Lake Hope State Park
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Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the Zaleski State Forest in southeast Ohio. This park features steep gorges, narrow ridges, and remnants of abandoned mining and iron industries.
About Lake Hope State Park
Lake Hope State Park covers an area of 2,983 acres and is a heavily forested region. The park surrounds the 120-acre lake.
Most of the region’s forest was cut to fuel the industry in the area, but the land recovered and is now a second-growth forest. Oak and hickory trees dominate.
Wildlife such as deer and wild turkey are often seen in this park, and beavers are found in numbers here also. Look out for them near the quiet inlets of the lake!
Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the lake views! Also Moonville Tunnel is close by and worth a visit too!
Activities and Facilities
Boating
The lake has one boat ramp along State Route 278. Hand-powered crafts and electric motor boats are permitted. The Boathouse has canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats for rent in spring, summer, and fall.
Swimming
There is a 600-foot beach where visitors can swim. There is a beach house with restrooms and a sun deck and patio, a boathouse with shelter, and concessions.
Fishing and Hunting
Fish in Lake Hope include bluegill, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Anglers will need a valid Ohio fishing license, and Ohio fishing regulations apply. A downloadable fishing map is available.
Hunting is not available in the park but is permitted in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest.
Trails
There are eight hiking trails and eight mountain biking trails in this park.
Camping and Cabins
Lake Hope State Park Campground has 46 electric sites and 143 non-electric sites. Two camper cabins have some furnishings. There are heated showerhouses, flush toilets, pit latrines, waste disposal, and laundry facilities.
With the widest variety of cabins of any of the Ohio state parks, Lake Hope has Standard and Legacy cabins. All of these cabins are well-equipped with kitchen, bathroom with shower, living room with cable TV. A few of each type of cabin are pet-friendly.
Laurel Lodge is a fully furnished rustic lodge that can accommodate up to 24 guests. Featuring a stone woodburning fireplace, large patio with picnic tables and charcoal pit, and a fire ring with bench swings surrounding it. For more information about Lake Hope State Park Campground, check their website.
More Activities
- Picnicking: several picnic areas with tables and grills
- Shelterhouses: 3 reservable shelterhouses
- Nature Center: located near the campground
- Restaurant: Lake Hope Dining Lodge
- Basketball courts | Horseshoe pits | Playground
- Sledding
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Ice Skating
- Ice Fishing
Where is Lake Hope State Park Located?
- Address: 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, Ohio 45651
- Phone: 740-596-4938 | Website | Facebook
Location Map for Lake Hope State Park
Let’s Visit Lake Hope State Park!
Have you been to Lake Hope State Park or any of the other Ohio State Parks? Which is your favorite? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.
If you are a nature lover, you may like to know more about Caesar Creek State Park, Kiser Lake State Park, and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
For everything you need to know about Hocking Hills, see our Ultimate Guide to Hocking Hills.
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