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The best lakeside camping in Ohio

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your ultimate guide to camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near a lake in Ohio, we've got you covered. With over 469 options in Ohio that offer a lake, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed trip, our top campsites like Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews) have got you covered. And don't worry about breaking the bank, with prices as low as $18 per night and an average price of $39 per night, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, cooking equipment, and showers are available to make your stay even more comfortable. So come on, grab your fishing gear, saddle up for a horseback ride, and get ready for some wildlife watching - the camping trip of a lifetime awaits!

95% (3.9K) 2,308 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Ohio

The Lake at the Flying J Farm

1. The Lake at the Flying J Farm

98%
(1458)
Johnstown, OH · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
The Flying J Farm is 250 beautiful rolling acres including 100 acres of forest, 6-acre lake small pond, three streams, and numerous fields for crops and pastures with cows. The owner bought the farm in 1998 for his retirement from a faculty position at the Ohio State university. Two buildings, the farm house and old barn, are original dating back to 1831. These have been restored for current use. The mission of the farm is to restore health both in people though the products produced and in the land by farming in a sustainable way with no conventional chemicals, antibiotics, and use of GMO. We host many visitors including tours and events. An on farm market is available to visitors for purchase of our products including grass-fed beef, maple syrup, and fruits and vegetables. The cabin was built using wood from the farm. It has off-grid electricity meaning it is powered by batteries charged by solar panels. There is not sufficient power for devices with a heating element such as coffee makers and hair dryers. You may charge cell phones. For any other use, please check with the owner. Wild Life. There is an abundance of wildlife to be observed on the farm. Deer can be seen at dusk, raccoons can be seen going through your camp food at night (if you put it in your car), turkeys, hawks, vultures, rabbits, coyotes (heard screaming at night), frogs (especially heard at night), fish (jumping), and many song birds (my favorite, the bobolink, May and June only, nesting in the pastures). Trash. This sustainable farm has no garbage hauling, please carry away your trash.
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Fruitdale Farm

2. Fruitdale Farm

99%
(1278)
Bainbridge, OH · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. FIREWOOD and seasonal farm goods are available for purchase at a self-serve stand (several payment options available). There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved (go to sauna to reserve a time). Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets (not flushing). A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN (with the exception of site #1). ***Please take note that this is private property and the host lives on site. If you are looking for a place to be loud and party into the night, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to spend some quality time in nature, welcome. There are rules. *** The gazebo kitchen is NOT COMMUNAL as it is connected to the Fern Cabin (Fern cabin guests have exclusive access to the kitchen). The kitchen IS included for those who book "The Whole Darn Place".
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Bass and Buck Tent Adventures

3. Bass and Buck Tent Adventures

100%
(250)
OH · 4 sites
With over 230 acres, a lake, trails, the Grand River, plenty of wildlife, and FREE firewood. 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. He had a cabin on one of the bluffs along the river. In the 1820's there was a water powered sawmill, flaxseed mill, and forge on the river. The boy scouts used the valley for a camp in the 1920,s. My grandpa purchased the 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. 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
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Lake Hope State Park

4. Lake Hope State Park

100%
(13)
State park in Ohio · 25 sites
Leftovers of an abandoned mine give Lake Hope State Park its rustic charm, where a nearly 3,000-acre lake provides ample opportunity for outdoor fun in the sun. Seven hiking paths and eight biking trails mean you'll have multiple chances to discover the steep gorges that characterize this densely forested area. Hunt in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest or catch some crappie or bluegill in the expansive lake for some fresher than fresh dinner. If you're not in the mood for cooking your catch or devouring another can of baked beans, consider moseying over to Lake Hope Lodge, which will treat your palate to hickory smoked barbecue and smoked meats and sides by the pound. Cushy beaches, interpretive center exhibits, and a variety of ball courts will burn those calories off in no time.
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Maumee Bay State Park

5. Maumee Bay State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Ohio · 25 sites
With fishing, golf, swimming, boating, and biking, there's fun for the whole family
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Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

6. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

99%
(370)
Fostoria, OH · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Lexi and Little Bits can be visited while they graze in the pasture or as they rest at the barn. There are chickens and Brindle the barn kitty. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have five dogs of our own that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe. We allow kayaking on the pond when our dogs are inside. But fishing has been restricted due to unfortunate incidents. Hiking trails, crisscross the properties on both sides of the road. We’ve added 8 acres across the creek to the south of the barn bringing our total to 16 acres for you to wander freely. The trails are being developed and some are dead ends. Be cautious to stay on the trails as there are many nasty plants off of the trails. No open toed shoes should be worn, as poison ivy as present pretty much everywhere. A guided tour is available when available. We also provide Firewood and kayaks and animal interactions for fees. ESV is help us pay for our animal upkeep, including food, Vet bills, and Ferrier fees. We appreciate all donations made to that cause. Our future development will include Rusty‘s Barn. Which will be a music/wedding venue. That would be located in the upstairs of the barn.
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Towpath Trail Peace Park

7. Towpath Trail Peace Park

93%
(225)
Bolivar, OH · 4 sites
Primitive tent camping on the Greenville Peace Treaty Line, Buckeye Trail, Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Scenic Byway, Tuscarawas River Water Trail, Great American Rail Trail, and American Discovery Trail! Located on the historic Ohio-Erie Canal between the village of Bolivar Ballparks and the McDonnell trailheads on the towpath trail ten miles south of Canton, Ohio, and 1.5 miles west of I-77 exit 93 on Scenic Byway Rt 212 in beautiful Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The Peace Park is designed for bikers, hikers, dog walkers, and anyone traveling through to book a campsite, even if no one is available to meet and greet. Campers, once booked, may go to an available campsite and set up camp. Dog-friendly, handicapped-accessible Porta-Jon with hand sanitizer, shared electricity for charging phones, pristine aquifer water, picnic tables, fire pits, fire-side benches, birds, butterflies, lightning bugs, wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife are often seen. Please note: We're located on a section of the Ohio-Erie Canal Scenic Byway, the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad, and at a 90-degree corner with a slight slope that causes trucks to downshift and brake. If you're a light sleeper, we recommend bringing earplugs! We now offer disposable, individually packaged earplugs in our Porta-Jon.
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Geneva Hills

8. Geneva Hills

89%
(312)
Lancaster, OH · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located 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.
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Union Acres Retreat

9. Union Acres Retreat

100%
(1)
Franklin, OH · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Union Acres Retreat, a peaceful country property in Franklin Township featuring open lawns, mature trees, wooded borders, and a scenic pond at the heart of the property. The pond includes a dock and gazebo, creating a relaxing place to sit, enjoy the view, watch wildlife, and take in sunsets reflected across the water. Camping areas are located toward the rear of the property, behind the line of trees and shrubs just past the pond. Guests will have plenty of room to spread out while remaining close to the pond, gazebo, fire pits, and softly lit outdoor gathering areas. Parking is available on the gravel surfaces near the rear of the property. Campfires are permitted only in the provided fire rings and when weather conditions and local regulations allow. Firewood is available for $1 per piece through an honor-system payment box. Potable water is available from a drinking-water-safe hose at the barn. Trash, recycling, and compost bins are also provided for waste generated during your stay. For safety reasons, swimming, wading, boating, and fishing are not permitted in the pond. Guests must be at least 10 years old, and all guests under 18 must remain under the supervision of a responsible adult. Minors may not approach the pond or use the dock without an adult present. Union Acres Retreat is also home to three friendly dogs—River, Bruce, and Rio. At times, one or more of them may roam the property off-leash. They are accustomed to people and generally get along well with other dogs, but guests should be comfortable around dogs. Guest pets must remain leashed and under control at all times. Because the resident dogs may chase cats or other small animals, the property is not suitable for guests travelling with cats. Union Acres Retreat is best suited to guests seeking a quiet outdoor stay, peaceful evenings by the fire, and plenty of room to relax in a private country setting.
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Salt Fork State Park

10. Salt Fork State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Ohio · 23 sites
Hike, golf, or get on the water at Ohio’s largest state park.
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South Bass Island State Park

11. South Bass Island State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Ohio · 24 sites
White cliffs and sparkling blue waters make for a warm invite from South Bass Island State Park. Try to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or painted turtle from your boat, or just listen to the waves lap against the stony shore of Lake Erie. Bring that license to catch some fresh fish, where a cleaning station makes dinner prep just a little less messy. Once you're ready to get your adventure on, seek out the glacial grooves near the camping area or ice skate or fish the frozen waters when the frost takes over. Located on the north side of the island, Put-in-Bay is only a short distance away, along with all the restaurants and shopping you could hope for.
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Van Buren State Park

