Lake Alma State Park Campground

For Ohioans seeking an outdoor escape that combines the tranquility of a serene lake with the rugged charm of the Appalachian foothills, Lake Alma State Park Campground in Hamden offers a compelling option. As a state park campground, it provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, from water-based activities to scenic hiking. This article aims to give local Ohio users a detailed overview of Lake Alma State Park Campground, helping them decide if this natural haven is the perfect spot for their next outdoor adventure.

Nestled in the midst of some of Ohio's most scenic territory in Jackson and Vinton counties, Lake Alma State Park centers around a quiet 60-acre lake and a gentle creek. While the park itself is celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse activities, some recent camper reviews offer valuable insights into the campground experience. As one reviewer noted, "The lake is beautiful, there is a swim beach and the bike/walking trails are beautiful." This highlights the park's strong points. However, the same review also mentioned that "The campsites, however, are cramped and packed. The roadway was narrow and it made backing into our site extra difficult. The bathroom was disgusting. It wasn't kept clean or maintained. I attempted to call multiple times during hours and no one picked up the phone. I will not stay here again." Another reviewer echoed the sentiment about tight spaces for larger rigs: "Nice quiet campground, though a little tight for 5vers and buses. Most site near the front could accommodate you but towards the back it gets pretty tight." This honest feedback helps set expectations, indicating that while the park's natural features are highly praised, campers should be aware of potential challenges with campsite size and maintenance, and plan accordingly. Despite these concerns, Lake Alma State Park remains a popular choice for families looking for a summer weekend getaway.

Lake Alma State Park Campground is located at an Unnamed Road, Hamden, OH 45634, USA. This places it in Hamden, a small village in Vinton County, nestled within the unglaciated hill country of southeastern Ohio, part of the Appalachian Highlands. The park's setting provides a true escape into nature, surrounded by mixed oak forests and the scenic 60-acre Lake Alma.

Accessibility to Lake Alma State Park is generally good for Ohio residents. It is situated off State Route 349. From Athens, visitors can take OH-32 west to OH-160, then turn left on OH-349 at Hamden, entering the park within less than a mile. This route makes it a feasible drive for those coming from central or southeastern Ohio. While the address is listed as "Unnamed Road," this typically refers to the main park road that leads to the campground area, which is easily navigable once you reach the park entrance.

Reviews mention that the road leading to the campground itself has "a couple of very steep little hills that drop right down the other end," advising caution for first-time visitors, especially those with larger RVs or trailers. The campground's internal roads are described as narrow, which can make backing into sites difficult for bigger rigs. This suggests that while accessible, larger vehicles may require more careful maneuvering within the campground loop.

Despite some challenges with internal campground navigation, the park's location offers proximity to several other points of interest in southern Ohio. These include nearby towns like Wellston, which provides basic services like gas stations and grocery stores. For those interested in local history, the Buckeye Furnace State Memorial is just 7 miles away, and the Leo Petroglyphs State Memorial is 9 miles distant. The park itself is a hub for outdoor activities, including a multi-use paved path that connects to the Wellston Bike Path, enhancing its appeal for active families. The blend of a serene natural environment with reasonable access to local amenities and other attractions makes Lake Alma State Park Campground a viable option for Ohioans seeking an outdoor retreat.

Lake Alma State Park Campground offers a variety of camping options and facilities to enhance the visitor experience:

• Campsites: 76 campsites available, offering diverse options. This includes 6 full-service campsites with electric, sewer, and water hookups, 67 electric-only sites, and 10 non-electric (primitive) sites.
• Camper Cabin: One camper cabin is available for rent, providing a more rustic lodging experience than traditional cabins, but more protected than a tent.
• Restroom Facilities: Includes an ADA-accessible shower house with flush toilets (though cleanliness has been a concern in some reviews).
• Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires.
• Dump Station: A communal dump station is available for RV waste.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is provided.
• Playground: A playground is located within the campground, offering recreation for children.
• Camp Office: The camp office loans games and sports equipment to registered campers.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted on designated campsites and within a dedicated dog park with lake access where they can swim off-leash. They are not permitted on the public swim beach.
• Boating: Non-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors only are permitted on the 60-acre Lake Alma. A boat launch ramp is available.
• Boat Rentals: The Lake Alma Boathouse offers canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and pontoon boats for rent seasonally.
• Swimming: A public beach is located on the north side of the lake for swimming during daylight hours.
• Hiking Trails: Five hiking trails (Acorn, Island Loop, Lake Loop, Old Pine, Sassafras) totaling approximately 3 miles, plus a mile-wide paved multi-use trail.
• Fishing: Opportunities for fishing for bluegill, bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and trout in Lake Alma (Ohio fishing license required).
• Picnicking: Several scenic picnic areas with tables and grills are located throughout the park.
• Sports Courts: Basketball and volleyball courts are available in specific areas of the park.
• Year-Round Operation: The park is open year-round, though some facilities may be limited during the colder months (November to March).

