The best lakeside camping near Athens

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a lakeside getaway near Athens, Ohio, we've got you covered. With over 370 options in the area, you're sure to find the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Check out top campsites like Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews) for tried and true experiences. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and trash disposal. And if you're into wind sports, swimming, or biking, you're in luck—these activities are just a few of the many options available. So grab your gear and get ready for a memorable camping adventure by the lake!

95% (920)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

97%
(57)
24mi from Athens · 45 sites · RVs, Lodging
Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$64
 / night

2. My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

99%
(166)
18mi from Athens · 1 site · Tent
Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing oneself in nature. From our parking area, our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) by way of a well maintained footpath which leads you alongside a farm pasture, to a wooded trail that empties on to a level forest understory ideal for your hammock or tent. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a table, your own private outhouse, and unlimited sights and sounds of nature. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to one of our best stargazing hilltops, to the shallow creek which runs alongside the campsite, through shaded forests and ridgetop views. Our pond, a short 7 minute hike, offers fishing, swimming or simply relaxing on the dock. For longer hikes, all trails connect to our larger network of maintained trails winding over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails offering the hiker farm-life views across our 80 acres. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost. Please order your "extra items" at the time of booking. *Additional fees may apply for items not ordered in advance of stay.* - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - Garbage disposal (limit 2 bags per booking) - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - *Stringed twinkle lights - we do the hanging before you arrive * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing. Please check us out, Find A Way Farm, on Google Maps and our Facebook page for additional information.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$25
 / night

3. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat

100%
(252)
41mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
Our farm has been in the family for over 50 years. My Cherokee Grandmother purchased the farm with the intention of giving each of her children property. We have been raising bison here since 2008. We chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the gift of this farm by my grandmother and mother. We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you! Enjoy a night in our spacious 22 foot tipi. We provide a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. You must provide sleeping bags, linens , blankets etc. The tipi can sleep up to 6 people, 2 on the queen bed we provide, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses that you provide. We have cots available to rent as an add on. . You may also pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the trees with room for up to 10 people in all.​ Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working bison farm with bison, honeybees, chickens and peafowl. We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station. Enjoy our beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of our ranch. We have a plethora of bird species, butterflies and wildflowers to delight nature lovers. After hiking the trails you can splash around in the pristine creek that borders our property (we recommend water shoes). Take in a gorgeous sunset over our farm, enjoy a wood fired dinner cooked over the provided fire pit with grill. The sounds of hoot owls will lull you to sleep and when you wake, enjoy the stained glass glow through the beautiful tipi. We are close to several wineries, breweries and recreational areas (kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking) as well as Legend Valley concert venue. We are a short drive to Buckeye Lake, Dillion Dam, and Hocking Hills. We have a selection of grass fed bison available in our on-site farm store.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

9. Hocking Hills Jellystone Park™

100%
(1)
12mi from Athens · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover the unique charm of Hocking Hills Jellystone Park campground, where the beauty of Ohio’s natural landscapes meets family-friendly fun. This enchanting destination serves as the ideal basecamp for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Picture the delight on your children's faces as they dive into our sparkling pool, enjoying hours of splashing and laughter. Gather around a cozy campfire to roast marshmallows and share stories under a starlit sky, fostering connections that will last a lifetime. Venture out on our exciting hiking trails, where the wonders of nature await your exploration. After a day of adventure, unwind on our spacious grounds with a friendly game of disc golf or tag, ensuring everyone stays active and engaged. At Hocking Hills Jellystone Park, every moment is an opportunity for joy and bonding, making it the perfect getaway for families seeking adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$90
 / night

15. Addis Acres

100%
(44)
48mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Our camp spots are very easy to drive right up to. They are overlooking a small bit of woods. Wake up in the morning to birds chirping. The area has a large clearing for children to play. but the privacy you need to enjoy a nice evening around the campfire. There is a pond for fishing, and a nice deck that is avaliable to use. There is 25 acres here and you are welcome to use it for your enjoyment. We do have fencing to keep our horses in so please we ask to not climb over the fences as they will shock you as they are electric. You will see chickens goats, rabbits, horses, dogs, and cats on our hobby farm. The wildlife you may see include squirrels, deer and racoons fox etc. Located 2 miles from interstate 70 for easy access. NewConcord is just 3 1/2 miles down the road and is the home town of John Glenn you can visit his home place there, or pick up grocerys. Cambridge is the next town away at 8 miles and you can go shopping there, We are also near the Wilds, Blue Rock State Park, and Jesse Owens State park. Hope to see you soon!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

17. Kickapoo Kamping

88%
(56)
46mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents
This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a lakeside getaway near Athens, Ohio, we've got you covered. With over 370 options in the area, you're sure to find the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Check out top campsites like Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews) for tried and true experiences. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and trash disposal. And if you're into wind sports, swimming, or biking, you're in luck—these activities are just a few of the many options available. So grab your gear and get ready for a memorable camping adventure by the lake!

