Tent and RV campers looking for places to camp near Latham, Ohio can find multiple options within a 15-25 mile radius. The region sits within the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau, characterized by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and several man-made lakes. Elevation changes throughout the area range from approximately 700 to 1,100 feet above sea level, creating varied camping environments from riverside settings to forested hilltops.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rocky Fork State Park Campground offers access to a 2,080-acre lake that attracts anglers year-round. "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Long's Retreat Family Resort provides multiple water activities beyond swimming. "The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board), the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach, go carts, rock wall climbing, basketball, arcade and so much more," explains one camper.
Hiking through varied terrain: Pike Lake State Park offers several trail options through forested hillsides. "We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow," reports a camper who visited in late September.
Bird watching: Many campers report excellent bird watching throughout the region's parks. The area provides habitat for numerous songbird species, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
What campers like
Digital detox: Long's Retreat Family Resort offers a rare opportunity to disconnect completely. "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!" writes one camper. Another adds, "Best part is there is no phone service.....everyone has to actually spend time together and it's a great reset!"
Winter camping options: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open year-round. "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park. An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views," shares a reviewer.
Riverside camping experiences: Sandy Springs Campground provides a different water experience than lake-based parks. "We stayed in site 10 right on the river and the views were great. Lots of green area to play. Huge open field as well by playground," notes a recent visitor. Another camper adds, "It was so nice camping right on the Ohio River, watching barges go by."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. Scioto Trail State Park has "pit toilets, but clean and stocked," according to one camper.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds have significant elevation changes. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "several of these [secluded sites] are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're for tent campers only."
Seasonal differences: Late summer heat can make some campgrounds less comfortable. Spring and fall camping generally offers the most pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 65-75°F.
Site selection matters: At Pike Lake, "Not all the sites were as spacious as ours so be careful which one you choose. In fact, there was one so small, I'm not sure where a tent would go...maybe plan on sleeping in your vehicle?"
Drainage issues: Some campgrounds have poor drainage after heavy rains. "It rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," notes a visitor to Pike Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: For families with children who need constant stimulation, certain campgrounds offer extensive recreation options. "We go here at least once a year! Usually with a large group! Lots for kid to do! The bathrooms, showers and camping sites are always well maintained and clean! It is my favorite place to camp," shares a visitor to Long's Retreat.
Multi-age amenities: Look for campgrounds with varied activities for different age groups. Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers "a swimming pool and even an outdoor theater. Clean bathrooms and heated showers," according to one visitor, while another notes the shorter trails are "easy access. We enjoyed it with our large breed dog and toddler."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to common areas. One camper at Pike Lake observed their "site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground. It's a little noisy but if you have kids, it works."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the hills require extra attention to leveling. At Scioto Trail State Park, "we had a hard time getting our rv to be level but overall we enjoyed it," reports one RVer.
Size limitations: Most state parks in the area have limitations for larger rigs. "Be selective if you have a camper bigger than 25ft. I recommend site 82, 83, 85, or 78," suggests a visitor to Shawnee State Park.
Full hookup availability: Only a few campgrounds offer complete RV services. Rocky Fork State Park stands out with "Over 40 full hook up sites!" according to one impressed camper.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Rv sites could use some solid level pads to set up your rv on the place can get muddy fast bring your 4 x 4," notes a camper at Long's Retreat.
