P
Paul D.
Scout
ScoutHamilton County Miami Whitewater Forest Campground
Clean, quiet woods and raccoons
20 & 30 amp service only. Very nice place to kick back and unwind. Dump station is on a hill so it’s tough to get the job done completely.
Best Campgrounds in Ohio
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Ohio state parks offer a range of developed campgrounds with diverse accommodation types, from tent sites to cabin rentals. Popular options include Hocking Hills State Park and Mohican State Park, which maintain well-rated campgrounds with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Most state park campgrounds provide RV-friendly sites with water and electric connections, while select locations such as West Branch, East Harbor, and Mohican state parks feature cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more comfort. These established campgrounds typically include fire rings, restroom facilities, and reservable sites.
Many Ohio campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect facility availability and camping conditions. "After a few years of trying, I finally got into Mohican State Park. The campground itself is very well laid out. It's long and just a few rows deep with trees throughout, so you don't feel over crowded," noted one camper who visited in spring. Reservation systems operate for most developed sites, with popular locations filling quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods. State park campgrounds generally feature good road access suitable for most vehicles, though some primitive camping areas may require higher clearance. Alcohol is permitted at most campgrounds, and pet policies vary by location. Weather patterns in Ohio bring humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and cold winters that limit camping comfort without proper gear.
The campground experience varies significantly across the state, with waterfront locations receiving particularly strong reviews. Sites at East Harbor, Caesar Creek, and Alum Creek state parks provide water access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campers consistently rate facilities at Mohican State Park Campground among the highest in the state for their layout and amenities. According to a visitor at Caesar Creek State Park, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly. Camp sites are spacious." Privacy levels differ between campgrounds, with more wooded sites offering better separation between neighbors. Several reviewers mentioned the importance of shade coverage during hot summer months, with tent-only areas at some parks like Harrison Lake State Park providing relief from direct sun. Full-hookup sites tend to be more closely spaced than standard electric or non-electric options.
Best Camping Sites in Ohio (667)
1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
109 ReviewsSouth Bloomingville, OHWebsite$20 - $70 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
2. Alum Creek State Park Campground
80 ReviewsLewis Center, OHWebsite+1 (740) 548-4039$23 - $70 / night
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
3. West Branch State Park Campground
66 ReviewsRavenna, OHWebsite$30 - $52 / night
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."
"Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"
4. East Fork State Park Campground
66 ReviewsConcord, OHWebsite+1 (513) 734-2730$39 - $52 / night
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
"Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."
5. East Harbor State Park Campground
60 ReviewsKelleys Island, OHWebsite+1 (419) 734-4424$31 - $90 / night
"A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."
"this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"
6. Mohican State Park Campground
48 ReviewsPerrysville, OHWebsite+1 (419) 994-5125$27 - $220 / night
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
"The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors. "
7. Caesar Creek State Park Campground
51 ReviewsWaynesville, OHWebsite+1 (937) 488-4595$39 - $52 / night
"There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"
"We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"
8. Hueston Woods State Park Campground
47 ReviewsCollege Corner, OHWebsite+1 (513) 523-6347$27 - $100 / night
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
"It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state. We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."
9. Maumee Bay State Park Campground
44 ReviewsOregon, OHWebsite+1 (419) 836-7758$41 - $56 / night
"Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."
"Ohio. Let me state: Awesome park Full hook ups, 50,30,20. Sewer. Water. Handicap sites too!!! Dump station, with rinse down hose if needed. Large sites, private by trees."
10. Findley State Park Campground
45 ReviewsWellington, OHWebsite+1 (440) 647-0534$29 - $52 / night
"Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."
"Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."
Recent Camping Photos in Ohio
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Recent Reviews in Ohio
3266 Reviews of 667 Ohio Campgrounds
Brittnee C.ScoutGotta Getaway RV Park
NOT A FAMILY CAMPGROUND
Not a safe environment for children. The little man at the desk is ok with it too, he claims he kicked us all out but my video I took when confronting him on the situation differs. He also keeps deleting reviews and replying back with blatant lies. If you read through the negative reviews you can see he can’t admit when he’s wrong, it’s always everyone else who’s wrong. I don’t want money back from this joke of a campground and I don’t care what the owner has to say. What I want is to save everyone else from wasting a perfectly good camping trip on a trashy place. It was so bad we DECIDED on our own to leave and camp elsewhere. Aside from the sketchy seasonal campers, the amenities also are trash. The pond is all muck, sites are water and electric only with dirt pads. I have never seen such a hillbilly set up. The pool is ok. Dump station was probably my favorite amenity, dumping our tanks to leave that place! But even that is set up at the entrance so when dumping you can block the incoming campers. I will never be back to this place, let me verify with the video I took, WE WERE NOT KICKED OUT. We left on our own because our CHILDREN DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
- Brittnee C.Scout
Gotta Getaway RV Park
NOT A FAMILY CAMPGROUND
Not a safe environment for children. The little man at the desk is ok with it too, he claims he kicked us all out but my video I took when confronting him on the situation differs. He also keeps deleting reviews and replying back with blatant lies. If you read through the negative reviews you can see he can’t admit when he’s wrong, it’s always everyone else who’s wrong. I don’t want money back from this joke of a campground and I don’t care what the owner has to say. What I want is to save everyone else from wasting a perfectly good camping trip on a trashy place. It was so bad we DECIDED on our own to leave and camp elsewhere. Aside from the sketchy seasonal campers, the amenities also are trash. The pond is all muck, sites are water and electric only with dirt pads. I have never seen such a hillbilly set up. The pool is ok. Dump station was probably my favorite amenity, dumping our tanks to leave that place! But even that is set up at the entrance so when dumping you can block the incoming campers. I will never be back to this place, let me verify with the video I took, WE WERE NOT KICKED OUT. We left on our own because our CHILDREN DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
- HHarold
GuideDayton KOA Holiday
Not for class B vans
Arrived after 7:00 p.m. to find an envelope with my campsite number of 78 and directions. The site was a tiny back in site that was so slanted downward that you had to go in head first to keep your head level with or above your feet. Of course, that puts the utilities on the wrong side of the van. There were other sites that were appropriate and were empty and after looking around I believe number 78 is the worst site in the whole facility.
