13 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The rolling hills surrounding New Concord, Ohio feature a diverse range of camping options within a 30-mile radius. Salt Fork State Park Campground, Ohio's largest state park at nearly 20,000 acres, anchors the region with over 200 sites offering electric hookups and lake access. Smaller state parks like Wolf Run and Dillon provide alternatives with varying levels of amenities. Jesse Owens State Park, formerly AEP ReCreation Land, offers more primitive camping experiences at locations like Sand Hollow and Hook Lake. Most campgrounds in the area feature water access, with many sites positioned around lakes or along rivers, accommodating both tent and RV camping with hookup options ranging from primitive to full-service.
Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer bringing warm temperatures ideal for water recreation and winter potentially bringing snow and challenging road conditions. According to campers, spring can be particularly muddy at many sites. Most state park campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage. As one camper noted at Wolf Run State Park: "Great smaller park with easy access to the interstate. The water is clearer than most lakes here in Ohio, and the campsites wrap around the lake, so most of them are very close to the water."
Lakeside sites receive consistently high ratings across the region's campgrounds, with fishing and boating opportunities being major attractions. Salt Fork Lake features a spring-fed water supply and trails leading to historical sites including an old stone house and accessible caves. Several campgrounds offer boat rentals, with kayaking particularly popular at Wolf Run's smaller, no-wake lake. Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites, with many campers noting limited tree cover at some state parks. Bathroom and shower facilities range widely in quality and maintenance, from newly renovated facilities at locations like Atwood Lake Park to more basic amenities elsewhere. Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those near highways or county roads.
"**Salt Fork State Park of Ohio is for individual, couples or group camping. Salt Fork lake is natural spring fed water supply that fills this lake."
"Backed up to the woods, has a view of the lake, shade, privacy, hammock trees, medium size, electric, bathroom directly across the street, water and grey water dump directly across the street."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $35 / 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."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $170 / night
"Great smaller park, (1,000+acre) with easy access to the interstate. My Grandsons Love that the water is clearer than most lakes here in Ohio!!"
"Lots of Ohio farmland countryside though. There is a nice size lake in the middle of Wolf Run so everything is based around it. Watch the traffic when driving from one area to another."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $45 / night
from $35 / night
"We stayed one night on our way out west and this place was not far from the highway and it was super quiet. Perfect restful night it’s just what we needed."
from $32 - $38 / night
"Not far from I-70, near the river, quiet and clean… almost too quiet."
"Doesn’t make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late."
from $48 - $75 / night
"Found this location last minute. Booking and directions were super easy. Met the owner who is a real nice guy. Beautiful views, great fishing, and a super clean set up."
"Great fishing and a beautiful lake. We are planning another trip soon."
Available this weekend
from $25 / night
"It's not listed on maps, but it is right across the way from hook lake, there is an access road you'll go on that will take you there. It's right off 83 in McConnellsville, outside Caldwell, ohio."
"Very secluded, perfect for those nature lovers looking to get away from it all. No cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars."
"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."
"Newer flush toilets near the group camp sites are nice. Camp store has showers for camper use. Really pretty lake!"
Available this weekend
from $19 - $55 / night
"We were camping there as volunteers with the Buckeye Trail Association to assist with trail cleanup. The Buckeye Trail is easily accessible from the campground for hiking."
"I showed up at 1am and drove around looking for a spot, settling for the one that was closest to the entrance, and much more private."
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
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.
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideThis is the cleanest park we've ever used! The bathroom is tidy; the showers are roomy and convenient to use. There is a nice playground for younger kids as well as a pickleball court and basketball court for teens and adults. There also is a pleasant hiking trail. We stayed in Site 42, a concrete site, which was fantastic for my spouse's mobility issues. The sites are not super spaced apart, but, with the graduated elevation, we didn't feel smashed together. We visited Amish Country to absorb the beautiful fall scenery, to shop at local stores, and to relax by a campfire in the evening . The campground was perfect for us. If you're seeking a wilderness adventure , this park is not for you .
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
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
RangerThis campground has a lot to do for kids. It on the Mohican River for tubing or kayaking. They have a swimming pool, playground, putt putt, climbing wall, and recreation room. There were plenty of showers that were cleaned daily. Nice laundry facilities and camp store. The bad part is the sites are too close. Your fire ring is a few feet from your neighbor.
