Camping in Ohio: Best Ohio Campgrounds 2023

Q: Is it legal to camp anywhere in Ohio?

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Ohio . Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and camping areas on public lands such as state parks, state forests, and wildlife areas. Additionally, private campgrounds and Hipcamp properties are available for camping. It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the area where you plan to camp and to obtain any necessary permits or permissions. For a list of camping options in Ohio , you can visit Hipcamp or explore specific areas like Cleveland and Dayton .

Q: Do you need a permit to camp in Ohio?

In Ohio , whether you need a permit to camp depends on the type of camping and the location. For most state parks and campgrounds, you do not need a specific permit; however, you will need to make a reservation and pay any associated fees. Reservations can be made through the Ohio State Parks Reservation System or by contacting the park directly. For primitive or dispersed camping in Ohio 's state forests, you may need a permit depending on the location and duration of your stay. It's essential to check with the specific state forest or location before embarking on your trip. For private camping options, you can explore and book camping sites through websites like Hipcamp, which provides information on various Ohio camping locations, including tent camping, tent in the woods, and primitive camping. Always check the specific rules and regulations of the location you plan to camp in to ensure you have the required permits or reservations.

United States
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Ohio

97% (9251 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ohio

Under $50

94%

(35)

Top camping destinations

Hocking Hills State Park

542 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Ohio

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Memory Park Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Mineral City, Tuscarawas

Memory Park is a primitive, beautifully maintained family-owned private campground located near beautiful Atwood Lake State Park. First developed in 1968, Memory Park offers peace, quiet, and tranquility for you and your family for that perfect weekday or weekend getaway . There are plenty of primitive sites to choose from, including Murphy Meadow, Outback Bend, Honeymoon Point, and Shady Rest, just to name a few. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. Firewood is available ($10 through hipcamp or cash on-site per full wheelbarrow load). Memory Park is the ideal rustic environment to restore the soul, including simple activities like sitting around a fire, reading or taking a nap, hiking, cooking over the fire, observing nature, and enjoying fellowship with friends. Memory Park can be your 'go to' camp spot, especially for Buckeye Trail hikers! Water is available from two hand pumps on the property. Electricity is not available. Quiet generators are welcome. A clean port-a-jon is maintained for our campers.

WALKAbOUT Creek Campground

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents132 acres · Chandlersville, Muskingum

-Located in Blue Rock State Forest. Campers are welcome to hike to their hearts content! - Located 10 minutes from Blue Rock's swimming beach at Cutler Lake. - Located 20 minutes from Columbus Zoo's "The Wilds" Safari. - Access to the Blue Rock State Forest horse trails. Over 25 miles of trails. - 3 stocked ponds for fishing - Our own little "Y" Bridge like the notable bridge located in the nearby city of Zanesville. - Communal area for socializing/events. Free to use for campers, provided it is not privately booked for an event. - Horse Arena. Horses are welcome and encouraged!

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Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, Summit

