Top Tent Camping near Athens, OH

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Athens? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Athens with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Ohio camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Athens, OH (24)

    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Zaleski State Forest

    1. Zaleski State Forest

    16 Reviews
    65 Photos
    98 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton's on the Baileys

    2. Benton's on the Baileys

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    13 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $40 - $125 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    3. Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    33 Saves

    Located 1.5 miles from the Baileys Trail System (Chauncey Trailhead) and even closer to Wayne National Forest. Site is secluded in summertime yet close to state SR 13. It is situated off the old Sunday Creek Coal Mine railroad bed and Sunday Creek. Tent camping and portable/pull-behind units only. Amenities include an 8' x 8' deck pad and a fire ring with plenty of wood available. The campground has municipal water, a gas generator, a composting toilet, as well as a gas camping stove. Cell service (Verizon) is excellent. Gate is locked and night and there are security cameras. Owner lives on the property. There are two group campsites of three tent pads each. Price listed is for a tent pad, fire ring and amenities. 2 guests per tent pad, 1 car per guest. Campers are free to set up camp (or hammock) anywhere in the designated 2-acre space.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping

    4. Pops Place Camping

    3 Reviews
    31 Photos
    24 Saves

    Get away to Pop's Place Camping and Cabins. A small primitive camping area in SE Ohio. Where you are 10 minutes away from Burr Oak State Park, Tecumseh Trails Off-road and Scenic Trails Recreation Land. Other areas of interest are The Triple Nickle, Perry Forest ATV Park and Wayne National Forest. A hunters or ATV riders place to be, off the beaten path. We are tent, Motorcycle & ATV friendly. Please call ahead for availability.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $15 - $125 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Rotan

    5. Camp Rotan

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    24 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available

      6. Athens Ranger District - Athens Area

      1 Review
      2 Saves

      Located 70 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the Athens Unit of the Athens Ranger District is home to the Wayne National Forest Welcome Center. From here you can learn about all that the Wayne National Forest has to offer and plan your trip.

      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Stone Church Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Stone Church Campground

      7. Old Stone Church Campground

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      14 Saves

      The horse camp has ten sites are provided at the campground, each with a 45' long by 15' wide parking space. Two sites are fully accessible for people with disabilities. Each site has a covered paddock, fire pit, grill, and tent pad.

      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Equestrian
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Stone Church Trailhead
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Stone Church Trailhead

      8. Old Stone Church Trailhead

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      22 Saves

      Primitive camping is allowed at no charge at the Old Stone Church Trailhead.

      This trailhead is part of the Stone Church Horse Trail System. Named for the skeletal ruins of an old stone church nearby, the Stone Church Horse Trail System provides a great opportunity for scenic riding on 21 miles of trails. Various loops for other distances are available. The horse trail winds through the rolling hills of the Wayne National Forest. The trails will lead you through a variety of vegetation: open fields, brushland, mature forest, and new forest. Along the way, you may glimpse wildlife, and will recognize the influence of humans, both now and in the past. You will also pass many of our land management activities.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center
      Camper-submitted photo from Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

      9. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

      2 Reviews
      3 Photos
      4 Saves

      Providing a place for all God's children to grow in Faith, Fellowship and Fun through Christ-centered camps and outdoor ministries. Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide. Learn more about who we are, what we do and how you can participate in or support our work. As a non-profit with a seasonal mission, we still must maintain our facilities throughout the year to allow us to adequately support our mission. Lodging is a great way to help support our camp and help us cover our basic costs throughout the year while enjoying the outdoor experience and facilities that Geneva Hills has to offer.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents

      $35 - $600 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hune Bridge Campground

      10. Hune Bridge Campground

      3 Reviews
      13 Photos
      53 Saves

      Access the Hune Bridge Campground along the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (S.R. 26) in Washington County. The campground is located across the historic Hune Covered Bridge.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
    Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Athens

    560 Reviews of 24 Athens Campgrounds


    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

      Would stay again

      Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren’t any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp.

    • j
      Camper-submitted photo from Wolfie's Campground
      Oct. 11, 2024

      Wolfie's Campground

      Great place, not peaceful at night

      Bathrooms very clean. Loved the free games. Cabin was very clean and had comfortable beds. Doesn’t make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills State Park Campground
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Hocking Hills State Park Campground

      Best place

      This is a great place to visit and camp. I am a tent camper so I was in the non electric site. The hiking is fantastic. Rose lake is also a wonderful lake and quite beautiful. Will always come back

    • Anna S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scioto Trail State Park
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Scioto Trail State Park

      Tent only sites - quiet, wooded

      I stayed in the non-electric, tent-only campground NOT the RV campground. Out of curiosity, I drove through the RV campground and it was so loud and cramped! But the tent-only area is separate. Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate. But there was only one other camper and we all had plenty of space - I could barely see them through the trees. All sites appeared to have a picnic table and fire ring. Many miles of trails / dirt roads for hiking and biking. Clear skies at night. Very relaxing.

