8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Burr Oak State Park Campground offers a distinctive glamping experience with accommodations set near a serene lake surrounded by mature forest. The property includes safari-style canvas tents with elevated platforms, comfortable bedding, electricity, and private decks overlooking the water. Blue Rock State Park also provides upscale glamping options including a yurt with proper beds, cooking facilities, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. Hook Lake at Jesse Owens State Park rounds out the boutique camping selection with premium glamping structures that blend seamlessly into the natural environment while providing essential creature comforts. A recent visitor noted, "The lodge on the opposite side of the lake offers great food and drinks, making this a perfect balance of outdoor living with modern amenities."
The glamping sites near McConnelsville connect visitors with southeastern Ohio's rolling hills and pristine lakes while maintaining luxury accommodations. Hiking trails wind through the properties, with Blue Rock State Park featuring trails that one reviewer described as "absolutely breathtaking—beautiful, serene and smelled like wildflowers." Water activities abound with boat rentals available at Burr Oak, allowing glampers to explore the scenic waterways. The region's dark skies create ideal conditions for stargazing from private decks or outdoor seating areas. Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round, though winter visitors particularly appreciate the heated options at Burr Oak. Each location provides varying levels of seclusion, with some sites offering more privacy than traditional camping areas while maintaining proximity to modern bathhouses with hot showers and clean facilities.
"Luxurious accommodations and continental breakfasts won’t be found here…..a space to unwind and reflect will."
"Site 41 with a paved pad and electric. We were across from the shower house and bathrooms. The office is closed but a staff person was on site."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"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."
"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). "
"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."
"We had a secluded site right beside the creek. The only negative was no flush toilets, only pits and so sink to was hands, but there was hand sanitizer at least."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $50 / night
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"Dillon Lake State Park is located about 10 miles west of Zanesville, OH in a heavily forested area. There is no road noise from the local route 146 used to access the campground."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $160 / night
"There are plenty of things to do. the ponds are stocked with fish and because it is private land no fishing license is required. basketball courts and a playground."
"The staff and other campers are so very nice and helpful. The camp is clean and very family oriented."
from $35 / night
"In mid April 2023 I arrived late afternoon and there were TONS of spots available. Happy with the spot I picked. There was some noise from other campsites, but overall not terrible."
"The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."
"** and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced."
"Lots of great sites to pick from, lots of loops, shady sites , secluded sites, handicap sites and more."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $35 / night
"Firewood available for purchase on site. Lake Hope lodge provides great warm and dry spot for delicious food."
"With that said, all sites appeared to have a spot for at least 1 tent cleared away and the picnic table and fire ring in a secure location. Most sites only had room for one car parked at the site"
Available this weekend
from $21 - $35 / night
"Large open campground minutes from downtown Marrietta OH owner and Staff are very friendly and easy going! Clean, nice newer bath house."
"Very close to the nice little downtown Marietta, Ohio but still very rural location. Large sites. Great staff. Absolutely love this place. Slow pace and quiet."
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
TravelerThe 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!
ScoutJellystone 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
TravelerThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
Southeastern Ohio camping offers rugged, hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,200 feet throughout the McConnelsville region. The area experiences moderate seasonal variation with warm, humid summers averaging 85°F and winter temperatures commonly dropping below freezing. Cell service remains spotty to nonexistent in many camping areas, with only Verizon providing reliable coverage at certain campgrounds.
Primitive hiking trails: Explore the extensive network of trails at Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park where visitors can experience genuine backcountry hiking. "There are a number of good hikes within the park. We were there Columbus weekend and it was hopping but everyone quieted by 10," reports one camper.
Archery practice: Jesse Owens State Park maintains a dedicated archery range for visitors. "Archery range and lots of fishing spots. Great for families with pets too!" notes a Hook Lake camper. No personal equipment required as basic gear can be borrowed from the park office during regular hours.
