Admission to Lake Hope State Park is free.
- Open daily dawn to dusk
- Location: (Map It) On State Route 278, northeast of McArthur, Ohio
- Phone: 740-596-4938
- Web: click here
Lake Hope State Park is a natural paradise. It 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. Remnants of abandoned mining and iron-producing industries amid the beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and historians alike at one of Ohio’s most historic and scenic state parks. A fine swimming beach is located near the dam. Facilities include a beach house with a sun deck, restrooms, and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased. Lake Hope offers Wildlife, Iron Furnace, and Forest cottages for overnight visitors year-round. All cottages have linens, towels, and complete kitchens with microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, and outdoor grills and fire rings. The Iron Furnace and Forest cottages are finished in native hardwood and have wood-burning fireplaces. 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. A beautiful 219-site campground is suitable for tents or trailers. The campground includes heated shower houses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. Forty-six sites have electric hookups. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cookstove, and other equipment, and one camper-cabin along with one Rent-A-Tepee can be rented during the summer months.
