A land speculator by the name of Amariah Watson, Jr. founded Lexington in 1812. Watson purchased a large amount of land in the area with the intent to sell it in lots to other local settlers. The village’s population increased throughout the 1800s, which boosted the need for grist mills and residences. The first tavern was built in 1815, with the first grocery store following a decade later. Additionally, the first road to run through the area soon became State Route 97. Harry F. Smith is an important local figure who created the first outdoor lighting system powered by steam in the 1850s. Smith eventually founded the Smith Gas Power Company, which was the largest business in Lexington until it was sold to General Motors. In 1870, the population was a little less than 500. Today, Lexington is home to almost 5,000 residents.
One of the oldest structures still standing in the village is the Old Stone House. Built in 1843 by James Gass, this home hosted runaway enslaved people on their way to places like Canada. The current owners of the property believe the slaves were able to hide in a secret closet.
The nearby Gorman Nature Center has 150 acres of ponds, prairies and forests. There are five miles of nature trails and a visitor center that puts on weekly programs like hikes and lectures. The area is well-maintained and full of wildlife like turtles, snakes, birds, raccoons and chipmunks. A boardwalk overlooking the swamp provides the best views of the many frogs, tadpoles and fish living in the area.
Clear Fork Reservoir runs along State Route 97 and has a lake with nearly 1,000 surface acres of water. Most of the lake is deeper than 10 feet, with some areas even reaching depths of 40 feet. There's plenty of room along the 14 miles of shoreline for picnicking, fishing, birdwatching and lounging. Hundreds of acres of surrounding land provide opportunities to hunt, camp and hike. The three established picnic areas have tables, drinking fountains, restrooms and charcoal grills. While there is no horsepower limit, there is an enforced no-wake policy. The marina offers boat rentals and seasonal dock spaces.
Hickory Lake Campground in West Salem is in a convenient location near both Cedar Point and Amish Country. Bring your whole family along to swim in the pond or play in the ballfield. There’s also a playground, camp store, picnic pavilion, game room and laundry facilities.
Auburn Lake Park in Tiro has a well-stocked lake where you can fish, swim and paddleboard. This park is surrounded by beautiful forests and farmland. Seasonal events like potlucks and kid-friendly scavenger hunts are held regularly. The campsites here are spacious and come with full hookups.
Homerville KOA has been family-owned for more than 20 years. The historic barn at this campground is used to put on themed events like music and craft shows. There are also several sports courts, a pool, a playground and a camp store with all your necessities.
Malabar Farm State Park is full of streams, farmlands, woodlands and tranquil countryside. There are multiple hiking trails, a visitor's education center and an abundance of picnic areas. Feel free to fish in the farm ponds for bluegill and catfish. During the winter, sledding, skating and cross-country skiing are popular. Farm wagon tours are available between May and October. This state park has 15 primitive, equestrian-friendly campsites.
Mohican State Park spans more than 1,000 acres next to a massive state forest. There's a huge 25-mile trail here that welcomes mountain bikers and hikers. You'll find several branching smaller paths that wander through gorges and near waterfalls. When the weather is warm, families like to swim, kayak, tube and boat. The nearby Pleasant Hill Lake allows boating without any limits on horsepower. You can also fish in Clear Fork River, which has largemouth bass and white crappie. Hunting is not permitted in the state park itself but is allowed in the adjacent state forest.
Delaware State Park is made up of acres of beautiful woods and meadows around a 1,300-acre reservoir called Delaware Lake. The park's second-growth forest and wetland support squirrels, woodchucks, white-tailed deer and ring-necked pheasants. Five hiking trails connect four nearby campgrounds to the shore. There's also an 800-foot sandy swimming beach where you can lounge and bask in the sun. Use one of the three boat launches to get out on the water to try catching muskie, crappie and smallmouth bass.
The Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial honors the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Three American soldiers and three British soldiers are laid to rest at this site. It's also the home of the world's tallest Doric column.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park has five earthen structures that were made by the Hopewell people thousands of years ago. It's theorized that this historic culture used these sites during their ceremonies and rituals. While only a fraction of the original landmark remains, several of the existing formations measure up to 30 feet high. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Hopeton Earthworks Trails for up-close views of the structures. You'll find several informative signs full of fascinating facts and history.
The James A. Garfield National Historic Site includes the former home of the 20th president of the United States as well as the first presidential library. After purchasing the home in 1876, Garfield ran his front porch campaign from it in 1880. During the 1990s, efforts were made by the National Park Service to restore and protect the property. Be sure to check out the impressive collection of dated Victorin furniture. Even the wallpaper in some of the rooms was recreated based on old interior photographs of the home.
West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest is home to one of the country's most diverse landscapes. Encompassing almost one million acres, elevations in this forest vary from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet. The tallest point is Spruce Knob. Spend your time angling for any of the 12 types of game fish or hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels and rabbits. Of the countless animal and plant species that thrive in this forest, eight are listed as federally endangered.
Wayne National Forest is comprised of three main stretches of land totaling more than one million acres in the Appalachian foothills. Toward Central Ohio, you'll find the well-developed Burr Oak Cove Campground. The family area has 16 RV campsites that come with electrical hookups. You'll love the gift shop, swimming beach, playground and horseshoe pit. There are more than 400 miles of multi-use trails in this forest, with many having picturesque covered bridges. You're welcome to hike, bike, ride horses or enjoy some off-roading. Don't forget to stargaze, watch for birds and search for local geocaches.
The 708,000-acre Daniel Boone National Forest extends over 21 counties in Kentucky. The luxurious wilderness supports an impressive 170 species of moss and 750 different kinds of flowering plants. Make your way through the lively valleys and over the sloping hills as you search for glimpses of the local foxes, eagles, songbirds and lumbering black bears. The 600 miles of trails are great for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Many of the streams, rivers and lakes are regularly stocked with game fish. Dispersed camping is permitted in this forest for up to 14 days at a time. Always practice leave no trace principles to protect the pristine environment and local wildlife.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is about an hour away from Lexington. This national park impresses more than two million visitors every year with its 100 waterfalls, 125 miles of trails and a scenic railroad. Fully explore the diverse landscape by hiking, picnicking, stargazing, canoeing, wildlife watching and kayaking. While the park only has one on-site campground, there are many others in the area open seasonally between May and October. Entry into the park is free, but some events, festivals and concerts may charge for a ticket.
Head four and a half hours southeast into West Virginia to check out the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park. This park spans 70,000 acres of wilderness around the New River. The river has been carving its way through the rocky gorge for eons. Take full advantage of the pleasant summers by rafting, tubing, swimming or fishing. You don't want to miss the fascinating films and informational tours available at the four visitor centers. There aren't any designated camping areas within this national park. However, you're welcome to snag a primitive campsite or stay at a surrounding state park.
About 275 miles to the west on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, you'll find Indiana Dunes National Park. This national park has 20 square miles of countryside and 15 beautiful miles of lakefront beach. Those interested in water-based adventures can swim, sunbathe, fish and participate in a variety of water sports. The maple, oak and basswood trees provide an excellent cover as you hike, horseback ride, bike and take part in ranger-led activities. Fifty miles of hiking trails are separated into 14 different systems that vary in length and intensity.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Lexington, OH, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Lexington?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Lexington from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Lexington?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
