Twisting park and forest roads pass through 604 acres of deep ravines and dense woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds and a variety of wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall's pageant of color is spectacular.

Camping

A total of 105 camping options offer a variety of sunny and shady sites to suit every camper.

70 electric sites (2 are Host/VIP sites)
23 non-electric sites (12 are walk-in only)
7 shelter campsites for group use (must be reserved in advance, see above)
5 primitive sites along the backpack trail
Campground equipped with showers, laundry facilities, pit latrines and a dump station
Beach is nearby
General Store offers camping supplies, souvenirs and snacks
Registered campers may borrow game and sporting equipment from the General Store
Pets permitted on all campsites

Activities

Boating

Boating with electric motors only permitted on the 15-acre Pine Lake. The lake is perfect for canoes and rowboats. A launch ramp is located near the beach.

Fishing

Bluegill and other panfish provide good sport on the 15-acre Pine Lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted in the state park, but the adjacent state forest provides excellent hunting opportunities for squirrel, deer, grouse and turkey. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Four picnic areas offer excellent scenery and a peaceful setting. Seven additional shelterhouses can be reserved by calling the park office at (740) 887-4818 on the first business day of each calendar month. Camping is permitted at these shelters.

Swimming

Pine Lake offers a 500-foot unguarded beach, which is within walking distance of the campgrounds. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT allowed on swimming beaches.

Trails

A range of moderate to difficult hiking trails provide access to the scenic hills of Tar Hollow.

Homestead Trail (blue blazes) - 2.5-mile loop - family friendly. Begins at the spillway at Pine Lake.
Ross Hollow Hiking Trail (yellow blazes) - 3.5-mile loop - moderate terrain. Located in the Ross Hollow campground; provides foot access to the hills of Tar Hollow.
Logan Backpack Trail (red blazes) - 21-mile figure eight - difficult terrain. Traverses the park and forest. Parking and the trailhead are located near the dam spillway at Pine Lake or at the fire tower. Backpack camping is located at the fire tower (at the center of the Logan Trail) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must register at the park office or general store; cost is $4 per adult or $1 per youth per night.
A section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail (light blue blazes) overlaps part of the Logan Trail.

Twenty-five miles of bridle trails (white blazes) and a horse camp are located on the forest land.

Playground and basketball court are located near the campgrounds