Tent camping near Coshocton, Ohio provides access to east-central Ohio's mixed hardwood forests and tributary streams of the Muskingum River watershed. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level and typical summer highs of 85°F with moderate humidity. Seasonal creek water levels in this area fluctuate dramatically, with many crossings becoming impassable during spring rains but easily manageable during summer months.
What to do
Creek exploration: Mohican-Memorial State Forest offers several designated Park and Pack sites along creeks with water levels that typically remain manageable during summer months. According to one camper, "It had plenty of space for tents and hammocks. It was close enough to hang out by the creek if you wanted." Creek crossing conditions vary seasonally with most being "ankle high" in summer, providing natural water play areas.
Trail system connections: The bridle trail networks throughout Mohican offer connections between camping areas and longer hiking routes. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, campers have "great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit." This location sits adjacent to the Towpath Trail, providing miles of flat hiking or biking opportunities.
Basketball and yard games: For families seeking built-in activities, Pops Place Camping provides on-site recreational options. A recent visitor 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."
What campers like
Free primitive options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate that tent camping opportunities near Coshocton include no-cost sites. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, these "campsites seem to be the best kept secret" and are "specifically designed for hikers/cyclists. Camping is dispersed in a small grassy field and is FREE! There is room for maybe 6-8 small backcountry tents."
Varied terrain difficulty: Park and Pack Campsite 10 in Mohican-Memorial State Forest provides accessible backcountry options. One camper reported, "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." This moderate distance makes the site accessible while still providing seclusion.
Clean portable facilities: Even at rustic tent camping locations, facilities receive regular maintenance. At Pops Place Camping, which costs $20 for tent sites, a camper noted "The porta john and shower were very clean. The shower uses an on demand water heater." Similarly, at Rivers Edge, visitors found "the porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer!"
What you should know
Registration requirements: Most free tent sites in Mohican-Memorial Forest require proper registration despite being first-come, first-served. A regular camper advises, "Make sure you register for your site and do not camp illegally. It is an issue here and they are looking to make sure folks did register at the kiosk at the ranger station." The registration kiosk is located at 950 ODNR Mohican Road 60 (County Road 939), Perrysville, Ohio.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Old Stone Church Campground, one camper reported "good 4G ATT service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good." However, at Mohican sites, "Cell phone coverage with Verizon was very limited out here. Download your maps before you go."
Potential site occupancy issues: During peak seasons, unauthorized camping can occur. One camper at Park and Pack Site 10 reported, "I went to the kiosk, and happily discovered no one was at this site, which was my preferred site. I triple-checked. But when I got there, there were about 10 men, in 4-5 tents already set up. I went back and checked the kiosk, and they were not registered."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Families with children should consider accessibility when selecting primitive tent sites. At Walhonding Hills Campground, families can find amenities that appeal to children: "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well. The 4th of July celebration is better than any other town fireworks I've ever seen."
Look for nearby facilities: When tent camping with children, proximity to restrooms matters. At Mohican State Park Campground, "You're never far from a restroom no matter where you are. They have a very nice campground store and a pool that wasn't open for the season yet when we were there. It's the kind of campground that you never need to leave if you don't want to."
Consider beginner-friendly options: For families new to tent camping, certain sites offer easier introductions to primitive camping. In Mohican-Memorial Forest, "Park and pack site #4... is a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day. Or if you're a beginner camper, or family that want to try something new, it's easy to walk into and out of."
Tips from RVers
Paved pull-through options: RV campers looking for convenient tent camping near Coshocton can find accommodating sites at Mohican State Park Campground. One camper noted, "We did like the paved pull-through site and were close to the river. Electric was good and people were friendly. Bathrooms close to all campsites." This provides a good option for RVers who want family members to experience tent camping.
Gravel access considerations: Road conditions to some campgrounds may challenge larger vehicles. At Pops Place Camping, a visitor observed, "Of note for motorcyclists is that the road the campground is on is paved (good riding to the north of it) and the campground drive is decent gravel for street bikes." The site also offers "a gravel pad for RV type camping with electric."
Honor system payment: Some campgrounds operate on self-registration systems. At Old Stone Church Campground, "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." This system allows for after-hours arrival but requires having correct payment ready.
