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Tar Hollow State Forest

The best camping in Tar Hollow State Forest, OH

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Stories from the community

Kirby

4 days ago

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. 😎

Tyler

6 days ago

19 ft campervan

1 night at A Place Aglow Behind The Chateau

Great hospitality, met us at the end of the road and showed us to site 10/10 recommend!

Katie

1 week ago

Tent

3 nights at Yourway Camp

The site was huge and pristine! The weather was not ideal for us novice campers, however, and we cut our trip a day short. But the location was wonderful, and the site was lovely, and the portapotty was very convenient. We will definitely consider returning in the spring with a better tent 😉

Paul

1 week ago

1 night at Woody Acres

Amazing campground, and Austin & Kate were awesome. Highly recommend whether it's hot or cold, this place takes care of you. And be sure to just buy their wood for your fires, it's cheaper than Kroger, and it burns way longer. Can't wait to bring my kids here, they'd have an absolute blast. I recorded my stay, you can find it @AYearInOhio on YouTube, dated 11/24/2025

Christopher

1 week ago

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Woody Acres

A nice Hipcamp done exceptionally well. The Stargazer site is next to the owners driveway but don’t let that stop you. Their property is quiet and peaceful with well maintained walking trails and a great privy. We had a wonderful stay and enjoyed talking with the owners and getting to visit with their cat. It was a perfect evening in a location with many parks in the area.

Carl

1 week ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Viking Longhall

This is my 5th time staying at the campground, everything about it is incredible! David is a fantastic host that has created a truly one of a kind and magical place for friends to get together and make memories.

Scott

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to A Place Aglow Behind The Chateau

Very clean, cozy and convenient. Great setting. Very close to Hilliard (10 minutes) so easy and close to many amenities. Private and safe.

Christina

2 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Altenbrauch Farm

Best part... The stars at night. Beautiful! Porta pot was clean. Camp store was a nice touch. Wish we would have looked at the map better. We would have taken a hike. The location and no interaction with ppl was enjoyable. Nice property, my sister and I would totally come back to camp. Thank u for having us. Perfect birthday weekend 🏕️

Amanda

2 weeks ago

23 ft toy hauler

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Benton's on the Baileys

This is our second time staying here! The site is very close to multiple mountain biking trailheads and the host is very responsive and helpful.

Elizabeth

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Geode Nature Domes

I had a lot of fun on this trip! The dome was nice and comfy even though there were a bit of ladybugs inside seeking warmth I assume. I didn’t mind either way because being in nature comes with the bugs. speaking of warmth, the heater kept us warm throughout the night even overheating us at points until we realized there was a temperature set on it. I’m very glad that accommodation was there for the cold. I do suggest getting there before it starts getting dark so you can get a fire going for light when nighttime comes. Even though the bathroom is a bit of walk (as expected with camping), it was a very nice bathroom and well kept. Definitely bring some flashlights or have your phone with you for light because there isn’t too much lighting provided outside except for some lamps and ground lights here and there along the trail to the dome. The area around the dome and the dome itself felt very private and secluded so it really made you feel immersed in nature. I saw some reviews saying all they heard were cars because it is next to a road, but the dome is up in the hills so there were barely cars driving by and I didn’t notice them. I also saw reviews saying the dome in right next to the owners home and it didn’t feel private. Even though I saw the home in the distance, They have fences built around the dome to ensure campers’ privacy. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and suggest it for anyone looking for a getaway. One night was a relief from our unnaturally busy lives!

Bethany

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Nature's Way

It's easy and convenient to get and stay. It's cheap and the dude who runs it is cool and understanding

Samantha

3 weeks ago

1 night at Home Afarm Co-op

This cabin was great! True dark sky area was amazing. We had a wonderful view of the northern lights. Highly suggest the extra $20 for the hot tub. Everything was clean and cozy!

Ian

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Yourway Camp

Perfect place for car camping and exploring the Hocking Hills region! Had no problem getting to our site even with slightly balded tires and some mud. Lovely property with towering hills surrounding you. In early November there wasn’t much foliage and so you can see the house and the other campsites but we were the only ones so it was no problem. Great fire ring, picnic table, and a nice love seat rocking bench. Was able to get WiFi by walking up near the house and the property was peaceful without any commotion! Our animals loved it too and really wanted to explore the hills and trails.

Jordan

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

We loved our stay at hilltop resorts! The cabin was so cute and very clean. Definitely would stay here again

Dave

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Yourway Camp

As always a great stay each time we’ve stayed here we’ve tried a different site and have liked all that we’ve seen so far

Ash

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Woody Acres

Super cute space with great little amenities. The property is also lovely and we're super excited to stay again when we have more free time for the awesome classes the hosts offer. Definitely give this spot a chance and enjoy your stay 🙂

Paul

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Pop's Place Camping

Amazing place and amazing hosts. The cabin was immaculate, the campgrounds were beautiful. You're in the sticks here, so bring a book and get your lungs ready for some pure air. I recorded my visit at Pop's, you can watch it here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_syNQohmqs

Isaac

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Home Afarm Co-op

Great place with great vibes. It was a nice valley space that kept us away from winds that day, and a nice fire spot to warm up after a rainy day.

