The best forest campgrounds near Columbus Grove, Ohio

100% (287 reviews)

Set up camp in the forests around Columbus Grove, where you’ll find over 60 options designed for anyone who wants to pitch a tent or park a camper under the trees. Campsites here sit near creeks, hidden ponds, and winding trails. You can swim, hit hiking paths before breakfast, or test your nerve with snow sports in winter. Campfires are allowed, toilets are on site, and pets are welcome. Expect to pay around $40 a night, though some sites dip as low as $30. Check out Rusty's Retreat with pond and river (188 reviews), Scott and Amy's Rural Respite (25 reviews), and Forested area, and wetlands (14 reviews) for spots campers return to year after year.

Popular camping styles for Columbus Grove

Top-rated campgrounds

100% (287 reviews)

Set up camp in the forests around Columbus Grove, where you’ll find over 60 options designed for anyone who wants to pitch a tent or park a camper under the trees. Campsites here sit near creeks, hidden ponds, and winding trails. You can swim, hit hiking paths before breakfast, or test your nerve with snow sports in winter. Campfires are allowed, toilets are on site, and pets are welcome. Expect to pay around $40 a night, though some sites dip as low as $30. Check out Rusty's Retreat with pond and river (188 reviews), Scott and Amy's Rural Respite (25 reviews), and Forested area, and wetlands (14 reviews) for spots campers return to year after year.

Popular camping styles for Columbus Grove

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

99%

(333)

13 sites · RVs, Tents · Fostoria, OH

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. There are chickens and Brindle the barn kitty. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.

2. Forested area, and wetlands

100%

(19)

1 site · Lodging · Bellefontaine, OH

Learn more about this land: This is a forested area including trails and a wooded wetland. Campfire sight is provided as well as a port a john toilet. It is a rustic site with a small cabin and areas to pitch tents. The area where the cabin sits is all pines. Secluded area yet close to town. Easy access from State Route 33. Walk in or drive in depending on your vehicle you drive. The cabin consist of a fold out bed, table and heater. Propane is provided as is a rustic portable ice chest inside the cabin. For those that desire to shoot small handguns we do have a pistol range on the property. In addition we have elevated totally enclosed stands for wildlife observation and photo opportunities. Our site was rated as Tree Farmer of the year (2021). Lots of wildlife and again very private oasis in the midst of a growing rural community. In addition GreyOaks has tent camping spots as well!

3. Engedi Acres

100%

(2)

2 sites · Lodging, Tents · Findlay, OH

Off-grid Tiny Home and tent clearing on Private 10 acres. Come stay in our little slice of nature, situated on a private 10 acre retired golf course. Enjoy your coffee on the front porch soothed by the bird sounds, watching the squirrels forage for nuts, and the occasional deer stopping for a drink at the seasonal pond or enjoy a s’more around the fire ring. Explore the 10 acres of manicured trails, grasslands, and clearings with your furry best friend, or play on our tree swings, slack lines, and zip line with your littles. One mile down the road, you’ll find Riverbend Recreation area with additional playgrounds, reservoir for fishing/boating, dog park, hiking trails, and cross country skiing available seasonally. The City of Findlay with ample grocery and dining outlets is a short 10 minute drive. The tiny home has a loft equipped with a queen mattress (no linens provided), desk, reading chair, kitchenette, and bistro table. Additional single camp cot available for sleeping on first level. One hammock provided, with additional places to hang hammocks you provide. Yard space is also available for pitching tents. Outhouse adjacent to the cabin. Limited electric available for device charging. Cabin is wired to plug into generator if desired. No running water is available, so water should be brought with you. Additional site available for tent camping. Farm fresh eggs, garden produce, and homemade dog treats available for purchase seasonally as available.

4. Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

100%

(33)

21 sites · RVs, Tents · Botkins, OH

This 80 acre farmland has been in the family for 6 generations. Some of the land is still used for farming to this day. The old barn, built in the late 1800's still stands. Now there is also a motocross track on the property. The track is only open occasionally. Enjoy easy trails in the woods, feed fish in the pond, and if you would like to see our goats and chicken we can arrange a time to introduce you!

5. Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

100%

(17)

1 site · Tent · Swanton, OH

Farley’s Farm Sanctuary is a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit animal sanctuary located on 5 acres in Swanton, OH. The campsite is located in the heart of the woods. This is a hike in primitive camp site (about 1/4 mile walk depending where you park) . We have a wagon and wheelbarrows available for use for hauling stuff back to the site. All money raised from this camp site goes back into building our sanctuary and provides ongoing care for our rescued animals! Oak Openings Metropark (including HEAVY Brewery) is located less than 5 miles away and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Also located nearby is Johnston’s Fruit Farm (apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh cut flowers, etc.) Tano’s Pizza (we recommend V-6 without cheese plus breadsticks no parm) and China Garden (vegetable tofu!) will deliver food here. The campsite includes a fire pit and composting toilet!

