The landscape surrounding Ray, Ohio features a series of wooded ridgelines and hollows with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet above sea level. This topography creates distinct camping microclimates throughout the region, with ridge campsites experiencing stronger breezes while hollow sites remain more sheltered and humid. Fall camping season typically extends from mid-September through early November when average nighttime temperatures range from 35-55°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Hocking Hills State Park Campground provides direct trail connections to the park's most iconic formations. "We enjoyed a full hookup site. The spots aren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Man's Cave," notes camper Elana C. about the convenient trail proximity.
Water recreation: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers multiple water activities during summer months. "We took a couple of the hikes down by the lake and it was great...At the lake you can rent kayaks for the day!" explains Rachel H. The park maintains a swimming beach and boat rental services from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Historical exploration: The Zaleski region contains numerous historical sites related to Ohio's industrial past. "Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first 'put-in' for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," describes Dave V., highlighting this often-overlooked feature.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution makes many campgrounds ideal for astronomy. "If you're lucky and have no clouds, there is virtually no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way," explains Jonathan W. about the conditions at the tent-only North Ridge Campground in Tar Hollow.
What campers like
Private tent areas: Some campers prefer the walk-in tent sites for their seclusion. At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, "We stayed in the walk-in family campground, not the main campground. The sites are mostly far apart from one another and the area is fairly dense woods leaving you feeling a peaceful solitude," explains Kate W.
Naturalist programming: Structured nature activities enhance the camping experience at several parks. "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!" reports Chris C. about Lake Hope State Park.
Camping away from crowds: Many prefer less-visited campgrounds. "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...Each time I have stayed at Lake Hope State Park, I have marveled at why there are only a few stray campers in a state park of 190 sites," writes Dave V.
Off-grid experience: Limited connectivity helps some campers disconnect. "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!" highlights Sydney in her review of Tar Hollow's North Ridge Campground.
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Campground density is inconsistent across the region. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, "You are right next to your camping neighbors. I have terrible luck and ended up staying next to a very inconsiderate and loud group that included their many dogs," notes Caroline, emphasizing the proximity issue.
Water availability considerations: Drinking water sources differ by location. The Zaleski Forest backpacking sites have "water available at 3 backpack camping areas (Points D, I & P)," according to Renée C., making water planning more manageable for hikers.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites require advance booking. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious," explains Meghan H. about Hocking Hills State Park, which typically fills weekend slots 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
Bathroom facilities vary: Restroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Alma State Park, "Shower house was cleaned regularly. Bathroom was a pit-toilet that was also cleaned daily but is older &, well, it's a pit toilet so it's going to smell like one," reports Kirk A.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature easier hiking options for younger campers. Scioto Trail State Park Campground "is small and beautiful, very rustic. We love the naturalist, Amy and the kids love the stream that runs through the park," shares Marc J., highlighting the accessible natural features.
Choose sites near restrooms: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. Kate W. notes at Hocking Hills that "Portable water is available at the parking lot only. The walk-in campground does NOT connect by trail to any other trails. A car is fairly necessary," which affects family logistics planning.
Entertainment options: Some private campgrounds offer additional activities. At Top O' The Caves Campground, "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!" according to Kelli W.
Consider cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, cabins offer a transitional option. "It offers rustic cabins for those that dont tent camp or have a rv. On this particular trip it was chilly and we were staying with small children so we went the rustic cabin route," shares Kelli W. about Top O' The Caves.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness challenges: The region's hilly terrain creates leveling issues at many campgrounds. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions," warns Daniel.
RV size limitations: Many state park campgrounds have limited space for larger units. "The sites were too short for my camper, which is odd because when booking I indicated the length of my camper. I had to back in camper, drop it, move truck, hook camper back up and finish backing in to site," explains Bill T. about Lake Alma State Park.
Check facilities before booking: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. Marshall P. reports, "We have stayed here a couple of times in a tent and a class a motor home. The campground is pretty secluded but beautiful rolling hills. While the site we stayed in with the motorhome was fairly level, sites are mostly small and tight on hilly terrain."
Low clearance access routes: Most campgrounds are accessible without high-clearance vehicles, but some routes present challenges. Jeffrey D. notes about the Hocking Hills KOA Holiday that "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."