• Beautiful Lake: The central feature of the park, Lake Alma, is consistently praised for its beauty, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• Designated Dog Park with Swim Area: A notable highlight is the fenced dog park with direct lake access, allowing pets to swim off-leash – a unique amenity for dog owners.
• Paved Multi-use Trail: An easy 1-mile paved trail from the park entrance to exit, connecting to the Wellston Bike Path, ideal for walking, running, or biking.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Features a playground in the campground and various recreational activities suitable for children and families.
• Variety of Camping Options: Offers a range of sites from primitive to full-service, catering to different camping preferences.
• Quiet and Peaceful Setting: Despite some campsite density, reviewers note a generally quiet and peaceful atmosphere, especially around the lake and trails.
• Winter Recreation: In proper conditions, visitors can enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
• Diverse Wildlife: The surrounding forests are home to white-tailed deer, turkeys, and a variety of woodland wildflowers and ferns.

As an Ohio State Park Campground, Lake Alma State Park typically offers discounts and promotions managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). These often include:

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 62 and older with a Golden Buckeye Card receive 50% off camping fees Sunday through Thursday, and 10% off Friday and Saturday. A 10% discount also applies to other overnight and day-use rentals.
• Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount is offered every night of the week for all overnight facilities to active and retired military personnel, regardless of their home state.
• DAV/POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled veterans receiving VA compensation can apply for a pass for free camping (excluding reservation fees).
• Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: Holders of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamp receive a 25% discount off lodge rooms or cabins (check if applicable to their single camper cabin).
• Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: Ohio license holders receive a 10% discount off lodge rooms or cabins (check applicability to camper cabin).

Reservations for Lake Alma State Park Campground are required and can be made online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website (reserveohio.com) or by calling their central reservation number. When booking online, ensure you select the appropriate discount code if eligible and be prepared to show valid ID or cards upon check-in. It is always advisable to check the official ODNR website for the most current information on discounts and any seasonal specials.

For inquiries and reservations at Lake Alma State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Unnamed Road, Hamden, OH 45634, USA (For GPS, searching "Lake Alma State Park" typically directs to the main entrance.)

Phone: (740) 384-3345

Mobile Phone: +1 740-384-3345

For reservations, it's recommended to use the Ohio State Parks central reservation system online at reserveohio.com or call 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727). For specific park questions that are not related to reservations, calling the park office directly at the provided number is appropriate.

For Ohioans, Lake Alma State Park Campground offers a convenient and accessible option for an outdoor retreat within their home state, particularly for those in southern Ohio. Despite some noted concerns about campsite density and facilities, its strengths lie in its beautiful natural setting and the wide array of activities available, making it suitable for specific types of campers.

The serene 60-acre Lake Alma provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and a host of water-based fun, from swimming at the public beach to fishing for bass and bluegill, or enjoying non-motorized boating. The presence of a dedicated dog park with lake access is a significant draw for local pet owners, offering a rare opportunity for their furry friends to frolic off-leash in the water. Furthermore, the park's network of hiking trails and a paved multi-use path offer ample opportunities for exercise and connecting with nature, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unglaciated hill country.

While larger RVs might find some sites challenging, the variety of electric, full-hookup, and non-electric sites means that different camping styles can be accommodated. For families, the playground and opportunities for games and sports add to the appeal. Ohio residents, especially those looking for an affordable state park experience with diverse recreational offerings and a peaceful lake environment, will find Lake Alma State Park Campground a worthwhile destination for a summer weekend getaway, provided they manage expectations regarding campsite spaciousness and confirm current facility conditions prior to their visit. It remains a beloved spot for many who appreciate its natural beauty and family-friendly activities.

Lake Alma State Park Campground

Unnamed Road, Hamden, OH 45634, USA