6. LRB Farm Hidden Escape

100%

(3)

3 sites · Tents · Harrod, OH

Little Riverbend farm was established in 1996 by Dave and Traci Bitler. The original property was settled sometime in the mid 1800s with the main house built sometime between 1872-1875. Through several generations the property was passed between the original owners family members, then split up and sold into lots. When the Bitlers purchased the property in 1996, the main house was sold with 3 acres and the 2 stall barn. Then in 2015 they were able to purchase an additional 9 acres of adjoining property giving them the additional pasture and woods running along the Auglaize River.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in a secluded site nestled between a babbling creek and pasture. Located behind 8 acres of lush horse pasture, a mini working dairy goat farm and few chickens and ducks for fresh breakfast eggs. You'll have access to a fire ring, firewood, and a wrought iron picnic table with chairs and scenic views along the Auglaize river.

Stories from the community

I

ICEWATER78

1 week ago

With pets

3 nights at Forested area, and wetlands

Great place to get away. Awesome property and even better hosts. Robert is the man!

site #3 between the creek and the river. A short walk across the bridge.

N

Nina

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We tent camped for four nights at Site 3 which was perfect for our needs. The river was bone dry but fishing in the pond was good! We also enjoyed exploring the trails Jay has cut out. Thanks for a nice stay : )

Paul

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Forested area, and wetlands

What an amazing spot & amazing time. Robert & Maria do such an awesome time taking care of the spot, it really is an oasis in Bellefontaine, even the bathroom situation is spotless. I 100% recommend! I went solo this time, but I'll definitely be back with my kids! My only gripe is that Robert didn't invite to come hunting with him on the property. 😆 I documented my time at Grey Oaks on YouTube, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1bmq5Od9hs

J

Jacob

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay is a very good host and was very flexible with us. The drive into the sites is interesting since you have to drive through his grass. If it is rainy I would recommend 4/all wheel drive. The area was great! Sites were secluded in a tree dense area and around 25 minuets away is the large town of Findlay. Plenty of hikes and parks around as well! Ultimately it was a great stay, and I would definitely come back!

Natalie

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Lovely quiet and serene camping place. Rustic for sure but pleasurable and friendly, helpful owner and helpers.

S

Saif

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

Highly recommended!! The whole experience of meeting rescued animals and camping in woods was truly amazing. Melanie was super friendly and saved me after giving me some cardboard and paper to help me start the fire :)

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Is a great place to go, and Jay is a very friendly person. Great paths to walk and very peaceful at night.

D

Daniel

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Another great adventure at Rusty’s! This is our second time camping there this year and it certainly won’t be our last.

E

Eden

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay was incredibly friendly and took the time to show us the land and introduce us to his lovely animals.

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Wonderful property, beautiful sunrise. Very peaceful and quiet. Jay was a remarkably gracious host.

L

Lizz

September 2025

17 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We loved staying at Rusty's Retreat. There were a lot of camp site options that all felt private. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We loved learning a bit about the farm and Jay's plans for it.

G

Georgi

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

Melanie was a great host and so accommodating to our late evening arrival. She also went above and beyond to help me out when i encountered some poison ivy. The animals are wonderful as is the mission of the sanctuary! Great place to spend the night, very peaceful yet still close to I-90 for travelers.

A

Aubriana

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

site number 1 was beautiful. it was a good spot to relax and the girls loved hanging out in the creek.

B

Beth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Forested area, and wetlands

Beautiful property and very accommodating hosts! Cabin was warm and cozy, loved the extra touches of firewood, candles, etc. Porta-potty was super clean. The perfect place to getaway and recharge.

C

Christy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

The property is BEAUTIFUL! And our host was very kind!

H

Hunter

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Engedi Acres

Cabin has all the necessary amenities and the property is so beautiful! Tons of butterflies to enjoy.

R

Rebecca

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Forested area, and wetlands

This is truly a beautiful place to stay! The trees are gorgeous and the deer are everywhere! Absolutely stunning. Robert and is wife were very nice as well! I’d stay again in a heartbeat 💓

g

garrett

August 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

Clean and very quiet setting. Responded quickly to questions I had, definitely would stay again if in the area, thanks again

Natalie

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We had a wonderful time at Rusty’s! 🐾 Our group of four adults, 2 silly (and sometimes loud) little girls, plus a couple of pups felt so welcomed from the moment we arrived. We loved meeting Rusty and the rest of the animals, the golf cart tours of the property, kayaking, and hearing the story behind this special place. The accommodations were comfortable, the hospitality was above and beyond, and we really enjoyed our stay... even in the 95° weather. Thankful for the electric hookup for our camper's A/C! We’re so grateful to Jay & Heather for opening their property to us and making our stay so memorable. Highly recommend!

K

Kendra

August 2025

1 night at Engedi Acres

Magical little spot, fields and meadows, lovely hosts, secluded yet a wide-open sky for star gazing. Inside the cabin is the coziest, vintage vibe appointed with thoughtful extras everywhere I turned. I can’t rightfully call it camping: I felt absolutely spoiled!