Heritage Farms was founded in 1848 by my great great uncle, Lawson Waterman. I am the 5th generation to farm the land and carry on the legacy that started 175 years ago. Each generation has done something different with the land. My father started raising Christmas trees on the farm in 1955. I took over in 1979, growing Christmas trees and other crops. Today, our focus is agrotourism. Besides growing Christmas trees, we host a Handcrafted Artisan Market 6 times during the the summer months and celebrate fall with our month-long Pumpkin Pandemonium in October. We added camping 8 years ago after a trip to Denmark, where we saw our first camping shelters. THINGS WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING: 1. Sites 1 through 6 have a shelter and room for 2 tents. Sites A through J are tent sites only, with room for 3 tents. All sites are limited to a maximum of 6 campers 2. All vehicles (except bicycles) must park in the parking lot. 3. No vehicles may be driven into the camping area at any time. 4. You must carry all your gear to your camp site. We have wheeled carts for you to use. 5. Our Ohio Primitive Camping License does not allow for any wheeled camping on the farm. This includes car camping, truck campers, popups, RV's, and any other wheeled camping vehicle. 6. Due to Summit County Health Regulations, we can not provide any water. Please bring in all your drinking and wash water. You can also purchase 1 gallon jugs when you make your reservation or upon arrival at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code or with cash. 7. No outside firewood may be brought on to Heritage Farms property. Firewood is available for purchase when you make your reservation. There is a discount for buying your firewood at the time you make your reservation. We deliver firewood to you, it will be waiting at your site upon your arrival with your free bundle of kindling. You may also purchase firewood when you arrive at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code, with credit card or with cash. 8. Check-in is from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. If you will be arriving after 7:00pm, please let us know your estimated time of arrival. If we know you are arriving after dark, we will mark your site with a solar light. Check-out is before 10:00am. 9. Only registered Hipcamp campers are allowed on property. There is a public picnic area 1/4 mile south of the farm if you would like to socialize with friends and family, who are not camping at Heritage Farms. 10. DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome WITH PRIOR PERMISSION ONLY from the farm owners. We limit the number of dogs on property each day. There is a dog registration form you must fill out when you arrive, so be sure you have your dog's rabies tag information. Unvaccinated dogs are not allowed. All dogs MUST be on a leash and physically in your control at all times. No pets may be left unattended at any time. You must take your pets with you any time you leave the farm. 11. Tent site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 3 tents. Our shelter site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 2 tents. 12. Please read our Farm and Safety Rules before booking. Our 15 primitive campsites are 25 yards to 50 yards apart. This allows plenty of social distancing, as well as privacy. The 15 primitive tent camp sites at Heritage Farms open Friday April 21, 2023. From September 20, 2023 to October 21, 2023 only Camp Sites 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5 and G, H and J will be open. Heritage Farms is a 5th generation, 115-acre farm located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our primitive campsites are located along the boundaries of the southeast portion of the property. We have worked hard to place sites so there is privacy with beautiful views. Some tent sites are just feet from the park boundary. We are a working Christmas tree farm, so our tree fields are the backdrop for all of our camping sites. Every site provides you with either a gorgeous sunrise, a beautiful sunset, or both. The sunsets at Heritage Farms are awesome. We ask that no trash be left at campsites. Please take it home with you or deposit it in the dumpster in our parking area. Due to county health department regulations, you must bring in all water. There are 4 portable toilets near the parking area. There is plenty of parking in our parking area. Firewood can be purchased as an extra for an additional cost when you make your reservation. You can preorder firewood at the time of your booking, or at Heritage Farms by using our PayPal QR Code posted throughout the farm or with a credit card or cash. At our information booth, you will find charging stations for charging your electronics and plugs for the electric pump on your air mattress. We do not allow generators in any of our camp sites. Also, at the info booth, you will find: camp rules, emergency information, CVNP trail maps, info on local restaurants and stores, and fliers about Heritage Farms. We have a few events at Heritage Farms you might be interested in: PENINSULA FLEA ARTISAN MARKETS: Check out our 70+ local artists from 10:00am to 4:00pm on June 3rd, June 17th, July 1st, July 22nd, August 5th and September 2nd. There will be food trucks and live music. Free to all. PUMPKIN PANDEMONIUM: Enjoy the fall colors, live music, food vendors, and activities. Admission tickets are required for our maze, scavenger hunt, kids zone, and the hayride. Pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, and fall decorations will be available for purchase. Pumpkin Pandemonium takes over the farm on weekends from September 23rd to October 22nd. September and October are beautiful months to camp on the farm. Please note that our hayride trail passes some of the campsites. Check out Heritage Farms online for more info or message Carol and George through Hipcamp with questions. The small village of Peninsula is a short 1/4 mile walk from the farm. There are 2 restaurants, a great music venue, hike and bike trails, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park right at our door step. We even have a local swimming area called The Quarry that offers day passes to visitors. Peninsula and our farm are true gems in a beautiful rural wooded setting 15 minutes from Blossom Music Center, numerous restaurants, retail areas, CVNP, Akron and Cleveland Metro Parks, and just about anything else you may want or need. We can't wait to see you on the farm!

Orange Moon Camping

18 sites · Tents20 acres · New Carlisle, Clark

This is a small working hobby farm, near the site of a historic park-George Rogers. The 1/2 mile trails are flat and clean but may have limbs or tree nuts on the ground. We have chickens and can provide fresh eggs as available if you are interested for a small fee. We will have bonfires as weather permits, also you can rent a large private camp fire site just for the evening. Sites are wheel chair accessible, but the trails are earth, not paved. All sites are walk-in, not able to park cars next to the camp site, I will help with out with my UTV if you have lots of gear. Learn more about this land: Separated sites (you will not see your neighbor campers) for tents/hammocks, each has a fire ring, some sites have picnic tables most have spool tables. Sites can accommodate 1-2 tents, and/or 2-4 hammocks. Have a rally site where larger groups can tent camp. Have private dirt hiking trails on site with many nearby county and state parks for more adventure. Canoe and kayak livery 1 mile away. Young’s dairy, Yellow Springs, 1800’s Carriage Hill a working Farm, Air Force Museum, Brandeberry Winery, and the Melody family restaurant are near. Have a port a potty on sight, parking is near the entrance to woods. Plenty of wood on the ground near sites, or can provide split wood for a small fee. More than 4 persons per site will be an additional fee $3 per person. Check in times after 2:00 PM (text if you will arrive sooner), (please no check-ins after dark* let me know if you will be), Check out is 1:00 PM, you can texted if you need another arrangement. * i am now offering a 7 person tent as available and chairs for rent.

