Camping options near South Bloomingville, Ohio extend beyond the popular Hocking Hills State Park area, with elevation ranges between 700-1000 feet creating varying campsite conditions and microclimates. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation. Primitive campsites throughout the area often require additional preparation as water access can be limited at remote locations.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Logan: Campbell Cove Camping provides convenient access to Lake Logan, where fishing is popular year-round. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," notes a camper who particularly enjoyed the waterfront activities.
Historic exploration: Visit Hope Furnace near Lake Hope State Park Campground, which showcases Ohio's iron-producing history. "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," explains a reviewer who appreciated the historical context.
Miniature golf and games: Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond hiking. "It offers mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids," reports a visitor to Top O' The Caves Campground, highlighting entertainment options for days when you need a break from trails.
Paddle sports: Many campgrounds offer boat rentals for exploring local lakes. "At the lake you can rent kayaks for the day!" mentions a Lake Hope camper, while another notes, "There are peddle boats to rent (two drivers, two passengers). We rented canoes, but there is also a rowboat and several kayaks."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: For those seeking privacy, North Ridge campground at Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers dedicated tent camping areas. "The north ridge campground is in an entirely separate area of the park than the RVs and there aren't many campsites, so in that way it feels a little more remote and secluded," explains a camper who appreciated the separation from RV areas.
Waterfront views: Several campgrounds offer lakeside sites. A visitor to Campbell Cove Camping shares, "We stayed at site 63, on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space." Similarly, at A.W. Marion State Park, a camper noted, "Site 45...had a great view of the lake. I'm not so sure you'd be able to see it once the leaves are back this spring."
Trail access: Direct access to hiking trails is a major draw for many campers. At Zaleski State Forest, "Trails are superb...tall canopies, fern ground cover, a wild assortment of fungi and wildlife at every turn. The terrain is undulating but very doable," according to one experienced backpacker who has visited since the 1980s.
Clean facilities: Modern bathroom facilities receive positive mentions at several campgrounds. "The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," reports a visitor to Campbell Cove, while a KOA visitor noted, "Bathrooms were excellent individually separated rooms with showers and toilets."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty or non-existent at most camping areas. A visitor to Hocking Hills KOA Holiday noted, "Very poor Verizon coverage but the Wi-Fi on site worked fine," while at Tar Hollow State Park, a camper reminds others, "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up."
Site reservations essential: Weekends and fall color season fill up quickly across all campgrounds. For Big Sycamore Family Campground, a reviewer advises, "Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer," making it a good alternative when state parks are full.
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds feature hilly or sloped sites. At Lake Hope State Park, a recent visitor observed, "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."
Water access varies: While most established campgrounds offer potable water, quality and access points differ. At Tar Hollow's North Ridge campground, "There is a water spigot, restrooms, and a dumpster," but at more primitive sites like Zaleski backpacking camps, "Water is available at 3 backpack camping areas (Points D, I & P)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Big Sycamore Family Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a nice looking swimming pool available, and the campground is close to most of the local attractions," notes a visitor, while another mentions its convenient location "right down the road from Lake Logan" and proximity to shopping at "Walmart and Kroger."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabin rentals provide comfort while still enjoying the outdoors. At Campbell Cove Camping, a visitor explains, "We stayed in one of the rustic cabins. With other family members bringing their RVs. The bathroom facilities were some of the nicest and cleanest we've experienced."
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Campbell Cove, a recent visitor highlights, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."
Check for ranger programs: State parks often offer educational activities. At Lake Hope State Park, a visitor shares, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. At Lake Hope, an RVer noted, "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."
Roadway considerations: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A KOA visitor cautions, "Big property with every site type. Complete with KOA amenities. EV chargers on-site," but also notes the poor cell coverage, recommending reliance on campground WiFi instead.
Campsite selection: At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, location matters for comfort and convenience. "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 Mans Cave," shares one RVer who balanced site limitations with proximity to trails.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, so note dump station locations. At A.W. Marion, a camper advises, "The dump station is easily accessible if you need it," while Top O' The Caves and Campbell Cove Camping feature more extensive hookup options according to visitor reports.
