Glamping close to Newport, Ohio offers visitors a range of accommodation options beyond traditional tent camping. The area sits among the Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging between 600-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and recreation. Campgrounds in this region typically remain open year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Disc golf and water activities: Forked Run State Park Campground has a disc golf course on-site for visitors seeking alternatives to hiking and swimming. "The disc golf. fishing. swimming. hiking. I would go camping here again," notes one camper who enjoyed the various recreation options.
Archery practice: Jesse Owens State Park (Hook Lake) features an archery range for visitors looking to practice their skills. As one visitor mentioned, "Archery range and lots of fishing spots. Great for families with pets too!"
Horseback riding trails: Barkcamp State Park Campground offers dedicated equestrian camping areas with tie-outs and trailer/truck sites. A camper observed, "This is set up with a whole section for horse camping with tie outs and trailer/truck sites. Lots of bridle trails and a really quiet park."
Lake exploration: The lakes in the region support various watercraft. One Forked Run visitor shared, "If you kayak, you could spend about two hours exploring the different bends in the lake."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Blue Rock State Park Campground offers some sites with unique features. "We had a secluded site right beside the creek," reported one camper, noting the peaceful setting despite the primitive toilet facilities.
Seasonal variations: Fall visits offer special appeal in the region. A visitor to Shadow Lake RV Resort shared, "To get here, you must drive through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio, which is absolutely gorgeous in October! The campground is beautiful and peaceful, especially at this time of year."
Stargazing opportunities: Strouds Run State Park Campground provides excellent night sky viewing. "Amazing at night for stargazing!" noted one enthusiastic visitor who also mentioned finding "an abandoned train cart" while exploring the park.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds in the area offer wildlife viewing. At Shadow Lake RV Resort, one camper noted, "We see deer almost every evening," highlighting the natural surroundings of the 100-acre property.
What you should know
Site limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Forked Run State Park, one visitor warned, "Most spots are not level. Overall I'd give it 4 or 5 stars if they had toilets."
Facility quality varies: Burr Oak State Park Campground offers various accommodation options but has some limitations. "The campground could use some updates. There are some really beautiful sites, but there are only a few with electric," noted one camper familiar with the area.
Reservation systems differ: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Strouds Run, "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance," according to a recent visitor.
Seasonal closures: Winter visitors should check facility availability. A Strouds Run camper reported, "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Hook Lake at Jesse Owens State Park has family-friendly amenities, with one visitor noting it's "Great for families with pets too! Had a great time and looking forward to our next visit!"
Creek exploration for kids: Blue Rock State Park features a creek that runs through the main primitive campsites with opportunities for children to explore wildlife. One visitor mentioned, "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch."
Swimming options: Several parks offer beaches for families. A Blue Rock visitor noted, "The beach was a little dirty from the geese, but that didn't slow anyone down on swimming."
Educational activities: Some parks offer naturalist programs. As one Blue Rock camper shared, "The activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging," providing educational opportunities for children during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Many RV sites in the region require careful navigation. At Barkcamp State Park, one RVer cautioned, "A lot of the RV spots are unlevel up a hill, so backing in would be a hassle."
Limited hookup availability: Electric sites can be scarce at some campgrounds. A Burr Oak visitor suggested, "The addition of concrete pads and electric would improve the campground considerably and attract more campers to this beautiful area."
Utility access: Some campgrounds offer convenient water access. At Forked Run, an RVer noted, "No water hook ups, but a place to fill your tank behind water fountains," highlighting the need to plan for water usage.
Year-round accessibility: While many campgrounds remain open through winter, amenities may be limited. One RVer at Ashland RV Park appreciated that despite being an RV-focused facility, "you can also tent camp with the amenities, making it really nice. Electrical hookups and water at your site, plus clean bathrooms and a shower house on the property."