12. Van Buren State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Ohio · 25 sites
Frolfing, anyone? Van Buren State Park is the ideal spot to flick that wrist and beat your friends at yet another disc golfing tournament. Nestled among crops of soy, wheat, and corn, consider this a little farmland oasis for you and all your best buds. Channel that inner Legolas and go bow-hunting, or catch a wide variety of fish from carp to bluegill at Van Buren Lake. Motor boat it up or row around old-school on the waters of the lake, the choice is yours. With multiple horseback and hiking trails available as well, we're confident you'll love the generous serving of activities available for the campers here. Did we mention there's a butterfly gazebo and volleyball courts as well? Save yourself the trouble of contemplating, and just book it now. There's no way your frolfing team will resent you for it.
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West Branch State Park

13. West Branch State Park

100%
(11)
State park in Ohio · 25 sites
From jet skis to snowmobiles, this thrill-seeker’s paradise has unlimited horsepower.
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My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

14. My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

99%
(182)
Dexter , OH · 1 site
Nestled under a canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing oneself in nature. From our parking area, our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) across pasture and wooded trail and empties on to a level forest understory ideal for your hammock or tent. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a table, your own private outhouse, and unlimited sights and sounds of nature. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to one of our best stargazing hilltops, down to the shallow creek running along the campsite trail, through shaded forests and ridgetop views. Our pond, a short 7 minute hike, offers fishing, swimming or simply relaxing on the dock. For longer hikes, all trails connect to our larger network of maintained trails winding over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open pasture trails offering the hiker farm-life views across our 80 acres. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost. Please order your "extra items" at the time of booking. *Additional fees may apply for items not ordered in advance of stay.* - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - Garbage disposal (limit 2 bags per booking) - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - *Stringed twinkle lights - we do the hanging before you arrive * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing. Please check us out, Find A Way Farm, on Google Maps and our Facebook page for additional information.
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Flannel Dog Farm

15. Flannel Dog Farm

99%
(168)
Ashtabula, OH · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Flannel Dog Farm is a seven acre homestead on the site of an 1860's farm. We have chickens, ducks, and dogs as well as a variety of wild animals. We have a large, open camping area and an emerging forest filled with native trees and birds. We are a peaceful, rustic, and safe site located just 15 mins. from I-90 and a mile south of Lake Erie. And, we make a mean breakfast– just read our reviews :) We offer several lodging options, detailed below. The Peace Portal and tent camping are on our farm proper, while the Blue Cabin is just down the road on a separate wooded parcel. The Peace Portal: --------------------- This comfy, rustic tiny house sits next to a beautiful pond. Watch the wild birds and animals through its large upcycled window, or sip your morning coffee on its sunny front porch. Enjoy a private picnic table and fire ring, as well as access to a shared standard half bath. Booking includes a farm fresh breakfast (kindly let us know of any dietary restrictions in advance) and one load of firewood. Tent Camping ------------------ Deep in our property is our camping area. You'll have a wide open view of the stars, plus a large picnic area + fire ring all to yourself. There is a composting toilet right at the campsite, or you may use a (shared) standard half bath a short walk away. Most days you can park right at the campsite (unless we've had a lot of rain and the ground is soft). This means you can bring your pop-up camper, teardrop, or sprinter van and have a private camping experience. Add breakfast and let us do the cooking for you! Blue Cabin: -------------- Located just down the road from our farm, the Blue Cabin is a private, off-grid cabin on a heavily wooded lot. Enjoy lots of shade, and a space that often stays cool, even in the heat of summer. Amenities include a picnic table and fire ring (comes with one load of firewood), water via a Berkey filter, and a composting toilet. About Us ------------ Chris Zielski and Alan Block are the wife and husband team that steward the farm. Chris is an artist and has a beautiful onsite studio, Copper Leaf Studios. Alan is a sourdough baker, gardener, and fermenter. We love hosting, and look forward to your visit! Message us if you have any questions!
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Sawdust FarmCamp

16. Sawdust FarmCamp

96%
(207)
Geneva, OH · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Sawdust FarmCamp! Located in Geneva, Ohio. We have four different sites to choose from: one tent site, two glamping tent sites, and one cabin. Now available for all guests propane heated hot water showers located along the drive and a short hike from the sites. Included with your stay; offered by 3 Shanti, a Nature Mindfulness Hike, where we find a deeper connection to nature and yourself. Need some additional relaxation? Book an Energy Session, a stress reduction and relaxation technique, donations welcomed. Contact host to schedule. We also have the option to book all our sites for a 15-person retreat, with special extras only available for that booking, including a pavilion teepee tent. Hot Showers and portable toilets are available, pets are welcome, and campfires are permitted. Naturalist 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 we have retained are being restored and updated. We are proud to call Sawdust home and would love to share it with you.
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The Pleasant Valley Farm

