Scioto Trail State Park offers primitive camping in a wooded setting 20 miles southwest of Waverly, Ohio. The campground sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the foothills of the Appalachian Plateau. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pike Lake State Park Campground features a small lake stocked with fish where visitors can enjoy shoreline fishing. "The lake is beautiful and the fishing is good," notes Marc J., who appreciates the park's natural setting.
Hiking trails: While some trails become overgrown by mid-summer, Tar Hollow State Park offers extensive forest hiking for those seeking pet-friendly camping. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails," according to Renée C.
Water activities: Long's Retreat Family Resort provides multiple water-based recreation options beyond basic swimming. "The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board), the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach," writes Kristi J.
Paddling excursions: Waters Edge Canoe Livery offers creek access for canoeing and kayaking with your pets. "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff," according to Jonathan W.
What campers like
Tent camping areas: The North Ridge campground at Tar Hollow State Park offers separate tent-only camping with distinct advantages. "It's a very secluded campsite so it really feels like you're one with nature," states Caroline, noting that site 106 is "very flat, one of the most flat sites."
Quiet camping experience: Scioto Trail campers appreciate the peaceful nature of the tent-only area. "The campground is a little confusing. Sites #64-68 are not at all what we were expecting based on the map on the website... But the sites are just beautiful. They are all decent sizes and well shaded by very tall trees," writes Cassandra C.
Lake access: Pike Lake State Park Campground has a beach area for both swimming and boating with designated pet areas. "We rented canoes, but there is also a rowboat and several kayaks. The main lake is large enough that an hour's rental is just fine for your canoe time," reports Jonathan W.
Family-friendly amenities: Long's Retreat Family Resort receives consistent praise for its range of activities. "Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers. The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board)," shares Kristi J.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds in the area have basic amenities. At Scioto Trail State Park, "There are no showers and pit toilets, which weren't bad at all. The campground is also really, really dark," reports Cassandra C.
Seasonal conditions: Summer brings both advantages and challenges to camping in the region. "Our only regret is we didn't realize there was no shower house here," mentions Jessica M. after camping at Scioto Trail State Park during rainy weather.
Site layouts: Pike Lake's campground has variable site layouts and terrain. "Some sites too small for our 20' trailer and truck. Campground was busy, lots of kids," notes Mitch + Kristi N.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds lack reliable connections. At Long's Retreat, "Also no cell service at all which is good and bad," according to Dustin C., while Tar Hollow is described as having "no cell phone coverage at even the top of the hills."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Paint Creek State Park Campground provides lake swimming along with other family activities. "Nice location, quiet spots," notes Buck B., though some visitors mention that "the beach looked very dirty" at certain times of year.
Rainy day activities: Pack indoor games and rain gear as summer thunderstorms are common. "We are staying at Scioto Trail State Park. It has been raining nonstop for 13 hours. We still managed a one mile hike with the kids," reports Jessica M.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Long's Retreat, "There is LOTS to do. Swimming, water slides, canoeing, go-cart racing, mini golf, and a full arcade give plenty of variety," according to Rocky B.
Site selection: Choose sites away from busy areas if camping with pets. "We stayed for just one night at site #34. It ended up being a great site for us and our dogs. There was space between us and our neighbors," shares Shannon G. about her experience at Paint Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Sun Valley Campground offers full-service sites for larger rigs. "This campground has a lot to offer with electric and water hookups for RVs with back-in and pull through sites. They have a dump station as well as an onsite bathroom/shower house," says Andrew S.
Site drainage: Consider elevated sites during wet periods. "It rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," warns Bob M. about Pike Lake State Park.
Leveling challenges: Pack leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "It was a good campground, we had a hard time getting our rv to be level but overall we enjoyed it," notes Tara C. about Scioto Trail State Park.
Site spacing: RV campsites at most local parks are closely spaced. "Sites in the outsides of the loops are more spacious," recommends Elana C., with other reviewers noting that "the sites weren't very spacious" at several campgrounds in the region.
