A
Andy B.
Ranger
RangerA. W. Marion State Park Campground
Site 47
We managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
Camping near New Lexington, OH
149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The rolling hills of southeastern Ohio surrounding New Lexington feature a diverse array of camping options within a 30-mile radius. Burr Oak State Park Campground and Burr Oak Cove Campground in Glouster provide year-round access to lakeside camping with both developed and primitive sites. Hocking Hills State Park Campground, approximately 25 miles southwest, stands as one of the region's most popular destinations with its distinctive rock formations and caves. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail in Wayne National Forest offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Dillon State Park near Zanesville and Lake Hope State Park in McArthur round out the major public lands options, each providing a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations.
Reservations become essential during peak seasons, particularly for weekend stays from May through October. As one camper noted, "It's hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio," highlighting the importance of advance planning. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage in rural areas. Many campgrounds feature a combination of reservable and first-come sites, though Ohio state parks have increasingly moved toward online reservation systems. Weather conditions can change quickly in the hills and valleys, with spring bringing occasional flooding and fall offering spectacular foliage. Winter camping remains available at several parks but with reduced services and winterized facilities.
Campers consistently praise the natural features of the area, particularly the unique geological formations in Hocking Hills. "Lake Hope gave me a new way to experience an area I grew very close to and appreciate but cannot stand the swarms of people," wrote one visitor, highlighting the value of exploring less crowded alternatives. The proximity of water features to campsites represents a common theme in positive reviews, with many campgrounds situated on or near lakes. Bathroom facilities vary widely, from modern shower houses at larger state parks to primitive pit toilets at more remote locations. Fall emerges as the preferred season for many visitors due to moderate temperatures, reduced crowds, and colorful foliage displays throughout the hills.
Best Campgrounds near New Lexington (149)
1. Burr Oak State Park Campground
"Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."
"The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability2. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Campbell Cove RV Resort & Campground
"This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."
"Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."
from $45 - $150 / night
Check Availability4. Dillon State Park Campground
"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."
from $24 - $160 / night
Check Availability5. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
"Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year."
"Great spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail."
6. Burr Oak Cove Campground
"Some sites are close to each other, some are more spread out - see attached map. The ones you need to walk to (3-7) aren’t far - I wish I noticed them when I drove by."
"A friend and I were just traveling through Ohio and needed a place to stay."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability7. Pops Place Camping
"This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel. The owners are very nice people and helpful. "
"This prime location is 15 minutes from the National Park. On site drinking water and firewood available. Book your stay today and leave them some love."
from $15 - $125 / night
Check Availability8. Old Stone Church Campground
"A short distance further down the road, just after it turns to gravel, at the Old Stone Church trailhead, there are grassy places to back in smaller campers/RVs."
9. Lake Hope State Park Campground
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Old Stone Church Trailhead
Drive Time
- 56 min from Columbus, OH
- 1 hr 15 min from Parkersburg, WV
- 1 hr 48 min from Mansfield, OH
Recent Camping Photos near New Lexington, OH
307 Photos of 149 New Lexington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Pops Place CampingE
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail DispersedL
Burr Oak Cove Campground
Dock Area Campsites — Burr Oak State Park
Burr Oak State Park Campground
Hocking River RV Park
Campbell Cove RV Resort & Campground
Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds
Big Sycamore Family Campground
Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe
Benton's on the Baileys
Blue Rock State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near New Lexington, OH
724 Reviews of 149 New Lexington Campgrounds
- Kim H.
GuideTar Hollow State Park Campground
Super Relaxing and Peaceful
We used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
Hannah S.RangerCampbell Cove RV Resort & Campground
Pine trees, lake, and great spots!
This campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
Stephen R.GuideNew Straitsville Trailhead
One night stop
Nice for one night stop
Mary S.
TravelerA. W. Marion State Park Campground
Ohio State Park Camping
This is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
Shorty M.
Scoutmaple Grove campground
Beautiful free spot
Ive camped here a few times in the kast few years and have really enjoyed it. They just put in a spigot to get water from. There is vault toilets. They cut down some brush to make a few trails that you can hike. This campground is surrounded by other free campgrounds in Jesse Owen's state Park but this is the only one that gets cell service. You are allowed to run generator.
- BBob B.Ranger
Burr Oak State Park Campground
Remote and Worn Out
Sites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
- VVictoria S.Scout
Big Muskie Campground — Jesse Owens State Park
Nicest state park, ever!
Very, very nice and quiet. Very well laid out, very friendly for big rigs. Pull-thru campsites are for up to 66 ft.
Jeff A.Travelerhawking hills state park campground
Hawking Hills Campground
Great - close to hiking trails at Hawking Hills state park!
Guide to New Lexington
The Wayne National Forest provides multiple camping options near New Lexington, Ohio, with both established campgrounds and dispersed sites available throughout the region. Burr Oak State Park Campground offers developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and RV accommodations, while Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail provides free primitive dispersed camping for hikers and backpackers. Old Stone Church Campground and Pops Place Camping represent smaller, more intimate camping areas with varying levels of amenities. The landscape features forested hills, lakes, and hiking trails that connect many of these camping areas.
Seasonal considerations affect campground access throughout the area, with several locations operating between April and December rather than year-round. Trails can become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where hiking conditions deteriorate significantly during wet periods. Water availability varies by location, with some campgrounds like Burr Oak Cove turning off water in off-seasons (though camping fees decrease accordingly). Most primitive sites lack potable water sources, requiring campers to pack in their own supply. Vault toilets are common at smaller campgrounds, while larger state park facilities offer flush toilets and showers. A camper noted that "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits" at Wildcat Hollow.
Camping areas in this region feature varying degrees of seclusion and amenities. Tent campers seeking privacy often prefer the walk-in sites at Burr Oak Cove Campground, which provide more tree cover and separation than drive-up locations. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful nature of camping in Wayne National Forest, with one reviewer describing Wildcat Hollow as "a great spot to avoid the crowds." Many campgrounds connect to trail systems, allowing hikers to access Burr Oak Lake and other scenic areas. Despite some road noise at certain locations, the camping areas remain relatively quiet even on holiday weekends. Primitive camping areas like Wildcat Hollow offer numerous established sites with stone fire rings along hiking loops, though water sources are limited and not recommended for filtering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Lexington, OH?
What camping is available near New Lexington, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Lexington, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near New Lexington, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Lexington, OH?
Which is the most popular campground near New Lexington, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Lexington, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Lexington, OH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Lexington, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near New Lexington, OH.
What parks are near New Lexington, OH?
What parks are near New Lexington, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near New Lexington, OH that allow camping, notably Dillon Lake and Wayne National Forest.
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