Lake Hope State Park Campground

For Ohioans yearning for an immersive outdoor experience within the picturesque landscapes of southeastern Ohio, Lake Hope State Park Campground stands as a truly remarkable destination. Often described as a "natural paradise," this park, nestled within the expansive Zaleski State Forest, offers a diverse range of camping options and amenities that cater to various preferences, from rustic tent camping to comfortable cabin stays. It's a place where the tranquility of nature beautifully intertwines with opportunities for recreation and relaxation, making it a beloved spot for locals.

Reviews consistently highlight the welcoming staff, the privacy of campsites, and the overall relaxing atmosphere, signaling a high-quality experience. This article will provide an in-depth look at Lake Hope State Park Campground, exploring its prime location, the comprehensive services and features it offers, and why it is an ideal choice for residents of Ohio seeking a memorable and rejuvenating escape into the heart of the state's natural beauty.

Lake Hope State Park Campground is beautifully situated at Furnace Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA. This location is strategically placed within the larger Lake Hope State Park, which itself lies entirely within the rugged, heavily forested 28,614-acre Zaleski State Forest. For Ohio residents, this means immediate access to a vast natural playground characterized by steep gorges, narrow ridges, and a rich history of iron production.

The park is located approximately an hour southeast of Columbus, making it a feasible destination for weekend trips or longer vacations from many parts of central Ohio. Access to the park is convenient, often involving taking U.S. 33 to State Route 278, which leads directly to the park entrance. Its remote yet accessible setting provides the perfect balance for those looking to escape urban noise and light pollution while still being within reasonable driving distance. The proximity to the historic Hope Furnace adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural surroundings.

Lake Hope State Park Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and accommodations designed to provide a comfortable and varied camping experience for all visitors. The park prides itself on well-maintained facilities and a range of options beyond traditional tent sites.

• Diverse Campground Sites: The campground offers 189 total campsites, catering to different needs:
  • Electric Sites: 46 sites provide electrical hookups for RVs and trailers.
  • Non-Electric Sites: 143 sites are available for a more traditional, secluded camping experience. Reviewers often praise these for their privacy and scenic views.
  • Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.
  • Waste Disposal: Facilities for waste disposal are available for campers' convenience.
• Heated Showerhouses & Restrooms: The campground features heated showerhouses with flush toilets, ensuring comfort even during cooler months. Pit latrines are also available in some areas.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities provide convenience for campers on longer stays.
• Cabin Rentals: Lake Hope offers a wide variety of cabins, the most diverse of any Ohio State Park:
  • Standard "Wildlife" Cabins: These sleep five, are heated/air-conditioned, and include a screened porch, fully equipped kitchen, furnished living room with cable TV, and a bathroom with a shower. Linens, dishes, and cookware are provided. Some are pet-friendly.
  • Legacy "Iron Furnace" and "Forest" Cabins: Accommodate 4-8 guests, feature fully equipped kitchens, furnished living rooms, bathrooms with showers, heat, air-conditioning, wood-burning fireplaces, and cable TV. Linens, dishes, and cookware are provided. A select few (e.g., #15-21) are pet-friendly.
  • Camper Cabins: Two simpler camper cabins offer basic furnishings. No pets are permitted in these.
• Laurel Lodge: A large, rustic, fully furnished lodge ideal for reunions and large gatherings, accommodating up to 24 guests with 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, and a stone wood-burning fireplace. All linens are provided.
• Lake Hope Dining Lodge: A full-service restaurant within the park, offering made-from-scratch food with a focus on real pit barbecue and using Ohio products. It also serves as a central hub for souvenirs and firewood (cash only).
• Camp Store: The welcome center/dining lodge provides essential amenities like firewood (cash only), groceries, snacks, souvenirs, and RV supplies.

Lake Hope State Park Campground and its surrounding natural environment are rich with features and activities, ensuring there's something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

