Salt Fork State Park Campground

For those across Ohio seeking an escape into nature, Salt Fork State Park Campground presents an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio, this magnificent state park is not only the largest in the state, boasting nearly 20,000 acres of land to explore, but also home to a well-regarded campground that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent-camping purist, or looking for something in between, Salt Fork offers a welcoming and amenity-rich environment to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Salt Fork State Park Campground is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include dense forests, open meadows, and serene valleys carved by winding streams. At its heart lies the expansive 2,900-acre Salt Fork Lake, a central attraction that draws visitors for its scenic beauty and recreational possibilities. The campground itself is often praised by local users for its spacious sites, clean facilities, and the overall peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for many Ohio residents looking to reconnect with the outdoors without venturing too far from home.

While the campground maintains a rustic charm that aligns with its natural setting, visitors have noted that the facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained. Reviews from fellow campers often highlight the friendly nature of both staff and other visitors, contributing to a pleasant and community-oriented camping experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Ohio's natural beauty, while still having access to essential conveniences. One recent review mentioned, "This park is amazing! It's kept so nicely. The shower houses are large, clean and hot. Beaches and marinas are cared for. Friendly hosts and staff. It's quite large and not as hard to get a spot as it is at many of our other parks. Great trails and things for kids to do. Nice dog park." This really emphasizes the positive experiences many visitors have. While another visitor noted that "The showers are clean, but they need updates badly," the consistent theme of cleanliness and functionality remains.

Salt Fork State Park Campground is conveniently situated at R-5, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA. For those using GPS or navigation systems, you can also use the address: 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, Ohio 43755-9602, as this is often used for the broader park area.

The park's location offers excellent accessibility from various parts of Ohio and beyond. It's easily reachable from Interstate 77 (Exit 47) and U.S. Route 22. From I-77 South, take Exit 47 for US Route 22 East and proceed approximately 6 miles to the park entrance. If coming from I-70 between Zanesville and Wheeling, you can connect to I-77 North and then to US Route 22 East. Once inside the park, clear signage guides you to the campground, which is roughly 7 miles or about a 15-minute drive from the main park entrance. This convenient access makes Salt Fork State Park Campground an ideal spot for Ohioans seeking a relatively short drive to a comprehensive outdoor experience.

For those with accessibility needs, Salt Fork State Park Campground strives to provide an inclusive environment. Handicap-accessible campsites are available, notably in C Loop, along with accessible shower houses and restrooms. The park also features a half-mile paved trail that is accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings. While some visitors feel that "Unless you fish or hike, there isn't much to do. You really have to drive to do anything," the park's vastness necessitates some driving for certain activities, which is typical for a state park of this size. However, the range of on-site activities is still quite extensive.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites to suit different preferences, including those with full hook-ups (electric, water, and sewer), 50-amp electric sites, and tent-only sites with electricity. As one reviewer mentioned, "Some of the spots are full hookups, check beforehand."
• Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities: Heated shower houses and flush toilets are available throughout the campground, with many campers commending their cleanliness and good maintenance. One review stated, "The shower houses are large clean and hot," while another noted, "The showers are clean, but they need updates badly," indicating a functional but perhaps not brand-new appearance.
• Dump Stations: Two dump stations with fresh water are provided for convenience.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store is on-site, offering a variety of camping supplies, snacks, beverages, and souvenir items.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated washers and dryers are available in the heated shower houses, providing an added convenience for longer stays.
• Private Beach and Boat Launch: Registered campers have exclusive access to a private beach, boat launch, and 60 docks, perfect for those looking to enjoy the lake. Reviewers noted that "Beaches and marinas are cared for."
• Playground Equipment: Several playground areas with jungle gyms, swing sets, and tetherball courts are located at the main camp office and in various camp areas (A, E, F, and G), providing entertainment for children. "Great trails and things for kids to do," highlights this feature.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted on all campsites, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, provided they are leashed and properly cared for. The presence of a "Nice dog park" is a significant plus for pet owners.
• Seasonal Gem Mining: Offered seasonally at the campground check-in station for a fee.

