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Best Campgrounds near Newark, OH

870 Reviews

Several good camping areas surround Newark, Ohio, with options ranging from state parks to lakeside sites. Hocking Hills State Park Campground draws many campers with its hiking trails and reliable facilities, including potable water and shower houses that stay open outside the main season. Nearby, Alum Creek State Park Campground has electric hookups at most sites and good tree cover between campsites, giving you more privacy than at some other parks. If you want something more basic, Lake Hope State Park Campground sits by a quiet lake where you'll likely see deer and other wildlife. Be prepared with leveling blocks at these parks since many sites aren't completely flat. Fall camping works best around Newark when temperatures cool down and the trees change color. The summer months fill up fast, so book well ahead if you're planning a June through August trip. Winter camping is possible but check what amenities will be running, as some water systems and facilities shut down. Before heading out, always double-check if any areas are closed for maintenance or seasonal reasons. The campgrounds near Newark give you a good mix of developed and more natural camping settings.

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Best Camping Sites Near Newark, Ohio (140)

    1. Dillon State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nashport, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Lazy River at Granville

    8 Reviews
    Granville, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 366-4385

    "I probably wouldn't select site 20 again, as it is close to the pool and the basketball court, alot of youth noise, but understand."

    "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("

    3. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA

    12 Reviews
    Heath, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 928-0706

    "Then outside is the picnic table.  Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin.  "

    "Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."

    4. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."

    5. LA-Z Acres Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dillon Lake, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 452-0113

    6. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    45 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."

    7. Tree Haven Campground

    7 Reviews
    New Albany, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 965-3469

    "They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."

    "Great walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice. Well....I guess we did! We are now in a search for a Diesel pusher to go full-time!"

    8. Rustic Knolls Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 397-9318

    "Rustic is down a gravel road, well off the beaten path, and a little more remote than the boondocks. Frank, the owner, and his team are great."

    9. Mohican State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Loudonville, OH
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 994-5125

    "It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."

    "The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site.  Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace.  More space and great neighbors. "

    10. Wolfie's Campground

    6 Reviews
    Zanesville, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 454-0925

    $48 - $75 / 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Newark, OH

352 Photos of 140 Newark Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newark, OH

870 Reviews of 140 Newark Campgrounds

Guide to Newark

Camping near Newark, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic hikes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the 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 and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor noted, “The sites have level pads. The park is very neat and clean,” which makes it a great place to relax by the water.
  • Disc Golf: If you’re into disc golf, check out Alum Creek State Park Campground again. One review highlighted, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails,” so you can have a fun-filled day.

What campers like:

  • Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Mohican State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “Make sure to bring some money for ice cream because it’s awesome!” highlighting the enjoyable experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the large sites at Dillon State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites,” which allows for a comfortable stay.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Families love the playgrounds and activities at Delaware State Park Campground. One camper shared, “Each section has its own playground for the kids,” making it a great choice for families.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hope State Park Campground, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together,” so be prepared for some challenges.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Deer Creek State Park Campground can get busy. One visitor noted, “Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out,” indicating that weekdays might be quieter.
  • Road Noise: Campers at Alum Creek State Park Campground have mentioned noise from nearby roads. One review stated, “The main road (55mph) was extremely close and loud,” so consider this when choosing a site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Delaware State Park Campground that have playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper said, “They put in a putt-putt course recently,” which adds to the fun.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. One family shared, “We were in section C; it had upgraded single-person shower houses,” which can be a plus for families.
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campers enjoy setting up games at their sites. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, “Many of the sites have a large area behind the parking pad for tents and setting up games,” making it a great place for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should look for spacious sites like those at Dillon State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “The campground was immaculate,” which is a good sign for RV parking.
  • Be Prepared for Slopes: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hope State Park Campground, have sloped sites. A camper mentioned, “The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together,” so plan accordingly.
  • Use GPS for Directions: When heading to places like Alum Creek State Park Campground, make sure your GPS is set correctly. One camper advised, “Make sure your GPS is set for the campground and not the park,” to avoid confusion.

Camping around Newark, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With a mix of activities, family-friendly spots, and RV accommodations, it’s a great area to explore the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Newark, Ohio?

Newark offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Lazy River at Granville is a popular choice just minutes from Newark with well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a state park experience, Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provides comfortable accommodations including kabins with bunk beds in separate rooms that can sleep up to four people. Other notable options include LA-Z Acres Campground near Nashport and Muskingum River State Park Campground, both offering various amenities for different camping styles. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally, with limited availability during winter months.

Are there tent camping sites available near Newark?

Yes, several campgrounds near Newark accommodate tent campers. Alum Creek State Park Campground offers beautiful tent sites with partial shade and is known for its safe environment, even for solo campers. The park features wooded surroundings, hiking trails, and lake access. Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides another option for tent camping, though availability is limited to weekends and the park does not operate during winter months. For those willing to drive a bit further, Hocking Hills State Park also offers excellent tent camping opportunities. Most tent sites in the area include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with bathrooms nearby.

Where can I find fishing spots at camping areas near Newark?

The Newark area offers excellent fishing opportunities at several campgrounds. Malabar Farm State Park Campground provides fishing access in a beautiful conservation-focused setting. This organic, self-sustaining farm features ponds and streams for anglers. Hocking River RV Park offers riverfront camping with fire rings positioned along the Hocking River, providing direct access to fishing opportunities. Other options include Rustic Knolls Campground near Mt. Vernon, which offers boat-in access and water features for fishing enthusiasts. Most fishing spots in the area target species like bass, catfish, and various panfish. Remember to obtain an Ohio fishing license before casting your line, and check with individual campgrounds about specific fishing regulations or catch-and-release policies.

What amenities do campsites near Newark offer?

Campgrounds near Newark provide various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Toodik Family Campground offers well-maintained facilities including shaded sites, a laundry room, pool, and clean bathrooms. Cross Creek Camping Resort provides pull-through sites suitable for RVs, though they're situated close together with limited privacy. Many area campgrounds feature shower facilities, though quality varies by location. Several offer full hookups for RVs, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some, like Campbell Cove Camping, maintain camp stores with essential supplies and friendly staff. Higher-end sites might include amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, while state parks typically offer more natural settings with basic facilities but greater privacy.

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