Tent camping options in the forested hills surrounding Bourneville, Ohio include several established campgrounds within driving distance. Zaleski State Forest offers primitive tent camping with multiple backpacking loops approximately 30 miles east of Bourneville, while Scioto Grove Metro Park provides reservable tent sites about 40 miles north. Waters Edge Canoe Livery and Lizzy's Acres provide additional tent camping opportunities in the region, with Lizzy's Acres featuring a more secluded single tent site.
Most tent campsites in the region offer basic amenities like fire rings, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Zaleski State Forest provides backcountry tent sites with access to potable water and vault toilets along its trail system. Several campsites include picnic tables, particularly at Waters Edge and SaltCreek Retreats. Drive-in access is common, though Scioto Grove requires backpacking to reach its five riverside tent sites. A review mentioned that "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit."
The tent camping experience near Bourneville offers diverse terrain and difficulty levels. Zaleski State Forest features multiple hiking loops ideal for overnight or multi-day backpacking trips, with tent sites positioned along the trails. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The trail is diverse and great for beginners and experienced hikers. The campsites have privies, spigots for water, and a lot of different sites for different sized groups." Many tent sites throughout the region provide woodland settings with varying degrees of seclusion. Walk-in tent locations often offer more privacy and a more immersive natural experience than drive-in options. Scioto Grove's backpacking sites are particularly noted for providing firewood and offering a convenient introduction to backpacking without venturing too far from urban areas.
from $12 / night
"Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area. Check them out and show them some love!"
from $25 - $35 / night
"There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."
"Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."
"Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided."
"Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear."
"We took a group of Boy Scouts on a five day backpacking trek of the entire Shawnee Loop. It was a very challenging five days with a lot of up and down hills. The entire loop is around 36 miles."
"Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South. Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was."
from $50 - $225 / night
"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."
from $35 - $600 / night
from $10 - $20 / night
from $30 - $100 / night
RangerAlways great time here. The upper part has more wooden areas then the lower part. But those spot are close to the lake. They a great playground. They have a big camp store with a putt putt, big lake we’re boating, fishing and kayaking. Multiple shower houses very clean kept up. Nice campground to ride bikes around.
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
TravelerClean, well thought out and maintained. Level, full hook ups nearly new. This is s family campground that treats you like family and is doing everything possible to make you want to come back again. Forty sites, plus few cabins, first row ten cabins ohio riverfront. All sites level, gravel and easy for big rig/fifth wheel/Travel trailer. Even Adirondack chairs each site sitting high on the riverfront sites—thoughtful. Topped off with a bald eagle perched 25 yards in front or our site this morning. How much more peaceful can this get….
TravelerThis is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
TravelerThe team at this campground was incredible. From check in to check out they were considerate and caring. It was our first trip in our camper and the team made it feel like we were there so many times. Would 10/10 recommend
TravelerGreat - close to hiking trails at Hawking Hills state park!
RangerKid friendly Good camp store A lot of big sites Good shower room Easy kayak lunching area from Campground. Great trails Easy biking
Tent camping near Bourneville, Ohio offers access to woodland settings at elevations ranging from 600-1000 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter dropping to 20-30°F. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with several sites offering spring wildflower viewing along established hiking paths.
Fishing opportunities: At Waters Edge Canoe Livery, campers can combine tent camping with water recreation. "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go," notes Jonathan W.
Historical exploration: The Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest provides a unique side trip for hikers. "I highly recommend taking the short connector trail on the south loop to cut over to the Moonville Rail Trail. We spent one afternoon hiking over to the Moonville Tunnel and it was one of the coolest parts of our four day trek," shares James W.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the forests surrounding Bourneville. "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp in May 2018," reports Leon H. from his Zaleski camping experience.
Water access: Campsites along waterways provide both recreation and natural cooling during summer months. At Scioto-Grove Metro Park, Anna S. notes: "Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn't see a single person. Nice tent pads, campfire ring, and provided wood."
Varied terrain: The rolling topography offers both challenge and scenic variety. "Zaleski backpack trail is diverse and great for beginners and experienced hikers. The campsites have privies, spigots for water, and a lot of different sites for different sized groups," explains Matt S.
Firewood provision: Several campgrounds provide firewood, eliminating the need to gather or transport your own. "They provided fire wood for the site," notes Kenpocentaur K. about Scioto Grove's backpacking sites, while another camper mentions that the sites have "tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. For Lizzy's Acres, availability is extremely limited with just one site. At Scioto Grove, a camper advises: "Need to reserve online, books up very fast."
Water quality considerations: While potable water is available at many established sites, taste varies. At Zaleski State Forest, Lani R. reports: "Water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case."
Seasonal restrictions: Some camping areas have limited operating seasons. Regarding Scioto Grove, a reviewer notes: "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I'm sure it's pretty and all, but it's hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio!"
Kid-friendly adventure spots: Rope crossings and creek exploration areas appeal to younger campers. At Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center, families can access tent sites while remaining within driving distance of regional attractions. Karen K. describes a nearby park: "Rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore. Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For families wanting to try backpacking without committing to difficult terrain, Scioto Grove offers an ideal introduction. "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear," shares a camper, while another adds: "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working."
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect protection, especially during warmer months. One tent camper at Geneva Hills mentioned: "We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," showing that conditions can vary by specific site and timing.
Alternative accommodations: While RV hookups are limited near Bourneville, several campgrounds offer cabin options for those seeking shelter without tenting. SaltCreek Retreats provides tent sites alongside cabin and glamping options, with amenities including picnic tables, drinking water, showers and toilets.
Day-use facilities: RV travelers can park at day-use areas and explore tent camping zones separately. Neal C. explains about Scioto Grove: "Nice park. You can reserve spaces to backpack along the rei water trail and stay the night to test gear. Not huge, no crazy obstacles but great for last minute trips close to the city."
Parking considerations: During peak season, arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads. For Zaleski backpackers, one experienced hiker advises: "Parking is available at the Hope Schoolhouse but we hear that fills up quickly... If parking is not available you can park at the Hope Furnace which is mainly used for day hiking. Both parking lots seemed to fill up fast by 8:30/9 am on the Saturday we arrived."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bourneville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bourneville, OH is Waters Edge Canoe Livery with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bourneville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Bourneville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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