Glamping near Marietta, Ohio offers rustic luxury in the foothills of the Appalachians at elevations ranging from 600-900 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 80-85°F and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing. Camping options span across southeastern Ohio and into neighboring West Virginia, with most sites nestled among mixed hardwood forests typical of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau.
What to do
Archery practice: Hook Lake at Jesse Owens State Park maintains an archery range near the camping area. "There's also an archery range but I did not go and check that out as I do not have a bow and arrow," notes one visitor to Hook Lake Campground.
Freshwater jellyfish viewing: Forked Run State Park offers a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. "What makes the lake unique at Forked Run is that it contains dime sized fresh water jelly fish. These type aren't able to sting you," explains a camper at Forked Run State Park.
Astronomical observation: Barkcamp State Park partners with regional observatories for stargazing events. "Oglebay comes out and has star gazing when it's in season," shares one reviewer who's visited Barkcamp multiple times.
Local history exploration: The region's iron-producing past is accessible through preserved furnace remnants. "Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first 'put-in' for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," notes a Lake Hope visitor.
What campers like
Natural water features: Strouds Run State Park offers multiple water activities in a secluded setting. A camper observed, "Strouds is an amazing park with incredible trails! The park itself is clean, but the facilities are dated," highlighting the balance between natural beauty and infrastructure age.
Diverse camping surfaces: Burr Oak State Park provides various terrain options for different camping styles. "We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog, those are the only two areas that allow pets. At Dock 3 we were right on the water but dock 2 is probably 200 yards from the water," explains a camper who appreciated the waterfront access options.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple parks feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets' and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride," mentions a Salt Fork visitor who enjoyed the diverse fauna.
Seasonal charm: Fall creates distinct experiences in the region's parks. One camper at Burr Oak noted, "Very hot outside so aware that many sites do not have shade. Camp store people friendly, made a site change for us," showcasing the staff's accommodation of seasonal conditions.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Lake conditions can change throughout the season. A visitor to Strouds Run reported, "The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn't very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unpredictable throughout the region. At Hook Lake, "I have Verizon which is almost constant, and TMobile which is spotty. Other sites might not have as good of cell service," explains a recent visitor.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Facility quality differs dramatically between parks. At Forked Run, a camper reported, "The pit toilets were filthy- covered in flies, spiderwebs and dirt. They look like they have not been hosed out since the 70's."
Site levelness challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloping terrain. A Barkcamp visitor noted, "A lot of the RV spots are unlevel up a hill, so backing in would be a hassle," highlighting a common regional challenge.
Tips for camping with families
Hummingbird programs: Lake Hope offers unique wildlife education opportunities. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" exclaims a visitor.
Water recreation options: Salt Fork State Park provides diverse aquatic activities. "This is an awsome state park. Personally, it is definitely a favorite and I think it is one of the best in the state. Large lake allows for all types of boating. Has large campground only beach and plenty of hiking trails/destinations," recommends a satisfied camper.
All-weather accommodations: At Blue Rock State Park, families can find covered camping options. "A cool feature is a few of the sites have pavilion type covered patios that you can pitch your tent in to help stay dry during inclimate weather," notes a visitor who appreciated this unique feature.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Jesse Owens State Park offers educational animal encounters. A visitor warns, "The raccoons were a little to close for comfort in the evening make sure you lock your food and trash in your car at night," providing practical safety advice for families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Ashland RV Park provides full services near Marietta. "While an RV park, you can also tent camp with the amenities, making it really nice. Electrical hookups and water at your site, plus clean bathrooms and a shower house on the property," shares a camper who appreciated the versatility.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation at many parks. A November camper at Barkcamp noted, "The campground had no water hookups, about 90% of the sites were not level," highlighting off-season limitations.
Site selection strategy: RVers should scout locations carefully. "We drove thru Sand Hollow, Bicentennial and Maple Grove before choosing Hook Lake. While most of the sites at Hook Lake do not have cell coverage we were lucky enough to find that at the 'top of the hill' we were able to get both att and verizon at around 2 bars," advises an RVer who found the perfect spot after thorough exploration.
Campground selection timing: Holiday weekends impact availability. A Blue Rock visitor noted, "Many area's with grills set up, but Holliday, it fills up fast," providing important timing information for RV travelers.
