The best camping near Jackson Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jackson Lake State Park adventure.

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100% (2 reviews)

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Community favorites near Jackson Lake State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Jackson Lake State Park

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Fruitdale Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Bainbridge, OH
Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are available for purchase during the growing season and firewood is available all year round. There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved. Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets. A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN ONLY. POINTS OF INTEREST in the area:   The HIGHLANDS NATURE SANCTUARY (7 miles away), previously called "7 Caves"  is highly recommended for some beautiful hiking.  There is a small museum (The Appalachian Forest Museum) at the main trailhead by the parking area... the folks there can direct you to a couple of other great trails nearby if you're interested in further hiking.  NOTE: Most of the trails within the sanctuary are not open to dogs, however, there are a couple of dog-friendly trails (inquire at the museum).   Museum is closed for the winter (Nov-March). **Recommended trails: Valley of the Ancients (1/2mile, start at museum) and the Barrett's Rim Trail (2.5 mile loop) and the Kamelands Trail, which are both accessible during the pandemic.   AMISH BAKERY (Country Crust Bakery) & MARKET (JRs General Store)* on 41 South in Bainbridge (15-20min away): The bakery is a great lunch stop for a fresh, soft Pretzel Bun sandwich (delicious) and to load up on fresh baked goods (the apple fritter is my fave!). The market, which is almost right across from the bakery, is also worth checking out... delicious deli sandwiches and great deals on spices, cheeses, pickles, jams, bulk foods, produce, etc. Watch out for horse & buggy traffic... and bicycles! *The Amish accept cash or check only and are closed on Sunday. In the teeny town of BAINBRIDGE (10-15min away): There are some nice antique/primitive shops around; in particular, Ancient Valley Mercantile has a nice selection of antiques as well as local art, gifts, gourmet coffees, local honey, etc. There's a wonderful little cafe (634 Coffee + Cafe, inside the historic Paxton Theater) that offers coffee drinks, pastries, soups and sandwiches. Stop into Pap's Hilltop Honey and Distillery, where you can purchase and sample a variety of moonshine flavors and cocktails. The Paxton Restaurant has good home cooked meals and a variety of pies and cheesecakes for dessert. Or grab an ice cream at the Dairy Queen before strolling the primitive shops.  PAINT CREEK LAKE STATE PARK: (2 miles away) There are dog-friendly hiking trails (the harmony trail and little pond trail are personal favorites), mountain bike trails, a 21-hole disc golf course, boat ramp (if you have kayaks, you can paddle around on the lake... this spot is excellent at sunset), and a camp store that has ice and hand-dipped ice cream. There is also a BEACH, which is good for picnicking and swimming, located at the southern entrance, off of SR 50. GREENFIELD: This town is closer (5 miles) and larger than Bainbridge and good for getting supplies. There are some restaurants, bars and supermarkets (Community Markets, at the further end of town, is recommended over the Save-a-Lot), El Canon (Mexican) would be my restaurant of choice if you decide to eat out.  Catch 22 Sports Bar has good burgers and there are plenty of pizza options for dine in or take-out. COVERED BRIDGE:  There is a sweet little covered bridge that you can still drive across in the tiny town of South Salem, just a 5 minute drive away.  To get there from here, take 41 North and then take a right onto Lower Twin Rd and drive a few miles and you will come to the bridge.  SERPENT MOUND (about 30 miles away, Peebles, OH) is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio. It is an effigy mound representing a snake with a curled tail.  Nearby are three burial mounds—two created by the Adena culture (800 B.C.–A.D. 100), and one by the Fort Ancient culture (A.D. 1000–1650).  A must see! CHILLICOTHE (Ohio's first capital):  (30 minutes away) The historic downtown boasts charming architecture and is perfect for exploring on foot.  Several local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and bars.  A lovely city park with a small lake is host to a year-round population of ducks, geese and swans.  There is also a disc golf course and skate park in the city park.  There is frequent live music, gourmet cocktails and a wide variety of craft beer at Steiner's Speakeasy (an Americana-style bourbon bar of America).   GREAT SEAL STATE PARK (about 35 miles away in Chillicothe):  If you are into mountain biking, you will find some of the best trails in the state here (start at the Lick Run parking area).  There is also a great disc golf course here along with a picnic shelter and a playground for the kids.   FORT HILL EARTHWORKS & NATURE PRESERVE:  (30 minutes away) This preserve encompasses 1300 acres of mature woodlands and 11 miles of some of the best hiking trails in the state.  Part of the Old Growth Forest Network, there are remnants of the temperate deciduous forests that once covered all of the eastern United States.  For archaeology enthusiasts, there is a stone and earthen wall hilltop enclosure, as well as a smaller circular earthwork (both of which can be difficult to discern).
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$30
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Nature's Way

