Best Campgrounds near Creola, OH

Campgrounds near Creola, Ohio provide a range of accommodation types within the scenic Hocking Hills region. Lake Hope State Park Campground, located in McArthur, features tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with year-round availability. The broader area includes Zaleski State Forest and Hocking Hills State Park, where visitors can find both established campgrounds with amenities and more primitive camping experiences. Most facilities within 30 minutes of Creola support multiple access types including drive-in, walk-in, and hike-in camping across varied terrain.

Road conditions and site layout vary significantly throughout the region's campgrounds. Many campgrounds feature sloped sites that may present challenges for larger RVs and campers. "Sites are very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together. We stayed at one of the more spread out sites. I'd go again, but they should maybe make some tent pads for the tent sites," noted one camper at Lake Hope. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water and toilets, though several use pit latrines rather than flush facilities. Cell reception is limited in many areas, particularly at Lake Hope, making these locations ideal for those seeking to disconnect. Weather considerations include heavy fog near the lake, especially in evening hours.

The Hocking Hills area attracts campers interested in both water recreation and hiking activities. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes with boat rentals, swimming beaches, and fishing opportunities. Lake Hope State Park receives particular attention for its trails and natural features. "Lake Hope was super crowded and the sites felt like they were literally on top of each other... There were plenty of hiking trails and at the lake you can rent kayaks for the day!" according to visitor feedback. Proximity to regional attractions represents another advantage, with campers noting Lake Hope's location is "only ~30-40min from all the must see attractions of Hocking Hills and surrounding area." The region's campground options balance natural setting with accessibility, though weekend crowds can be significant during peak summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Creola, Ohio (130)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    9 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. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "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...but..."

    "Lake Hope has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone and the campground is close by! The campground is quiet and well kept."

    3. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

    4. Top O' The Caves Campground

    17 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."

    "There's a small pond for fishing and a church from the 1800s and all together a beautiful place to walk around. The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite!"

    5. Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Adelphi, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 887-4818

    $4 - $27 / night

    "The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. "

    "The drive there was a very interesting tour of trump flags Amish buggies and more. Would come back if I was stranded in Ohio, but overall great pit stop for cleaning up on a long journey."

    6. Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    11 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-4295

    "Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park."

    "The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."

    7. Campbell Cove Camping

    18 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    16 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."

    8. Lake Alma State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hamden, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 384-4474

    "A beautiful place that is very accessible to people walking or biking from the campground unlike other SE Ohio state parks."

    "Great trails, nice bike path and walking path around lake great new shower house."

    9. Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground

    4 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6720

    "Free tricycles to ride around. Bouncy area, lake with a trampoline and activities all the time."

    10. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College

    9 Reviews
    Albany, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 698-6373

    "Lake Snowden is a great alternative to camping at Strouds. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new “water park” opened during the summer. Great shelters, facilities, and optional bathrooms."

    "We were able to camp right by the lake. The trails are great for hiking and some more intermediate mountain biking. And there are boat rentals of many different types."

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Recent Reviews near Creola, OH

655 Reviews of 130 Creola Campgrounds


  • M
    Nov. 22, 2025

    The Hilltop at Redbird Ridge

    Nice view and convenient location

    Was a cool view at the top where the space is.

    Close to hocking hills and Logan, right off 33 so it was easy to find

  • K
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Top O' The Caves Campground

    Not as relaxed or dog-friendly as described

    I'll start by saying I have a cattle dog and a lab. Both have a bit of anxiety but are otherwise well trained and medicated (after much consideration with vets behaviorist and trainers).

    Campsite is clean, accessible, and accommodating.

    This is my complaint:

    Before making our reservation the dogs had been doing extremely well on their walks. Little to no reactivity for weeks. Still, I did my best to find a “more remote” site that still had electric.

    I understood there may be some traffic, but I severely under estimated how much. I found the map and video tour very misleading and difficult to read.

    We ended up very close to the main entrance and right next to the highest traffic road in the whole camp site. The dogs were very stressed and barked at every car that went by. We made every effort to reduce this with our training techniques including keeping them on short leashes in hand to redirect, and leaving the site entirely during prime check in hours.

    The campsite staff asked if they would settle the first night and I had every reason to think they would after the first night, based on experience, but they did not. There was no other communication about the issue or trying to find a resolution. I acknowledge I probably could have been more proactive myself, but I had read the relevant materials and did what research I could ahead of time. Since I had not heard anything I believed we were within expectations.

