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Zaleski State Forest

The best camping in Zaleski State Forest, OH

Discover Zaleski State Forest's lush trails and historic sites.

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Stories from the community

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.

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.

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.

Colby

3 weeks ago

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Buck Run RV Retreat

We loved the location. Very nice and quiet. Has everything you need. Easy to load in/out. Daniel the owner is very nice and will help with anything you need. Highly recommend this place to anyone that wants to get away.

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

Sarah

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

Great site- all the basic needs met. Electric and water hookup. Close to campus/ Athens. Was able to pull up next to a cement slab, which was great since it rained all weekend. Road was close but couldn’t hear traffic inside our camper. Well maintained spot. Definitely plan to come back a few times a year while kid is at OU!!

Maia

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

Beth and Brian were super helpful and communicative prior to our stay. Their property was beautiful- there were tons of hiking trails and we loved seeing their sheep/chickens/pups. Would highly recommend!!

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 🙂

Eric and Aline

November 2025

36 ft Class A

2 nights at Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

Amazing location, definitely off the beaten track. Loved the privacy, the scenic oasis and the trails along the river/creek. Our dog Gemma, loved to run free on her walks with her owners, including the rail trail. The colors of autumn were such an enjoyable treat from this location. If you’re in the area, it’s a gem!

Linda

November 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

Nice, clean camping spot. Would recommend! We had the space close to the woulds and it was nice and private

Thomas

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Altenbrauch Farm

This was our 2nd time staying at Caleb’s, very beautiful place and quiet. All the hocking hills attractions aren’t too far away and the town of McArthur has a few family owned restaurants with good food and atmosphere. Highly recommend staying here!

Maggie

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Yourway Camp

Private, serene, and accommodating hosts. Loved how quiet it was, and couldn’t see any other campers. The hill up is serious, but totally doable with all wheel drive.

Jenna

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Woody Acres

I love this place so much I keep going back! Their growing homestead has everything you need so you can soak in all of the goodness of the beautiful land and get the rest and relaxation you want. The hosts are fabulous humans who have created a welcoming and educational environment where anyone can learn new things about living with the land in a sustainable and kind way. Don’t miss it! ♥️

Dylan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Salt Creek Camp at Sunnyvale Farm

Really nice little campsite within 5 minutes of a convenience store and 10 minutes from campus. I'll stay again next time I'm in town

Bradley

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Benton's on the Baileys

We loved camping here on top of the ridge! The site was beautiful, private, and with the UTV service was easy to access and transport our gear. The host was very responsive and kind, and was an excellent host. He got us more firewood when we needed it and even offered us farm fresh eggs. The bike trails near by were also excellent and provided a very fun weekend.

Ronald

November 2025

20 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

What an awesome site! Especially if you’re into biking. The Moonville Rail Trail is just a stones throw away. The campsite has a maze of awesome clover paved walking trails. Great for walking your dog! Location is an easy walk to the Kings Hollow Tunnel and an easy bike ride to the Moonville Tunnel.

Ryan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yourway Camp

Excellent. Exactly as described. Margie was very responsive to all of our questions. Highly recommend!

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Zaleski State Forest

Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp

1.1mi from Zaleski State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Zaleski State Forest

Zaleski State Forest Horse Camp

4.1mi from Zaleski State Forest · 16 sites · in Zaleski State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Triple D Retreat

99%

(147)

3.8mi from Zaleski State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mc Arthur, OH

My wife and I purchased this property as a family get a way. Great place to relax and unwind.

Woody Acres

98%

(88)

4.4mi from Zaleski 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

Butterfly Valley at Zaleski

100%

(25)

6.1mi from Zaleski State Forest · 2 sites · RVs · New Marshfield, OH

UNPLUG & GET BACK TO NATURE at our secluded 3-acre PRIVATE RV RETREAT. Be immersed in nature and cocooned from the sights and sounds of city life. No cellular or wifi service will keep you communing with nature. String up your hammock on the banks of Hewitt Creek and bask in the peaceful serenity of nature. Stroll down our creekside path to the Paw-Paw patch and observe the kaleidoscope of wildlife including butterflies, birds, & bees. Come night, relax by our firepit and enjoy our unpolluted night sky. Park your camper at the end of our 120ft long private gravel driveway with 50-amp electric hook-up. Enjoy a large mowed clearing by the creek with firepit and picnic table. In late summer and fall, a field full of 8ft tall annual flowers keep you hidden from the few passing travelers. This is the perfect time to meander our Butterfly Walking Trail through the meadow. Split seasoned firewood is usually available for purchase. Plenty of recreational opportunities are near for outdoor enthusiasts. We border the nearly 28K-acre Zaleski State Forest, which boasts of Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, and more. LAKE HOPE STATE PARK is just 4 miles away down an old dirt road, with a 120-acre lake for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and swimming. They also have a free public Shooting Range. HISTORICAL REMNANTS are sprinkled throughout the area, most notably the haunted Moonville Tunnel, Kings Hollow Tunnel and the Hope Iron Furnace. While we don't allow hunting on our property, PUBLIC HUNTING is permitted in Zaleski State Forest (bordering our property) as well as the neighboring Waterloo Wildlife Area and the 5000 acre Wild Turkey management area. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: ~ 1/4 mi to Kings Hollow Tunnel ~ 3 mi to Moonville Tunnel ~ 4 mi to Lake Hope ~ 4 mi to Zaleski Shooting Range ~ 4 mi to Uncle Bucks Riding Stable ~ 4 mi to Hope Iron Furnace ~ 8 miles to Albany, OH ~ 12 mi to Athens, OH ~ 17 mi to Dorr Run ATV Trails Wayne National Forest (145 miles of trails) ~ 30m to Burr Oak State Park ~ 20 minutes from Old Man’s Cave, Hocking State Park ~ 1hr drive from Columbus *This property has the potential to flood with prolonged heavy rains.