23 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Rockbridge, OH
Visiting the Hocking Hills ? No interest in crowded campgrounds ? you have found 75 acres mostly wooded with trails right at the start of the Hocking Hills. (easy access from 33 and to Logan) There are various places around the property to pitch a tent. There are also options for RV parking with no hookups. I can transport you and your gear to the remote sites. ATV's are also welcome on the property. Firewood will be provided for free and in abundant amount. The site on top of the hill is a very secluded and mowed crest of hill surrounded by dogwood trees and the invasive Autumn Olive bushes. The site above the rxrwinery.com is a secluded, mowed clearing in the mature woods. There are also 2 sites in the valley that allow you to be near your vehicle. While on my property, clothing is optional. If you are traveling with an RV, the Sunny Rest location is the best with campfire.
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$20
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The Viking Longhall

10 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Peebles, OH
The Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen. The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also. The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles. Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.
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Altenbrauch Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Mc Arthur, OH
Located only 8 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, Altenbrauch Farm features 62 acres of open fields, small streams and wooded hills intersected by a lonely country road.  Aside from our house, there are no neighbors in sight.  Easily pitch your tent in an open field or trek through the hills and hollows to find your perfect campsite.As part of Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is home to the second largest state forest, in addition to multiple state parks and wildlife areas. You’ll encounter abandoned historical sites and relics dating back to the early 1800s, hidden away among the wooded hills of Ohio’s least populated county. If you're a lover of outdoor recreation, this is the place to be. Within about a half-hour drive, there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and birding.  Nearby parks and forests include Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Forest, Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Rail Trail, Lake Alma State Park, Tar Hollow State Forest, and more!Set up camp wherever you like!  There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle.  The fields have about a dozen "permanent" sites with stone or metal fire rings and log seating.  Portable fire rings are also available that can be moved anywhere.  Dead wood for campfires is free to gather, or split firewood is available to purchase for $5/bundle. A toilet and solar shower are located at the center of the property. An outdoor water spigot is also available. Guests are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Any trash packed onto the property must be bagged and taken with you.
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Trothwood Forest

8 sites · Lodging, Tents43 acres · Mc Arthur, OH
Family-Owned 43+ acres. nearly all wooded. This property has been minimally developed so as to allow it to be as clean and as natural of possible. There are some trails making hiking the property easier. A few locations on the property are available for quite private camping stays or family friendly getaways. When you drive up the driveway stick to the right. The houses on the left are a different property. Solar/fire heated shower near the flagpole. Always test the water temperature before use. There is cell service on the property! This is an ideal location to give children adventures that are still within minutes to a small town and other attractions in the Hocking Hills area. Approximate near bys: Enjoy the scenery while driving or just staying put: 17-minute drive to Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery 20-minute drive to Ash Cave 26-minute to Old Mans Cave 2-3 minute drive to McArthur for supplies if needed
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$26.10
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(20)

Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

37 sites · Lodging, RVs89 acres · Logan, OH
Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.
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$64
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(11)

