State: Ohio
Address 1: 27331 State Route 278
City: McArthur
Zip: 45651
Phone: 740-596-5253
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 187
Electric: 46
Camp URL: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/lakehope/tabid/754/Default.aspx
Full Hook: Yes
A natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges.
Cottages
25 Wildlife cottages
20 Iron Furnace cottages
21 Forest cottages
All cottages have linens, towels and complete kitchens with microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, and outdoor grills and fire rings.
Iron Furnace and Forest cottages are finished in native hardwood and have woodburning fireplaces
Pets are permitted in select cottages, please call 866-644-6727 for more information
Groups may reserve Laurel Lodge, a rustic structure with a beautiful stone fireplace, which sleeps 22 persons, provides kitchen facilities and is open year round
Camping
46 electric sites
141 non-electric sites
Heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings
Pets are permitted
Group camp is available for organized groups on a reservation basis.
Equestrian camp is available for bridle trail users in Zaleski State Forest
Getaway Rentals
3 Rent-A-Camp units, equipment provided includes: tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove
2 Camper Cabins
Picnicking
9 picnic areas with tables and grills are located at many secluded and scenic areas around the park.
A shelterhouse is available for reservation online or by calling
Trails
7 Hiking Trails
8 Biking Trails
21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites is available in the adjacent state forest, backpackers must register upon arrival
33 miles of bridle trail in the state forest are available for riders with their own mounts
Lake Hope’s 23-mile singletrack bike trail was chosen as Ohio’s top mountain bike trail by readers of “Mountain Bike Magazine”.
The wooded singletrack, which is open to mountain bikes, offers plenty of bike riding options.
The Athens Bicycle Club offers a few ideas to get you started.
Their bike trail map may also be helpful.
Boating
120 acre lake
Boats with electric motors only
1 launch ramp
Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent
Fishing
Anglers will find good catches of bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass at Lake Hope
A valid Ohio fishing license is required
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest
A valid Ohio hunting license is required
Public Swimming
600 foot swimming beach is located near the dam
Facilities include a beachhouse with sun deck, restrooms, and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased
Check for water quality advisories
Winter Recreation
Sledding
Cross country skiing
Ice skating
Ice fishing
More To Do
The Hope School House Interpretive Center features exhibits and programs on the area’s rich history
Volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and playgrounds are available in various day use areas