Phylip

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

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.

Aaron

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Geode Nature Domes

This was a really peaceful and chill experience. We came out to get away from the city and it was a perfect little retreat. The stay was well accommodated and the dome tent was such a fresh and easy way to camp. Even though it rained, we stayed dry and the next day was lovely enough to enjoy some of the great natural hikes in the area.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Tar Hollow State Forest

Tar Hollow State Forest Horse Camp

2.6mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 46 sites · in Tar Hollow State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Fruitdale Farm

99%

(1186)

32mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bainbridge, OH

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.

Woody Acres

98%

(88)

18mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · New Plymouth, OH

Woody is our peaceful hilltop home nestled amongst the scenic hills in southeast Ohio between Hocking Hills State Park and Zaleski State Forest. Enjoy staying on a hilltop meadow filled with a mix of wildflowers and song birds. The meadow is surrounded by a tall mixed hardwood forest where campers are free to walk the mowed path through the woods. Come nightfall, you will be graced with some of the darkest skies in the state of Ohio. On a clear moonless night, the milky way galaxy comes into view and shooting stars are not an uncommon site. If you're lucky, our friendly black cat will grace you with his presence, he's a legend and likes to snuggle:) We offer a variety of accommodations depending on the type of adventure you are seeking. Choose between staying in the off grid school bus tiny home, the 20 foot "glamper" with outdoor kitchen, the Hickory Hut which offers more "creature comforts" or simply pitch a tent or park a smaller camper in the open meadow campsite for a night of stargazing. Woody is located within 25 minutes of many of the areas attractions: 15 minutes to Ash Cave 20 minutes to Cedar Falls 25 minutes to Old Man's Cave 20 minutes to Lake Hope 10 minutes to McArthur 25 minutes to Logan Here at Woody we honor our place in the natural world and are humbled by the beauty that surrounds us. We see ourselves as a part of nature and work towards having a deeper connection with the earth and our place in it by applying caretaker attitude and careful technological use and observation. Our mission is to leave bounty in our wake. If you would like to dive deeper into your own connection with nature, consider going on a nature walk with Austin during your stay. Check it out in the add-ons. We would love for you to come stay with us and be a part of a healing landscape where you can disconnect from your day to day, reconnect with nature and experience the Woody Acres magic. Hope to see you soon! Austin and Kate

Home Afarm Co-op

96%

(84)

49mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Seaman, OH

Come relax atop the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. Enveloped in the heart of the Tranquility Wilderness Area, our 11-acre property features a mix of native pawpaw, peach, pear, and persimmon trees, deciduous forest, cedar woods, wild meadows, a small swimming pond, and a large accessible field for tents and space to play. Trails through the woods are being developed, and facilities expand gradually with the seasons. Enjoy the mellow soundtrack of birds, crickets, and frogs, along with incredibly clear night skies ideal for stargazing. Nearby, visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, foraging, fishing, hunting, and swimming on site and at several state parks and historic sites within 10–30 minutes of the farm. Amish country is close, with bakeries, markets, furniture shops, and greenhouses. Our primitive campsites are spaced for privacy. A gravel parking area is available near the Cottage, with additional grass parking in the upper field. Sites may be walk-in only depending on weather and ground conditions. We hope you'll enjoy sharing the orchard, meadows, forest, and pond with us. Home Afarm is a rustic, eco-conscious retreat — perfect for quiet reflection, nature immersion, and small gatherings under the stars. "Roads go ever ever on, under cloud and under star. Yet feet that wandering have gone turn at last to home afar(m)."

Almosta Farm

83%

(3)

12mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · Chillicothe, OH

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Enjoy the sounds and view of our mini farm featuring horses, donkeys, goats, turkeys, ducks, dogs, peafowl, rabbits, cows and chickens and the beautiful tree line at our pet friendly site! Games like corn hole and can jam are provided for your entertainment! A peaceful get away, yet minutes from town, yoctangee park and paint creek!

The Viking Longhall

100%

(539)

39mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Peebles, OH

The 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 PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.

Camping with Unruly Goats

98%

(443)

32mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Groveport, OH

Learn more about this land: Harrison Farm is a working livestock farm, with goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a horse, a donkey, and super friendly barn cats. We host many events, including yoga classes, tours, on-Farm dinners, and private parties. We are located thirty minutes from downtown Columbus, just outside of historic Canal Winchester, and only five minutes from BrewDog. The hills of southeastern Ohio are close by, with Lancaster only twenty minutes away, and just an hour’s drive to Hocking Hills or Tar Hollow. We welcome you to relax in solitude, or join us to learn more about farming. Please note: when you arrive, please text and we will assist you with parking. Harrison Farm is a working farm, with all the real sights, sounds, and smells of a working livestock farm. We love sharing the farm with our visitors, and we want to make sure our guests know that camping at a farm means that it will truly be a farm. The goats thank you for understanding and respecting their home!

