Best Tent Camping near Circleville, OH
Several tent camping options exist within driving distance of Circleville, Ohio, with Scioto Grove Metro Park offering free backpacking tent sites along the Scioto River. Located southwest of Columbus, these hike-in sites require reservations and feature tent pads and fire rings. Zaleski State Forest, approximately an hour southeast of Circleville, provides multiple backpacking campsites along a trail system with more secluded tent camping opportunities in a forested setting.
Most tent sites near Circleville are primitive with basic amenities. Scioto Grove's backpacking sites include tent pads, fire rings with provided firewood, and access to toilets, but campers should note these are weekend-only sites that require advance reservation. Zaleski State Forest offers more rustic conditions with pit toilets and potable water at designated campsites. Both locations prohibit alcohol consumption and require campers to pack out trash. Access to Scioto Grove tent sites requires hiking in from parking areas, while Zaleski features walk-in and hike-in options along established trails.
The tent camping experience in this region offers a mix of accessibility and natural immersion. Scioto Grove provides an excellent introduction to backpacking with relatively short hiking distances to campsites, making it ideal for testing gear or weekend escapes close to urban areas. The sites are positioned along the river and spaced to provide privacy. At Zaleski, campers can experience more challenging terrain with multiple hills, ridgelines and valleys. A review on The Dyrt described Zaleski as "a great place for a first time backpacking trip" with "well maintained and marked" trails. Waters Edge Canoe Livery also offers tent sites with shower facilities for those seeking additional amenities while still enjoying tent camping.