Camping options near New Concord, Ohio extend beyond the larger state parks, with several smaller facilities offering distinct experiences across Noble, Muskingum, and Guernsey counties. The area's rolling terrain ranges from 800 to 1,200 feet elevation, creating diverse camping environments from lakeside settings to wooded hillsides. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, while summer highs typically range from 80-90°F with moderate humidity.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Fish Farm Camp offers excellent fishing in their lake stocked with various species. "Beautiful lake to take a swim in, nice ground for the tent and a pleasant toilet. This is brilliant for the price, definitely recommended!" notes Axel A.
Trail exploration: Blue Rock State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options. "The hiking was wonderful, the equestrian trails looked very nice, and the fire tower was a fun climb," shares Ryan W., who visited with family.
Wildlife viewing: The camping areas around New Concord provide excellent bird and deer watching opportunities. "We drove in saw turkeys and 'turkets' and two 6 point bucks. You can hike, swim, boat, bike and horseback ride," notes Shelly S. about her experience at Salt Fork State Park.
Night sky observation: Bicentennial Campground offers minimal light pollution for stargazing. According to Greg K., the campground is "very secluded, perfect for those nature lovers looking to get away from it all. No cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars."
Waterfront camping sites: Sand Hollow Campground at Jesse Owens State Park features numerous sites adjacent to water. Greg K. explains, "Many waterfront sites, picnic tables, fire pits and bathrooms. Also a very generous amount of room for parking right on your site."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping permits at several locations offer economical alternatives to paid campgrounds. Madison S. shares about Sand Hollow: "This campground is wonderful for tents, hammocks or RV. It always has spots available and they are completely free. You have to fill out a permit online."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathroom houses not a big deal, but more basic amenities elsewhere," notes Andrea H. about her stay at Dillon State Park Campground, adding that "everyone has been friendly or keeps to themselves."
Water recreation: Wolf Run State Park Campground offers a smaller, quieter lake setting. Rachel H. recommends: "Choose one of the 'premium' sites for beautiful lakeside views! It's pretty quiet and usually not busy."
Site selection matters: Campground topography varies significantly. Jay B. advises about Wolf Run: "Would advise to visually check the sites, due to terrain which is rolling."
Facility variations: Bathroom quality differs between campgrounds and seasons. At Blue Rock State Park, Nicole C. found that "the only negative was no flush toilets, only pits and no sink to wash hands, but there was hand sanitizer at least."
Water quality concerns: Some campers report water issues at certain sites. Joey Z. warns about Sand Hollow: "From up on the hill looking down on the lake, it looked quite clear. I was excited to grab my canoe and jump in... As I was going to put my canoe into the water, I noticed some really nasty stuff in the water."
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may be challenging during certain seasons. Tanner G. reports about Bicentennial, "NO water available. NO cell service (even with booster antenna). Outhouse or ports johns available."
Playground access: National Road Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Jordan N. shares: "Nice place to stay! We enjoyed fishing as well as watching our child on the playground and splash pad!"
Activity planning: Finding campgrounds with multiple recreation options helps keep children engaged. Terry F. notes about National Road Campground: "Clean and comfortable. 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."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. Jenny G. describes Wolfie's Campground: "Small 5ft deep pool, very nice playground. Kids and I spent many quarters playing pool in the game room, which also has a 90's Sega arcade game."
Safety considerations: Some campground water features require extra caution. Jacqueline F. observed at Salt Fork State Park: "The beach was a little dirty from the geese, but that didn't slow anyone down on swimming."
Site leveling: Many RV sites require careful positioning. Brian B. notes about Dillon State Park: "There is reasonable space between the sites to allow for some privacy and to allow you to spread out. Area C is the most secluded area. All RV sites have 50A/30A electric."
Hookup availability: Wolfie's Campground provides various hookup options but has size constraints. Steve E. explains: "The only challenge is you don't want to meet a rig going out while you're coming in. We are a 38 foot class A and met a 36' 5th wheel on the curve at the entrance. We literally passed with less than an inch between us."
Seasonal considerations: Campground accessibility varies throughout the year. Rob G. shares about Dillon State Park: "Huge park with lots of options (electric, water, etc.). Very well maintained, and showers better than the one I have at home."
Water access: Some campgrounds have limited water hookups. Dave B. from Spring Valley Campground notes: "Family oriented campground. Fairly large sites with full hookups. Good mix of seasonal and overnight. Roads in the campground are very rough with large potholes."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Concord, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Concord, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near New Concord, OH and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Concord, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Concord, OH is Salt Fork State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Concord, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near New Concord, OH.
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