Best Campgrounds near Kingston, OH

Camping sites near Kingston, Ohio offer varied terrain from rocky woodland areas to lake-adjacent spots across the southeastern Ohio region. Most campgrounds sit between 600-1,100 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Fall temperatures drop to 45-65°F by October, when many campgrounds transition to reduced services or seasonal closures.

What to do

Hiking trails: Access multiple difficulty levels from Tar Hollow State Park Campground. The park connects to the Buckeye Trail with "Part of the Buckeye Trail runs through the park. They also have a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population. Watch your steps."

Lake activities: Rent boats at multiple locations around Pine Lake in Tar Hollow. "Pine lake is a beautiful little spot to fish, rent a paddle boat, or just relax. There is also a pretty spacious beach area."

Trail connections: Walk directly to Ash Cave from Top O' The Caves Campground. "The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite! There is a connecting trail right at the front of the campground. It was a fairly simple hike too."

Nighttime stargazing: Head to higher elevations at the North Ridge primitive campground in Tar Hollow. "If you're lucky and have no clouds, there is virtually no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way."

What campers like

Seclusion levels: Varying privacy options between different campground sections at Scioto Trail State Park Campground. "The primitive section is located far from the electric sites, which is desirable for us. It's also a walk-in campground, which wasn't really made clear when making reservations."

Proximity to attractions: Easy access to main parks while avoiding crowds. "Our site is big and spacious and backs up to trees. Only electric and vault toilets are available in the winter."

Seasonal accessibility: Year-round camping options at Campbell Cove Camping. "Most of the campers are year round. Friendly bunch of people. There is a beautiful spot to access the lake on the back of the campground."

Site features: Waterfront camping options with multiple activities. "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites. We had a great time here and it felt like we were in the woods but there was a business district about 3 mins away which was really convenient."

What you should know

Cell service: Coverage gaps throughout region at A.W. Marion State Park Campground. One camper noted "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!"

Bathroom facilities: Significant variation between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are pit latrines. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned about this (you're camping! it's cool to rough it a bit!) However…these are some of the dirtiest I've experienced."

Water quality: Check before using at some locations. "The water spigots were well, of course, but you better let it run for a long bit! I've never seen such brown water at camp."

Site selection: Research ahead for topography. "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes. 106 wasn't too bad. I would guess 105 is probably the most level site in the campground."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Check facility schedules at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. "There is a swimming pool and even an outdoor theater. Clean bathrooms and heated showers."

Site accessibility: Verify walking distance from parking to sites. "You cannot park your car directly at your campsite. There is a parking lot at the bottom of the campground hill. You have to carry your items to your campsite."

Entertainment options: Pack accordingly for campground activities. "This Campground was pretty great! The campground put on a free BBQ for all of the guests one of the nights! It was very good and well thought out."

Site spacing: Request specific numbered sites when possible. "Site #9 has plenty of room for a few small tents and it's also close to the flush toilets. There are no showers in this campground of which I am aware, but the flush toilets and sinks are a nice change from pit toilets."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Check campground descriptions at Sun Valley Campground. "This is a beautiful campground, well maintained. We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it. Sites have space between them, many are shaded."

Electric service: Verify amperage before booking. Some campgrounds offer only 30-amp service rather than 50-amp hookups, which affects which appliances can run simultaneously.

Dump station access: Plan accordingly for facilities without sewer hookups. "We have tent camped here three times. Small but nice campground. Nice lake close to the campground just down an access road."

Road conditions: Prepare for rural access roads leading to campsites. "Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."