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Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

10 sites · Tents50 acres · Poland, Mahoning

Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has 35 acres of beautiful fir, spruce, and pine trees to explore. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has been serving Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for over 30 years, the Perdulla family welcomes your family this camping season! Learn more about this land: A Beautiful Get Away Without Going Too Far! Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has 35 acres of beautiful fir, spruce, and pine trees to explore. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has been serving Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for over 30 years, the Perdulla family welcomes your family this camping season! Only 20 mins off Route 80 - make our farm your quick & easy stop! Reserve Your Space – Camping Season Opens May 1st. Primitive camping sites are available May 1st - October 31st for those wanting to escape the daily grind to get a bit of country peace and quiet. Tent Sites: $35.00 per night. Base price for each site allows for two (2) guests. Additional Guests: $5.00 per person Fire Wood: $8.00 per bundle Reservations are required and are available through HipCamp.com. There are no refunds. Base price for each site allows for two (2) guests. Additional charges apply for more persons. Limit of one (1) tent per site and maximum of four (4) persons or one (1) family per site. Stays are limited to no more than ten (10) days per season. No smoking, no alcohol and no recreational drugs allowed. Pets will require prior permission from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm. Each site includes a fire pit, log seats and table, garbage bag on arrival. The bathroom and access to power including a charging station for phones etc. are located inside the Red Barn. Other barns and equipment are restricted from use. No water non potable or potable water is provided. We have bottles of water for $1.00 each. Fire wood is available for purchase using our Paypal QR code posted throughout the camping area. You may also prepay for wood when you make your reservation. WE DO NOT ALLOW FIREWOOD TO BE BROUGHT ONTO THE FARM. Each shelter site has it's own fire ring. Quiet time is weekend 10pm to 9am, weekdays 10pm to 7am. Camp Setup You can drive out using gravel roads to drop of your camping supplies. Cars must be parked in the parking areas shown on Map. Please only drive on the gravel roads. Campers may be asked to move there cars if they are blocking day to day farm work. We ask that campers dispose of trash in dumpster marked on map.

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The Pleasant Valley Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Lucas, Richland

Pleasant Valley Farm was originally a working farm with a two-story farmhouse and traditional bank barn, built in the late 1800s. The massive timbers and joinery are constant reminders of the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Jim and Kathy Grogg purchased Pleasant Valley Farm in 1994 and not only updated the house and barn, but also expanded the lake to its current 13 acres. The large 144-year-old, 2736-square-foot barn is now available for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, birthdays, and reunions.

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Country Heir

12 sites · RVs, Tents280 acres · Fayetteville, Brown

280 acre farm family owned for 120 years. Currently hunter jumper horse showing venue with wooded campgrounds, lakes, fire pits, volleyball, fishing and beautiful surroundings. Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.Learn more about this land:A piece of heaven 45 minutes east of Cincinnati. Beautifully maintained property on a horse farm . 12 wooded campsites, fishing on lake 3, country serenity, fire rings and gorgeous surroundings . Check out our photos.

Camp Presmont Camping

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Piedmont, Belmont

At Camp Presmont our Mission Statement is: Employing the beauty of creation, Camp Presmont exists to serve the church, nurture the family, and reach the lost with the gospel in the power of the Spirit to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. By offering individual site rentals we are able to reach even more people for Christ. We do have a no drugs or alcohol policy for our property, this includes smoking. We feel that we have a small slice of paradise out here, so please come and check us out. The camp is located right above beautiful Peidmont lake, giving you a great view and opportunity for activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. We also have plenty of other activities available like basketball, volleyball, hiking, disc golf and more. (Bring own balls and discs). We would love to have you out and share with you the beauty that is our camp!

Bending Oak Permaculture Farm

20 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Youngstown, Trumbull

Bending Oak Farm is an educational farm on 25 formerly clear cut acres. We are committed to our mission creating a more sustainable world by showing people what is possible. Through classes, workshops, school tours, community programs and hands-on experiences, we look to demonstrate attainable practices to better the lives of all people. We invite you to come and experience how you can create a more sustainable life for you, your family, friends and your community. To ensure an environment that is family friendly and mitigate the risk of injury Bending Oak does not permit alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs at the farm.

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Timbercrest Camp and RV Park

43 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Millersburg, Holmes

Our park is nestled in a quiet area surrounded by trees right in Holmes County, Ohio. We offer a spot for you to camp in a pleasant, peaceful place only minutes from local attractions.

