Best Tent Camping near Chillicothe, OH

Tent campsites around Chillicothe, Ohio range from established state forest grounds to private primitive tent areas. Zaleski State Forest offers multiple backpacking loops with dedicated tent camping areas, providing a true backcountry experience approximately 30 miles east of Chillicothe. Waters Edge Canoe Livery and Lizzy's Acres offer additional tent camping options with varying amenities, creating a spectrum of experiences for tent campers seeking outdoor recreation in south-central Ohio.

Surface conditions at tent campgrounds near Chillicothe typically include natural forest terrain with minimal site development. At Zaleski State Forest, tent campers access sites via well-marked hiking trails leading to designated camping areas that include basic amenities such as water spigots, pit toilets, and established fire rings. Scioto Grove Metro Park provides free weekend backpacking sites with tent pads and fire rings, though these are only available Friday and Saturday nights and require advance reservations. Most primitive tent sites in the region permit fires where designated rings exist, but campers should verify current fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months.

In early spring and fall, tent campers often experience fewer crowds at Zaleski State Forest while enjoying the changing seasons. The backpacking loops offer varying difficulty levels suitable for both beginners and experienced tent campers, with multiple camping areas located along trails. Primitive tent sites provide access to hiking networks, scenic forest views, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The trails at Zaleski feature diverse terrain with ridge walks and valley passages through typical Ohio woodland. According to one visitor, "The trails are well maintained and marked. Zaleski would be a great place for a first-time backpacking trip, with campsites that have water access and latrines."

Best Tent Sites Near Chillicothe, Ohio (20)

    1. Waters Edge Canoe Livery

    1 Review
    Chillicothe, OH
    3 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    2. Lizzy’s Acres

    1 Review
    Bainbridge, OH
    18 miles
    +1 (740) 438-2678

    $25 - $35 / 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!"

    3. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "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."

    4. SaltCreek Retreats

    Be the first to review!
    Adelphi, OH
    17 miles
    +1 (740) 415-5441

    $50 - $225 / night

    5. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 949-1078

    "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."

    6. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    2 Reviews
    Rockbridge, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 746-8439

    $35 - $600 / 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."

    7. Rockwood

    Be the first to review!
    South Bloomingville, OH
    21 miles
    +1 (937) 776-3261

    $30 - $100 / night

    8. Benton's on the Baileys

    4 Reviews
    Chauncey, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (773) 837-0847

    $40 - $125 / night

    "Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."

    "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."

    10. Caveman's Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    South Bloomingville, OH
    28 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Chillicothe, OH

551 Reviews of 20 Chillicothe Campgrounds


  • Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Scioto Trail State Park Campground

    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.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Close proximity to natural attractions

    Hocking Hills State Park, Oh-Site 89. https://thehockinghills.org/

    Hocking Hills State Park offers close proximity to most of the popular natural attractions...Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, etc....but for a tent camper that prefers solitude and space, I found it unappealing.

    I did arrive late on a Monday evening, mid-October and got one of the last available sites. Packed on a Monday night!

    I found the camping sites a bit cramped both in depth and width. Site 89 and 90 shared the same parking pad. Limited flat locations existed for a tent and my tent footprint is fairly small. You do have a firepit and picnic table with all three in fairly close proximity, so you must be extremely cautious with wind direction when deciding for a fire, else you’ll have embers dotting your tent and picnic table. Even though the neighbors were trying to be respectfully quiet...you heard every conversation and saw their every move.

    No electric, which is fine in my book...the water spigot is centrally located on the loop and happened to be next to my site.

    The restroom/shower facilities were not well cared for upon my visit. The floors were very muddy and trash was piled up in the corner of one stall and out of necessities.

    Construction and dump truck noise started early with a project behind the restrooms.

    The visitor’s center was well-stocked and the employee was pleasant. Cell service is unavailable and even sketchy at the visitor’s center. Wood can be purchased at the visitor’s center.

    Close proximity to local attractions and a swimming pool are likely the big draw.

    Knowing that I prefer solitude and distance when camping, I’ll likely not return but choose nearby Lake Hope State Park for my local visits.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    A Good Place to Meet is in the Middle

    A new site for us at this campground, site 59 which is an inside site. We also had friends who booked 2 inside sites very nearby so we were able to all set up in the middle and share a large space for 10 people and 7 dogs. We were able to be socially distant, have space for cornhole and lots of room for the dogs. Our site pad was pretty level. My husband went over the pad just a little onto the grass, as the other side sloped. So when we stepped out of the camp, we wouldn't be stepping down on a slope. This is one of the quietest campgrounds we go to even though there is plenty for kids to do (playground). Had the weather been better, we would have brought our kayaks for the lake. You have three different types of restrooms. The ones closest to use are the drop toilets, a little further is a porta potty and the furthest was the flush toilets (no showers). It's our little slice of heaven so we like to try a new site each time if we are able. We take our dogs with us so we have to be a little more picky so we don't bother anyone.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Zaleski State Forest

    Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Firebiner at Zaleski South Loop

    Campground Review: With a close friend coming to visit from Spain, I wanted to show her a cool backpacking location in Southeastern Ohio. Zaleski State Forest seemed like a good choice for a new backpacker. There are multiple loops to trek, averaging about 10 miles per loop. Overall the trails are well maintained (minus a few dense areas). There was almost an excessive amount of blazes. Campsites are plentiful along the trails. We stayed at Campsite C. Each site has access to communal well-water and a restroom. Each site usually has a small fire ring and logs to sit on. Overall, the campsites were pretty decent and secluded, but nothing special view wise aside from the typical Ohio forest. I would say pretty overall, but nothing quite outstanding.

    Product Review: The Banner & Oak Firebiner is a neat little tool that has some really fun features! Most notable being the fire starter. The Firebiner uses a small spark wheel and replaceable ferro rod to create sparks. The sparks are pretty large for the little tool. I now use my Firebiner to start my MSR stove quickly and with zero plastic waste! I haven’t used it to try to start a straight up fire, but friends have successfully before. Most importantly, the spark wheel is just darn right fun to play with. The device has other little uses like a bottle opener, utility blade, and screwdriver. I absolutely love this device! Only complaint would be that I wish it came in different colors, but who really cares.

    Here is a link to check out the Firebiner yourself: https://bannerandoak.com/products/banner-and-oak-firebiner?variant=9696793034788&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndu9CmerLos5Y1yvjGHJ2L4FG732wg9bMpyPAJRa3m8dxlxffZ6Nt-RoC6LQQAvD_BwE

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2022

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Beautiful scenery!

    General: 172-site state park with a mix of full hook-up, electric, and no hook-ups in separate areas plus a 33-site family hike-in camp, two group camps, and three cabins. All sites need to be reserved – no walk-ins are allowed. There is a beautiful visitor center, and the camp office has a small store as well. There is a very nice coin-operated laundry room. Don’t count on cell service– with a fleeting one bar of Verizon, it was just enough to tease us, but the break was also a welcome respite. 

    Site Quality: Standard issue for state parks with paved driveways, picnic table, and fire ring, however, there are a few things to note: Some sites are decidedly not level (#105 is very sloped). 103 and 101 meet at a V at the back end and this impedes the separation between the sites. Our site (103) had a drop-off between the driveway and the rest of the site that could pose a tripping hazard if you are not careful. All of the restrooms emit a hum, but the wastewater treatment facility is very loud and is located directly behind the first 9-10 full hook-up sites. 

    Bathhouse: The restrooms were clean, but the showers were just adequate (not the worst camp shower but definitely not the best I have experienced) but at least there was hot water. 

    Activities: We came for the hiking, and we were not disappointed. This park is gorgeous! We hiked the Blue trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail) to Cedar Falls, taking in Upper and Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave along the way, and returned via the Rim Trail, which was much easier (fewer roots and up and down). We received a color-coded map of the trails upon check-in but had difficulty deciphering it, especially the mileage. We went to the Camp Office before starting our hike to get clarity. Once on the trails, they were well-marked with either signs or blazes. While you could do a long hike (12 miles one-way) from one end of the park to the other), don’t miss Ash Cave – we drove there the next morning before leaving. There are also mountain biking trails, two playgrounds (the one more centrally located is a bit dated and does not look very safe but there is a newer, larger one at the very end of the road (near the lake trail) and there are also horseshoe pits and a volleyball net there. In season, there is a large swimming pool. 

    The campground itself gets 3 stars for some of its flaws but the scenery is so beautiful, 4 stars are merited, in my opinion. I would recommend reserving in one of the “spurs” as there would be less traffic.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Inside Campsite and Pleasantly Surprised on the Fourth of July!

    After staying one night in non-electric we were able to transfer to an electric site thanks to our great camp hosts. They let us know that one had opened and recommended us to call in the next morning. We were able to get an electric site that was on the inside, a site we would have never chosen otherwise as we have dogs and try to find a space with no one behind us. The site was actually really nice. There was grass and some partial shade. We had room for our ez-up tent, our pop-up bathroom and still room to set up our chairs and walk the dogs without bothering our neighbors. Our friends had the site next to us and they were able to use the trees to hang their hammocks. There was a nice fire ring and the pad was easy to level our a-frame camper. We had another set of neighbors who were in a class A motorhome (it was huge!). Everyone we talked to were very friendly. We were closer to the vault toilets (they were kept clean) and the playground. It was Fourth of July weekend and the campground was really quiet. If you have kayaks, you can drive them down the hill next to the campground to get into the lake. If you like to hike or mountain bike there are trails to use as well.

