Best Campgrounds near Nelsonville, OH

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Nelsonville. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Nelsonville campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Nelsonville, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Nelsonville, Ohio (123)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    2. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "Lake Hope State Park is 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..."

    "Lake Hope has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone and the campground is close by! The campground is quiet and well kept."

    3. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    12 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."

    4. Campbell Cove Camping

    17 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."

    "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."

    5. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

    6. Burr Oak Cove Campground

    9 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    11 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. Benton's on the Baileys

    4 Reviews
    Chauncey, OH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (773) 837-0847

    $40 - $125 / night

    "Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."

    "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."

    8. Strouds Run State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 592-2302

    "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."

    "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."

    9. Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    10 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-4295

    "The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."

    "From primitive tent sites tucked back in the woods to large RV sites with water/sewer/electric/cable hookups. We are first-time owners of a 29 ft Fifth Wheel and got a pull-through site."

    10. Top O' The Caves Campground

    16 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Nelsonville, OH

635 Reviews of 123 Nelsonville Campgrounds


  • Aly M.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blennerhassett RV Park

    Friendly campground

    The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Andrea H.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Dillon State Park Campground

    Campground is quiet

    My partner and I have been here for 3 days , were staying for a week. So far everyone has been friendly or keeps to themselves. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the deer are plentiful and beautiful

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Farver Acres

    A Hidden Gem

    Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world. We didn’t see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds.

    The wildlife here is abundant and delightful. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

    The water pressure at the site was excellent — just be sure to bring a water pressure regulator to ensure a comfortable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast campsite internet.

    This site would be ideal for a three-family group — plenty of space for everyone to set up comfortably. Site 1 seems to be the biggest.

  • L
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Zaleski State Forest

    Nice get away

    Trails are nice and kept well, campsites are clean and well maintained. at each backpacking camp (3 in total) there is water and a toilet (nothing to wipe with) water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case. I will say there is some noise pollution from cars and planes near campsite 1. We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly. tried bringing him home but he didn’t follow us. Besides Kitty and 2 other groups i saw no one else was here which was nice especially during a holiday weekend. NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!! PS if someone sees kitty please say hi :)

  • C
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    Palmerosa Campground updated

    The new owners of the Palmerosa Campground have put a lot of time and money into this campground! Almost everything has been tore down and rebuilt. The new shower house at the office is great! You have your own shower , toilet and vanity in a locked room! 

    The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses. 

    They have 14 water and electric sites with plenty of shade trees. 30 primitive tent sites also with plenty of shade!!

    This campground is a true hidden oasis! It won’t be long before other campers discover this peace on earth place!!


Guide to Nelsonville

Camping near Nelsonville, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

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.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Salt Fork State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Great for families and couples alike," highlighting the campground's family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Forked Run State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Nice beach area for swimming though!" which makes it a great spot for a summer dip.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Burr Oak State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "It was great with silence and space," especially during off-peak times.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground said, "The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!"
  • Spacious Sites: The large campsites at Dillon State Park Campground are a hit. A visitor remarked, "Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites are close together so be aware if you aren’t fond of neighbors."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no shower house," so plan accordingly.
  • Seasonal Crowds: Expect busier weekends, especially during the summer. A visitor at Salt Fork State Park Campground said, "The campground is always pretty busy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Hocking Hills State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "Overall it was quiet though, very family friendly."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan hikes and outdoor games. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "Good hiking all around and the lake is beautiful."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or sports equipment for downtime. A visitor at Paint Creek State Park Campground noted, "Children’s play area was very nice - my kids loved playing on the equipment."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking."
  • Water Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A reviewer at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "NO water hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground said, "There is plenty to explore and see," making it a great base for adventures.

Camping near Nelsonville, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Nelsonville, Ohio?

Nelsonville and the surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College is located right in Nelsonville and hosts the popular Nelsonville Music and Arts Festival in early June. Just a short drive away, you'll find Lake Hope State Park Campground, often considered an uncrowded gem in the region. Other nearby options include Tar Hollow State Park, Zaleski State Forest for primitive camping, and Hocking Hills State Park which offers numerous camping options with access to popular hiking trails and natural attractions.

Are there RV rental options in Nelsonville, Ohio?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental businesses in Nelsonville itself, RV-friendly accommodations are available in the area. Hocking River RV Park offers pull-through spots that can accommodate large rigs up to 43' fifth wheels, though some maneuvering may be required. Campbell Cove Camping provides full hookups for RVs and is conveniently located near Hocking Hills attractions. For RV rentals, visitors typically need to arrange through regional or online rental services in nearby larger cities like Columbus or Athens, then drive to Nelsonville area campgrounds. Many visitors bring their own RVs rather than renting locally.

What amenities do camping sites in Nelsonville offer?

Camping sites around Nelsonville offer varied amenities depending on the location. Tar Hollow State Park Campground features secluded tent-only sites at North Ridge with pit latrines, while Zaleski State Forest provides primitive camping with hiking trails and water access. For more developed options, many area campgrounds offer electric hookups, shower facilities, and picnic tables. Some locations like Wolf Run State Park have campsites very close to lake access, making water activities convenient. Campgrounds in the region typically include fire rings, potable water access, and restroom facilities, with more developed sites offering shower houses and camp stores.