Lake Hope State Park
RV Guide

For large groups or big families, Lake Ridge Campground is located at the end of Lake Ridge Road just to the west of the main campground. These group sites are an ideal location for large groups of up to 18 people to enjoy the excitement and fun of camping all together. The site has pit toilets but if you want water, you will have to go to the family campground.

You can cook on the campfire ring or bring your own portable camp stove or small BBQ pit. There are also picnic tables for you all to enjoy. On the northeastern end of Lake Hope, you will be close to all types of water fun and within walking distance to the amenities at the family campground. There are also several trails nearby including the Hope Furnace Trail, which is about 3.2 miles of moderate hiking and biking. Pets are welcome and reservations can be made online or by phone.

Lake Hope State Park offers 46 electric sites featuring both 30- and 50-amp electric sites and 141 non-electric sites. The campground provides many camping comforts like hot showers, modern restrooms, dump stations, and a laundry facility. The campgrounds are pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pets. Registered campers also enjoy complimentary picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings at each site. The campsites are large enough for up to six people, and they can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long.

All campsites are also finely paved, well-maintained, and there is a playground for the kids located nearby. Reservations can be made by going online or contacting the park, but any vacant sites are given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

Atkinson Hunter’s Group Campground is located in the Zaleski State Forest along the Zaleski Forest Backpack Trail, which is 10 miles long. You can reach the campground parking lot on Atkinson Ridge Road by the fire tower at the southern end of the park. You will have to walk a bit to get to the campsite, which is primitive but has pit toilets nearby. You’ll also have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill to cook on, so you will have some of the comforts of family camping. It is best to bring water and a first aid kit since you will be further from the park office.

This campground is located in an area where you can hunt different species from small game to large and fur-bearing to waterfowl. Check with the Ohio Division of Wildlife for rules, regulations, and hunting schedules as well as to get your license and any tags you will need. Since it is part of the Zaleski State Forest, you will also need to review and follow their hunting rules as well. Pets (including hunting dogs) are welcome but must be restrained at all times.

For a nice treat or just a different experience, try reserving a cabin at Lake Hope State Park. This park is unique in that they have so many cabins in different varieties. The 25 Standard Cabins sleep five, 21 Iron Furnace Legacy Cabins sleep four and have wood-burning fireplaces and 20 Forest Legacy Cabins that can sleep from four to eight. All the cabins include air conditioning and heat, full kitchens with all appliances, a bathroom, and a living room with plenty of seating.

You will be able to cook indoors or out because they also provide a BBQ grill and picnic table outside of each cabin. Your furbaby can join you but you must mention them when reserving your spot because only specific cabins allow pets. All cabins are within walking distance to the lake, picnic areas, the swimming beach, and the dining lodge. You’ll also have access to the Sidewinder Bike Trail, Hope Furnace Trail, Greenbriar Trail, and the Peninsula Trail.

If you have a large group but don’t want to camp outdoors, why not reserve Laurel Lodge? Located right next to Lake Hope Dining Lodge at the end of Park Road 1, the lodge is close to the lake as well as several trails. Laurel Lodge is a spacious two-level building that can sleep up to 24 people. Eight bedrooms are provided that have single and double beds as well as furnishings, bedding, and electricity in every room.

The huge living room has a big-screen television with cable, dining tables, and comfy sofas and chairs. The stone fireplace in the living room gives it an even cozier atmosphere. With five bathrooms, you will have no trouble taking showers and are supplied with the basics like towels, washcloths, and toilet paper. The kitchen has commercial-sized appliances and all utensils are supplied, but you can also cook outside on the charcoal grill. Pets are not allowed, and reservations can be made online or by phone.

If you are a horse lover, you are in the right place at Lake Hope State Park because they have a large equestrian group campground with 16 sites. The camp is built near the park’s bridle trail that goes all the way into the surrounding forested region. The parking lot is on Crow Road T-20. These are primitive, tent-only sites, so you will have to leave the rig in the parking lot. Drinking water and latrines can be found within walking distance of the campsites. Being so far from the park amenities and office, it is a good idea to bring extra water, energy bars, and a first aid kit.

This site is considered a group camp but has 16 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and horse tie-ups at each one. In addition to the Lake Hope State Park’s bridle trail, you can also enjoy and explore the 31 miles of bridle trails in the Zaleski State Forest. Your dog can join you and the horses at the campground too. Since these are first-come, first-served sites, you will need to get there early to get a spot, especially on weekends.

Any vacant sites are given away on a first-come, first-served basis at this campground. There are also a few non-reservable sites set aside for walk-in campers only. These include sites 1-11, 13, 15-17, 19-25, and 177-189.