  • S
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Walk-In Primitive Family Campground

    Walk-in campground provides a nice amount of quiet for the price of carting your gear in (up to a .6 mile, depending on site chosen). Several sites are somewhat hidden from the path while others have little-to-no privacy from your fellow campers . Pit toilets are adequate. Water pump located in the parking lot along with access to biking trails. All sites include picnic table and fire ring.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Hot hot hot! So we kayaked!

    Site 32 - A new site for us at this campground. We had shade in the morning but lots of sun in the afternoon. This site is on the outside and backs up to trees. There is lots grass and space - good for us to walk the dogs and not have them pee and poop where we were sitting. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and they have flush, vault and portable toilets. There are no showers. This was our first time to kayak which you can launch right near the campground. It’s a little mucky at the bottom of the hill but if you take the path off to the right there is a small beach which is much easier to launch from. There is a small island that has two spots you can stop on and then swim. Lots of birds to see and plenty of other kayakers and fisherman. They are now selling wood and ice at the campground but the store is still closed. A gas station is right down the road in case you forget anything.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Perfect weekend

    Site 56 - We have stayed at this site before with electric. You don’t have close neighbors and the trail is right off your site. Good for you but invited others coming off the trail if they don’t know where they are going. We put up a piece of flagging tape to block off hikers and bikers. It’s a smaller campground with both electric and non- electric sites. Currently there are no walk-ins permitted so the walk-in sites have been made reservable. There is a playground with two vault toilets in the electric - which were very clean. They also have portables in the other end which is non-electric. There are also two flushable toilets by the group campsites. The camp hosts (Diane, John and Steve) were great and very friendly. No showers, sinks or full hookups so come prepared. The marina is on the other side of the lake, just a short drive if you want to kayak. If you like to hike or mountain bike the trail is 5 miles around the lake and very pretty.


Guide to Chillicothe

Private tent camping sites near Chillicothe, Ohio offer options for campers seeking experiences beyond state parks. The area falls within the Appalachian foothills, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Most primitive sites remain open year-round, though water access may be limited during winter months at some locations.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: The Baileys Trail System near Benton's on the Baileys provides access to new mountain biking routes. "This campsite is near the Baileys Bike System," notes reviewer Keith B., highlighting the convenience for cyclists.

Canoeing and kayaking: Waters Edge Canoe Livery combines camping with water recreation on Paint Creek. "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," writes Jonathan W.

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer shoreline fishing access with no permit required. "You can dock a boat off lake hope and enjoy a day on the water, or rent a kayak or canoe at the local beach area right down the road," explains Kasey K. about recreation options near Zaleski State Forest.

What campers like

Private tent pads: Scioto Grove Metro Park provides secluded tent platforms ideal for weekend trips. "Need to reserve online, books up very fast. 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," shares Anna S.

Testing gear: Short trail systems let campers test equipment before longer trips. "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, besides that they're totally primitive," reports Zach at Scioto-Grove Metro Park.

Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer chances to spot local animals. "We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly," notes Lani R. about an unexpected companion at Zaleski State Forest. Other campers report seeing deer, salamanders, wild turkeys, and occasionally snakes.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. "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," explains Neal C. about Scioto Grove.

Seasonal restrictions: Some campgrounds limit operations to weekends or warmer months. "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," warns Joaquim P.

Water quality concerns: Not all natural water sources are suitable for drinking. "Water is available at 3 backpack camping areas... water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case," advises Lani R. about Geneva Hills water supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Start with shorter loops: Choose beginner-friendly trails for children's first backpacking trips. "I have backpacked the trails here since the 1980s. More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares Leon H., suggesting Zaleski State Forest as suitable for various ages.

Consider walk-in sites: Some private campgrounds offer walk-in sites with more amenities than backcountry options. "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," reports Emily M. about Benton's on the Baileys.

Visit nearby attractions: Combine camping with day trips to regional highlights. "Take a day trip to one of the many sites to see in the region or go for a hiking through the Zaleski State Forest," recommends Kasey K., noting the proximity to Hocking Hills attractions.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Chillicothe don't accommodate larger vehicles. "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," notes Kenpocentaur K. about Scioto Grove, emphasizing its focus on tent camping.

Private alternatives: Lizzy's Acres offers more secluded options for tent camping with minimal amenities. "Jake from the Dyrt here! Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area," mentions Jake C., highlighting this newer option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chillicothe, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chillicothe, OH is Waters Edge Canoe Livery with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Chillicothe, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.