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% (3.8K) • 2,311 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Ohio

The Lake at the Flying J Farm

1. The Lake at the Flying J Farm

98%
(988)
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%
(930)
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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Sawdust FarmCamp

3. Sawdust FarmCamp

95%
(216)
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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Maumee Bay State Park

4. 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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Salt Fork State Park

5. 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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Sweet Hill

6. Sweet Hill

98%
(95)
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. We live on site with our two golden doodle dogs so if you see us out and about, please say hi! 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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The Pleasant Valley Farm

7. The Pleasant Valley Farm

98%
(625)
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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Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

8. Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

98%
(74)
Logan, OH · 43 sites · RVs, Lodging
Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.
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Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

9. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

99%
(298)
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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South Bass Island State Park

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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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Wayne National Forest

13. Wayne National Forest

89%
(9)
National forest in Ohio · 121 sites
Drive, hike, fish, and camp in The Wayne for a wilderness adventure.
Towpath Trail Peace Park

14. Towpath Trail Peace Park

93%
(229)
Bolivar, OH · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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

15. Geneva Hills

90%
(240)
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.
Electrical hookup
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The Shack

16. The Shack

97%
(90)
Wilmington, OH · 2 sites
This elevated shack overlooks a pond and is conveniently located within walking distance of Cowan Lake. The road is a nice place to go for a walk taking in the wildlife, cattle farm, and ending at the lake. This State Park provides a wonderful opportunity to hike, bird watch, and enjoy water recreation. The lake has a 10 hp limit, so it is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and sailing.
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Picnic table
Union Acres Retreat

17. Union Acres Retreat

94%
(8)
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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Myhio Haven Horse Farm

18. Myhio Haven Horse Farm

99%
(100)
West Portsmouth, OH · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.
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SōLSTAY Lodging

19. SōLSTAY Lodging

79%
(34)
Sandusky, OH · 2 sites
SōLSTAY is an ideal spot to discover the wonders of Sandusky, Lake Erie and Cedar Point. Nestled in a cozy, waterside setting with sweeping views of the lake! This property offers endless outdoor experiences—from boating, fishing and watersports right from our own marina setting and the thrill-seeking fun of Cedar Point to unwinding at sunset on our boardwalk or taking in the views from our elevated hot tub. Only a .5 mile drive to Cedar Point and just 5 minutes to downtown Sandusky, SōLSTAY is the perfect destination for an adventure of a lifetime. We DO NOT allow tent camping or car camping.
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Hill Cabins LLC

20. Hill Cabins LLC

100%
(6)
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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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field