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Clendening Lake Campground
Overview
Clendening Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat nestled within the scenic rolling hills of Harrison County. Managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, this destination is defined by its commitment to a serene natural environment. Unlike busier water destinations, the lake maintains a strictly enforced 10-horsepower limit, ensuring that the sound of nature remains the primary soundtrack for your stay. It is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the Ohio backcountry in a quiet, undisturbed setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Freeport, OH, the campground sits along the shores of the largest undeveloped lake in Ohio. The landscape is characterized by dense forests and deep, winding waters that stretch across 1,800 acres. Because there are no large residential developments along the shoreline, the area feels incredibly secluded. Visitors are surrounded by lush hardwood forests, providing excellent shade and a sense of true wilderness that is rare to find so close to major regional hubs.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates a variety of travel styles, featuring both full hookup RV sites and primitive camping areas for a more rustic experience. The onsite Clendening Marina serves as the hub for activity, offering boat rentals, fuel, and essential supplies for a day on the water. Campers have access to modern shower facilities, a laundry room, and a well-stocked camp store. For families, the playground and designated picnic areas provide space to relax when you are not exploring the lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw here is the exceptional fishing, as the lake is widely regarded as one of the best spots in the state for largemouth bass and catfish. For those who prefer land-based adventures, a portion of the famous Buckeye Trail passes through the area, offering miles of scenic hiking through the woods. Additionally, the nearby Tappan Lake provides further recreational opportunities, while the quiet country roads of Freeport are perfect for a slow-paced afternoon drive through rural Ohio.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for dedicated anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize peace and quiet over resort-style luxuries. If you enjoy slow-paced boating, bird watching, or simply sitting by a campfire without the noise of high-speed watercraft, Clendening Lake is for you. It is particularly well-suited for nature photographers and RVers who want an immersive outdoor experience without sacrificing the convenience of level sites and necessary hookups.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Discounts
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Timothy Glenn
This lake although small is a great getaway for good fishing and boating. It is generally uncrowded and the boat ramps are easy to navigate your trailer into the water. The property is also making several improvements to their marina and store. The campground and cabins have also seen renovation.
Craig Mossbruger
Very clean campground and the staff was super helpful, we had a bad storm come in and forced to leave for the day came the next day and finshed the trip they even pro-rated my stay, only thing that needs improvement is to have pictures of the lots when selecting a campsite. I would camp there again. We stayed at site 83. Great site.
Sammi Jo
Absolutely love Clendening for an afternoon out on a rented pontoon. Used to go at least twice a month with three other ladies, but because of health issues of one friend and the increase in price of the rental, I am sorry to say that won't be an option anymore. Still, if it fits in your budget, I highly recommend it. The lake is beautiful, peaceful, and the staff is nice and helpful.
Alisha Ossie
Epic family day at this gem! Boating, fishing, swimming & picnics—huge, pet-friendly lake 😊. Staff’s super friendly, helped park our RV. Clean showers, but motel beds were meh & heater left bathroom floor wet 😕. So much to do, we’ll bring the dog next time! 9/10, can’t wait to return!
John Moore
I understand it's all about the almighty $ but to raise the camping fee to $50/ night for electric only and still want to charge $15/day for a dock for the boat (same as someone who comes and sleeps on the boat) is pretty sad. There are great folks at the marina... friendly and helpful but even they shrug and mumble about 'beancounters' when mentioning the fees. I sincerely hope that with all the revenue from fee increases they clean up/improve the sites a bit soon.... gravel instead of dirt (now MUD from rain) would be a welcome improvement... Still, it's a great getaway!