Salt Creek Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Laurelville, OH
Welcome to The Thurston Family’s SaltCreek Retreats! We provide complete “Glamping” sites equipped with well stocked off grid Yurt , PawPaw Grove, which are Mini Convertible A Frame Cabins, Hawks Nest Cabin, a she shed cabin and 2 Basic rustic campsites to pitch your tent or camp in your van or car. We also offer the Wildcat Cabin w/3 Tom cats living there. Located outside of Laurelville in the Hocking Hills in Southeastern Ohio. Stay with us on private secluded campsites to escape the crowds!!! We even provide cut and stack firewood for your convenience! We ask for donations ($10 a large arm load) to help pay for the Old Man’s labor and fuel. We have a Bath House with Joolca's Nomad Hot Tap Kit. Nothing like taking an outdoor shower inside the newly constructed Bath House. We added a Solar shower backup also. We have walking trails, a small catch and release pond, Salt Creek is a creek running along the property with access near the Bridge. We are located within 20 minutes from 5 State Parks in the Hocking Hills. 2-1/2 miles from the Village of Laurelville which boasts 6 restaurants, a full service grocery store, butcher shop, gas station, bank, ATM and Old fashioned Hardware. It is a Dry Township so buy your liquor before you get here!
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$27
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(15)

The cozy mountain cabin

2 sites · Lodging15 acres · Ray, OH
Hello everyone, this is William your host and I would like to Describe to you a little bit about our cabins And the experience we offer here This particular Cabin you have beautiful scenery, one awesome hot tub that seats up to 8 people ,a very comfortable queen bed, 1 set of bunk beds , a modern kitchen and bath a 60 inch smart tv . And a very large balcony that extends into the forest Where the hot tub can be found. Check in is at 2pm and check out is 11am We do offer Riding and a mountain adventure package and you may bring your own atv and pay a $30 day riding fee We rent to everyone looking to enjoy some time in these beautiful mountains ,not just riders. You will not regret coming and relaxing here and having a good time in style and comfort. Your more than welcome to message Me with any questions you may have.. I look forward to providing you with an amazing stay soon..Cole
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$146.25
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The best camping near Jackson Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

No gimmicks here! Just family fun for days at Jackson Lake State Park. Bring your kids for a weekend they’ll never forget on the calm waters of Jackson Lake. Paddle around on kayaks or canoes, take a dip, or sit back and chill at the beach. This relatively small State Park is appealing to families due to its ease and charm. Bring a picnic for day-use or reserve your campsite and call it a day! You can’t go wrong this summer at Jackson Lake State Park.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for boaters: The Pelican Campground is the closest to the marina and boat ramp.
  • Best for swimming and entertainment: The Cove Campground is located right by the west swim beach and amphitheater.
  • Best for large RVs: The Lakeside Campground can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet and offers 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric hookups.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. All campsites require a reservation. Make a reservation as soon as you know your dates during peak season—they can be booked up to six months in advance.
  2. If your plans are flexible, try to visit the year-round park during the week, during non-holiday periods, or in winter for the easiest time securing a spot.
  3. Seasonal opening and closing dates vary by campground. The Cove, Pelican, and Lakeside campgrounds are open year-round.

When to go

Peak season is from April to early September. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, programs are available on Friday and Saturday evenings at the amphitheater. Boating is allowed from when the ice has melted to October 31, while the lake usually freezes from November to mid-February for ice fishing and ice skating. Showers and flush toilets are winterized during the off-season (fall, winter, and early spring), though vault toilets are still available. Hunting is permitted from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Thursday before Memorial Day. 

Know before you go

  • Boat, jet skis, and other water sport equipment rentals are available from the Shoreline Marina. 
  • Swimming is permitted in designated swimming zones only, and no lifeguards are on duty.
  • Fishing licenses are required for those over age 16.
  • Hunting is permitted at two designated areas within the park, using shotguns with birdshot and bow and arrow only.
  • There is one accessible campsite (#35) at the Lakeside Campground.
  • Bring bug repellent—mosquitos can be an issue here.
  • Fires are only permitted in provided fire pits. Do not collect firewood or bring firewood from another state.

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