Tar Hollow State Park

Located in the heart of the Ohio countryside, just 30 minutes from Chillicothe, Tar Hollow State Park is a tranquil destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park’s 604 acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding streams offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region and engage in a variety of recreational activities. This Ohio state park is particularly popular with hikers, with over 13 miles of hiking trails winding through the park’s woodlands and hillsides. These trails offer the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, and to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a 15-acre lake, Tar Hollow Reservoir, which is open for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. In addition to its outdoor recreational opportunities, Tar Hollow State Park is also rich in cultural and historical significance. The park is named for the tar kilns that were once used in the production of naval stores, which were essential for the construction of wooden ships. Visitors can explore the remains of these kilns and learn about the park’s industrial history at the Tar Hollow State Forest Museum. Overall, Tar Hollow State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Ohio. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, boat, or simply relax in a peaceful and serene setting, Tar Hollow State Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip or a longer camping vacation.

Activities

The park presents visitors with a plethora of opportunities to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational and leisure activities. Outlined below is a quick summary of three of the most common pursuits you can engage in whilst you are there.

Boating at Tar Hollow State Park

Boating is a popular activity at Tar Hollow State Park. This activity takes place on the 15-acre Tar Hollow Reservoir. The park’s boat rental and launch area provides easy access to the lake, and visitors can rent paddle boats, canoes, and rowboats. The reservoir is a great spot for a leisurely paddle or a peaceful fishing trip, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings. While motorized boats are not permitted on the lake, visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of non-motorized boating on the reservoir. In addition to the reservoir, the park’s Clear Creek also provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Clear Creek runs through the park and features scenic views of the surrounding forests and hillsides. Paddlers can enjoy a peaceful trip down the creek, taking in the sights and sounds of the park’s natural beauty.

Fishing at Tar Hollow State Park

If you are into fishing you will be able to engage in both bank and boat fishing at the Tar Hollow Reservoir. Stocked with bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and other species, it is a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels. Visitors who plan to fish at Tar Hollow State Park must have a valid Ohio fishing license, which can be purchased at the park office or online. The park also has fishing regulations that must be followed, including size and bag limits for certain fish species.

Hiking at Tar Hollow State Park

Hiking is one of the most practised of all activities at Tar Hollow State Park, with over 25 miles of trails to explore. The park offers a variety of options, ranging from shorter, easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children to more challenging treks through rugged terrain that are best attempted by seasoned practitioners. One hike many people take is the 3.5-mile Pine Vista Trail, which leads hikers through a beautiful pine forest and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. For those who really want to up their heart rate, the Tar Hollow State Forest Backpack Trail, is a 21-mile loop that offers a challenging hike through the forested hills of southern Ohio. This trail is designed for backpackers and features four backcountry campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the forested hills and the Tar Hollow Reservoir.

Pets

Pets are welcome at Tar Hollow State Park, however, there are certain conditions attached to their presence. This includes them being constantly kept on a leash and cleaned up after they made a mess. For a full rundown of the park’s pet policy it is worth contacting the main office.

Camping

Camping is a popular activity at Tar Hollow State Park, with multiple options available for visitors to choose from. The park offers 31 family campsites and 4 group campsites, with amenities that cater to both tent and RV campers. The family campsites are situated in a heavily forested area and are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts. Drinking water is available at several locations throughout the campground, and modern restroom facilities with hot showers are located nearby. These campsites can accommodate up to six people and one camping unit, with a maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights. For larger groups, Tar Hollow State Park has four group campsites, which are suitable for organized groups such as youth groups, scout troops, and family reunions. These campsites are located in a separate area from the family campsites and offer a more rustic camping experience. Facilities here include fire rings, picnic tables and shared access to drinking water spigot and vault toilets. In addition to the traditional camping options, Tar Hollow State Park also has five primitive campsites that are only accessible by hiking or backpacking. These sites are located throughout the park and offer a true backcountry camping experience with no amenities. So, campers should be prepared to pack in and pack out all their supplies and equipment. If you want to stay here, permits are required for the use of the primitive campsites, so you will have to pick one up from the park office.

Type	Details
Family Campground	71 sites (electric available)
Backpack Sites	6 primitive sites in forest
Cabins	Historic CCC-era cabins
Fire Tower	Restored observation tower

Reserve: reserveohio.com or (866) 644-6727.

Park Location

Tar Hollow State Park 16396 Tar Hollow Rd Laurelville, OH 43135 Phone: 740.887.4818 Park Website Reservations

Map

Southern Ohio Hill Country Wilderness

Tar Hollow State Park sits in the rugged hills of Ross County, connected to the vast Tar Hollow State Forest. Remote camping and excellent backpacking in Ohio’s largest contiguous forest.

Backpacking

21-mile Logan Trail loops through state park and forest. Primitive camping at designated sites.

Wildlife & Nature

Tar Hollow SP — 16,126 acres — one of Ohio’s largest state parks. Named for the pine tar once extracted by early settlers. The park’s remote ridges, deep hollows, and hardwood-pine forest support black bears, timber rattlesnakes, and wild turkeys. Ross Hollow has a wilderness-like character.

Nearby Attractions

Laurelville — adjacent. Ross County — surrounding. Hocking Hills — 15 miles east.

Explore More Ohio State Parks

Tar Hollow State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Insider Tips

Ohio’s wildest forest: Tar Hollow encompasses over 16,000 acres of rugged Appalachian foothills — one of Ohio’s most remote and wild landscapes. Pro tip: The 21-mile Logan Trail is the most challenging backpacking loop in Ohio. Name: “Tar Hollow” comes from settlers who harvested pine tar from the abundant pitch pines.

Best Time to Visit

Fall: Appalachian foliage — spectacular. Spring: Wildflowers and streams. Summer: Swimming and camping. Winter: Challenging winter backpacking.

Frequently Asked Questions