Pumpkin Ridge Retreat

100%

(28)

6.2mi from Zaleski State Forest · 2 sites · Tents · New Plymouth, OH

Come visit our private nature escape within the Hocking Hills. Within a few minutes to a half hour, our campsites offer the opportunity to experience many regional attractions throughout the area. You can explore Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Rose Lake, Conkle’s Hollow, Lake Hope, Zaleski State Forest, Vinton Furnace State Forest and Wayne National Forest. You can also visit multiple breweries and wineries within the same distance. While at the campsite, you’ll be surrounded by a mature hardwood forest and the peacefulness that comes with Ohio’s last frontier. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for preparing dinner or simply relaxing. Sustainably sourced firewood is available for purchase either ahead of time or while at the site. Both campsites are located within 200 feet of the gravel access road where parking is available. Please feel free to contact me for further details.

Trothwood Forest

98%

(87)

6.4mi from Zaleski State Forest · 8 sites · Tents · Mc Arthur, OH

Family-Owned 43+ acres. nearly all wooded. This property has been minimally developed so as to allow it to be as clean and as natural of possible. There are some trails making hiking the property easier. A few locations on the property are available for quite private camping stays or family friendly getaways. When you drive up the driveway stick to the right. The houses on the left are different properties. Park where the driveway first levels off or up near the flagpole. Trails are not meant for vehicles. Dual purpose / adventure motorcycles are ok to drive right up to the sites. No ATV's Solar/fire heated shower near the flagpole. Closed during colder months (Nov-April). Always test the water temperature before use. Hand pulled wagon is there to make it easy to get your things to your site. Return it to the parking/flagpole area when not using it. There is cell service on the property! This is an ideal location to give children adventures that are still within minutes to a small town and other attractions in the Hocking Hills area. Approximate near by places: Enjoy the scenery while driving or just staying put: 17-minute drive to Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery 20-minute drive to Ash Cave 26-minute to Old Mans Cave 2-3 minute drive to McArthur for supplies if needed

Altenbrauch Farm

98%

(499)

9.3mi from Zaleski 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.

Tenderfoot Learning Lab

99%

(95)

9.7mi from Zaleski State Forest · 2 sites · Tents · New Marshfield, OH

Enjoy a private hike through old growth and pine forests. We have close to 3 miles of private trails with diverse ecosystems to explore and discover. (Leave No Trace, please) Our pond is also an attraction that can be swam in or fished. It is a 10 foot deep natural body of water that is managed carefully for optimum relaxation. (catch and release only, please) Tenderfoot Learning Lab is for students of all ages to learn how to live a sustainable life. Your stay here will help support our goal of teaching students to be critical thinkers who understand the effects of their choices in their communities. There are attractions all around us. -Ash Cave is within a 30 minute drive. -Zaleski state park is a 22 minute drive. Attractions UNDER 10 minutes away: - Fox Lake - bass fishing and birdwatching - Waterloo Wilderness Area - hiking and wild turkey hunting -Athens Ohio - many great attractions including our world famous breweries (yes, plural) -Hockhocking Adena Bikeway - A 21 mile rail to trail paved footpath between Nelsonville and Athens -Wayne National Forest Headquarters - A patchwork of public land that covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills We are located 22 miles from Hocking Hills State Park We can accommodate trailer parking with a pull around driveway for all the Hocking Hills ATV trails nearby. No riding on site.

Hocking Hills Private RV Retreat

96%

(26)

9.9mi from Zaleski State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Mc Arthur, OH

Situated in the heart of Hocking Hills down a quiet, privately maintained township road you'll find a secluded RV campsite on 11 acres with its own private hiking trails! Go for a short private hike out back or take a short drive to enjoy some of the nearby famous hiking trails that the Hocking Hills region has to offer. Our property has gated, lockable access and you would have it all to yourselves, we only allow one booking at a time.

