State forests and public lands surrounding Mount Gilead, Ohio offer several tent-only camping options, with Mohican Memorial State Forest providing the most extensive primitive tent camping opportunities. Located approximately 25 miles east of Mount Gilead, the forest features ten designated "Park and Pack" walk-in tent sites scattered throughout its wooded terrain. These backcountry tent sites require registration at the forest office kiosk on County Road 939 in Perrysville before hiking to the campsites. Scioto Grove Metro Park, situated about 50 miles south, offers five reservable tent-only sites along its river trail that serve as excellent options for weekend backpacking trips.
Most tent campsites in the region have minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in their own water and supplies. The Park and Pack sites at Mohican Memorial State Forest are primitive with no bathrooms or running water, though most include established fire rings. Sites vary in accessibility, with some requiring creek crossings that can be challenging after heavy rainfall. Ground conditions at tent pads range from flat to slightly sloped, with forest duff or dirt surfaces predominant. Cell phone coverage is limited throughout most backcountry tent areas, particularly in valleys and lower elevations. Campers should download maps before arrival as paper maps at kiosks may lack complete trail information.
Tent campers frequently mention the seclusion and natural setting as highlights of the Mohican sites. According to reviews, Campsite 10 is "large and spacious" with room for multiple tents without feeling crowded, while Campsite 3 is described as "tucked away" beside a stream. One visitor noted that Park and Pack Site 4 is particularly accessible for those with mobility limitations, featuring a wide, relatively flat trail. The registration system operates on a first-come basis with no advance reservations, making early arrival advisable, especially on weekends. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with some offering complete seclusion while others may experience occasional hikers or mountain bikers passing nearby on connecting trails.
"The sunset photo is by the entrance of the parking lot to the campsite. This is the 2nd easiest campsite to walk into out of the 10. "
"Site 10 is about 3/4 of a mile down the trail from the upper parking area. Well marked and easy to find. There are plenty of areas to set up shelter and hang hammocks."
"It had plenty of space for tents and hammocks. It was close enough to hang out by the creek if you wanted. No cell phone service for Verizon."
"We took the main trail head at the bridle parking lot but this isn't where you should go. The main trail head gets you to sites 1- 3."
"We almost walked past it and didn't even know it. Toledo another hiker on the trail was still looking for it and never found it. This is one of the smallest camp sites. "
"Was at main Camp ground with RV's all around. Seemed pretty popular yet was quiet enough. People were very respectful and careful driving around as kids and families tend to walk/ride bikes around."
"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."
"The bad- No Wi-Fi Sites are close together. Our fire pit is less than 3 feet away from the next camper. Playgrounds for the kids are very weak."
"They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
ScoutCould not ask for a better site. Absolutely beautiful setting. A nice small lake for fishing, and a perfect shallow stream for kids to play in, running right by the sites. The pool house and facilities are spotlessly clean. On top of that, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We even needed a jumpstart for our truck when we were towing the camper out on a rainy Monday morning and someone came around to help. 100% will come back and 100% would recommend to anyone.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
TravelerTight
LegendMy husband and I had an overnight stay here on our way to Indy. Sites were level and easy to navigate, with fire rings and picnic tables. Lots of trees and trails. Though the majestic pines were tall, they offered little for privacy. Bathrooms were clean and showers were free. However, the touchless feature made showering difficult as you have to stand directly in front of the sensor to keep the water running which means you must bear the cold water until it heats up. Neither of us had an enjoyable shower experience. Playground for the kiddos and a volleyball court. All around a nice stay.
ScoutStayed in cabin 4 last year got are alive. Stayed in cabin 1 this year and got bit worse. This year looks like bed bugs
RangerThis campground is huge. Great for biking. Nice lake for fishing, boating and kayaking. There is a campers beach in campground. Many sites have water access. Small fishing pond. Very nice camp store. Big, wooded sites.
Tent campsites near Mount Gilead, Ohio sit within a region characterized by gently rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 20-35°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate humidity. Most primitive sites in the area require crossing small streams that can rise several inches after rainfall.
Explore creek ecosystems: Multiple campsites at Mohican Memorial State Forest border small streams where campers can observe wildlife. According to one visitor, "The creek was clear and cool. It was also far enough away that I wouldn't be constantly worried about it. Still something to be mindful of when camping near water."
Test backpacking gear: Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a short loop trail ideal for testing equipment. One camper notes, "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."
Navigate bridle trails: The network of horse trails provides additional hiking options beyond standard camping routes. A camper reports, "Make sure that you look for the red blazes on the trees at the start of the trail. I would recommend downloading the various bridle trails on the AllTrails app. The paper map provided at the trail head was missing some information."
Secluded campsites: Park and Pack Campsite 3 offers privacy despite its proximity to water. A winter camper shared, "I stayed at Campsite 3, which was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it."
Hammock-friendly sites: Many areas accommodate hammock setups alongside traditional tent spaces. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, one camper reported, "There are plenty of areas to set up shelter and hang hammocks. After my daughter and I set up camp near the fire ring we explored and found spots below the SE edge."
River access: Multiple sites provide direct water access for cooling off during summer months. At Scioto Grove, a recent visitor mentioned, "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."
Registration requirements: All Park and Pack sites require in-person registration. A camper advises, "Make sure you get a reservation at the kiosk by the ranger station in the forest. Do not go to the state park as that is completely different. For the forest office I go to Co Rd 939, Perrysville, OH 44864."
Limited accessibility: Only certain campsites accommodate those with mobility concerns. A visitor observed about Park and Pack Site 1, "This one does have a creek crossing after you leave the camp site. It was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it. This is because the trail is also the horse trail in the forest."
Water filtration considerations: Stream water requires treatment and may be affected by trail usage. One reviewer noted, "The water is muddy so I wouldn't creek at this spot but it does have easy water access. However, do be aware that horses are going through the water."
Choose accessible routes: Some paths are more suitable for children or those with limited hiking experience. A visitor recommended, "This is the easiest and safest to get to if you have any issues with mobility. It is almost a rails and trails walk into this campsite. I have a friend with mobility challenges and can walk on wide open trails."
Weekend scheduling: Scioto Grove has specific availability for family camping. A camper explained, "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!"
Educational opportunities: The water features provide natural learning environments. One family noted, "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore."
Water access points: Walhonding Hills Campground offers amenities not found at primitive sites. A long-term camper shared, "Wouldn't camp anywhere else. They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
Off-season considerations: Many RV sites close during winter months. According to Tee Pee Family Campground information, the facility operates seasonally from "May 1 to November 1," requiring winter campers to seek alternatives.
Space limitations: Commercial campgrounds may have tight configurations. One RVer at Tee Pee Campground noted, "Sites are close together. Our fire pit is less than 3 feet away from the next camper."
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