95% (920)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

97%
(57)
24mi from Athens · 45 sites · RVs, Lodging
Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$64
 / night

2. My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

99%
(166)
18mi from Athens · 1 site · Tent
Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing oneself in nature. From our parking area, our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) by way of a well maintained footpath which leads you alongside a farm pasture, to a wooded trail that empties on to a level forest understory ideal for your hammock or tent. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a table, your own private outhouse, and unlimited sights and sounds of nature. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to one of our best stargazing hilltops, to the shallow creek which runs alongside the campsite, through shaded forests and ridgetop views. Our pond, a short 7 minute hike, offers fishing, swimming or simply relaxing on the dock. For longer hikes, all trails connect to our larger network of maintained trails winding over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails offering the hiker farm-life views across our 80 acres. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost. Please order your "extra items" at the time of booking. *Additional fees may apply for items not ordered in advance of stay.* - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - Garbage disposal (limit 2 bags per booking) - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - *Stringed twinkle lights - we do the hanging before you arrive * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing. Please check us out, Find A Way Farm, on Google Maps and our Facebook page for additional information.
Campfires
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$25
 / night

3. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat

100%
(252)
41mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
Our farm has been in the family for over 50 years. My Cherokee Grandmother purchased the farm with the intention of giving each of her children property. We have been raising bison here since 2008. We chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the gift of this farm by my grandmother and mother. We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you! Enjoy a night in our spacious 22 foot tipi. We provide a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. You must provide sleeping bags, linens , blankets etc. The tipi can sleep up to 6 people, 2 on the queen bed we provide, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses that you provide. We have cots available to rent as an add on. . You may also pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the trees with room for up to 10 people in all.​ Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working bison farm with bison, honeybees, chickens and peafowl. We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station. Enjoy our beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of our ranch. We have a plethora of bird species, butterflies and wildflowers to delight nature lovers. After hiking the trails you can splash around in the pristine creek that borders our property (we recommend water shoes). Take in a gorgeous sunset over our farm, enjoy a wood fired dinner cooked over the provided fire pit with grill. The sounds of hoot owls will lull you to sleep and when you wake, enjoy the stained glass glow through the beautiful tipi. We are close to several wineries, breweries and recreational areas (kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking) as well as Legend Valley concert venue. We are a short drive to Buckeye Lake, Dillion Dam, and Hocking Hills. We have a selection of grass fed bison available in our on-site farm store.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

9. Hocking Hills Jellystone Park™

100%
(1)
12mi from Athens · 86 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover the unique charm of Hocking Hills Jellystone Park campground, where the beauty of Ohio’s natural landscapes meets family-friendly fun. This enchanting destination serves as the ideal basecamp for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Picture the delight on your children's faces as they dive into our sparkling pool, enjoying hours of splashing and laughter. Gather around a cozy campfire to roast marshmallows and share stories under a starlit sky, fostering connections that will last a lifetime. Venture out on our exciting hiking trails, where the wonders of nature await your exploration. After a day of adventure, unwind on our spacious grounds with a friendly game of disc golf or tag, ensuring everyone stays active and engaged. At Hocking Hills Jellystone Park, every moment is an opportunity for joy and bonding, making it the perfect getaway for families seeking adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$90
 / night

15. Addis Acres

100%
(44)
48mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Our camp spots are very easy to drive right up to. They are overlooking a small bit of woods. Wake up in the morning to birds chirping. The area has a large clearing for children to play. but the privacy you need to enjoy a nice evening around the campfire. There is a pond for fishing, and a nice deck that is avaliable to use. There is 25 acres here and you are welcome to use it for your enjoyment. We do have fencing to keep our horses in so please we ask to not climb over the fences as they will shock you as they are electric. You will see chickens goats, rabbits, horses, dogs, and cats on our hobby farm. The wildlife you may see include squirrels, deer and racoons fox etc. Located 2 miles from interstate 70 for easy access. NewConcord is just 3 1/2 miles down the road and is the home town of John Glenn you can visit his home place there, or pick up grocerys. Cambridge is the next town away at 8 miles and you can go shopping there, We are also near the Wilds, Blue Rock State Park, and Jesse Owens State park. Hope to see you soon!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

17. Kickapoo Kamping

88%
(56)
46mi from Athens · 2 sites · Tents
This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night

Camper favorites near Athens

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Athens

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field