- KKalee K.
TravelerMosquito Lake State Park Campground
Relaxing and peaceful
Mosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
- SStace K.Scout
Indian Lake Adventures
Mostly full time campers
Nice sites with some shaded. Majority of the campground are seasonal. The indoor pool is great but both stalls didn’t have TP and look like they haven’t been cleaned in a long time. Listed as a resort I expected bathrooms to be cleaner. Was hoping to stay here but left after seeing the showers in the main bathhouse.
- TTim G.Scout
South Bass Island State Park Campground
Well run state park
Some sites have full hookup. Some have just electric. Some are for tents only. Several bath houses that are dated but surprisingly clean. There are not trash receptacles everywhere but rather one area with several dumpsters. Sites are blacktop paved with various degrees of levelness. The whole campground is shaded so can get muddy after rain and smokey from campfires. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Park staff are helpful and camp hosts do a great job. All in all a good for a state park.
- DDouglas R.Scout
Pastime Campground
Pastime camping
This is a decent campground with basic (water / electric) sites with gravel pads. Information states that they have WiFi, but we are unable to find the network.
Charles S.GuidePerry Township Park
Great view of Lake Erie!
Gated and private campground. You can come and go as you please 24/7 with a gate card. Secure and clean bathrooms. Laundry room. Camp store and more. Wi-Fi is available. But the view on being right on lake Erie is the best. It's a must campground, at least once.
Guide to Ohio
Camping in Ohio offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, Ohio's campgrounds have something for you.
What to do
- Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are near lakes and hiking trails. For example, at Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and mountain biking. One camper mentioned, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails, live music select evenings, etc.”
- Family Activities: Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping have playgrounds and swimming areas. A visitor shared, “There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole.”
- Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, “We saw deer, heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night - really cool.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A review from Mohican State Park Campground stated, “Restrooms and showers clean and sanitary.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large sites with plenty of space. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Findley State Park Campground said, “Park Staff was great and very friendly.”
What you should know
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, “The constant road noise and insane amount of small plane traffic is extremely annoying.”
- Site Selection: Not all sites are created equal. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites are shaded, which is nice, but pretty close together.”
- Limited Amenities: Some parks may lack certain amenities. A camper at Mount Gilead State Park Campground pointed out, “The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campbell Cove Camping has a great playground and swimming area, making it perfect for kids.
- Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet, check reviews for noise levels. One camper at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, “No party people very family friendly.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Mohican Adventures Campground said, “You can ride your bike from Mohican Adventures Campground into downtown Loudonville without going on any roads.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground noted, “Some of them do hold water in the bottom inside loop of section A.”
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A review from A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The only downfall I saw is that it is not full hook up in most spots.”
- Be Prepared for Weather: Some campgrounds can get muddy. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground warned, “If rain is predicted, the place turns into a complete mudpit.”
Camping in Ohio offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make camping reservations in Ohio state parks?
How do I make camping reservations in Ohio state parks?
Ohio state park camping reservations can be made online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or by calling 866-OHIOPARKS. Reservations typically open 6 months in advance, and booking early is recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one of Ohio's larger campgrounds, you'll need to check in at the registration office upon arrival. When visiting Pymatuning State Park Campground and other popular parks, be prepared for potentially longer check-in lines during peak season. Some parks offer first-come, first-served sites, but these are limited. Have your vehicle information, intended length of stay, and payment method ready when making reservations.
Where can I find good fishing spots near Ohio campgrounds?
Where can I find good fishing spots near Ohio campgrounds?
Wolf Run State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with campsites that wrap around the lake, providing easy water access. Campers note that the water is clearer than many Ohio lakes, making it ideal for fishing. East Fork State Park Campground is another great option with a 2,160-acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish. Additional fishing destinations include Caesar Creek State Park (known for its muskie fishing), the Ohio River access points near Shawnee State Forest, and the various ponds at Mohican State Park. Most Ohio state park campgrounds with lakes offer boat rentals and fishing docks. Remember to obtain an Ohio fishing license before your trip, available online or at local bait shops.
What are the best state park campgrounds in Ohio?
What are the best state park campgrounds in Ohio?
Ohio offers excellent state park camping options with diverse amenities. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is highly regarded for its lake access, convenient location between Cincinnati and Columbus, and recent improvements. Many campers find autumn the perfect season to visit. Harrison Lake State Park Campground in northwest Ohio stands out for its unusually spacious, level sites compared to other Ohio state parks. Other noteworthy options include Alum Creek with its beautiful wooded sites, East Harbor along Lake Erie, and Mohican State Park with excellent hiking trails. Most Ohio state parks offer clean facilities, water access, and a variety of recreational activities, though amenities and site privacy can vary considerably between parks.
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