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Best Campgrounds near McConnelsville, OH

627 Reviews

McConnelsville, Ohio provides access to several free or low-cost camping areas including the Jesse Owens State Park campgrounds. The region encompasses former American Electric Power (AEP) recreation lands that have been transitioned to state park management. Camping options range from basic tent sites at Hook Lake and Sand Hollow campgrounds to RV-compatible areas at Maple Grove. Burr Oak State Park, located approximately 25 miles southwest of McConnelsville, offers more developed camping with cabins and RV hookups. Most campgrounds in the area feature primitive amenities with picnic tables and fire rings.

Road conditions throughout the camping areas require careful navigation, particularly after rain when gravel roads may become muddy. Vault toilets are common at most sites, but full-service restrooms with showers are limited to the more developed state parks like Burr Oak. A camper wrote, "We drove thru Sand Hollow, Bicentennial and Maple Grove before choosing Hook Lake. All of these Jesse Owens State Park/AEP campgrounds are free for up to 14 days." Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with limited service at many campgrounds. Verizon typically provides the most reliable coverage, though signal strength remains spotty in valley areas. Campers should plan accordingly by downloading maps and bringing sufficient supplies.

Several campgrounds in the area feature lakefront access, including Hook Lake, which receives high marks from visitors for its quiet atmosphere and spacious sites. The Jesse Owens State Park campgrounds continue the legacy of free camping established when the lands were managed by AEP. According to one visitor, "This campground was very quiet, lots of shade. The DNR make rounds on a regular basis." Proximity to outdoor activities represents a significant draw, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking throughout the region. McConnelsville serves as the nearest supply point, approximately 20 minutes from most camping areas, offering groceries at Kroger and other essentials. Many campers also recommend exploring nearby attractions such as The Wilds conservation center and the historic buildings in downtown McConnelsville.

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Best Camping Sites Near McConnelsville, Ohio (137)

    1. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "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."

    2. Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park

    12 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    8 miles
    Website

    "Outside McConnellsville, Oh it is worth the drive.

    My favorite thing about this area is the covered bride, weird I know, but I like seeing the old covered bridges."

    "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."

    3. Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park

    6 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    9 miles

    "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). "

    "We drove thru Sand Hollow, Bicentennial and Maple Grove before choosing Hook Lake. All of these Jesse Owens State Park/AEP campgrounds are free for up to 14 days."

    4. Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park

    6 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 453-4377

    "Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power.

    The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit."

    "It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page."

    5. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Corning, OH
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Burr Oak Cove Campground

    9 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 753-0101

    $10 - $15 / night

    "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."

    7. Riversedge Campground

    3 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 962-2267

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    8. Wolf Run State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Caldwell, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 732-5035

    "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."

    9. Blue Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blue Rock, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 674-4794

    "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!"

    10. Bicentennial Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cumberland, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 962-1205

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near McConnelsville, OH

242 Photos of 137 McConnelsville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near McConnelsville, OH

627 Reviews of 137 McConnelsville Campgrounds

Guide to McConnelsville

Camping near McConnelsville, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Swimming: Enjoy the beach area at Salt Fork State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are a lot of great full hook-up sites here. Great for families and couples alike."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Wolf Run State Park Campground. One camper noted, "We had the whole back section to ourselves! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Dillon State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms we had access to were heated and perfectly clean."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Burr Oak State Park Campground, offer large sites. One visitor mentioned, "The site was a good size, but not secluded."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Hope State Park Campground are noted for being great for families. A reviewer said, "Great area. Camped here with my friends and I’ve been here on a backpacking trip through OU."

What you should know:

  • Close quarters: Some campgrounds have sites that are pretty close together. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have modern facilities. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Wolf Run State Park Campground. One camper shared, "There are running showers and none plumbed bathrooms. It does have a laundry room also."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. One family at Salt Fork State Park Campground enjoyed the pool, saying, "They had a pool which people seemed to enjoy."
  • Pack extra gear: If you're camping at Hocking Hills State Park Campground, consider bringing a cart for your gear, as some sites require a bit of a hike.
  • Choose the right site: Look for sites that offer more space and privacy. A camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground mentioned, "It was great with silence and space."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV can fit into the selected site. A review for Forked Run State Park Campground warned, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Wolf Run State Park Campground noted, "Our main issue was lack of oversight/patrolling after quiet hours."
  • Bring your own water: Some campgrounds, like Forked Run State Park Campground, do not have water hookups, so it's wise to bring your own.

Camping near McConnelsville, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near McConnelsville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, McConnelsville, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near McConnelsville, OH and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near McConnelsville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McConnelsville, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near McConnelsville, OH.

What parks are near McConnelsville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near McConnelsville, OH that allow camping, notably Dillon Lake and Wayne National Forest.

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