The Hocking Hills region surrounding Ray, Ohio contains several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options. Hocking Hills State Park Campground, Lake Hope State Park, and Tar Hollow State Park offer a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within a 20-mile radius. These mixed-use campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent-only areas to full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Zaleski State Forest provides more primitive camping experiences with hiking access to backcountry sites, while private campgrounds like Top O' The Caves and Hocking Hills KOA Holiday supplement the public options with additional amenities and glamping opportunities.
Campground accessibility varies significantly by season, with many sites requiring advance reservations during peak periods from spring through fall. One camper noted, "Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave, but Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero with 190 sites that are rarely full." Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance. Cell phone coverage is inconsistent throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning spotty service, particularly in Zaleski State Forest and Shawnee State Park areas. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months, with heated facilities available at select locations like Paint Creek State Park.
The camping experience in this region is characterized by wooded settings, lake access, and proximity to hiking trails. Campers frequently mention the scenic quality of the area, with one visitor describing Zaleski as "a gem in Ohio" with "high quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations." Several campgrounds provide water recreation opportunities, with Lake Hope, Lake Alma, and Pine Lake offering fishing, swimming, and boat rentals. Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with reviews indicating that Tar Hollow's tent-only North Ridge Campground has closely spaced sites where "you can hear snoring and other nighttime noises." For those seeking more solitude, the backcountry sites in Zaleski State Forest provide greater separation from other campers, though they require hiking in with gear rather than drive-up access.
$20 - $70 / 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."
$27 - $75 / night
"The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. "
"The drive there was a very interesting tour of trump flags Amish buggies and more. Would come back if I was stranded in Ohio, but overall great pit stop for cleaning up on a long journey."
$25 - $35 / night
"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...but..."
"Lake Hope has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone and the campground is close by! The campground is quiet and well kept."
$35 - $46 / night
"A beautiful place that is very accessible to people walking or biking from the campground unlike other SE Ohio state parks."
"Great trails, nice bike path and walking path around lake great new shower house."
"It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."
"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!"
"Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."
"Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."
$35 - $60 / night
"We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."
"Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."
"Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park."
"The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."
$25 - $70 / night
"Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it."
"Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."
ScoutTHIS IS AN RV CAMP. They have tent sites but they are just squares of gravel/wood. Our site was placed just feet from the ROAD you turn off of to enter the campground. Ridiculous and incredibly overpriced for what you get.
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutStayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
GuideIts free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
TravelerNice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend
TravelerRelatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.
NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.
Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.
ScoutWe had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.
ScoutThis campground is well suited for groups of 3 RVs or less traveling together. The view is fantastic, WIFI is provided(I did not use) with 50 and 30 amp service available. Water pressure is good and the sites are new. Wildlife may visit you from time to time and the area is quiet and secluded. A community fire pit and gas grill are onsite. Firewood is provided and the site is well maintained. The owners are very friendly and quick to respond. We will use again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ray, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ray, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Ray, OH and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ray, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ray, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ray, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Ray, OH.
What parks are near Ray, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Ray, OH that allow camping, notably Paint Creek Lake and Deer Creek Lake.
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