    • afshar Y.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Logan Ohio KOA
      Sep. 3, 2024

      Logan Ohio KOA

      Awesome stay

      Stayed with the family for 5 days/ 4 nights and had a wonderful time. The KOA had a lot of amenities to offer. The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with. The sites were nice and wide but not all level but it's an area that has lots of hills. The pool was wonderful, the bathroom was clean and spacious. The camp store has everything you may need with a Walmart 10 minutes down the road. Close to the park to go explore but the KOA had a lot to offer for your stay.

    • Kyle B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe

      New Ownership and its amazing!!!

      This campground has been a staple of Hocking Hills for decades. Finally some new owners took over in May ‘24 and have really done an amazing job renovating things. The staff is super friendly, large primitive campsites right on the river with tons of shade trees! They are even building treehouses to stay in. We love it here!

    • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forked Run State Park
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Forked Run State Park

      In need of TLC

      Narrow roads getting to state park. Campground in need of an update and targeted maintenance. Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly. Sites are asphalt. Not many sites are level. Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking.

    • Kaylien S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Lake State Park
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Jackson Lake State Park

      Do not recommend

      Tent sites are on a steep uneven hill, we had site 4. Tent sites are super close, we can hear our neighbors perfectly as if they were talking to us. Only a few feet between each site. Map showed we would be right next to the lake, this is incorrect, lake is not accessible or even visible from campsite.

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Krodel Park
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Krodel Park

      Solid place if you’re not tent camping

      If you tent camp they don’t allow access to the bathrooms other than a porta potty open to the public and no showers either. Kinda messed up. The fish were not biting for anyone. It’s part of a public park. The staff were excellent thought, and the price of $20 a night unbeatable. Cheapest to visit the Mothman

    • David M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pops Place Camping
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Pops Place Camping

      Hidden gem in Ohio

      I highly recommend pop's place.  I stayed there Aug 2024 and as of that date the rustic tent camping was $20.  This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel.  The owners are very nice people and helpful.  The porta john and shower were very clean.  The shower uses an on demand water heater.  The narrow cabin you see in some photos is now a gravel pad for RV type camping with electric.  The wider cabin in the photos is still there, but was currently rented so he couldn't take me on a tour of it.  He took me on a tour of the new cabin he is building and it will be a nice play to stay when he is done.  They sell firewood for $5.  The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground,  and cornhole boards.  If you are tent camping and need to charge your phone he has no problem with you using the electric outlet at the RV site if no one is there.  I forgot to suggest to him that maybe add an external electric outlet at the shower house since electric is there for the water heater.  There is a spigot on the outside of the shower house to get drinking water.  There is a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use.  There is good verizon cell service there, I did not expect it because of the location and hills in the area.  I don't hammock camp, but it looked like there were trees far enough apart in the line of pines for hanging 2 hammocks.  One of the photos showed 3 picnic tables for tent campers.  There was only one when I stayed, but I assume it's a temporary or cyclical thing and I was the only tent camper and would have shared it anyway.

      Of note for motorcyclists is that the road the campground is on is paved (good riding to the north of it) and the campground drive is decent gravel for street bikes.

    • Jeremiah S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kountry Resort Campground
      Aug. 2, 2024

      Kountry Resort Campground

      Family Fun at Old Campground

      This campground has been around since the 1800s. It has a lot of permanent residents and we had a lot of fun checking out the different set ups.

      There are a lot of amenities but they need updated. The playgrounds need replaced. The activities building had a pool and game room area, which we used a lot. These were dated as well but our kids had a blast and that is all that matters.

      Everyone we engaged with at the campground was very pleasant. We went midweek so it was not very crowded other than the permanent residents. The park is very quiet.

      We did a couple day trips down to Pomeroy, which is a nice little river town with ice cream, playgrounds, and shops less than five miles from the campground.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forked Run State Park
      Jul. 29, 2024

      Forked Run State Park

      Great local campground

      We stayed there years ago. Our only complaint was how close the sites are together. Some are down over banks & some are on a slant. It was rather noisy when we were there too. Nice beach area for swimming though!

    • Brianna L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Campbell Cove Camping
      Jul. 28, 2024

      Campbell Cove Camping

      The perfect family campground !

      This is our first time staying at a non state park. I was a little nervous, but I already booked our next visit here ! To start, the staff are absolutely amazing and so kind. We stayed at site 61 and the lake view is perfect. Bring your hammock because there are plenty of trees !!

      There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals .

    • Kenda A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Timbre Ridge Lake
      Jul. 5, 2024

      Timbre Ridge Lake

      Beautiful area

      We spent one night of dispersal camping here. It was a beautiful area with a vault toilet. We felt safe enough to leave our windows only screened.

      There were fishermen coming and going several times through the night.

      The vault toilet had not been cleaned recently, nor had trash been emptied.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Dillon State Park Campground
      Jun. 16, 2024

      Dillon State Park Campground

      Nice spacious campsites

      First time at this park booked last minute so options were limited wasn't sure what leftovers we would get but ended up with 2 great sites. We lucked out and had 2 trees just right for hammock relaxing but it seems like lots of sites have no trees just depends on the section of park not alot of privacy between. Sites but there huge so you don't feel stuffed in next to everyone. Shower houses are limited 1 in each section but plenty of flush bathrooms located all over and kept very clean. Internet works very well verizon and att.

