Camping areas around Zanesville sit within the Appalachian Plateau region of Ohio, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm, occasionally humid summers and moderately cold winters. Campgrounds near Zanesville frequently feature water access via lakes, ponds, or creeks that support fishing and paddling opportunities throughout the extended camping season from April through October.
What to Do
Fishing without a license: At National Road Campground, anglers can fish in the private stocked ponds without needing a state fishing license. "The ponds are stocked with fish and because it is private land no fishing license is required," notes Terry F.
Winter camping opportunities: Burr Oak State Park Campground maintains year-round operations for cold-weather adventurers. A camper reports, "We stayed here for two months (November and December). It is conveniently located near I-70. Only a few sites are open through the off-season months."
Hiking network access: The extensive trail system connects multiple camping areas with various difficulty levels across terrain types. "The hiking trails are nice but very muddy after the rain. Lots of geocaches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest," explains one visitor to Burr Oak State Park.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Wolfie's Campground maintains spotless amenities throughout their property. "Bathrooms very clean. Loved the free games. Cabin was very clean and had comfortable beds," notes Jean A., while another camper adds, "Bathhouse is very clean and tidy, with 2 large showers per bathhouse."
Family recreation options: Campgrounds offer various entertainment beyond hiking and water activities. Jenny G. describes Wolfie's Campground: "Small 5ft deep pool, very nice playground. Kids and I spent many quarters playing pool in the game room, which also has a 90's Sega arcade game."
Quiet atmosphere: LA-Z Acres Campground provides peaceful surroundings for relaxation. One visitor mentioned, "I guess one of the most awesome things is you become family with others in the campground and everyone looks out for each other."
What You Should Know
Free camping permits required: For camping at Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park, visitors need to obtain a free permit. "You need to get a free permit to use this recreation area. Pick one up at local gas stations or convenience stores, it takes less than 5 minutes," explains Jacquie J.
Seasonal challenges: Insect activity varies significantly by season and location. According to one camper at Sand Hollow, "It may have just been the time of year that we went but the bugs were especially terrible at this campground. We used spray and still had so many bites. Also, lots of poison ivy in the area."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. A Burr Oak visitor notes, "Fairly remote, cell service is dicey but if that is what you are going for, you will be pleased."
Tips for Camping with Families
Dog-friendly water access: Blue Rock State Park Campground offers dog-friendly camping near water. Ryan W. describes, "There is a creek running through the main primitive campsites below the dam, with minnows and crawfish for the kids to catch, plenty of shade."
Playground facilities: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Zanesville provide play structures for children. At National Road Campground, a visitor mentioned they "enjoyed fishing as well as watching our child on the playground and splash pad!"
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging topography that affects site selection. Nicole C. shares about Burr Oak: "Our site #14 was very hilly but at least it had a tent pad at the bottom of the hill so it was flat where we were sleeping."
Tips from RVers
Power management: National Road Campground occasionally experiences electrical issues that RVers should prepare for. One camper noted, "Shore power breaker bad at assigned campsite so had no power at our site but park handyman arrived quickly and changed out the breaker."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain throughout the region often requires additional equipment for stabilizing larger rigs. "Pull-thru site #18 was very unleveled from front-to-back; hitch was on ground and rear stabilizers were fully extended with blocks underneath," reports an RVer at National Road Campground.
Access road awareness: When navigating dog-friendly campgrounds near Zanesville, RVers should consider entrance road width. Steve E. at Wolfie's Campground cautions, "The only challenge is you don't want to meet a rig going out while you're coming in. We are a 38 foot class A and met a 36' 5th wheel on the curve at the entrance. We literally passed with less than an inch between us."