17. The Pleasant Valley Farm

99%
(906)
Lucas, OH · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Camping in Wine Country

18. Camping in Wine Country

94%
(220)
Geneva, OH · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Purchased by my grandfather back in 1953 it has been a diverse fruit farm for many years. Currently we have almost 200 acres, a lot of it woods. We don't currently grow the crops that we did but we have planted some wine grapes in the last several years. As we also have a winery, The Winery at Spring Hill, we wanted to get some of our own grapes in the ground. We have several places for tent camping and we have a large parking lot at the winery for RV parking. Learn more about this land: Right in the middle of Ohio's Wine Country!  Enjoy an evening at our winery or take the day and explore the 30 wineries in the area. In the spring of 2024, we built and opened a fenced in dog park called the "Barking Lot". This is available for any of our guests at the winery or who are camping here. We also have a small dog menu that includes our signature "Pupcuterie board". Woods and fields surround the camping area.  Close to the natural beauty of the Grand River (State Wild and Scenic River). Just a few miles from Geneva State Park and Geneva-on-the-Lake. Lots of activities: wine tasting, covered bridges, boating/canoeing/kayaking, fishing, swimming, biking, hiking, birding, nightlife, history, golfing, and lots of natural beauty.
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Sweet Hill

19. Sweet Hill

98%
(89)
Streetsboro, OH · 4 sites
Our property is located just off the beaten path with 4.5 acres of land. It’s close to shopping and turnpike/hwy access but still has the out-in-the-country feel. We have a half acre pond filled with bluegill and large mouth bass, a hillside with apple trees and blackberry bushes, and a large gravel turnaround for easy access. We are close to Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well as multiple metro park areas for hiking and biking. Nearby attractions include Blossom Music Center, downtown Cleveland, and Boulder Creek—an award-winning golf course just minutes away. Wineries, bike trails, and canoe adventures await as well. NOTE: the Pond Site is the ONLY site with 30amp service. Fill Water available for all sites. Pond and firepit access is for everyone. Ask about renting the entire property for events: family reunions, micro weddings, group camping. There is also a two bedroom Airbnb on the property for those who aren’t the camping type. Message me for info. NOTE: If traveling north on Seasons Rd there is an 11 ft clearance bridge and you’ll need to take a route around.
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Hill Cabins LLC

20. Hill Cabins LLC

100%
(4)
Nelsonville, OH · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy a peaceful private camping experience just outside Nelsonville, Ohio, near Lake Hope State Park and Hocking Hills. Our property features a private fishing pond home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, along with an 8' × 12' dock, open grassy areas, and plenty of space to relax. Spend your days fishing from the bank or dock, swimming, paddling around the pond, relaxing by the campfire, watching wildlife, or simply enjoying the slower pace of the outdoors. Guests can choose from three unique ways to stay: 🏕️ Pondside Campsite – A walk-in tent campsite located beside the pond with easy access to fishing, swimming, and pondside amenities. 🚐 RV Site – A private RV site with 30 amp and 20 amp electric, non-potable water, and daytime access to the pond. RV guests also enjoy access to our gray building with a mini fridge and microwave. 🌲 Entire Property – Reserve both sites together for exclusive use of the campground, pond, dock, and shared amenities. Perfect for families, friends, or groups who want the property to themselves. Depending on your booking, guests can enjoy: 🎣 Catch-and-release fishing 🏊 Swimming 🌅 8' × 12' dock 🛶 Free canoe use 🚣 Kayak rentals available 🦺 Life jackets provided 🔥 Fire pits 🍔 Grills 🪑 Picnic tables ⚡ Electric 💧 Non-potable water (please bring drinking water) 🚻 Pondside bathroom 🏠 Gray building with a mini fridge and microwave (RV Site and Entire Property bookings) ❄️ Small deep freezer coming soon Conveniently located near Lake Hope State Park, Moonville Tunnel, Nelsonville, Athens, and Hocking Hills State Park, our property makes a great basecamp for exploring southeastern Ohio while returning to a quiet place to relax each evening. To help preserve the peaceful atmosphere that makes this property special, we host only a limited number of guests at a time. Guests who reserve the Entire Property enjoy exclusive access to the campground, pond, dock, and shared amenities during their stay. Whether you're planning a quiet fishing getaway, a relaxing RV stay, or a camping trip with family and friends, we look forward to sharing our little piece of southeast Ohio with you.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field