    • Ashley N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground
      May. 31, 2024

      Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground

      Disappointed. Waste of Money. Rude owners

      The site that we are currently staying in is nothing like the pictures online(I am more than happy to share photos.) I contacted the owner, he talked down to me, continually interrupted me and even raised his voice trying to intimidate me. The site has serious concerns. Such as the Nextdoor cabin fire pit is located less than 6ft from where I am suppose to park my brand new truck. There is only gravel, no grass for 12ft outside of our camper. Our site appears to be a driveway or turnaround and numerous ppl have tried to drive through, Esp with gulf carts. I raised my concerns and unhappiness to the owners and they argued and talked down to me. The husband raised his voice and essentially yelled at me basically telling me we could pack up and leave. This has not been a great experience so far and I am not sure I will ever stay at a jellystone or recommend one to anyone in the future.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Dog Camp Resort
      Apr. 22, 2024

      Lazy Dog Camp Resort

      Better days maybe

      The staff and people were nice and helpful. However, based on the picture I thought it was like KOA or Jellystone and it might have been in its past but not now.  It felt more like a workcamp then a campground.  Many long stay residents and their sites looked like it.  Heavily patched campers that will most likely never move again and one site looked like a junkard.  The resident did seem to love fishing in the pond, which I guess has very large catfish so if you like that you might like it.

    • s
      Camper-submitted photo from Campbell Cove Camping
      Apr. 14, 2024

      Campbell Cove Camping

      Cute little spot fun for kids

      This place was really cute. I personally feel like it was a little too open for my liking. I’d rather feel like I’m out in the woods more and maybe a little bit more space between you and your neighbor . However, it was nice. One of the gentlemen that worked there I think also stays during the season. His name is Steve. He is super friendly and helpful. He taught my kids some fishing tricks ! And don’t get me started on the bathrooms!! I have NEVER seen such amazing, clean, nice bathrooms at a campground we decided to use their shower instead of our camper shower ! 

    • s
      Camper-submitted photo from Tar Hollow State Park
      Mar. 25, 2024

      Tar Hollow State Park

      Really nice spot

      We just purchased our camper and this was the first place we went. We are familiar with this park due to the little “beach“ area they have. We stayed in the off-season, so there was not a whole lot of people. Our stay was quiet and relaxing. loved our site too.

    • Matthew P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Campbell Cove Camping
      Mar. 25, 2024

      Campbell Cove Camping

      Campbell cove

      My family recently stayed at Campbell Cove for the weekend. Everything appeared new and updated. The sites were nice and level. Nice playground and clubhouse building.

      Unfortunately we went during the office season so the clubhouse was closed and the jump pad wasn't up.

      We hope to come back someday

    • Alexia C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dillon State Park Campground
      Mar. 8, 2024

      Dillon State Park Campground

      GREAT VIBES

      Absolutely loved the short overnight stay. Perfect sunset and sunrise experience, the grounds are kept well, bathroom/shower house is as clean as can be 😻🥰 perfect for families!

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
      Mar. 2, 2024

      Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead

      Nice FS camping.

      Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place.

    • Brittany R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Backwoods Campground & Winery
      Feb. 13, 2024

      Backwoods Campground & Winery

      Best campground ever!!

      So peaceful, beautiful views!!! Always have a good time, and always love enjoying time with family and friends and time together!!! Have to check it out! Experience is amazing!!!!



    Guide to Athens

    Camping near Athens, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
    • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Lake Hope State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake is beautiful and there is a very nice lodge for meals," highlighting the area's charm.
    • Fishing: Cast a line at Wolf Run State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "We had the whole back section to ourselves! Not a soul on site but a few boats out fishing," perfect for a peaceful day on the water.

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Campbell Cove Camping remarked, "I have NEVER seen such amazing, clean, nice bathrooms at a campground."
    • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. One guest at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA said, "The staff is great, friendly, upbeat," which adds to the overall experience.
    • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the large sites at Dillon State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites."

    What you should know:

    • Close Proximity: Many campgrounds are close together, which can lead to noise. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park."
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no shower house," so plan accordingly.
    • Seasonal Availability: Check the season before you go. For example, Campbell Cove Camping is open from May 1 to October 15.

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Campbell Cove Camping has a great playground, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole."
    • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan some fun activities. A family at Lake Hope State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and swimming, saying, "Plan to take a hike if you can and go early to beat the crowds."
    • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is gigantic," so having snacks can keep everyone energized during your adventures.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking."
    • Watch for Noise: Be prepared for noise from nearby sites. One camper at Wolf Run State Park Campground noted, "Our main issue was lack of oversight/patrolling after quiet hours."
    • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the supplies you need. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "I was not able to purchase any campfire wood or ice as they were not there."

    Camping around Athens, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Athens, OH?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Athens, OH is Zaleski State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Athens, OH?

      TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Athens, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.