Friendly Hills Camp

For many Ohioans, finding that perfect spot to reconnect with nature, whether it's for a peaceful family camping trip or a rejuvenating group retreat, is a cherished pursuit. Nestled in the picturesque landscape just north of Zanesville, Friendly Hills Camp offers just such an escape. More than just a campground, it's a versatile facility that seamlessly blends outdoor recreation with comfortable accommodations and dedicated event spaces, making it a unique destination in the heart of Ohio. Since its establishment in 2003, Friendly Hills Camp has cultivated a reputation as a clean, modern, and inviting place where the beauty of nature meets the convenience of thoughtful amenities.

Friendly Hills Camp has become a favorite for many local families, with a history of providing memorable experiences. It’s a place where children can explore, adults can unwind, and groups can gather amidst tranquil surroundings. While the pricing structure has seen some adjustments over the years, the core appeal of Friendly Hills remains its commitment to providing a pleasant and well-maintained environment. Guests consistently commend the cleanliness of its facilities and the overall peaceful ambiance that makes it a true retreat from the everyday hustle.

This article aims to provide Ohio residents with a comprehensive look at Friendly Hills Camp. We will explore its convenient location and accessibility, detail the various services and accommodations offered, highlight its standout features and activities, touch upon any potential special offers, and provide essential contact information. Ultimately, we’ll delve into why Friendly Hills Camp continues to be a suitable and highly regarded choice for locals seeking a fulfilling outdoor or group experience right here in Ohio.

Location and Accessibility

Friendly Hills Camp is strategically located at 5880 Friendly Hills Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA. This address places it approximately seven miles north of downtown Zanesville, offering a perfect balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to local amenities and attractions. Zanesville itself is a significant hub in southeastern Ohio, making Friendly Hills Camp readily accessible from various parts of the state.

For Ohio residents, the camp’s location is highly advantageous. Zanesville is intersected by major routes like Interstate 70, making for a relatively straightforward drive from cities such as Columbus (approximately an hour to an hour and a half away) and other surrounding areas. The drive to the camp itself is generally easy, leading into a peaceful, picturesque setting that immediately transports visitors away from urban noise. The facility is nestled within 68 acres, providing ample space for outdoor activities while still being close enough to Zanesville for any last-minute supplies or to explore local dining and shopping options.

Furthermore, Friendly Hills Camp's location places it within reasonable driving distance of several popular Ohio state parks and natural areas. Muskingum River State Park, Dillon State Park, Blue Rock State Park, and Salt Fork State Park are all within a short drive, offering additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and exploring. This makes Friendly Hills an excellent base camp for those looking to expand their outdoor adventures beyond the immediate confines of the property, catering to the adventurous spirit of many Ohioans. Its rural yet accessible setting ensures both a sense of escape and practical convenience.

Services Offered

Friendly Hills Camp is not solely a campground but a multifaceted facility offering a range of services tailored to both individual campers and larger groups, including conferences and events.

• RV & Tent Camping: The campground features 24 sites designed to accommodate both RVs (including fifth wheels, small toy haulers, and large RVs) and tents. RV sites typically offer water and electrical hookups (with some indicating sewer hookups as well). Each site generally includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Cabins: For those desiring more comfort, Friendly Hills offers cozy cabins for overnight accommodations, providing a step up from traditional camping.
• Dormitories: In addition to cabins, the facility includes dormitory-style buildings, particularly useful for larger groups, retreats, or youth camps.
• Conference Center Facilities: As a "Camp and Conference Center," Friendly Hills boasts dedicated spaces for events. These include a Dining Hall (air-conditioned, 200-person capacity, projector screens, sound system, limited Wi-Fi) and the Ross Building (meeting/banquet hall with 300-person capacity, 28-ft stage, projection screen, sound system). These facilities are suitable for small meetings, large banquets, weddings, and family reunions.
• Full-Service Catering: The camp offers in-house full-service catering with a variety of menu choices, including breakfast and dinner buffets, making it convenient for groups hosting events.
• Restroom & Shower Facilities: Guests consistently note that the restrooms are "fine" and "better than a porta potty," with one mentioning them being "much better than Blue Rock." Hot showers are available, contributing to a more comfortable camping experience.
• Outdoor Recreational Amenities: On-site, guests have access to a swimming pool (seasonal), hiking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, a softball field, and horseshoe pits. Naturalist programs are also mentioned, suggesting organized outdoor education or activities.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, which is a significant plus for many Ohio families.

Features / Highlights

Friendly Hills Camp stands out for several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a versatile and welcoming destination in Ohio.