Historic exploration: Visit the stone house and nearby caves at Salt Fork State Park Campground. "Trails that lead along shore line to old stone house built in early days of Ohio. Caves to be explored that are easy to access," explains a visitor. The caves maintain a constant 55°F temperature year-round regardless of outside weather conditions.
Boat rentals: Multiple parks offer affordable watercraft rentals. "Going to rent a pontoon boat today and check out the beach, as well," mentions a Burr Oak visitor. Most rental operations run from 9am-6pm daily during peak season with rates typically starting at $15/hour for kayaks and $75/hour for pontoon boats.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds provide more secluded sites than others. "The campground is pretty secluded but beautiful rolling hills. While the site we stayed in with the motorhome was fairly level, sites are mostly small and tight on hilly terrain," notes a Lake Hope State Park Campground visitor.
Off-grid camping: Jesse Owens State Park offers true disconnection from technology. "No cell reception unless you have satellite. 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," advises a visitor to Hook Lake campground.
Wildlife encounters: The region hosts abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Just driving in saw turkeys and 'turkets' and two 6 point bucks," shares a Salt Fork State Park visitor. Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing windows, particularly near water sources and meadow edges.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking a balance between tent camping and cabins, Blue Rock State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations. "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 describing alternative shelter options at the park.
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds offer basic facilities only. "This is a very primitive place that is not run by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. There are very few amenities here. There are pit toilets, potable water towards the front, and that's it," explains a camper at Strouds Run State Park Campground.
Water quality concerns: Monitor beach conditions before swimming. "The beach area had multiple notices about high bacteria content and warnings for swimming at your own risk," cautions a Blue Rock visitor. Most parks post water quality updates at entrance stations and bathhouses.
Varied terrain: Expect challenging topography for camping. "Our site was on a hill, but there were 2 sites, one at the bottom and one midway down so we had to ask. Luckily both were not booked and they let us use whichever we wanted, so we picked the bottom of the hill," notes a Lake Hope visitor.
Spring mud: Trail conditions deteriorate quickly after rain. "The hiking trails are nice but very muddy after the rain," explains a Burr Oak visitor. Pack extra footwear and consider waterproof hiking boots during spring months.
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer dedicated recreation areas. "Nice little playground for the kids to play at," mentions a visitor to National Road Campground, which also features "Two beautiful ponds to fish at."
Youth fishing permits: Special regulations exist for young anglers. "At the campground children up to the age of 15 are allowed to fish. Adults need to go elsewhere to fish," explains a Hook Lake visitor, noting the youth-only fishing areas.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide unique features. "They provide a dumpster so you can get rid of your trash at the campground. Also, two cars per site. However, we were able to put three tents on our site as we are not sharing tents at this point in time," mentions a Jesse Owens State Park visitor describing site flexibility.
Educational programs: Seek out naturalist-led activities. "The activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging," reports a Blue Rock visitor, highlighting the often overlooked interpretive programs available at many parks.
Levelness challenges: Many sites require significant adjustments. "Site #18 was very unleveled from front-to-back; hitch was on ground and rear stabilizers were fully extended with blocks underneath," notes a National Road Campground visitor. Bring extra leveling blocks as many sites require more than standard equipment.
Off-season availability: Some campgrounds maintain limited winter operations. "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed," reports a Strouds Run visitor. Call ahead to verify which facilities remain operational during off-peak months.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have tight access roads and small sites. "Make sure you drive through the whole campground to find what you would like such as grassy area, overlooking lake, near the playground, etc," advises a Dillon State Park Campground visitor regarding site selection strategy.
Utility access varies: Hookup availability differs significantly between parks. "RV sites have 50A/30A electric. Limited sites have full hook-up. There is a dump station near the entrance," notes a Dillon Lake visitor, emphasizing the importance of confirming specific hookup options when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near McConnelsville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near McConnelsville, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near McConnelsville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 glamping camping locations near McConnelsville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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