The Kingston, Ohio area encompasses several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Hocking Hills State Park Campground and A.W. Marion State Park Campground. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with several locations like Tar Hollow State Park and Sun Valley Campground also offering cabin accommodations. The southeastern Ohio region features rolling hills, forests, and lakes that create diverse camping environments ranging from developed facilities with full amenities to more secluded sites. Most campgrounds in this area maintain proximity to natural attractions including hiking trails, fishing lakes, and scenic woodland areas.
Campground availability varies seasonally, with many locations operating from early spring through late fall. A.W. Marion State Park maintains a season from early April to late October, while others like Tar Hollow State Park and Sun Valley Campground remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer and fall when foliage attracts visitors. Most developed campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, particularly in more remote areas. A review noted, "There is no cell service in some areas. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up."
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion as highlights of the Kingston area camping experience. The region's campgrounds provide access to numerous hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic woodland areas. Several visitors noted the proximity to Hocking Hills as a significant advantage, allowing campers to enjoy the popular state park's attractions while staying in less crowded nearby campgrounds. Primitive camping options are limited, with most sites offering at least basic amenities. A camper described Lake Hope State Park as "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 each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites." Many campgrounds feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and boat rentals, making them suitable for family camping trips.
$20 - $70 / 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."
$25 - $40 / night
"They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."
"Marion State Park on this particular weekend because it's relatively close to home (Columbus area)."
$27 - $75 / 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."
$39 - $52 / night
"Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend."
"There is a short walk to a comfort station and the shower house is just a few more steps. Both were kept clean even in this busy park."
"We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it. It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there. Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "
$35 - $60 / night
"We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."
"Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."
"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!"
"Nice scenic drive to campground only 7 miles off of Hwy 35. No"
"Has fishing, kayaking, golf cart trails, volleyball set up, basketball court, swimming pool and super nice cabins."
$25 - $70 / night
"Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it."
"Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."
$23 / night
"Hiking trails head off from this park that cover many miles. A steep hike up Sugar Loaf will wake you up in the morning."
ScoutTHIS IS AN RV CAMP. They have tent sites but they are just squares of gravel/wood. Our site was placed just feet from the ROAD you turn off of to enter the campground. Ridiculous and incredibly overpriced for what you get.
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutStayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
GuideIts free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
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.
TravelerNice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend
TravelerRelatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.
NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.
Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.
ScoutWe had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.
ScoutWas 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
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kingston, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kingston, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Kingston, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kingston, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kingston, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kingston, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Kingston, OH.
What parks are near Kingston, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Kingston, OH that allow camping, notably Deer Creek Lake and Paint Creek Lake.
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