Jesse Owens State Park - Hook Lake Campground

Hidden gem! Free, but dry, camping - no water is available. Choose one of 32 sites, then self register, no payment required. Sites are mostly grassy but not always level. My Verizon phone had no service at about half of the sites, I stayed at site 32 where I had 1-2 bars. Nice playground for the kids. Except for the host in site 30, no TVs - although some of the sites were big enough pull thru to accommodate large motorhomes.

I was a little nervous going to a free campsite that did not allow reservations that already had a high rating on a nice weekend in July, but I was very pleasantly surprised to find it not very crowded at all. It is very well maintained and they seem to be shying away from pit toilets to the port a potty style bathrooms which were all well stocked with toilet paper. All in all it was a ver enjoyable weekend! Thank you AEP for making this a free campsite!

Nice primitive campground. Both lakes here are overflowing with fish! 15 years and younger only though. Which is great for the kids. Literally hundreds of other lakes and ponds nearby also. Many with boat ramps. Swimming nearby also.

We were sightseeing and exploring when we came upon this campground. Although the day was very cold my children enjoyed the playground. I enjoyed walking around and taking photos. I think we'll be heading back in warmer weather for a camping adventure.

We only stayed one night but this FREE campsite is an absolute gem! At least 20 different campsites. NO fee. Just fill out the paper work at kiosk and clip it to your campsite. There’s 4 other sites affiliated with this one in the area. All free. Hope this helps!

An unbelievable campground! It's not only free to stay here, but they have bathroom facilities that are well maintained, multiple pavilions, and fishing ponds for kids. It is a primitive site, so there is no electricity, but if you really need it generators are allowed. AEP allows hunting, so this is where we camp during deer season. Great camp site.

No power, no cell reception just a great place to camp for free totally off the grid.

A great place to take kids to fish. The campsites are nice as well.

Nicely maintained campground that doesn't have a cost to stay. Your level of enjoyment may depend on who camps around you, but the spots are spread out here compared to the other sites in the area. There are porta potties if you need them. A few spots can handle a reasonable sized camper, and some spots are not big enough for much more than a tent. I would look for a spot here or campground C if in the area.

Beautiful campground and it's free, wasn't overcrowded when we went, definitely our go to spot from now on!

Nice family campground. Great fishing for kids under 15. No cell reception, make sure you download maps of the area before going. Great place for a simple getaway outdoors, enjoyed it.

Site 13 was a spectacular hillside spot. Not too level but easy to setup. Lake views and woodland vistas. No hookups but totally Free! What's to complain about?

I loved the campground. It's peaceful and relaxing. Can't wait to come back with my daughter.

One of the two best sites on the AEP ReCreation Lands for camping. Lovely spots in wooded area or sun filled drives if you prefer. Pit toilets, pumped well water(ICY!!), fire pits, picnic tables, trashcans, and some grills.

We really enjoy camping here. Polite park staff keep bathroom clean.
Stayed with 5 kids 13 and under

Beautiful lil park with pond and primitive camping . Fishing restricted to 15 yrs and younger

Lots of spots to camp at either down by the lake or up on top of the hill or back in the woods two good sources of water available on site as well for drinking water or wash water

Fun little escape from the city with clean shower houses and free fire wood.. just keep your kids away from the cow fence it's electric.....

Beautiful place
Camp host went above and beyond helping us with our car. Love this place

Fairly quiet and very pretty. Love the wooded setting. Will definitely go back.