Wayne National Forest surrounds Corning, Ohio with terrain elevations ranging from 650 to 1,100 feet, featuring a mix of hardwood forests and cleared areas. Tent camping options vary from primitive dispersed sites requiring self-sufficiency to more established campgrounds with basic facilities. Seasonal variations affect site conditions, with spring bringing muddy access roads and summer humidity levels often exceeding 80% in July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking: Access the Baileys Trail System from Benton's on the Baileys, which sits adjacent to this developing trail network. "This campsite is near the Baileys Bike System," notes Keith B., making it a strategic basecamp for cyclists.
Historical exploration: Visit Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest, approximately 18 miles southwest of Corning. A camper at Zaleski State Forest remarked, "I highly recommend taking the short connector trail on the south loop to cut over to the Moonville Rail Trail. We spent one afternoon hiking over to the Moonville Tunnel and it was one of the coolest parts of our four day trek."
Motorcycle touring: Use the paved roads near Pops Place Camping as a starting point for exploring scenic routes. "This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel. The owners are very nice people and helpful," shares David M.
Off-highway vehicle trails: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area provides direct access to designated OHV trails. Kevin C. reports, "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Walk-in tent sites at Baileys Trail Tent Camping require a short hike but reward with seclusion. "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," explains Emily M.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, Old Stone Church Campground maintains better-than-expected amenities. "The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site," notes Tammy F.
Common areas: Pops Place Camping features communal spaces beyond individual sites. A camper explains, "The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards."
Vaulted toilets: Basic but functional toilet facilities exist at dispersed sites like Monday Creek OHV. "Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," mentions Kevin C., highlighting practical amenities not expected at free sites.
What you should know
Camping fees: Prices vary by location and amenities. "As of August 2024 the rustic tent camping was $20" at Pops Place Camping, while campsite fee at Old Stone Church Campground "is $15 on the honor system" with a 50% discount for National Parks Golden Age or Access pass holders.
Water availability: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed and several other primitive sites lack potable water. Campers must bring their own supply, though some established sites have spigots. The Zaleski trail system provides reliable water at designated camps, with one user noting "water is available at 3 backpack camping areas."
Seasonal access: Spring often brings muddy conditions to unpaved access roads, particularly at dispersed sites. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, especially at free sites like Monday Creek OHV Dispersed.
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Pops Place Camping, a camper reported "good verizon cell service there, I did not expect it because of the location and hills in the area." At Old Stone Church Campground, "ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Baileys Trail Tent Camping and Pops Place Camping offer kid-friendly features. At Pops Place, "There is a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use."
Age-appropriate trails: Zaleski State Forest has routes suitable for children. "I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares Leon H., indicating its accessibility for younger hikers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can spot various forest creatures throughout the area. At Zaleski, one camper noted, "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp."
Water recreation: Lake Hope, near Zaleski, offers swimming options during summer months. "You can enjoy a day playing in the water, eating ice cream and sun bathing," though note that pets aren't permitted at the beach area.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Old Stone Church Campground, Tammy F. found "easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer" but noted that "each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
Utility options: Most sites near Corning offer primitive camping without hookups. RVers needing electric should check availability at Pops Place Camping, which has converted one cabin site to "a gravel pad for RV type camping with electric."
Charging options: When tent camping at sites with limited facilities, some campgrounds may accommodate device charging needs. At Pops Place, "If you are tent camping and need to charge your phone he has no problem with you using the electric outlet at the RV site if no one is there."
Parking constraints: Space for larger vehicles can be limited. At Old Stone Church Trailhead, "Parking can be on side of road or down below where campsites are," allowing different options based on vehicle size.
