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

Camping in Ohio

Ohio’s lake beaches, forested hills, and winding rivers set the stage for outdoor adventure.

Top-rated stays

Wagon In The Woods - Pioneer 2

4 sites · Lodging26 acres · Arcanum, OHTake it easy at this unique, private and tranquil getaway with 26 wooded acres & a gorgeous park-like setting. Experience a Conestoga wagon with a fantastic view of the swimmable stocked pond for fishing. Peddle boat & John boat available for use. Stroll through wooded trails or hang out on the lawn for picnics & games. Enjoy the Winery down the street or stroll by the shops in Downtown Greenville. A perfect mixture of the rustic Old West, nature and luxury. check Bio for more lodging options! Follow us on fb or ig. @graystonecabins

4 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Geneva, OHNaturalist Isabelle H. Klein wrote a collection of letters from her home of Sawdust (named form the sawdust left by the loggers of the early 60’s) for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Explorer Magazine from the winter of 1969 to the summer of 1976. They then were published as the book “Letters From Sawdust” by the Press of Case Western Reserve University for the Museum. It is a lyrical voyage through the seasons at the Sawdust Tract in Northeast Ohio. She details encounters with the wildlife of the area as well as the changing seasons and plant life. Reminiscent of Thoreau's writings about Walden. In 1978 an additional house was moved onto the property from Sidley's gravel pit and joined with the existing Klein farmhouse. We decided to preserve almost 400 acres of the property with the help of the Western Reserve Land Conservatory for the Cleveland Museum Of Natural History, Natural Areas. Forest is home to the red-sided dace, and 10 rare species of birds, including cerulean warblers. The original small family farm and surrounding woods, that we have retained, are being restored and updated. Renovations of the two houses are almost complete. We are proud to call Sawdust home and would love to share it with you.

15 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Woodsfield, OHAt 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

Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, OHHeritage 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

32 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Mineral City, OHMemory 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.

Grins & Pickin's CampFarm

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Marengo, OHGrins & Pickin's CampFarm was created to share the outdoors with others. Growing food & flowers, camping & hiking is what we like to do. And we like sharing these activities with others. Our family oriented outdoor recreation facility is open on weekends only and offers primitive camping, PYO produce during the growing season, homesteading activities & nature-based programs. The peaceful 20-acre country farm has food gardens, a frog habitat pool, a barnyard for the chickens & ducks, a bluegill fishin' pond, a pollinator maze, a prairie garden, and an outdoor stage. After crossing a winding creek into 10 acres of woods, you may see deer, turkey, fox, coyote, mink, eagles & barred owls. In early spring, the peepers are peeping, wildflowers are abundant & the vernal pools welcome the wood frogs, salamanders and fairy shrimp. Summer brings on the bullfrogs, butterflies & dragonflies. Fall is a great time to pull grapevine to make wreaths & to build stick forts in the woods. We cater to the tent camper so that we can hear frogs & owls instead of generators. But, there is an RV section up front for those with quiet generators with several feet of gravel under the grass to hold the weight of your camper. We charge by the carload & there are different rates for driving back toward the woods for camping depending on the number of wheels & the weight of your vehicle (a factor on the wear & tear on the land). We believe in going outside to play, growing & eating fresh food, strengthening family bonds and promoting the awareness of our natural resources. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 1) The speed limit is 5 mph as soon as you enter the property (kids & dogs are quick to dart in front of you). 2) As a state registered campground, it is mandatory that you check in at the house to fill out a Registration Form before heading to your campsite. 3) No glass allowed anywhere on the property (we don't want our feet or paws cut open and can do without flat tires). 4) Children under 18 must be attended to at all times for their safety (the frog pool is 10' deep, the pond is 8-10' deep depending on rains, and the creek can turn into a churning river). Thank you!

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Lancaster, OHLocated in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide.

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jackson, OHDisconnect to Reconnect at the Bluffs. The Bluffs is a 20 acre campground in Jackson, Ohio. Property highlights include a large fishing pond, trails for hiking, a port-a-potty and 7 campsites. Each site is secluded unique offering idyllic natural beauty and serenity. Our property currently hosts 6 total Camping Sites.... 3 of them are primitive camping sites that can be pull in's for truck or tent camping & 3 of them tent platform camping sites. Two that are single tiered, and one that we call "The Lookout" that is a 2 tiered platform with room below or above to pop your tent! (your choice). The lower level also includes an outdoor shower, a grill and prep/cooking space for you if you want to entertain guests or family! The property includes several trails, a fully stocked pond and a "Zen Den" Which is a walk up camping location, available for rent, and has a platform at the site as well. Just to give you a sneak peek into the future, we also have plans for a Community Kitchen, more Outdoor Showers and a Stage for concerts/events!! Located within the region and just a short 15-20 min drive from The Bluffs, you can find Lake Alma State Park, and Lake Katherine Nature Preserve, where there are beautiful waterfalls on display, and just a little jog north you can explore the famous Canter's Cave, Leo Petroglyphs Nature Preserve and Jackson Lake State Park. The Campground is just a 8 min drive from downtown Jackson, where you can stop in and sample some of their locally famous places! If your feeling pizza, then you have to try Cardo's or, LaRosa's Pizza, If you want some good local BBQ, hop on over to Rowdy's Smokehouse. If you want to try a Western themed Roadhouse, there's Dakota's, or you can relax by listening to some live music while you eat over at Stockroom 601. If Micro Brewery's are your thing Sixth Sense Brewing Co. is the place for you! Want to just take it easy and learn a little about the region? Jackson also hosts the Markay Cultural Arts Center, and Lillian Jones Museum. Everything you need for an absolutely memorable and relaxing getaway!!