A Place Aglow Behind The Chateau

97%

(32)

49mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Galloway, OH

Located in the trees behind our home, you will find a quiet spot to relax and unwind. With paths to explore, scavenger hunts for the kids upon request, and several metro parks nearby, you will find plenty to do. Wildlife can often be seen. Games and other amenities available upon request, including firewood!

Yourway Camp

98%

(148)

6.8mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · South Bloomingville, OH

Our camp sites are located in the Hocking Hills Region in the Appalachian Mountain foothills. The campsites are in densely wooded, hilly, terrain. Our 26 acre, residential property, is a great year round destination to get back to nature. Located in the Hocking Hills are several state parks. Hocking Hills State Park Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Whispering Pines, Conkles Hollow, and Rock House, and Tar Hollow are all within 10 miles. You can enjoy hiking our trails, sitting around the fire ring and relaxing after visiting the amazing Hocking Hills Region . So many options for fun on your trip to Hocking Hills. If you enjoy canoeing, horseback riding, shopping, or a trip to an observatory, Hocking County has something for everyone. Fishing at Rose Lake or Tar Hollow Mountain Biking at Hocking Hills Mountain Bike Trails Swimming at Tar Hollow to name a few.

Benton's on the Baileys

97%

(154)

33mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Millfield, OH

Learn more about this land:Primitive tent camping in Wayne National forest. This area is in extremely private area right off the the Baileys trail system. Recently cleared and leveled terrain with a plethora of trees surrounding it. Enjoy your time around the firepit while preparing dinner on the provided picnic table. Whether you are enjoying the Baileys trail system or hiking in Hocking Hills this a prime location for outdoor enthusiast. Athens county has many locally sourced restaurants and breweries to explore and experience. Please feel free to reach out and contact me with any question.

Nature's Way

98%

(192)

19mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · Rockbridge, OH

Visiting the Hocking Hills ? No interest in crowded campgrounds ? you have found 75 acres mostly wooded with trails right at the start of the Hocking Hills. (easy access from 33 and to Logan) There are various places around the property to pitch a tent. There are also options for RV parking with no hookups as well as a site with 30/50 amp. I can transport you and your gear to the remote sites. ATV's are also welcome on the property. Firewood will be provided for free and in abundant amount. The site on top of the hill is a very secluded and mowed crest of hill surrounded by dogwood trees and the invasive Autumn Olive bushes. The site above the rxrwinery.com is a secluded, mowed clearing in the mature woods. There are also 2 sites in the valley that allow you to be near your vehicle. While on my property, clothing is optional but respect for other campers is expected. If you are traveling with an RV, the Sunny Rest location is the best with campfire. This is a valley and may get soft after heavy rain. Please keep wheels near the lane if there's any question to the ground conditions and maneuvering your vehicle, please contact me. Apple product GPS will not get you to this location, use the pin on Google Maps.

RusticAppalachian Cabin on BeefFarm

92%

(109)

46mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Stockport, OH

We have been raising our family & Grassfed Angus Beef here since 1984.

Altenbrauch Farm

98%

(499)

11mi from Tar Hollow State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Mc Arthur, OH

Located only 8 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, Altenbrauch Farm features 62 acres of open fields, small streams and wooded hills intersected by a lonely country road. Aside from our house, there are no neighbors in sight. Easily pitch your tent in an open field or trek through the hills and hollows to find your perfect campsite.As part of Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is home to the second largest state forest, in addition to multiple state parks and wildlife areas. You’ll encounter abandoned historical sites and relics dating back to the early 1800s, hidden away among the wooded hills of Ohio’s least populated county. If you're a lover of outdoor recreation, this is the place to be. Within about a half-hour drive, there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and birding. Nearby parks and forests include Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Forest, Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Rail Trail, Lake Alma State Park, Tar Hollow State Forest, and more!Set up camp wherever you like! There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle. The fields have about a dozen "permanent" sites with stone or metal fire rings and log seating. Portable fire rings are also available that can be moved anywhere. Dead wood for campfires is free to gather, or split firewood is available to purchase for $5/bundle. A toilet and solar shower are located at the center of the property. An outdoor water spigot is also available. Guests are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Any trash packed onto the property must be bagged and taken with you.

The best camping in Tar Hollow State Forest, OH guide

Overview

About

The third largest forest in Ohio state, Tar Hollow State Forest features some greenery so lush, you may think your eyes are sporting a color filter. Whether you're interested in exploring the area by horseback or by foot, camping sites for both humans and your four-legged friends have got you covered. Explore the expansive trails and immerse yourself in the woodland experience, where if you're lucky you may just catch sight of some majestic wildlife. With more than 16,000 acres to explore, we have a feeling you won't be plagued by claustrophobia or the usual suspects of city-living down here. Go on, get a little primitive. What happens in Tar Hollow stays in Tar Hollow.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Tar Hollow State Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is either blooming or showcasing a vibrant palette of autumn colors. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winters can be harsh, with snow potentially limiting access to certain areas of the park.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure you pack appropriately for the conditions.
Be aware of park hours, which typically run from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
Stay on marked trails to protect the natural habitat and ensure your safety.
Remember to bring sufficient water and snacks, as options for purchasing food may be limited.
Review the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for any alerts or closures before your trip.

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