Hidden Lakes, Ohio | |
|---|---|
  Hidden Lakes  Hidden Lakes | |
| Coordinates: 40°32′53″N82°45′48″W / 40.54806°N 82.76333°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Ohio |
| County | Morrow |
| Township | Franklin |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.254 sq mi (0.66 km2) |
| • Land | 0.254 sq mi (0.66 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,227 ft (374 m) |
| Population (2020) [3] | 52 |
| • Density | 63.0/sq mi (24.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code | 43338 (Mount Gilead) |
| Area code(s) | 419/567 |
| FIPS code | 39-35133 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2813338 [2] |
Hidden Lakes is a census-designated place (CDP) in Morrow County, Ohio, United States, corresponding to the Hidden Lakes Campground community. It was first listed as a CDP for the 2020 census, at which time it had a resident population of 52. [3]
The CDP is in central Morrow County, in the northwest part of Franklin Township. It is bordered to the north by Congress Township and very slightly by Gilead Township. It is a recreational community built around a small artificial lake and the headwaters of the Kokosing River, a southeast-flowing tributary of the Walhonding River and part of the Muskingum River watershed leading to the Ohio.
Hidden Lakes is 4 miles (6 km) east of Mount Gilead, the Morrow county seat, and 23 miles (37 km) southwest of Mansfield.
In recent years Hidden Lakes has been a subject of controversy as it has been overrun with squatters and drug use. There are 1,000 legally deeded lots. Out of those only 500 or so are occupied. Out of those 500 less than 200 pay dues to the association for upkeep of common ground and common buildings according to the Hidden Lakes Community Association who now governs the association. While Hidden Lakes started as a campground it has legally lost campground designation through the state. Legally they cannot refer to themselves as Hidden Lakes Campground Association as they don't have the proper licensing.
The Morrow county health department and numerous other government agencies are actively involved in trying to shut Hidden Lakes down.