• Lake Hope (120 Acres): The beautiful 120-acre Lake Hope is central to many activities.
  • Boating: Limited to hand-powered and electric motor-only boats. Canoe, kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat, and pontoon rentals are available at the Lake Hope Boathouse seasonally (Spring, Summer, Fall).
  • Fishing: The lake is stocked with bluegill, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Valid Ohio fishing license required for those 16 and over.
  • Swimming Beach: A fine swimming beach near the dam features a bathhouse with restrooms, showers, changing booths, and a concession building.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a wide array of trails:
  • Hiking Trails: Over 17 miles of dedicated hiking trails traverse the park, ranging from easy to difficult, including scenic loops around the lake and through dense forests. Some sites (like campsite 038) offer "beautiful views."
  • Mountain Biking Trails: Lake Hope is home to over 25 miles of renowned single-track mountain biking trails, considered among Ohio's top systems, offering challenges for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
  • Backpacking & Bridle Trails: In the adjacent Zaleski State Forest, a 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites and 33 miles of bridle trails for horseback riding are available.
• Nature Center & Programs: Located near the campground, the Nature Center offers a variety of educational programs, including interpretive hikes, night hikes, archery, and popular hummingbird feeding experiences.
• Historic Hope Furnace: Visitors can explore the remnants of Ohio's iron-producing past at the historic Hope Furnace, a one-time coal-powered blast furnace, adding a unique historical element to the park.
• Picnic Areas & Shelters: Numerous secluded and scenic picnic areas with tables and grills are located throughout the park. Reservable shelterhouses are also available.
• Wildlife Viewing & Stargazing: The dense forest is home to deer, wild turkeys, beavers, and a variety of bird species, making it excellent for nature watching. Its remote location away from city lights provides breathtaking opportunities for stargazing.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Pets are permitted on all campsites in specific camping areas (e.g., Camping Area 1, 2, and 3), and a select few cabins are designated as pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.

As an Ohio State Park, Lake Hope State Park Campground offers promotions and special offers that are generally consistent across the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) park system. These are designed to provide value and encourage park usage. While specific, limited-time deals might vary, the following are commonly available:

• Online Reservation System: Campsite and cabin reservations can be made up to six months (for campsites) or one year (for cabins) in advance online via ReserveOhio.com or by phone, allowing for early planning and securing preferred dates.
• Disabled Veterans and Former Prisoners of War Pass: Eligible disabled veterans and former POWs who are Ohio residents can apply for a free camping pass, a significant benefit.
• Ohio Golden Buckeye Card: Ohio residents with a Golden Buckeye Card may receive discounts on camping fees (e.g., 50% off Sunday-Thursday, 10% off Friday-Saturday).
• Ohio Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount may apply to all overnight facilities for military personnel.
• Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: A 25% discount on lodge rooms or cabins may be available for holders of valid stamps.
• Ohio Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: A 10% discount on lodge rooms or cabins may be offered for holders of valid licenses.
• Seasonal Pricing: Rates for campsites (ranging from approximately $20 to $30 per night) and cabins (starting around $90-120 per night, with two-night minimums on weekends) can fluctuate based on season and demand.

It's always recommended to visit the official Ohio DNR website for Lake Hope State Park or the ReserveOhio.com portal, or to call the park office directly, to inquire about the most current pricing, specific terms for discounts, and any seasonal or limited-time offers that might be available for your planned visit.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Lake Hope State Park Campground and its amenities, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: Furnace Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA
• Park Office Phone: (740) 596-4938 (generally open 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Sunday, with extended hours on weekends during peak season).
• Campground Phone: (740) 596-4020 or +1 740-596-4020 (as provided in the prompt).
• Central Reservations (Ohio State Parks): (866) 644-6727 (for both online and phone reservations for campsites and cabins).
• Nature Center Phone: (740) 596-3030 (hours vary throughout the year).
• Lake Hope Dining Lodge Phone: (740) 596-0601 (for restaurant hours and details).
• Boathouse Phone (Rentals): (740) 596-4949.
• Official Website: ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-hope-state-park (or similar official Ohio DNR pages for Lake Hope State Park and its campground).

When contacting, be sure to specify whether your inquiry is about camping, cabins, or other park facilities to ensure you are directed to the appropriate department.

Lake Hope State Park Campground stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for Ohio locals seeking a diverse and enriching outdoor experience. Its prime location within the Hocking Hills region and the vast Zaleski State Forest provides unparalleled access to some of the state's most beautiful and rugged natural landscapes, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. The variety of accommodation options, from secluded non-electric campsites with "beautiful views" to comfortable, fully equipped cabins with fireplaces, ensures that there's a perfect fit for every type of camper, whether you prefer a rustic experience or the comforts of home.

The presence of well-maintained facilities like heated showerhouses, a welcoming dining lodge, a nature center with engaging programs, and pet-friendly options in designated areas adds immense value to the stay. For Ohioans looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, explore rich local history, or simply enjoy a relaxing weekend by the lake with welcoming staff, Lake Hope State Park Campground offers an unforgettable and truly "wonderful experience" right in their own backyard.

Lake Hope State Park Campground

Furnace Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654, USA