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- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Lancaster
95% (4K) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lancaster
Fruitdale Farm
1. Fruitdale Farm
99%
(1194)
50mi from Lancaster · 11 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Kickapoo Kamping
2. Kickapoo Kamping
88%
(56)
33mi from Lancaster · 2 sites
This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.
Pets
Campfires
from
$18
/ night
Wayne National Forest
3. Wayne National Forest
94%
(8)
National forest 27mi from Lancaster · 121 sites
Drive, hike, fish, and camp in The Wayne for a wilderness adventure.
Zaleski State Forest
4. Zaleski State Forest
State forest 32mi from Lancaster · 17 sites
Discover Zaleski State Forest's lush trails and historic sites.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Deer Creek State Park
5. Deer Creek State Park
95%
(10)
State park 34mi from Lancaster · 25 sites
More like a resort than anything, Deer Creek State Park will transport you outdoors while remaining in the lap of luxury. Whether you choose to stay in the lodge, cottages, or campgrounds, swimming pools and a 350-acre golf course are what make this area so deluxe. Work your game at one of the courts or relax on the sands of a 1,700-ft beach, the choice is yours. Waterfowl hunting is a boon in this area, though you will have to win your hunting permit on a lottery basis. Whether you're looking to hook some spring saugeye or rev your boat with unlimited horsepower along the reservoir, we have a sneaking suspicion you won't get bored in this plush locale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
95% (4K) • 12 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Lancaster
Fruitdale Farm
1. Fruitdale Farm
99%
(1194)
50mi from Lancaster · 11 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Kickapoo Kamping
2. Kickapoo Kamping
88%
(56)
33mi from Lancaster · 2 sites
This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.
Pets
Campfires
from
$18
/ night
Wayne National Forest
3. Wayne National Forest
94%
(8)
National forest 27mi from Lancaster · 121 sites
Drive, hike, fish, and camp in The Wayne for a wilderness adventure.
Zaleski State Forest
4. Zaleski State Forest
State forest 32mi from Lancaster · 17 sites
Discover Zaleski State Forest's lush trails and historic sites.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Deer Creek State Park
5. Deer Creek State Park
95%
(10)
State park 34mi from Lancaster · 25 sites
More like a resort than anything, Deer Creek State Park will transport you outdoors while remaining in the lap of luxury. Whether you choose to stay in the lodge, cottages, or campgrounds, swimming pools and a 350-acre golf course are what make this area so deluxe. Work your game at one of the courts or relax on the sands of a 1,700-ft beach, the choice is yours. Waterfowl hunting is a boon in this area, though you will have to win your hunting permit on a lottery basis. Whether you're looking to hook some spring saugeye or rev your boat with unlimited horsepower along the reservoir, we have a sneaking suspicion you won't get bored in this plush locale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Betsy
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
I went to Fruitdale in February, after two snowstorms and a big thaw, and so it was very muddy! And still I loved it so much. Couldn’t help but walk the trails even in the mud. It was so beautiful and quiet, although my guess is that it is hoppin’ in the summertime :). I stayed in the sugar shack, which is PERFECT for winter, because it is warm thanks to the wood burning stove. I love going off grid when I can and this is one of the first places I’ve found that really lets you do that even in winter. I loved the sauna, loved the incredible attention to detail in the design of the sugar shack. It is perfect. The creek was frozen over when I arrived and thawed when I left and it was just beautiful both ways. Can’t wait to come back :)
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R
Roy
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
Aimee was very welcoming, gave helpful instructions, and responded to questions quickly. The property has a nice mixture of features, is easy to get to, and is close to some great hiking.
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K
Kirby
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
Second visit, and loved it even more. Had a great experience, and Aimee has been a joy to work with through this. I definitely recommend this place to whoever is brave enough, and will definitely be planning another trip to the farm.
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Aaron
January 2026
3 nights at Fruitdale Farm
It was an absolutely beautiful little spot. Nestled in the woods, listening to the owls and coyotes at night over dinner. We are an off grid/ back pack camping couple but will definitely be going back to visit the sugar shack. The town is also very friendly and quaint. We had an amazing time just being out in nature and marking another camping trip in the books.
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Jacob
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
Great space and a great setting. Loved our time at sugar shack.
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L
Laura
December 2025
4 nights at Fruitdale Farm
We stayed for 5 days in the sugar shack cabin and it was the coziest experience ever!! Aimee is such a great host and made sure we had every we needed. The wood stove keeps the cabin really warm even in the middle of a snowy night, we accidentally made it too warm one night and went on a night hike in the snow, the most beautiful experience ever. Oh and if you see a little orange cat, that’s Aimee’s cat Tangie, he likes to say hi to the campers!