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Sparkman Lake

15 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Woodsfield, Monroe

At Sparkman Lake, we are a small family-owned and operated business, a private little get-a-way spot, and a place you "can get lost for a little while". Nestled in the hills of Monroe County, Ohio, Sparkman Lake (approx. 3 acres) sits on 40+ acres of the wooden area directly off State Route 145. We are located between Malaga & Miltonsburg. Sitting just a few miles away from the intersection with State Route 800 in Malaga, Ohio. The site offers 5 fully furnished cozy rustic rental cabins, a 4 bedroom deluxe cabin & 12 RV full hook-up lots. Individual parking is available at each lot. We took over in December 2018. We are constantly upgrading our property and completing projects to help improve our beautiful piece of land. It started with some simple property cleanup, clearing brush, fixing broken structures, and adding stone for instant transformations. Our goal is to offer our community a local place to visit and enjoy themselves, the great outdoors, fishing, pedal boating, and sitting around a campfire. As well as a close option to stay when you visit our wonderful county. We hope to continue providing this service. ACTIVITIES: • Pedal Boating • Campfires • Fishing • Swing Set, Climbing Dome & Slide • Basketball

Bayfront Resort at Cross View

49 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Sandusky, Erie

Welcome to Bayfront Resort at Cross View, a luxury RV and cottage resort located along the shores of the stunning Sandusky Bay. We are now open. Please contact us for a personal tour of the property. We would be happy to show you around! Our resort features 10 fully furnished cottages and 39 concrete RV sites with full hook-ups to accommodate RVs up to 40’. The cottage homes sleep up to 6 adults and include a bedroom, bunk beds, loft, full kitchen, laundry, and a full bath. While staying at the resort, enjoy our heated pool, modern clubhouse, and convenient laundry facility. Also, you can’t miss the panoramic view of Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point! Cottage Amenities: 1 full bedroom, 2 bunks, bed in loft 1 full bath Full kitchen with appliances & kitchenware In-cottage washer/dryer Linens & towels TV Covered porch Grill A/C Free Wi-Fi RV Site Amenities: Full Hook-up (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer) Concrete site with patio Picnic Table Grill at each site Free Wi-Fi Pet-Friendly Property Amenities: Heated Pool Clubhouse with showers and laundry General Store Waterfront Walkway About our location: Sandusky was recently voted the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in USA Today. This is the second time in the past 4 years that Sandusky has won this honor! There are many great shops, restaurants, and activities in downtown Sandusky. Then you can head down route 250/Milan Road, and you will find the Sandusky Mall, larger department stores, fast food, restaurants, movie theater, and much more! Our location is also close to these key attractions: 1.5 miles to downtown Sandusky (including ferries to the Put-in-Bay and Kellys Island) 1.9 miles to Castaway Bay Waterpark 2.4 miles to Cedar Point Amusement Park 3.1 miles to Sports Force Parks and Cedar Point Sports Center 6.3 miles to Kalahari Waterpark Jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, and boat rentals in the area Our location cannot be beat! Come stay with Bayfront Resort and see all that Sandusky has to offer! We can't wait to meet you. Please note: We have a 2-night minimum stay on RV sites and cottages.

Star Hosts in Ohio

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Bending Oak Permaculture Farm

20 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Youngstown, Trumbull

Bending Oak Farm is an educational farm on 25 formerly clear cut acres. We are committed to our mission creating a more sustainable world by showing people what is possible. Through classes, workshops, school tours, community programs and hands-on experiences, we look to demonstrate attainable practices to better the lives of all people. We invite you to come and experience how you can create a more sustainable life for you, your family, friends and your community. To ensure an environment that is family friendly and mitigate the risk of injury Bending Oak does not permit alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs at the farm.

Orange Moon Camping

18 sites · Tents20 acres · New Carlisle, Clark

This is a small working hobby farm, near the site of a historic park-George Rogers. The 1/2 mile trails are flat and clean but may have limbs or tree nuts on the ground. We have chickens and can provide fresh eggs as available if you are interested for a small fee. We will have bonfires as weather permits, also you can rent a large private camp fire site just for the evening. Sites are wheel chair accessible, but the trails are earth, not paved. All sites are walk-in, not able to park cars next to the camp site, I will help with out with my UTV if you have lots of gear. Learn more about this land: Separated sites (you will not see your neighbor campers) for tents/hammocks, each has a fire ring, some sites have picnic tables most have spool tables. Sites can accommodate 1-2 tents, and/or 2-4 hammocks. Have a rally site where larger groups can tent camp. Have private dirt hiking trails on site with many nearby county and state parks for more adventure. Canoe and kayak livery 1 mile away. Young’s dairy, Yellow Springs, 1800’s Carriage Hill a working Farm, Air Force Museum, Brandeberry Winery, and the Melody family restaurant are near. Have a port a potty on sight, parking is near the entrance to woods. Plenty of wood on the ground near sites, or can provide split wood for a small fee. More than 4 persons per site will be an additional fee $3 per person. Check in times after 2:00 PM (text if you will arrive sooner), (please no check-ins after dark* let me know if you will be), Check out is 1:00 PM, you can texted if you need another arrangement. * i am now offering a 7 person tent as available and chairs for rent.

Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, Summit

Heritage Farms was founded in 1848 by my great great uncle, Lawson Waterman. I am the 5th generation to farm the land and carry on the legacy that started 175 years ago. Each generation has done something different with the land. My father started raising Christmas trees on the farm in 1955. I took over in 1979, growing Christmas trees and other crops. Today, our focus is agrotourism. Besides growing Christmas trees, we host a Handcrafted Artisan Market 6 times during the the summer months and celebrate fall with our month-long Pumpkin Pandemonium in October. We added camping 8 years ago after a trip to Denmark, where we saw our first camping shelters. THINGS WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING: 1. Sites 1 through 6 have a shelter and room for 2 tents. Sites A through J are tent sites only, with room for 3 tents. All sites are limited to a maximum of 6 campers 2. All vehicles (except bicycles) must park in the parking lot. 3. No vehicles may be driven into the camping area at any time. 4. You must carry all your gear to your camp site. We have wheeled carts for you to use. 5. Our Ohio Primitive Camping License does not allow for any wheeled camping on the farm. This includes car camping, truck campers, popups, RV's, and any other wheeled camping vehicle. 6. Due to Summit County Health Regulations, we can not provide any water. Please bring in all your drinking and wash water. You can also purchase 1 gallon jugs when you make your reservation or upon arrival at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code or with cash. 7. No outside firewood may be brought on to Heritage Farms property. Firewood is available for purchase when you make your reservation. There is a discount for buying your firewood at the time you make your reservation. We deliver firewood to you, it will be waiting at your site upon your arrival with your free bundle of kindling. You may also purchase firewood when you arrive at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code, with credit card or with cash. 8. Check-in is from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. If you will be arriving after 7:00pm, please let us know your estimated time of arrival. If we know you are arriving after dark, we will mark your site with a solar light. Check-out is before 10:00am. 9. Only registered Hipcamp campers are allowed on property. There is a public picnic area 1/4 mile south of the farm if you would like to socialize with friends and family, who are not camping at Heritage Farms. 10. DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome WITH PRIOR PERMISSION ONLY from the farm owners. We limit the number of dogs on property each day. There is a dog registration form you must fill out when you arrive, so be sure you have your dog's rabies tag information. Unvaccinated dogs are not allowed. All dogs MUST be on a leash and physically in your control at all times. No pets may be left unattended at any time. You must take your pets with you any time you leave the farm. 11. Tent site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 3 tents. Our shelter site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 2 tents. 12. Please read our Farm and Safety Rules before booking. Our 15 primitive campsites are 25 yards to 50 yards apart. This allows plenty of social distancing, as well as privacy. The 15 primitive tent camp sites at Heritage Farms open Friday April 21, 2023. From September 20, 2023 to October 21, 2023 only Camp Sites 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5 and G, H and J will be open. Heritage Farms is a 5th generation, 115-acre farm located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our primitive campsites are located along the boundaries of the southeast portion of the property. We have worked hard to place sites so there is privacy with beautiful views. Some tent sites are just feet from the park boundary. We are a working Christmas tree farm, so our tree fields are the backdrop for all of our camping sites. Every site provides you with either a gorgeous sunrise, a beautiful sunset, or both. The sunsets at Heritage Farms are awesome. We ask that no trash be left at campsites. Please take it home with you or deposit it in the dumpster in our parking area. Due to county health department regulations, you must bring in all water. There are 4 portable toilets near the parking area. There is plenty of parking in our parking area. Firewood can be purchased as an extra for an additional cost when you make your reservation. You can preorder firewood at the time of your booking, or at Heritage Farms by using our PayPal QR Code posted throughout the farm or with a credit card or cash. At our information booth, you will find charging stations for charging your electronics and plugs for the electric pump on your air mattress. We do not allow generators in any of our camp sites. Also, at the info booth, you will find: camp rules, emergency information, CVNP trail maps, info on local restaurants and stores, and fliers about Heritage Farms. We have a few events at Heritage Farms you might be interested in: PENINSULA FLEA ARTISAN MARKETS: Check out our 70+ local artists from 10:00am to 4:00pm on June 3rd, June 17th, July 1st, July 22nd, August 5th and September 2nd. There will be food trucks and live music. Free to all. PUMPKIN PANDEMONIUM: Enjoy the fall colors, live music, food vendors, and activities. Admission tickets are required for our maze, scavenger hunt, kids zone, and the hayride. Pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, and fall decorations will be available for purchase. Pumpkin Pandemonium takes over the farm on weekends from September 23rd to October 22nd. September and October are beautiful months to camp on the farm. Please note that our hayride trail passes some of the campsites. Check out Heritage Farms online for more info or message Carol and George through Hipcamp with questions. The small village of Peninsula is a short 1/4 mile walk from the farm. There are 2 restaurants, a great music venue, hike and bike trails, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park right at our door step. We even have a local swimming area called The Quarry that offers day passes to visitors. Peninsula and our farm are true gems in a beautiful rural wooded setting 15 minutes from Blossom Music Center, numerous restaurants, retail areas, CVNP, Akron and Cleveland Metro Parks, and just about anything else you may want or need. We can't wait to see you on the farm!