• Ohio's Largest State Park: Salt Fork State Park encompasses nearly 20,000 acres, offering extensive opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities. This vastness contributes to its appeal as it’s "quite large and not as hard to get a spot as it is at many of our other parks."
• Salt Fork Lake: A 2,952-acre lake where boats with unlimited horsepower are permitted. It's a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Eight boat launch ramps are available around the lake, including one exclusively for registered campers.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts numerous hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, catering to various skill levels. Reviewers consistently praise the "Great trails."
• Equestrian Trails and Bridle Camp: For horse enthusiasts, there are dedicated equestrian trails and a bridle camp with tie lines, wash stations, and flush restrooms.
• Archery Range: A 12-station walk-through archery range is available near the campground entrance.
• Primitive and Group Camping: In addition to the main campground, primitive tent-only sites and a group camp area for organized groups are also available.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species, offering great opportunities for nature observation.
• Nearby Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center: A short drive from the campground, the lodge offers additional amenities such as restaurants, indoor pools, and meeting facilities.
• Golf Course: Salt Fork State Park also features a golf course for those looking to hit the links during their stay.
• Limited Connectivity: It's worth noting that "No internet, and you can only get three antenna stations, and they are spotty," which for many campers is a welcome disconnect from everyday life, but important to know for planning.

Salt Fork State Park Campground, as part of the Ohio State Parks system, often participates in various discounts and promotions designed to make camping more accessible for Ohio residents. While specific limited-time offers can change, several ongoing discounts are frequently available:

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents holding a Golden Buckeye Card can receive a 50% discount on camping fees from Sunday through Thursday, and a 10% discount on Friday and Saturday camping fees. This discount also applies to other overnight and day-use rentals. The cardholder must be present and provide a valid card number at the time of reservation and check-in.
• Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount is typically offered every night of the week for all overnight facilities for active and retired military personnel. A valid military ID must be presented upon check-in.
• Disabled Veteran/POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged veterans who are Ohio residents and either former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled veterans receiving compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a free camping pass. This pass can be applied to online reservations, though a reservation fee still applies.
• Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: Holders of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamp may receive a 25% discount off lodge rooms or cabins, which can be applied to advance reservations or walk-ins.
• Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: Customers with an Ohio fishing, hunting, or trapping license may receive a 10% discount off lodge rooms or cabins.

It's always recommended to check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or contact the campground directly for the most current information on promotions and eligibility requirements.

Address: R-5, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA

Camp Office Phone: (740) 432-1508

Reservations can be made online through www.reserveohio.com or by calling 1-866-OHIOPARKS.

For Ohioans, Salt Fork State Park Campground offers an easily accessible and remarkably diverse outdoor experience right in their backyard. Its status as Ohio's largest state park means there's an incredible array of activities and landscapes to explore, from the vast expanse of Salt Fork Lake to the winding hiking and equestrian trails. The campground itself is designed with the visitor in mind, providing well-maintained facilities and a range of camping options to suit various preferences and budgets.

The numerous positive reviews from local users speak volumes about the campground's appeal. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the spaciousness of the sites, and the overall welcoming atmosphere. As one reviewer mentioned, "The receptionist at the front gate was very friendly," contributing to a positive first impression. While some experiences may vary, such as "The camping host at Campsite G, not so much," the overall sentiment points to a well-run park. The added conveniences like the camp store, laundry facilities, and private beach for campers enhance the experience, making it a comfortable and enjoyable retreat.

Beyond the campground, the surrounding Salt Fork State Park provides endless opportunities for recreation. Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife watching are all at your fingertips. This makes Salt Fork State Park Campground an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, all without the need for extensive travel. It’s a true gem within Ohio, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and modern amenities, ensuring a memorable experience for every local who visits. "It is a beautiful park," as one reviewer succinctly put it, and it's ready to welcome you.

Salt Fork State Park Campground

R-5, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA