Best Campgrounds near Wilkesville, OH

Southeastern Ohio provides a range of camping areas near Wilkesville, with Hocking Hills State Park and Lake Hope State Park serving as primary campground options. Both parks offer tent, RV, and cabin camping, while Lake Hope adds glamping accommodations. The region's forested landscape includes smaller options like Lake Alma State Park and Zaleski State Forest, where tent camping dominates. Several privately operated campgrounds supplement the state park system, providing additional developed sites with varying amenity levels.

Road conditions and site accessibility vary by season in this hilly region of Ohio. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold temperatures. "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," noted one visitor. Cell service throughout the area is described as spotty by campers, particularly in more remote locations like Zaleski State Forest. Many campgrounds offer a mix of reservable and first-come sites, with summer and fall weekends typically requiring advance planning. Campground terrain tends to be uneven with varying degrees of shade and site separation.

Campers consistently highlight the hiking opportunities as the region's standout feature. Trails connect many camping areas to scenic features like caves, rock formations, and small lakes. Several visitors mentioned the historical elements found throughout the area, including old iron furnaces and mining sites that add cultural interest to camping trips. The proximity to water activities represents another draw, with fishing, swimming, and boating available at multiple locations. Campground reviewers often note the significant difference in crowding between popular sites like Hocking Hills and more secluded options such as Lake Hope, which one camper described as feeling like "a ghost town" during weekday visits. Primitive sites with pit latrines are common in the region's smaller camping areas, while larger parks offer shower facilities and electric hookups.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wilkesville, Ohio (122)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    27 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    2. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "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."

    3. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "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."

    4. Lake Alma State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hamden, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 384-4474

    "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."

    5. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College

    9 Reviews
    Albany, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 698-6373

    "Lake Snowden is a great alternative to camping at Strouds. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new “water park” opened during the summer. Great shelters, facilities, and optional bathrooms."

    "We were able to camp right by the lake. The trails are great for hiking and some more intermediate mountain biking. And there are boat rentals of many different types."

    8. Rocky Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Jackson, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 656-5065

    "It's located right off rt. 35. They have a campground office as well as a good shower house."

    9. Krodel Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Point Pleasant, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 675-1068

    $30 - $35 / night

    "It is minutes away from downtown Point Pleasant. I had spent the afternoon exploring the town and didn't feel like driving further."

    "Overall, I was looking for something close to downtown Point Pleasant and this was a good fit. There is no wifi and cell service was a little spotty (I had 1-3 bars at times for cell service)."

    10. Top O' The Caves Campground

    16 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Wilkesville, OH

559 Reviews of 122 Wilkesville Campgrounds


  • Aly M.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blennerhassett RV Park

    Friendly campground

    The owner was great. I called when I was on my way, he gave me a space number, and I was able to go straight to it. Weekly and monthly pricing is great too.

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Bob B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oak Hill Campground

    One-Night Adventure: Our Shakedown Trip in the New Travel Trailer

    Campsite Review for Site 6 – Gateway to Wayne National Forest

    Our recent camping trip at this campground was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Wayne National Forest. The serene forest setting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor adventure, with the campground offering all the basics needed for a comfortable stay.

    We stayed at Site 6 in our travel trailer, enjoying the ease of a pull-through site. Although the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way, this setup has an unexpected benefit—it faces directly toward the woods. This orientation allowed us to savor the tranquility of the forest, adding a layer of privacy and a more intimate connection with nature.

    While the sites are decently sized, they are closely positioned with minimal separation, which might limit privacy in other areas. However, the majestic surroundings of Wayne National Forest more than make up for this. The proximity to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful ambiance of the trees create an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.

    All in all, this campground is a fantastic base for exploring Wayne National Forest. The combination of basic amenities, convenient access, and the enchanting forest environment makes it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Farver Acres

    A Hidden Gem

    Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world. We didn’t see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds.

    The wildlife here is abundant and delightful. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

    The water pressure at the site was excellent — just be sure to bring a water pressure regulator to ensure a comfortable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast campsite internet.

    This site would be ideal for a three-family group — plenty of space for everyone to set up comfortably. Site 1 seems to be the biggest.

  • L
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Zaleski State Forest

    Nice get away

    Trails are nice and kept well, campsites are clean and well maintained. at each backpacking camp (3 in total) there is water and a toilet (nothing to wipe with) water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case. I will say there is some noise pollution from cars and planes near campsite 1. We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly. tried bringing him home but he didn’t follow us. Besides Kitty and 2 other groups i saw no one else was here which was nice especially during a holiday weekend. NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!! PS if someone sees kitty please say hi :)

  • C
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    Palmerosa Campground updated

    The new owners of the Palmerosa Campground have put a lot of time and money into this campground! Almost everything has been tore down and rebuilt. The new shower house at the office is great! You have your own shower , toilet and vanity in a locked room! 

    The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses. 

    They have 14 water and electric sites with plenty of shade trees. 30 primitive tent sites also with plenty of shade!!

    This campground is a true hidden oasis! It won’t be long before other campers discover this peace on earth place!!


Guide to Wilkesville

Camping near Wilkesville, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at the pool available at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday. A family shared, "The pool was wonderful, the bathroom was clean and spacious," highlighting the amenities for a fun day.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Campbell Cove Camping and enjoy the lake. One visitor said, "You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," making it a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Tar Hollow State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Our stay was quiet and relaxing," which is ideal for those looking to unwind.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lake Hope State Park Campground offer great amenities for families. One camper mentioned, "There was a playground and a very nice lodge for meals," making it a hit with kids.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Burr Oak State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The lake is beautiful and there is a very nice lodge for meals," showcasing the stunning scenery.

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Amenities Vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. For example, Forked Run State Park Campground has been described as "in need of an update and targeted maintenance," so check what’s available before booking.
  • Weather Considerations: Be mindful of the weather, especially during rainy seasons. A camper at Scioto Trail State Park Campground noted, "The campground was very meh, very buggy and muddy," which can affect your experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Campbell Cove Camping, where one reviewer said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole," ensuring fun for the little ones.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday enjoyed the amenities, stating, "The camp store has everything you may need," which is great for keeping kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids busy with snacks and games. One camper at Tar Hollow State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms and bathhouse were clean," so you can focus on family fun without worrying about cleanliness.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers should be cautious about site levels. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together," so make sure your rig can fit comfortably.
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of the amenities offered. One camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground appreciated the "showers and restrooms were acceptable," which can make your stay more enjoyable.
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking," so consider timing your visit accordingly.

Camping near Wilkesville, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wilkesville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wilkesville, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Wilkesville, OH and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wilkesville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wilkesville, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wilkesville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Wilkesville, OH.