Memory Park Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Mineral City, Tuscarawas

Memory Park is a primitive, beautifully maintained family-owned private campground located near beautiful Atwood Lake State Park. First developed in 1968, Memory Park offers peace, quiet, and tranquility for you and your family for that perfect weekday or weekend getaway . There are plenty of primitive sites to choose from, including Murphy Meadow, Outback Bend, Honeymoon Point, and Shady Rest, just to name a few. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. Firewood is available ($10 through hipcamp or cash on-site per full wheelbarrow load). Memory Park is the ideal rustic environment to restore the soul, including simple activities like sitting around a fire, reading or taking a nap, hiking, cooking over the fire, observing nature, and enjoying fellowship with friends. Memory Park can be your 'go to' camp spot, especially for Buckeye Trail hikers! Water is available from two hand pumps on the property. Electricity is not available. Quiet generators are welcome. A clean port-a-jon is maintained for our campers.

WALKAbOUT Creek Campground

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents132 acres · Chandlersville, Muskingum

-Located in Blue Rock State Forest. Campers are welcome to hike to their hearts content! - Located 10 minutes from Blue Rock's swimming beach at Cutler Lake. - Located 20 minutes from Columbus Zoo's "The Wilds" Safari. - Access to the Blue Rock State Forest horse trails. Over 25 miles of trails. - 3 stocked ponds for fishing - Our own little "Y" Bridge like the notable bridge located in the nearby city of Zanesville. - Communal area for socializing/events. Free to use for campers, provided it is not privately booked for an event. - Horse Arena. Horses are welcome and encouraged!

Dog-friendly getaways

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Memory Park Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Mineral City, Tuscarawas

Memory Park is a primitive, beautifully maintained family-owned private campground located near beautiful Atwood Lake State Park. First developed in 1968, Memory Park offers peace, quiet, and tranquility for you and your family for that perfect weekday or weekend getaway . There are plenty of primitive sites to choose from, including Murphy Meadow, Outback Bend, Honeymoon Point, and Shady Rest, just to name a few. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. Firewood is available ($10 through hipcamp or cash on-site per full wheelbarrow load). Memory Park is the ideal rustic environment to restore the soul, including simple activities like sitting around a fire, reading or taking a nap, hiking, cooking over the fire, observing nature, and enjoying fellowship with friends. Memory Park can be your 'go to' camp spot, especially for Buckeye Trail hikers! Water is available from two hand pumps on the property. Electricity is not available. Quiet generators are welcome. A clean port-a-jon is maintained for our campers.

Timbercrest Camp and RV Park

43 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Millersburg, Holmes

Our park is nestled in a quiet area surrounded by trees right in Holmes County, Ohio. We offer a spot for you to camp in a pleasant, peaceful place only minutes from local attractions.

Camp Presmont Camping

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Piedmont, Belmont

At Camp Presmont our Mission Statement is: Employing the beauty of creation, Camp Presmont exists to serve the church, nurture the family, and reach the lost with the gospel in the power of the Spirit to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. By offering individual site rentals we are able to reach even more people for Christ. We do have a no drugs or alcohol policy for our property, this includes smoking. We feel that we have a small slice of paradise out here, so please come and check us out. The camp is located right above beautiful Peidmont lake, giving you a great view and opportunity for activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. We also have plenty of other activities available like basketball, volleyball, hiking, disc golf and more. (Bring own balls and discs). We would love to have you out and share with you the beauty that is our camp!

Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, Summit

Heritage Farms was founded in 1848 by my great great uncle, Lawson Waterman. I am the 5th generation to farm the land and carry on the legacy that started 175 years ago. Each generation has done something different with the land. My father started raising Christmas trees on the farm in 1955. I took over in 1979, growing Christmas trees and other crops. Today, our focus is agrotourism. Besides growing Christmas trees, we host a Handcrafted Artisan Market 6 times during the the summer months and celebrate fall with our month-long Pumpkin Pandemonium in October. We added camping 8 years ago after a trip to Denmark, where we saw our first camping shelters. THINGS WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING: 1. Sites 1 through 6 have a shelter and room for 2 tents. Sites A through J are tent sites only, with room for 3 tents. All sites are limited to a maximum of 6 campers 2. All vehicles (except bicycles) must park in the parking lot. 3. No vehicles may be driven into the camping area at any time. 4. You must carry all your gear to your camp site. We have wheeled carts for you to use. 5. Our Ohio Primitive Camping License does not allow for any wheeled camping on the farm. This includes car camping, truck campers, popups, RV's, and any other wheeled camping vehicle. 6. Due to Summit County Health Regulations, we can not provide any water. Please bring in all your drinking and wash water. You can also purchase 1 gallon jugs when you make your reservation or upon arrival at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code or with cash. 7. No outside firewood may be brought on to Heritage Farms property. Firewood is available for purchase when you make your reservation. There is a discount for buying your firewood at the time you make your reservation. We deliver firewood to you, it will be waiting at your site upon your arrival with your free bundle of kindling. You may also purchase firewood when you arrive at Heritage Farms using our Paypal QR code, with credit card or with cash. 8. Check-in is from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. If you will be arriving after 7:00pm, please let us know your estimated time of arrival. If we know you are arriving after dark, we will mark your site with a solar light. Check-out is before 10:00am. 9. Only registered Hipcamp campers are allowed on property. There is a public picnic area 1/4 mile south of the farm if you would like to socialize with friends and family, who are not camping at Heritage Farms. 10. DOG POLICY: Dogs are welcome WITH PRIOR PERMISSION ONLY from the farm owners. We limit the number of dogs on property each day. There is a dog registration form you must fill out when you arrive, so be sure you have your dog's rabies tag information. Unvaccinated dogs are not allowed. All dogs MUST be on a leash and physically in your control at all times. No pets may be left unattended at any time. You must take your pets with you any time you leave the farm. 11. Tent site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 3 tents. Our shelter site occupancy is limited to 6 campers and 2 tents. 12. Please read our Farm and Safety Rules before booking. Our 15 primitive campsites are 25 yards to 50 yards apart. This allows plenty of social distancing, as well as privacy. The 15 primitive tent camp sites at Heritage Farms open Friday April 21, 2023. From September 20, 2023 to October 21, 2023 only Camp Sites 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5 and G, H and J will be open. Heritage Farms is a 5th generation, 115-acre farm located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our primitive campsites are located along the boundaries of the southeast portion of the property. We have worked hard to place sites so there is privacy with beautiful views. Some tent sites are just feet from the park boundary. We are a working Christmas tree farm, so our tree fields are the backdrop for all of our camping sites. Every site provides you with either a gorgeous sunrise, a beautiful sunset, or both. The sunsets at Heritage Farms are awesome. We ask that no trash be left at campsites. Please take it home with you or deposit it in the dumpster in our parking area. Due to county health department regulations, you must bring in all water. There are 4 portable toilets near the parking area. There is plenty of parking in our parking area. Firewood can be purchased as an extra for an additional cost when you make your reservation. You can preorder firewood at the time of your booking, or at Heritage Farms by using our PayPal QR Code posted throughout the farm or with a credit card or cash. At our information booth, you will find charging stations for charging your electronics and plugs for the electric pump on your air mattress. We do not allow generators in any of our camp sites. Also, at the info booth, you will find: camp rules, emergency information, CVNP trail maps, info on local restaurants and stores, and fliers about Heritage Farms. We have a few events at Heritage Farms you might be interested in: PENINSULA FLEA ARTISAN MARKETS: Check out our 70+ local artists from 10:00am to 4:00pm on June 3rd, June 17th, July 1st, July 22nd, August 5th and September 2nd. There will be food trucks and live music. Free to all. PUMPKIN PANDEMONIUM: Enjoy the fall colors, live music, food vendors, and activities. Admission tickets are required for our maze, scavenger hunt, kids zone, and the hayride. Pumpkins, straw bales, corn stalks, and fall decorations will be available for purchase. Pumpkin Pandemonium takes over the farm on weekends from September 23rd to October 22nd. September and October are beautiful months to camp on the farm. Please note that our hayride trail passes some of the campsites. Check out Heritage Farms online for more info or message Carol and George through Hipcamp with questions. The small village of Peninsula is a short 1/4 mile walk from the farm. There are 2 restaurants, a great music venue, hike and bike trails, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park right at our door step. We even have a local swimming area called The Quarry that offers day passes to visitors. Peninsula and our farm are true gems in a beautiful rural wooded setting 15 minutes from Blossom Music Center, numerous restaurants, retail areas, CVNP, Akron and Cleveland Metro Parks, and just about anything else you may want or need. We can't wait to see you on the farm!