See moreK
Kirby
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
Peaceful and beautiful! Enjoyed my stay in the Sugar Shack, it was just what the doctor ordered. A place to get away after the holiday craziness and just unwind. Will definitely be looking at trying to go back. 😎
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J
Jeremy
November 2025
Tent
This is my second time camping at Aimee's place. I came during the off season and there was some work being done on the trail leading to my booked site. She happily gave me the option of site #2 and I liked the different experience it offered.
This site #2 was closer to the neighboring fields and roads while still feeling secluded with not so much road noise that it made the experience poor. Since the property is in the country you might hear people riding quads which was the case for a short time that evening. I even got several visits from her cat during my stay to keep me company. I will definitely be back to see the improvements she is adding to the property!
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P
Phylip
November 2025
Tent
We didn’t pick the best weekend to go camping, but Aimee’s land made the stay the best that it could have been with the wet weather. The outhouse was convenient and conveniently located to our relocated site, since our van only allowed us to park at site 1. I didn’t realize that the other sites were walking access only, and especially since the land was wet, our van, which was our RV, prevented us from accessing our original requested location. The sauna was a feature that we really enjoyed; and the wood, which was convenient to buy there, after many attempts in the wet weather, finally took fire. Overall, considering the conditions, Aimee’s property made the stay the best.
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A
Andrew
November 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
Lovely spot. Nice vibe and grounds well maintained.
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Josh
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
We absolutely loved this place! The property is beautiful with so maybe wonderful touches, including a Farm Stand with eggs, jams, and other goodies for purchase. The sites are far enough away from each so it feels very private and quiet. We are definitely coming back, can’t wait!!
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R
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I camped at site 4 for a few days with my 6 yr old daughter, and it was lovely. The property is beautiful and very well maintained. There were free range chickens, which my daughter really enjoyed, as well as the pond and the koi fish. We stayed late in October, so it was very quiet and peaceful. It definitely takes a few hauls to get your gear to site 4, but it is worth it. My daughter has not yet mastered the art of peeing in the woods - so having the 'privy' close by was a great bonus!. Aimee was also very kind, and easy to get in touch with if we needed anything. Hopefully we can return next year!
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L
Laura
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We loved camping with our kidddos on Aimee’s beautiful farm. Felt like we packed the house (if you have kids..you know) and that def kicked our butt getting to site 5 with the multiple trips down and up steep hills lugging carts and wagons! If you don’t want a serious leg workout, choose sites 2 or 3 :) The camp store was cute and stocked with goodies that we had to try! The dill pickles were uh-mazing. We loved walking the trails and were fascinated by the pawpaw trail. The privy was clean and served its purpose well for the rest of my family lol Site 5 was well laid out, semi private in late Oct with so many fallen leaves, a couple great spots for hammocks, and sits across the creek from site 3 (empty while we were there). There was a loud-ish crew staying close by at another site - but we were all so tired by the end of the day, it didn’t bother us at all :) Already can’t wait to come back! Aimee was very nice and you can tell that she just loves her farm and sharing it with others. Thanks Aimee! 10/10 would recommend!
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Brittni
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm
The Sugar Shack is the perfect secluded primitive stay! Be prepared to take one of the wagons if you packed a lot of stuff. Aimee did a fantastic job utilizing her land for campers, It’s family friendly and there’s plenty to do. The wood burning stove was the perfect addition to our cold autumn evenings, it makes it so cozy while settling in for the night. When we first got there, Aimee had the stove packed for us already and a bundle of wood. I would recommend a trip here 10/10!!
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R
Robert
October 2025
Tent
This is an excellent place to camp. Beautiful and extremely well-kept. Highly recommended!
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A
Ashley
October 2025
Tent
Great place with nice secluded sites & small cabins. We stayed at site 3. It’s closest to drop off, stage, firewood, and farm stand. It’s also the first site before going down the trails to site 4 & 5. Toilet (pivy) area is well kept with a hand washing station outside. Other than neighboring dogs barking at night, we had a great time!
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Koltron3030
October 2025
Tent
Everything about this place is lovely, from the camp spots to the privies. I would absolutely come back here.
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R
Ryan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Our family stayed in the Juniper trees area at Camp 4. We found this site to be quite private, protected from any wind and it felt like our own space.
The grounds are kept quite nice and appreciated the well water access. The homemade goods for purchase were a great little surprise also.
The pond and chickens kept our daughter entertained and the nearby hikes in Rocky Fork Gorge we pretty impressive.
Loved the no fuss check in and check out.
We will definitely be back.
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P
Petra
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
If you love camping you will live Fruitdale Farm! The campsite was super nice, enough away from others to feel private, and close enough to the bathrooms. We stayed at site 5 and loved it. The little farm stand was really nice, the garden is amazing and we loved the Sunday morning sauna session while it rained outside.. I totally recommend this place and will be back again!
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M
Matt
October 2025
19 ft Class B
We loved Fruitdale Farm! The property is well maintained and very peaceful. We enjoyed sitting in the sauna in the evening and enjoyed sitting by the pond with our coffee in the morning. It was a great one night getaway for us!
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