Bass and Buck Tent Adventures

6 sites · Tents230 acres · OHWith over 230 acres, a lake, trails, the Grand River, and plenty of wildlife. Bass and Buck Adventures is the perfect place to get away. Once known as Parkman Gorge the valley was a hub for water powered industry in the early 1800's. The river and valley is home to a wide array of wildlife. Deer, turkey, eagles, hawks, owls, mink, river otters to name a few. The area also attracts many song birds including a wide variety of warblers. There is also an abundance of wild flowers. The valley is rich in Native American history. Many artifacts have been found on the property. My great grandfather talked about the last Native American to live in Parkman had a cabin on one of the bluffs along the river. In the 1820's there was a water powered sawmill and forge on the river. The boy scouts used the valley for a camp in the 1930's. My grandpa purchased this property in the 50's from Ohio Edison. Ohio Edison's plan to dam up the river for hydro power never materialized. The valley has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, "jeeping". Many of the items used for the camp sites have been reclaimed. The fire rings are old tractor rims and scrap steel. The tent platform is from reclaimed deck lumber. The firewood is excess cutoffs purchased from a local sawmill. For more information log onto our website. bassandbuckadventures.com

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Plain City, OHThis property was first established in 1976, and the original owner named the property “Pleasant Acres”. He and his wife lived here for over 30 years and still have grandchildren living a few houses down from us. Upon meeting his granddaughter and hearing the story, we decided to honor him and his family by keeping the name. My wife and I have lived here since March 2020, and we are excited to share this little slice of heaven with our friends, family, and future guests. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Pleasant Acres where you will have access to over 7 acres located on the national scenic river, Big Darby Creek. We are centrally located and Less than 10 minutes from Plain City, Dublin, and Hilliard, and only 30 mins from downtown Columbus! A short drive or bike ride to any of these lovely Ohio towns will find you a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shopping. We are on a very quiet and serene piece of land 1 mile upstream from Prairie Oaks metro park. Prairie Oaks is home to miles of hiking trails and Darby Bend lakes which has four lakes, bathrooms, shelter houses, and one the best dog parks in central Ohio. Available activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, axe throwing, volleyball, wildlife watching(there is a bald eagle nest just down stream), and more! Boat and axe rental, shuttle service (availability based on our availability to do so. please ask when booking.), and firewood bundles are available.

10 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Peebles, OHThe Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen.The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also.The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities.The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles.Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Langsville, OHWelcome to Dexter Run Farms. Our farm is a secluded nature escape within Meigs County. Here in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains you will experience the abundance of outdoor activities or bask in the relaxing stillness of the land. Surrounded by forest yet boasting beautiful views of mountain ridges and valleys. Choose from many large yard/open spaces that's perfect for playing outdoor games, yoga, sunbathing. Tons of hiking trails throughout our 300-acre homestead offer a variety of views from different elevations. Miles of creeks and waterways give you the gift of great kayaking and fishing. Begin your mornings enjoying your coffee, watching the cows graze and the many different birds waking up to the day. Grilling or roasting marshmallows on the open fire pits are a pleasure. Ask us about our farm fresh eggs, bacon or sausage for your breakfasts. Perfect for individual "me-time" retreats or multi generation vacations! Symphonies from the birds, crickets, frogs and animals entertain you daily. But our summer nights surely WOW our guests with the starry nights and lightening bugs. Explore our local Farmer's Markets, several historic towns with shopping, antiquing, artisans and good eateries. This place offers the perfect setting to create special memories here in our little slice of paradise. Please ask us if you have any questions or special requests. We offer a variety of accommodations from tent camping up to 2-bedroom cabins. Different driving locations from our farm via country roads or highways. 15 miles to Pomeroy, Oh. 24 miles to Athens, OH (Ohio University) 28 miles to Pt. Pleasant, WV 30 miles to Gallipolis, Oh 37 miles to Nelsonville, Oh (music festival) 70 miles to Ashland, KY 82 miles to Huntington Tri-State Airport West Virginia. 92 miles to Rickenbacker International Airport (Columbus) *Electric is available as an extra add-on with a $15/night fee. Dexter Run Farms is a working farm, selling grass-fed beef.

from

$25

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Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(8)

Wayne National Forest

A.W. Marion State Park

Stoutsville, Ohio

100%

(11)

Alum Creek State Park

Fernwood State Forest

Wintersville, Ohio

Harrison State Forest

All camping options

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.