WALKAbOUT Creek Campground

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents132 acres · Chandlersville, Muskingum

-Located in Blue Rock State Forest. Campers are welcome to hike to their hearts content! - Located 10 minutes from Blue Rock's swimming beach at Cutler Lake. - Located 20 minutes from Columbus Zoo's "The Wilds" Safari. - Access to the Blue Rock State Forest horse trails. Over 25 miles of trails. - 3 stocked ponds for fishing - Our own little "Y" Bridge like the notable bridge located in the nearby city of Zanesville. - Communal area for socializing/events. Free to use for campers, provided it is not privately booked for an event. - Horse Arena. Horses are welcome and encouraged!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Alum Creek State Park

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Wayne National Forest

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A.W. Marion State Park

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Buck Creek State Park

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Harrison State Forest

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Zaleski State Forest

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Camping in Ohio guide

With its vast agricultural plains hemmed in by mountains, lakes, and rivers, Ohio’s natural scenery covers all terrains. Beach breaks await along the sandy shores of Lake Erie to the north, while to the east, ancient caves and waterfalls are hidden away in the forested foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor activities take place through all four seasons, from hiking and canoeing to snowshoeing and ice fishing, and camping is possible year-round. Summer temperatures average 80°F, and this is prime time for campers, but the views are most spectacular in the fall, when the eastern hills are ablaze with colorful foliage.

Where to Go

Great Lakes Plains

Sandy beaches and island getaways dot the 312-mile shore of Lake Erie, stretching from Toledo through Cleveland to Conneaut. East Harbor State Park is a highlight of the Lake Erie Birding Trail, and birders flock to nearby Maumee Bay State Park during the spring warbler migration. The most scenic spots for summer camping are on the islands, and regular ferries set out for the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island state parks.

Till Plains

Cornfields and farmlands blanket Ohio’s central region, but there are also more than a dozen state parks within a short drive of Columbus. The limestone gorges of John Bryan State Park harbor some of the region’s best hiking trails, while to the north, the Mohican River is one of Ohio’s top spots for canoeing. For beaches, boating, and lakeside campgrounds, Indian Lake State Park and Alum Creek State Park are both popular choices.

Appalachian Plateau

East of the Till Plains, the patchwork farmlands of Amish Country lead the way to the state’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley. This is where Ohio’s adventurous spirit comes into its own—take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad, go ziplining or caving in the Hocking Hills State Park, or enjoy backcountry camping in the heart of the Wayne National Forest.

Bluegrass Region

Rambling woodlands and steep cliffs line the banks of the Ohio River in the state’s southernmost region. Just outside Cincinnati, East Fork State Park has one of the largest state campgrounds in Ohio, while the rugged landscapes of the Shawnee State Park are just a 2-hour drive from the city. For hikers, the ultimate challenge is the North Country National Scenic Trail, which cuts through southern Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Ohio is an excellent destination for camping, offering a diverse range of landscapes and outdoor activities. The state is home to numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds that cater to both tent and RV campers. Some popular camping spots in Ohio include Hocking Hills State Park, Mohican State Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can also find unique camping experiences like backwoods camping and tent camping in the woods on Hipcamp.

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Ohio. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and camping areas on public lands such as state parks, state forests, and wildlife areas. Additionally, private campgrounds and Hipcamp properties are available for camping. It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the area where you plan to camp and to obtain any necessary permits or permissions.

For a list of camping options in Ohio, you can visit Hipcamp or explore specific areas like Cleveland and Dayton.

While East Harbor State Park campground is a large campground in Ohio, the largest campground in the state is actually Indian Lake State Park Campground, which has over 800 sites. East Harbor State Park campground is located on the shores of Lake Erie and offers more than 500 campsites, including electric and non-electric sites for tents and RVs. The park provides various amenities, such as restrooms, showers, a camp store, a beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

In Ohio, whether you need a permit to camp depends on the type of camping and the location. For most state parks and campgrounds, you do not need a specific permit; however, you will need to make a reservation and pay any associated fees. Reservations can be made through the Ohio State Parks Reservation System or by contacting the park directly. For primitive or dispersed camping in Ohio's state forests, you may need a permit depending on the location and duration of your stay. It's essential to check with the specific state forest or location before embarking on your trip. For private camping options, you can explore and book camping sites through websites like Hipcamp, which provides information on various Ohio camping locations, including tent camping, tent in the woods, and primitive camping. Always check the specific rules and regulations of the location you plan to camp in to ensure you have the required permits or reservations.