Wayne National Forest and Zaleski State Forest provide the primary tent campsites near Creola, Ohio. Located within the Appalachian foothills, these camping areas feature diverse terrain with elevation changes between 600-1,100 feet. Overnight temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs even in summer months, requiring campers to pack additional layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking the Baileys Trail System: Access this 88-mile trail network from Benton's on the Baileys, which sits adjacent to the trail system. "The hiking is decent, but seems like it heads into private property pretty quickly. It is not a long drive from Hocking Hills so that is a better bet for hiking," notes Emily M.
Explore historical sites: Visit the Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest for a glimpse into local railroad history. "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," shares James W.
Water activities: Lake Hope offers kayaking, canoeing and swimming opportunities near camping areas. "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. You can enjoy a day playing in the water, eating ice cream and sun bathing," suggests Kasey K.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Baileys Trail Tent Camping offers spacious sites with natural buffers. "Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves," writes Alex A.
Reliable water sources: The backpacking campsites at Zaleski feature dependable water access. "The campsites have privies, spigots for water, and a lot of different sites for different sized groups. Its a popular trail for a reason!" confirms Matt S.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Creola host diverse animal species. "We have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp in May 2018," shares Leon H. about his Zaleski State Forest experience.
What you should know
No phone service: Cell coverage is minimal or non-existent in many camping areas. "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!" warns Lani R.
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides basic facilities only. "Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," notes Kevin C., highlighting the minimal infrastructure.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings significant mud while summer increases insect activity. "Good trail and campsites had water, but it can get a little humid and buggy there," reports Nick M. about backpacking at Zaleski.
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate trails: Select routes matching children's abilities at Trothwood Forest, which offers shorter hiking options suitable for younger campers with access to drinking water and toilet facilities.
Plan for multiple stops: Break longer hikes into manageable segments with children. "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings," shares Renée C.
Watch for hazards: Be alert for poison ivy and ticks, particularly in warmer months. "Trails had lots of poison ivy & ticks present. We look forward to coming back & doing the remainder of the trail," continues Renée C. about their family backpacking experience.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Creola focuses on tent sites with few dedicated RV facilities. Hocking Vacations Campsites offers some RV-accessible options but requires advance reservations.
Plan for uneven terrain: Access roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. "We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location," notes Kevin C. about staying at Monday Creek OHV area.
Prepare for off-grid camping: Most sites lack hookups or amenities for larger vehicles. Bring all necessary supplies including drinking water as most dispersed camping areas near Creola don't provide potable water sources.