Primitive camping options exist throughout Richland and Ashland Counties in Ohio, primarily within mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. The area features glacial terrain with rolling hills and creek valleys that create natural camping pockets. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season with summer highs averaging 82°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Explore creek crossings: At Park and Pack Campsite 3, campers cross a stream to reach their site. "Campsite number 3 is also on a short creek crossing. Nothing to worry about with your pack on this August sunny day," notes a reviewer. The site provides creek access for cooling off during hot days.
Hike connecting trails: Several sites connect to extensive trail systems. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, a camper mentioned, "After my daughter and I set up camp near the fire ring we explored and found spots below the SE edge." Another noted there's "a short 'trail' at the NE edge of the campsite that leads down to a ledge."
Winter camping: The forests remain open year-round, with fewer visitors during colder months. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 3 reported, "I decided on a solo exploratory trip before bringing my 9yr out" during winter. Sites with southern exposure provide better winter warmth.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Mohican-Memorial State Forest sites offer varying degrees of privacy. A camper at Park and Pack Site 2 mentioned, "This site was one of my favorites as it was right by the creek. The creek was clear and cool." The site was described as having "plenty of space for tents and hammocks."
Affordable options: Most primitive sites in the area are free or low-cost. Rivers Edge Camping Area offers completely free camping, with a reviewer noting it has "great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit."
Easy access sites: Some locations provide more convenient access than others. A reviewer at Park and Pack Campsite 4 shared, "This is the easiest and safest to get to if you have any issues with mobility. It is almost a rails and trails walk into this campsite."
What you should know
Registration requirements: Rangers actively monitor for unregistered camping. "Do register before you do the long walk out here. You don't want to do illegal camping at the Park and Pack sites as they do keep an eye out for it," warned one camper.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. "The camp site is a short walk and was very nice. The porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer!" noted a camper at Rivers Edge Camping Area, which is one of few sites with toilet facilities nearby.
Site-finding challenges: Some locations are difficult to locate. At Park and Pack Site 1, a camper noted, "A well hidden campsite. We almost walked past it and didn't even know it." Another mentioned that "campsite number 4 was the hardest for us to find but it is the easiest to get to in terms of walking."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select sites with minimal hiking required. "This site and number 10 is what I would pick for her," noted a camper referring to a friend with mobility challenges, indicating these sites work well for families too.
Wagon access: Heritage Farms provides wagons to transport gear to campsites. "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure," shared a camper. Another mentioned, "The provided wagons and wheelbarrows make it easier too."
Shelter options: Some sites offer structural protection from weather. At Heritage Farms, a camper mentioned, "There was a two-open-sided A frame. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most of the best tent camping near Ashland, Ohio doesn't accommodate larger vehicles. At Walhonding Hills Campground, one of the few places with RV hookups, a seasonal camper reported, "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
Parking limitations: Several primitive sites have restricted parking. A Park and Pack Campsite 10 visitor noted, "The last 1/4 mile of the road is pretty rutted, so if you have a low profile vehicle you may need to park at the lower area (which isn't much of a parking area and the Rangers don't really want anyone parking there)."
Seasonal changes: Several camping areas close or limit access seasonally. One camper discovered this firsthand: "THE FREE CAMPING IS CLOSED!!!!!! We went to the location of the office to fill out a slip for the free camping sites and they are all closed now."