Fisher Family Retreat

90%

(102)

9.9mi from Zaleski State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Logan, OH

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s celebrated Hocking Hills region, the Fisher Family Retreat at the Hocking Hills Store offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. With a thoughtful layout comprising two hilltop RV sites and two secluded tent camping sites, this retreat caters to campers of all stripes—whether you arrive with a home on wheels or prefer the intimacy of a tent beneath the stars. Overview of the Retreat The Fisher Family Retreat is more than just a place to lay your head; it’s an experience carefully curated to bring you closer to nature while ensuring all the comforts you need for a relaxing getaway are at hand. Each site—be it for RVs or tents—comes equipped with electricity, a firepit, comfortable chairs, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and complimentary WI-FI. This combination of amenities makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the pleasures of modern life. Amenities for Comfort and Connection One of the defining features of the Fisher Family Retreat is its commitment to combining rustic outdoor living with essential amenities. Regardless of which site you choose, you’ll enjoy: • Electric Hookups: Power your RV, charge your devices, and light your evenings with reliable electricity at every site. • Firepit: Each site provides a dedicated firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply relaxing under the stars. • Chairs: Settle into comfortable outdoor seating and soak in the views or the woodland tranquility. • Picnic Table: Enjoy family meals, card games, or quiet moments with a book at your own private table. • Charcoal Grill: Cook up a classic campsite feast with the provided grill. Just bring your favorite ingredients and charcoal. • WI-FI: Complimentary wireless internet is available at all sites, making it easy to share your adventures or keep in touch with loved ones.

My Spot-Private Forest Campsite

99%

(165)

14mi from Zaleski State Forest · 1 site · Tent · Dexter , OH

Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall 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) by way of a well maintained footpath which leads you alongside a farm pasture, to a wooded trail that 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, to the shallow creek which runs alongside the campsite, 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 (mowed) 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.

Blue Dog Bike Camp

100%

(17)

14mi from Zaleski State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · Nelsonville, OH

BOOKING CALENDAR BLOCKED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2025 INTO 2026. PLEASE SEND A MESSAGE IF YOU WANT TO CAMP AND THERE IS A VERY GOOD CHANCE, WE WILL ACCOMMODATE YOU. Our little campground began as Bailey Wayne Bike Camp. In 2023 we learned that Wayne National Forest wanted to drop "Wayne" from its name, so we decided to rename our campground and campsites in memory of Raleigh and Blue, two wonderful dogs who we wish were still with us. This area was once a booming coal mining town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The hollow was made up of hundreds of company homes, several mines, and other company buildings. As the mines died, the forest slowly took over. In the 1980s the National Forest began acquiring ownership. Today, we are just a stone's throw from the new Baileys Trail System. My wife and I have been biking for years; we've spent a lot of time camping and biking in OH, KY, WV, and NC. We primarily ride gravel routes on our tandem mountain bike around Athens and Washington Counties in Ohio. Our property is 3 acres, which offers enough room to open up a couple primitive campsites so we can share the peacefulness of the forest.

Buck Run RV Retreat

99%

(52)

15mi from Zaleski State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Langsville, OH

Buck Run RV Retreat is located in beautiful Southeast Ohio, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. We offer three full RV hookup sites (50/30/20Amp) and tent sites ($25) also available. Enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, exploring and fishing in our pond (catch and release) that’s all within walking distance on our 70 acre farm. Bring some friends and enjoy a peaceful RV’ing getaway weekend or a week while taking in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature all the while sitting around the campfire. Visiting the area with your equine? We have you covered with bridle trails. Located a short drive from the famous Hocking Hills region and many other amenities in the area there’s plenty of day trips including Hiking, horseback riding, fishing at Lake Snowden in Albany or visit one of the many wineries Southeast Ohio has to offer.

The best camping in Zaleski State Forest, OH guide

Overview

About

Clocking in a whopping 26,000 acres and listed as the second largest forest in the Ohio state park system, you may have to ask the boss for a little extra time off to enjoy Zaleski State Forest in its entirety. Bring Black Beauty along for the camping experience and explore 50 miles of trails on horseback together, or just pack a well-worn pair of boots and trek the 25 miles of trails designated for hiking. Did we mention you can always backpack in if you want a more remote experience? Hunters and fishers will also quickly find their home here, where 4,000 acres set aside for wild turkey production mean you'll be able to share some serious Thanksgiving bounty. Grab some tackle and cast a line in Lake Hope, or just kick your feet back and listen to the forest teem with life come sunset. Don't forget to pack that camera and some extra batteries—this area is just begging to become your next desktop background.

When to go

The prime time to visit Zaleski State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the forest is full of life. Winter months can be harsh, with trails less accessible due to snow and ice.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as terrain can be uneven and occasionally challenging.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.
Cell service may be limited, so download maps and trail guides ahead of time.

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