• Versatile Accommodation Options: The ability to host RVs, tents, cabins, and dormitories on the same property makes Friendly Hills incredibly versatile. This allows it to cater to a broad range of visitors, from individual families seeking a traditional camping experience to large groups needing extensive lodging and event spaces.
• Conference and Event Capabilities: A key differentiator is its robust conference center facilities, including spacious dining halls and meeting rooms. This makes it an ideal choice for educational gatherings, corporate retreats, weddings, and family reunions, providing a full-service solution beyond just camping.
• Peaceful Natural Setting: Situated on 68 acres, the camp offers a "quiet setting to relax and enjoy your time away from home." Its picturesque environment provides a serene backdrop for outdoor activities and fosters a sense of tranquility away from urban noise.
• On-site Recreational Activities: With a swimming pool (seasonal), hiking trails, sports courts (basketball, volleyball, softball), and horseshoe pits, there are ample opportunities for both active recreation and leisurely enjoyment right within the camp grounds.
• Clean Facilities: Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, which is a crucial aspect of a comfortable camping experience and often a deciding factor for returning guests.
• Family-Favorite Status: As one reviewer noted, it has been their "family's favorite camping spot since 2020," indicating a strong repeat customer base and a proven ability to deliver enjoyable experiences for families over multiple years.
• Proximity to Muskingum River: The camp offers easy access to the Muskingum River, providing opportunities for water-based activities in the wider area, such as fishing and boating.
• Affordable for Groups: While individual camping prices have seen increases, the facilities and services for groups, as noted on their conference center page, are pitched as "affordable rates," suggesting good value for larger events.

Promotions or Special Offers

Information on specific, ongoing public promotions or special offers for individual camping stays at Friendly Hills Camp is not widely advertised in the provided data. Customer reviews suggest that pricing for tent camping, for example, has seen increases over the years (from $20 in 2020 to $45 in 2023, with expectations of $50 or more). This indicates a dynamic pricing model.

However, as a "Camp and Conference Center," Friendly Hills likely offers tailored packages and rates for groups, conferences, weddings, and other large events. Their website mentions "affordable rates" for conference center usage, which would typically involve bundled pricing for facilities, catering, and accommodations. For individual campers, it would be highly advisable to contact Friendly Hills Camp directly via phone or visit their official website to inquire about the most current pricing, any seasonal discounts, or potential loyalty programs. Given the customer feedback expressing a desire for "some kind of rates" or lower prices to encourage more frequent visits, it's possible they may offer unadvertised specials or package deals, especially during off-peak seasons.

Contact Information

To learn more about Friendly Hills Camp, inquire about reservations, or discuss event planning, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 5880 Friendly Hills Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA

Phone: (740) 452-0016 or +1 740-452-0016

Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=friendlyhillscamp.com

It is always recommended to contact the camp directly for the most up-to-date pricing, availability, and to ensure they can accommodate your specific camping or event needs. For group bookings, reaching out to their conference center team would be the best approach to discuss tailored packages.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Ohioans seeking a versatile, serene, and well-equipped destination for their outdoor adventures or group gatherings, Friendly Hills Camp in Zanesville stands out as a highly suitable choice. Its appeal to local users is multifaceted, drawing on its unique blend of natural beauty, varied accommodations, and robust event facilities.

Firstly, its convenient location just outside Zanesville makes it easily accessible from many parts of Ohio. This means less time spent driving and more time enjoying the outdoors, making it ideal for weekend getaways or even short mid-week breaks for local families and groups. The peaceful setting across its 68 acres offers a genuine escape from urban life, allowing for true relaxation and immersion in nature, while still being close enough to Zanesville for any necessary supplies or excursions.

Secondly, Friendly Hills Camp caters to a broad spectrum of needs. Whether you're a traditional tent camper looking for a basic site, an RVer seeking hookups, or a family wanting the comfort of a cabin, there's an accommodation option to suit. This flexibility ensures that various types of Ohio campers can find their ideal spot. For those organizing events, the presence of dedicated conference facilities, including large halls and catering services, makes it an excellent local venue for family reunions, weddings, or corporate retreats, removing the logistical complexities of finding multiple providers.

Moreover, the consistent positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of the restrooms and the overall well-maintained nature of the grounds significantly enhances the camping experience. As one reviewer noted, the facilities are "better than a porta potty" and "much better than Blue Rock," highlighting a crucial comfort factor that many Ohio campers prioritize. The on-site recreational activities, including a swimming pool, hiking trails, and sports courts, provide ample entertainment without needing to leave the property, ensuring there's always something to do for all ages.

While pricing has been a point of discussion for some loyal customers, the overall value provided by the well-kept facilities, the range of amenities, and the peaceful environment remains strong. The camp's history as a "family's favorite camping spot" since 2020 speaks volumes about its ability to create lasting positive memories for repeat visitors. For Ohioans who prioritize a clean, comfortable, and versatile outdoor experience that can accommodate both individual escapes and larger group events, Friendly Hills Camp offers a compelling and proven solution right in their backyard.

Friendly Hills Camp

5880 Friendly Hills Rd, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA