Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground

For Ohioans eager to experience the natural beauty of the Buckeye State while enjoying comfortable amenities, Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground offers an ideal blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly convenience. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Ohio’s Appalachian Plateau, this campground is celebrated for its well-maintained facilities, clean environment, and a welcoming atmosphere that caters to campers of all ages. It's a cherished spot for those who seek to escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the forest without sacrificing essential comforts.

Ross Hollow Campground is a key part of the larger Tar Hollow State Park and Forest complex, renowned for its rugged terrain, dense woodlands, and unique geological features. Unlike some of the park's more primitive camping options, Ross Hollow provides modern conveniences, including electric sites and flush toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families, RVs, and those who prefer a less rustic experience. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, a significant highlight for any camping trip.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the campground's appeal is amplified by the sheer volume of activities available. From a safe and enjoyable swimming lake with a jumping dock that delights kids, to challenging hiking trails for the more adventurous, Tar Hollow State Park offers something for everyone. It's a place where childhood memories are forged around campfires, and adults can truly unwind under a canopy of stars. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, Ross Hollow Campground invites you to discover the charm and natural allure of Ohio’s beautiful outdoors.

Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground is conveniently located within the vast Tar Hollow State Park and Forest, with its address being Laurelville, OH 43135, USA. This places it in the scenic and geographically diverse region of Ohio’s Appalachian foothills, making it a relatively accessible destination for many residents across the state. The park is nestled within Ross, Hocking, and Vinton counties, offering a blend of dense woodlands, deep ravines, and unique geological formations.

Accessibility to Ross Hollow Campground is generally straightforward. The campground is well-marked and reachable via park roads, which, while sometimes winding, are typically well-maintained for vehicle access. It accommodates a variety of camping setups, including RVs and travel trailers, with both electric and non-electric sites available. This ease of access makes it a popular choice for families and those with larger camping equipment.

While the park itself might feel remote, offering a true escape from city life, it's not excessively far from essential services in nearby towns. However, cellular service at the campground can be spotty or non-existent, as noted by visitors. This "big zero" in cell service, while a minor inconvenience for some, is a major advantage for others who seek to truly unplug and immerse themselves in nature without digital distractions. Despite this, the journey to the campground is part of the experience, leading you deeper into the tranquil embrace of Ohio’s natural landscape.

• Electric & Non-Electric Campsites: Ross Hollow Campground provides a variety of campsites, including both electric hook-up sites suitable for RVs and trailers, and non-electric sites perfect for tent camping. Sites vary in shade and suitability for different RV sizes, noted on the reservation website.

• Modern Restrooms & Showers: The campground features at least one modern heated showerhouse with flush toilets that are consistently praised by visitors for being very clean and well-kept. This is a significant amenity for a comfortable camping experience.

• Pit Latrines: In addition to the modern facilities, numerous pit latrines are conveniently located throughout the campground, described as "decent" by users, providing additional restroom options.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available within the park, providing a convenient service for RV and trailer campers to manage their waste water.

• Potable Water: Fresh water spigots are available, and water is also accessible across from the dump station during the off-peak season when the heated showerhouse may be closed.

• Laundry Facilities: For longer stays or after muddy adventures, the campground offers laundry facilities, adding a layer of convenience for campers.

• Dog-Friendly: Pets are permitted on all camping sites, allowing Ohioans to bring their furry family members along for the outdoor adventure, provided they are kept on a leash.

• General Store (Seasonal): A general store within Tar Hollow State Park offers camping supplies, souvenirs, snacks, and even recreational equipment for loan, providing essential conveniences close by.

• Playground Areas: There are play areas for kids, including a large wooden play set, ensuring plenty of entertainment for younger campers.

• Swimming Beach: Access to Pine Lake and its sandy swimming beach is a major highlight, complete with a dock for jumping into the safe, clear waters.

• Exceptional Cleanliness: Visitors consistently rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms, showers, and overall campground. This high standard of maintenance significantly enhances the camping experience, especially for families.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground is explicitly noted as a "family-friendly campground" with "lots here for the kids to do," including a safe swimming lake and a dock for jumping, making it perfect for multi-generational trips.

• Beautiful Lake Access (Pine Lake): Campers have easy access to Pine Lake, a 15-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating (electric motors only). The sandy beach and jumping dock are major draws, especially in warmer months.

