Clendening Lake Campground

The Great Outdoors

Campsites at the Clendening Lake Campground are just 15 minutes’ drive from the Tappan Lake Park, which lies on the southern shores of Tappan Lake. The lake sprawls across 2,350 acres that can be accessed from two public launch ramps, with boating, swimming, and fishing all possible. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding park while the former town of Laceyville lies beneath the water’s surface, having been submerged during the creation of the human-made lake in 1938.Drive in the other direction from the Clendening Lake Campground, and you’ll arrive at the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, which encompasses 14,300 acres of a former surface mining area. It also boasts a rich folkloric history as home to the Salem Cemetery, where Louiza Fox and her murderer fiancee, Thomas Carr, are buried, with both said to still roam the area. Today, the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area is a popular hunting and fishing destination, with isolated ponds, creeks, and backwaters to explore.Also nearby is the Salt Fork State Park, which is the largest of its kind in Ohio at just over 17,220 acres. It centers around the waters of Salt Fork Lake. It is home to the Kennedy Stone House, an 1837 residence that’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built as a one-bedroom home, it was later expanded with a two-story wooden-frame wing containing a summer kitchen and additional bedrooms. Aside from fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and muskellunge, the park is also home to an 18-hole golf course, a nature center, and an archery range. Several hiking trails wind through the Salt Fork State Park, with many accessible to snowmobiles during the winter months.

Exploring the City

Camping at the Clendening Lake Campground is just seven minutes' drive from Freeport, where you’ll find a small supermarket if you want to stock up on groceries. There’s also a gas station here if you need to fill up your RV rental and an American-style restaurant where you can enjoy a meal out. Alternatively, you can make the 25-minute drive east to the city of Cadiz, which serves as the seat of Harrison County and has a wider choice of services, supermarkets, and restaurants.While you’re in Cadiz, don’t miss a visit to the Harrison County History of Coal Museum, which is housed in the Puskarich Public Library. It showcases the region’s mining history, with exhibits that detail how mines are built and the mining process itself. Browse the vintage tools, mining equipment, and personal belongings of miners on display and learn about one of the United States’ first female coal miners, Ida Mae Stull, then hear about the decline of the coal mining industry in Harrison County during the 1980s.Also in Cadiz is the Clark Gable Museum and Foundation, which celebrates the city as being the birthplace of this much-loved actor. His childhood home has been recreated just as it would have appeared during his early years, plus his personal Cadillac parked in the garage. Join a guided tour to learn little-known facts about Clark Gable and his life in Cadiz and Hollywood before perusing the gifts available at the on-site store.A short drive east of Cadiz is the Boss Bison Ranch, a 178-acre family-owned ranch that’s home to a friendly herd of bison. Chat with the owners as you hand-feed bread to the bison or sample their delicious bison burgers, with bison meat also on sale for you to take back to your campsite.Whether you want to get active in the reserves of eastern Ohio or discover the cultural sights of Cadiz, book a camper rental in Harrison County and start planning your visit.