Tent camping near Bremen, Ohio offers access to the forested hills of southeastern Ohio's Appalachian foothills, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet. The region receives approximately 42 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests with oak, hickory, and maple trees. Most primitive camping areas connect to trail systems that traverse the rolling terrain, with sites often situated on ridge tops or in protected valleys.
What to do
Mountain biking at Baileys Trail System: Located near Chauncey, about 40 miles south of Bremen, this trail network offers over 30 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails. At Baileys Trail Tent Camping, campers can stay within easy access of the trails. One visitor noted, "Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
Backcountry hiking: The region offers multiple backpacking loops of varying distances. Zaleski State Forest features a popular trail system with several loop options. A backpacker shared: "I only came here for a 2 day backpacking trip and it was kind of hard. I'm a backpacker and this was tough... The trail was about 19 miles and was definitely worth it because of the views."
Offroad vehicle trails: Dedicated OHV areas provide trail access for dirt bikes and ATVs. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area offers primitive campsites with access to trail networks. A visitor commented, "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites in this region. At Benton's on the Baileys, one reviewer mentioned, "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Even at more rustic sites, campers comment on maintained facilities. At Old Stone Church Campground, a visitor noted: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed... The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site."
Accessible water sources: The availability of drinking water at many sites is frequently mentioned. A camper at Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center shared: "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."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies greatly throughout the region. At Old Stone Church Campground, a camper reported: "I had good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good."
Weather considerations: The area experiences distinct seasons with humid summers and potentially muddy spring conditions. Pack appropriate gear for your season of travel.
Honor system fees: Several campgrounds operate on self-registration. A visitor to Old Stone Church Campground explained: "Campsite fee is $15 on the honor system. If you have a National Park's Golden Age or Access pass, they honor a 50 percent discount."
Trail difficulty: The terrain in this area can be challenging. At Scioto-Grove Metro Park, a backpacker advised: "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 or going to be an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Try beginner-friendly backpacking: Several areas offer shorter hiking distances to campsites. A Zaleski State Forest visitor shared: "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreational features. At Pops Place Camping, a camper noted: "The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards... There is a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use."
Consider weekend limitations: Some parks have restricted camping schedules. A camper at Scioto-Grove Metro Park explained: "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime... Need to reserve online, books up very fast."
Tips from RVers
Small trailers work best: Most camping areas near Bremen accommodate smaller RVs rather than large rigs. At Old Stone Church Campground, a camper noted: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed."
Bring water supplies: Many primitive sites lack hookups. An RVer at Pops Place Camping mentioned: "There is a spigot on the outside of the shower house to get drinking water."
Consider generator policies: Check restrictions before arrival. The Monday Creek area has designated spots for various vehicle types, with one camper noting it's a "Primitive (off the grid)" location that's "My kinda place."