• Variety of Campsite Types: With both electric and non-electric sites, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from RVs needing hookups to traditional tent campers seeking a more rustic feel.

• Stunning Night Skies: Despite the lack of cellular service (a con for some), it leads to a significant "pro" for stargazers: truly dark skies at night. Campers can enjoy incredible views of the stars, a rare sight near urban areas.

• Central to Activities: The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring Tar Hollow State Park and Forest. This includes access to the Ross Hollow Hiking Trail (a 4.5-mile loop) and sections of the challenging 21-mile Logan Backpack Trail, providing options for various hiking skill levels.

• Proximity to Hocking Hills Region: While within Tar Hollow, the campground is less than a half-hour drive from the renowned Hocking Hills region, allowing campers to easily venture out and explore its famous caves, cliffs, and waterfalls.

• Quiet and Safe Environment: Campers consistently describe the campground as "safe and quiet," ensuring a relaxing and peaceful getaway, particularly after 10 PM when road traffic significantly decreases.

As a facility operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground provides value through its standardized, affordable rates and various state-wide discounts rather than commercial "promotions."

Ohio residents can take advantage of several established discount programs:

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 and older who hold a Golden Buckeye Card are eligible for significant discounts. This includes a 50% discount off camping fees from Sunday through Thursday and a 10% discount on Fridays and Saturdays. The cardholder must be the occupant of the site and present the card at check-in.

• Active/Retired Military Discount: Active and retired military personnel receive a 10% discount off camping fees every night of the week. This discount applies to one site per reservation period.

• Disabled Veteran/POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled (receiving VA compensation) can obtain a free camping pass, covering the camping fee for their site (a $6.50 reservation fee may still apply).

Reservations are required for campsites at Ross Hollow and can be made up to six months in advance online via ReserveOhio.com or by calling (866) 644-6727. While not a "promotion," securing a reservation well in advance, especially for popular weekends, is a smart strategy to ensure your desired campsite. Always check the official ODNR website or ReserveOhio.com for the most current pricing, discount eligibility, and reservation policies.

Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). For general inquiries, reservations, or specific information about the park and campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Laurelville, OH 43135, USA (This is the general address for Tar Hollow State Park, encompassing Ross Hollow Campground.)

Park Office Phone: (740) 887-4818

Mobile Phone: +1 740-887-4818

The park office is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For campsite reservations, it's highly recommended to use the Ohio State Parks central reservation system:

Online Reservations: ReserveOhio.com

Reservation Phone: (866) 644-6727

It is always advisable to check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website (ohiodnr.gov) for the most current information, including any alerts, seasonal changes in services, or updates on the main Tar Hollow State Park campground renovation project (expected to reopen in Spring 2026).

Tar Hollow State Park Ross Hollow Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Ohio locals, offering a quintessential camping experience that perfectly balances outdoor adventure with comfortable conveniences. Its appeal to residents stems from its accessible location, family-friendly atmosphere, and diverse recreational opportunities, all within the beautiful backdrop of Ohio’s Appalachian foothills.

For Ohioans, the relatively short drive to Laurelville means that a refreshing escape into nature is always within reach, making it an ideal choice for quick weekend getaways or more extended family vacations. The campground's electric sites and modern restrooms with showers provide a level of comfort that appeals to those who enjoy the outdoors but prefer not to completely rough it, making it accessible to a wider range of campers, including families with young children or those with RVs.

The emphasis on family activities, with a safe swimming lake, a jumping dock, and playgrounds, creates an environment where kids can thrive and make lasting memories in nature. At the same time, the extensive network of hiking trails, from the easier Ross Hollow to parts of the more challenging Logan Backpack Trail, caters to adult adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Even the lack of cell service, initially a "con" for some, becomes a "pro" for those truly seeking to unplug and enjoy the stunning night skies.

Furthermore, the affordability, complemented by Ohio's resident discount programs like the Golden Buckeye Card and military discounts, makes this quality camping experience accessible to many. Tar Hollow's proximity to the famous Hocking Hills region also allows locals to easily combine their camping trip with visits to some of Ohio's most iconic natural landmarks. Ross Hollow Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the very best of Ohio's natural beauty, providing a safe, clean, and engaging environment for locals to connect with their state's incredible outdoors and create cherished family traditions.