Strouds Run State Park Campground, near Athens, Ohio, is a straightforward camping destination that offers a no-frills experience for those looking to connect with nature. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cozy cabins, it’s a decent choice for campers who appreciate a more rustic vibe.

The campground is known for its beautiful surroundings, featuring trails that are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors have highlighted the lake and beach area, which is great for kayaking and paddleboarding, although some have mentioned that the water can be a bit murky at times. As one camper noted, “Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it!”

Amenities are basic but functional, with picnic tables and fire rings at the sites, and pit toilets scattered throughout. While the facilities may not be luxurious, many campers enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, especially since you can pick your spot upon arrival. Just keep in mind that the campground can get a bit noisy due to the road running alongside it.

If you’re in the mood for some adventure, the nearby trails offer plenty of opportunities for exploration, and the local area has a variety of dining options in Athens. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Strouds Run provides a chance to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

There are 78 primitiive campsites and one group site available for organized groups. Latrines, waste drains, picnic tables and fire rings are provided 10 sites are available for campers with pets

Strouds Run State Park Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Athens, OH? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Athens, OH. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Athens

The Best Camping Near Athens, Ohio

This out of the way, hard to find and get to park was once great. It is still a good place to camp, but there is little in the way of maintenance or upkeep going on other than what the volunteer groups are doing. The trails are generally good, some are great, hiking and mountain biking groups are keeping them in good shape. The geese are out of control, the beach is often filthy with goose crap. Fishing is hit and miss. I doubt you will see a Ranger or State Park employee, that can be a good thing or a bad thing, you decide. LOTS of Geocaching opportunities. Athens has a great deal of places to eat, nightlife, shows and any supplies you may need. The trails link into the city trails so it is possible to hike from town to the camp, but it is complex and quite a haul. Pets are allowed, but not on the swimming beach. The Group campsite it larger and has it's own pit latrine, parking and picnic tables. We have used it for Scout groups. A swingset is across the road in the main campground. There is one electrical outlet, near the entrance of the campground at the bulletin board. There is also a large wooden screen near the entrance where you can use your own projector to watch movies at night. Be advised, the cabins are tiny wood shacks.

Red headed step child of the Ohio State Parks system

Awesome park! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going! Kept going even more and found an abandoned train cart!

Amazing at night for stargazing!

The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake. Strouds also has a beach with a volley-ball net! All walking and biking distance from most of the cabins.

Best Camping Near Athens

The lake and the beach are very nice! Sometimes the water isn’t very clean. Often times the beach is littered with goose droppings. The beach area can sometimes be crowded in the summer. The trails are worth it though! Lots of mountain bikers and trail runners frequent the trails. Strouds is a great place to rent a paddle board, kayak, canoe, or pontoon. There are pic nic tables, a beach volley ball area, and bathrooms. The bathrooms are sub par but all you would really need anyway. 

Not bad

We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South.
Self paying, off season was $15.
But the restrooms were closed.
There were only 3 other sides occupied.
Nice little campground in the Appalachian Foothills. 
Be aware that Google maps doesn't send  you to the campground but to a parking lot at the Lake (25 min detour). So make sure you follow the State Park signs.


Winter Visit

I stayed one night at the group site for the Thunderbunny trail races. It was raining and I was prepared and just slept in my car, as many others did. Group site is set off from the main campground which is nice - it was quiet and felt remote. Just one portajohn. I'm not sure if there was water because I didn't need it. Strouds is a beautiful park for trail running, during all seasons, I love it! Also great spot for kayaking!

One night at group site

Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park. 

Overall nice camping experience 

This is an extremely primitive place that is not run by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It is run by the same woman who runs the boat rentals at several other state parks in SE Ohio- this is her business. There are very few amenities here. There are pit toilets, potable water towards the front, and that's it. There is a road that runs alongside the entire length of the campground, right at the edge, so you can hear cars and coming and going, especially at night. I was here in late October, so I can't attest to whether this place has a loud party atmosphere like many other state parks, but it seemed pretty chill, probably due to the fact that you can't reserve a site in advance- you pay when you arrive, and pick your spot then. The boat house's hours said they were still open for the season, but I arrived long after they were supposed to open according to their hours listed on the door, and I never saw a person all day. So I went to go rent a boat at a different place. All in all, the campground is fine, just the traffic along the road was a bit annoying, and the sites are not very wide- you are close to your neighbors and there is nothing separating the sites.

It's fine, not great. 

Stayed 2 nights at camper cabin in April.  Lake Hill Cabins runs the campground and boat rentals.  The prices advertised on their website are not accurate.  Expect to pay about 25% more.  The cabins are supposed to have solar lighting.  There is a handwritten sign saying the lights don’t work taped to the light switch.

Photos of Strouds Run State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers