking distances.
Wildlife preparation: Campers should secure food from wildlife, particularly at Bicentennial Campground. "The raccoons were a little too close for comfort in the evening make sure you lock your food and trash in your car at night," warns a visitor who otherwise enjoyed the "beautiful campground with fire pit and table."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Burr Oak Cove Campground, RVers face specific setup issues. "If you are bringing a trailer or RV it can be a challenge to level them as the parking pads are sloped," reports a camper who otherwise found rangers "kind and informative."
Water availability planning: RV campers at Hook Lake should prepare for limited services. "They have trash, but no water," explains a camper with a 40+ foot rig who found suitable sites despite the primitive nature of the campground.
Boondocking opportunities: Jesse Owens State Park campgrounds offer free camping without hookups. "It's free but you'll need to bring what you need," advises an RVer who stayed at Maple Grove, noting the campground has "small and shady spots" with a host on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Malta, OH?
What camping is available near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Malta, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Malta, OH and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Malta, OH?
Which is the most popular campground near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malta, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malta, OH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Malta, OH.
What parks are near Malta, OH?
What parks are near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Malta, OH that allow camping, notably Dillon Lake and Wayne National Forest.
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