Campground options near New Lexington, Ohio offer diverse accommodations from spacious RV sites to secluded forest campsites. Located in the western foothills of the Appalachian Plateau, the area features rolling hills with elevations between 800-1000 feet, creating distinct microclimates across camping areas. State parks in the region maintain public camping facilities with varying levels of amenities, while private campgrounds offer additional features for both tent campers and those seeking upscale glamping accommodations.
What to do
Hiking with lake views: Explore the trail system at Burr Oak State Park Campground where you can access scenic routes directly from campsites. "We have camped in a tent here several times. Popular for Scouting campouts and popular with local boaters. Hiking trails are good, the lodge has been renovated, however, I have not stayed there since the reno. Fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased," notes Leon H.
Water recreation options: Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Lake Hope State Park Campground where visitors can enjoy calm waters. "Lake Hope is a nice flatwater paddle. Get there early and watch the water lilies open," recommends a camper. The lake also offers fishing opportunities with multiple access points.
Historical exploration: Visit the iron furnace near Lake Hope to learn about regional industrial history. "Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," explains one reviewer. The area around New Lexington contains several historical sites connected to early settlement and industrial development, providing educational opportunities between camping adventures.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Many campgrounds around New Lexington remain open year-round with reduced crowds during spring and fall. One visitor at Dillon State Park Campground shared, "Dillon Lake State Park is located about 10 miles west of Zanesville, OH in a heavily forested area. There is no road noise from the local route 146 used to access the campground. There is reasonable space between the sites to allow for some privacy and to allow you to spread out."
Family-friendly activities: The Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers structured recreation for families. "Nice little campground near the lake. Great attentive staff and amenities. Pool, mini golf, bounce house, playground. Variety of site types available," notes Robert S. These amenities provide alternative entertainment during inclement weather.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "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," reports Andrea H. about her experience at Dillon State Park.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Top O' The Caves Campground, one camper noted, "Very few of these were level. 125, 120 and 138 looked like better spots than 121(our site). If you want shade, these are the spots to be, all other primitive sites are really out in the open with little cover."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences frequent rain, particularly in spring and early summer. "Beware of parking down there if its raining or you expect rain. There were a lot of people, from cars to trucks, that got stuck down that little hill and had to be towed out! Unpack on the gravel drive and park up the hill would be my suggestion in cases of rain," advises one camper.
Water quality considerations: Some campground water sources may require filtering or running before use. "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," warns Jennifer R. about one facility. Swimming areas occasionally post bacteria warnings during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Private bathroom options: For families with small children, consider Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds where clean facilities receive consistent praise. "The bathroom/shower facility are private individual units and are the cleanest we have ever seen!" notes Tiffani C., making this glamping option near New Lexington ideal for families with young children.
Child-specific amenities: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There is a nice sized sand ground play set with swings and 2 slides, an air pillow (blob) putt putt, a trail to the lake, a dog run, poop pickup stations, an A/C'd game room and very pleasant staff," reports Mitchell C. about Hilltop Resorts.
Educational programming: Check with campground offices about naturalist programs scheduled during your stay. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" shares Chris C. about their experience at Lake Hope State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When glamping near New Lexington in an RV, carefully research site dimensions. At Hocking Hills KOA Holiday, Vicki H. advises, "We are first-time owners of a 29 ft Fifth Wheel and got a pull-through site. It offered little in the way of privacy, which was the only negative about the whole experience."
Utility considerations: Not all sites offer full hookups, so plan accordingly. "Sites are reasonably level we had to use one 3/4" leveler under the wheels in one side. They have sites that are full hook up with wooden decks prices were 80.00 to 135.00 per night for those that were paved and with decks. All the others were water and electric," explains Jeffrey D. about the Hocking Hills KOA.
Access challenges: Some roads leading to campgrounds require careful driving. "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township, so its completely out of their ability to make improvements. This was only our second time out in our fifth wheel camper so it was a little scary, but we just drove slow and our truck handled it just fine," reports Vicki H.
