Camping at Lake Hope State Park

Lake Hope Adventure Weekend

Paddling • Biking • Mountain Biking • Hiking • Moonville Tunnel
Join us for an unforgettable outdoor adventure at Lake Hope State Park in southeast Ohio—one of the most scenic and underappreciated parks in the state. This weekend blends calm-water paddling, historic rail-trail biking, rugged mountain biking, and classic Ohio hiking, with plenty of flexibility to do as much—or as little—as you want.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Lake Hope State Park sits deep in Ohio’s Appalachian foothills and feels wonderfully remote. Surrounded by forested hills, quiet hollows, and historic sites, it’s an ideal basecamp for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

Paddling – Lake Hope
A peaceful, no-wake lake perfect for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Calm water, wooded shorelines, wildlife sightings, and a great chance to unplug.
Boat Rentals:
Limited availability. Bringing your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is strongly recommended.

Paddling - Racoon Creek
If conditions are right, creek paddling is an option.
Raccoon Creek Outfitters - Canoeing and Kayaking in the Hocking Hills Region is a small Hocking Hills Region family-owned business with a premier kayak shop. Centrally located between the Hocking Hills Region and Athens County, just 40 minutes from Lake Hope State Park. Livery offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as shuttle services if you have your own vessel. Dustin and Bobbi Hoy, Owners
74815 U.S. Highway 50
Albany, Ohio 45710
Telephone: 740-698-0000
E-mail: www.raccooncreekoutfitters@yahoo.com

Note: These events are Cold Water Paddles this early in the year. Wet suit at minimum. George Davis has a training class on this. He may add some commentary in the comments section of this event.

Biking – Moonville Rail Trail & Tunnel
Ride the Moonville Rail Trail (crushed limestone, mostly flat) to the legendary Moonville Tunnel and nearby ruins.
Ideal for gravel bikes, hybrids, or mountain bikes. More about history and atmosphere than speed—pure Ohio Appalachian vibes.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Challenging, rewarding riding with roots, rocks, and climbs typical of southeast Ohio.
Options may include:

• Local trails near Lake Hope
• Bailey’s Trail System (premier Ohio MTB destination)
• Nearby Strouds Run State Park routes
  Short drives may be involved depending on group interest.

HIKING
Trail options range from quiet forest walks to iconic Ohio scenery:

• Lake Hope & Zaleski State Forest – remote, wooded, and peaceful
• Moonville Tunnel & Rail Trail – easy, historic hike
• Hocking Hills State Park (≈30 min drive):
  Old Man’s Cave • Ash Cave • Cedar Falls • Rock House

Hikes will be coordinated based on interest and energy levels.

CAMPING & CABIN INFO
Lake Hope offers 187 campsites and 67 cabins, with options for both traditional camping and cabin stays.

• Electric & non-electric campsites
• Clean restrooms and shower houses
• Quiet, wooded sites with excellent privacy

Campground Map:
Lake Hope Campground
IMPORTANT: Will you fit? See this video. Many of the sites are very small and if you have a large RV, there are sites, but be selective.

Pet-friendly cabins:
Cabins 15–21 and 60–66
📌 Reserve early—sites and cabins fill quickly.
Call 866-644-6727 or book via the Ohio State Parks reservation website.

WHO SHOULD JOIN
This trip is open to anyone who enjoys the outdoors—from seasoned adventurers to those just looking for a great weekend outside with good people. Join for one activity or all of them.

GETTING THERE

• Lake Hope State Park is approximately 2.5 hours from Dayton (about 121 miles).
• Google Maps Link - Lake Hope State Park Campground
• Carpooling encouraged—post in the comments if you need a ride or have space.

FOOD
You are on your own for all meal planning.

• Bring groceries with you—limited options nearby.
• The nearest Kroger is 40-minute drive (Nelsonville)
• Very few restaurants nearby. There is a restaurant in the park, but at time of writing, it is closed.

MAPS & AREA INFORMATION
Park Info:
Ohio State Parks – Lake Hope State Park
Google Maps Link - Lake Hope State Park Campground

Other Cool and Interesting things to Explore:

• Hocking Valley Railroad

MORE ABOUT LAKE HOPE STATE PARK
A natural paradise, 2,983-acre Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest, in the valley of Big Sandy Run. The area is rugged and heavily forested, with steep gorges, narrow ridges, and winding hollows—offering a wild Appalachian feel that’s rare in Ohio.
Scattered throughout the park are remnants of historic mining and iron-producing industries, adding depth and interest for hikers, photographers, and history buffs alike.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & WHAT TO BRING
(Camping, paddling, hiking, and biking essentials apply)
Need gear? Post in the comments—someone may have extras.

ACCIDENT WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your YES RSVP and attendance acknowledge that you have read and agree to the accident waiver and release of liability. I am not a guide—just a fellow adventurer organizing a group of friends to enjoy the outdoors together.
I love you guys, but I love my family more ❤️

CANCELLATION
This event may be cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions.
📢 IMPORTANT: Check this Meetup page on Thursday morning for last-minute updates.

GUESTS
Guests are welcome. Please encourage them to join Meetup and RSVP so everyone has read and agreed to the liability waiver.

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NOTE: Event details are subject to change.