    Upon leaving we were approached by a member of the campsite staff that told us we were not welcome back, and the dogs should have stayed home, that they had numerous complaints through out our stay and we had been a nuisance to everyone due to excessive noise (I'm paraphrasing). I was apologetic as I was under the impression it was being managed well enough since we had not heard anything.

    When we got home I sent a note to the management to let them know I found the conversation with the staff member to be unprofessional and unhelpful. I offered a few ways they could make things more comfortable for everyone. I had a neutral tone and was focused on solutions and preventing another circumstance like this for them. Their response was about the same as the staff member and actually I had violated several policies I was unaware of and had not seen until their mention in this email.

    I say all of this to say, based on my experience, they expect dogs to be practically silent and extremely obedient. Also, if you are bringing dogs that need any kind of special accommodation to stay relaxed, I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and ensuring you have what you need at your site and have understood the policies and map (etc) correctly.

    The staff will not be proactive about offering solutions or communicating potential conflicts early which could prevent your visit from being as quiet and relaxing as you may have liked.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Great place and not far from home

    2nd time here, this time we booked for 10 days we liked it so much, very conveniently located for us. We would like to see more planned activities on weekends.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    Fall trip

    Big property with every site type. Complete with KOA amenities. EV chargers on-site. Bathrooms were excellent individually separated rooms with showers and toilets. We were escorted to our site upon arrival. Very poor Verizon coverage but the Wi-Fi on site worked fine. Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park.

  • Angie F.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    Picturesque Hocking HIlls retreat

    While we are not horsemen, my husband and I so enjoyed our stay at this remote and picturesque campground. The property reflects great pride and financial investment: nicely-appointed and immaculate bathroom facilities; well-spaced campsites; classy equine stalls; and accommodating service second to none. Highly recommended!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Park Campground

    A day a life in the office

    I drove an hour and a half to get here because dyrt showed that we had full AT&T service here that is not the trucks we have between one and two bars of AT&T service so we’ll see if we drove here for me to be able to work for a couple days and be out in God’s creation

  • D
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park

    Can’t wait to come back!!!

    Beautiful campground with fire pit and table. Our site was big enough for 3 6 person tents but most sites are smaller and fit 1-2 4 person tents.

    Good trails to hike and wonderful scenery. No cell reception unless you have satellite.

    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.

  • Aly M.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blennerhassett RV Park

    Friendly campground

    The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too.

  • 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.


Guide to Creola

Camping near Creola, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Lake Hope State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "The lake is beautiful and there is a very nice lodge for meals," highlighting the area's charm.
  • Family Activities: Campbell Cove Camping features a playground and swimming area. One family said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole," making it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Tar Hollow State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Our stay was quiet and relaxing," which is ideal for those looking to unwind.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Burr Oak State Park Campground often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor remarked, "The bathrooms and bathhouse were clean," which is always a plus.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday is appreciated by many. A guest said, "The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with," making for a pleasant stay.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Campers at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted that sites can be close together. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Scioto Trail State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A camper shared, "The campground was very meh," indicating that it might not have all the bells and whistles.
  • Weather Considerations: At Zaleski State Forest, rain can make trails muddy. One visitor advised, "If recent rainfall in the area be mindful of the mud," so check the forecast before heading out.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Campbell Cove Camping that offer playgrounds and activities. A parent mentioned, "The bathrooms are so clean," which is a big deal when camping with kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like hiking or swimming, to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed, "A nice clean swimming area," at Lake Hope State Park Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground noted, "We only had a day there," so quick snacks can help maximize your time outdoors.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers at Top O' The Caves Campground found that some sites are sloped. One camper said, "It took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level," so be prepared to adjust.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need more amenities, consider campgrounds like Hocking Hills KOA Holiday that offer full hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Sites are reasonably level," which is helpful for RV setups.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Campers at Top O' The Caves Campground noted that noise can be an issue. One said, "The camper next to us had their truck doors open and radio cranked up all day," so choose your site wisely for a quieter experience.

Camping near Creola, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Creola, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Creola, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Creola, OH and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Creola, OH?

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Creola, OH.

What parks are near Creola, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Creola, OH that allow camping, notably Wayne National Forest and Deer Creek Lake.