State parks and national forests surrounding Bremen, Ohio provide several options for tent camping in southeastern Ohio's rolling terrain. Zaleski State Forest, located about 45 miles south of Bremen, offers primitive tent-only camping along its backpacking trails with multiple loop options averaging 10 miles each. Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center provides established tent campsites closer to Bremen with basic amenities. Old Stone Church Campground in Shawnee features walk-in tent sites with pit toilets and trash collection. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area offers free primitive tent camping with minimal facilities.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with varying levels of site preparation. Zaleski's backcountry tent sites include access to communal well water and restrooms, though campers should bring toilet paper as it's not provided. Scioto Grove Metro Park offers reservable weekend-only backpacking sites with tent pads and fire rings where firewood is provided. Primitive tent camping areas like Monday Creek have vault toilets but no drinking water. Pops Place Camping provides rustic tent sites for $20 with access to clean porta-johns, showers with on-demand hot water, and drinking water from an outdoor spigot.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring the region's trail networks. According to reviews, Zaleski State Forest features "high quality trees, nice little hills, and cool rock formations," making it "a special place in Ohio" compared to the state's typically flat terrain. One camper noted that Scioto Grove's sites are "spacious" and located "right next to the Scioto River." At Zaleski, campsites fill quickly, especially on weekends, with Camp 2 being particularly popular as it sits at approximately the halfway point of the South Loop trail. Visitors to Monday Creek reported the area serves well as a stopover location with the "vaulted toilet and garbage cans a welcome bonus."
"Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren’t any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."
from $35 - $600 / night
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"I stayed there Aug 2024 and as of that date the rustic tent camping was $20. "
"We'd like to welcome Ed and Michelle to our platform. This prime location is 15 minutes from the National Park. On site drinking water and firewood available."
from $15 - $125 / night
"Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
"There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."
"Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."
"Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."
"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. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
from $40 - $125 / night
"Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
"Spent consecutive months at this location and couldn't have been happier with the host and accomodations. Great for that "far out" feel just outside of town."
"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."
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
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.
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
TravelerThis is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
ScoutIve camped here a few times in the kast few years and have really enjoyed it. They just put in a spigot to get water from. There is vault toilets. They cut down some brush to make a few trails that you can hike. This campground is surrounded by other free campgrounds in Jesse Owen's state Park but this is the only one that gets cell service. You are allowed to run generator.
Tent camping near Bremen, Ohio offers access to the forested hills of southeastern Ohio's Appalachian foothills, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet. The region receives approximately 42 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests with oak, hickory, and maple trees. Most primitive camping areas connect to trail systems that traverse the rolling terrain, with sites often situated on ridge tops or in protected valleys.
Mountain biking at Baileys Trail System: Located near Chauncey, about 40 miles south of Bremen, this trail network offers over 30 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails. At Baileys Trail Tent Camping, campers can stay within easy access of the trails. One visitor noted, "Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
Backcountry hiking: The region offers multiple backpacking loops of varying distances. Zaleski State Forest features a popular trail system with several loop options. A backpacker shared: "I only came here for a 2 day backpacking trip and it was kind of hard. I'm a backpacker and this was tough... The trail was about 19 miles and was definitely worth it because of the views."
Offroad vehicle trails: Dedicated OHV areas provide trail access for dirt bikes and ATVs. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area offers primitive campsites with access to trail networks. A visitor commented, "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites in this region. At Benton's on the Baileys, one reviewer mentioned, "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. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Even at more rustic sites, campers comment on maintained facilities. At Old Stone Church Campground, a visitor noted: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed... The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site."
Accessible water sources: The availability of drinking water at many sites is frequently mentioned. A camper at Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center shared: "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies greatly throughout the region. At Old Stone Church Campground, a camper reported: "I had good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good."
Weather considerations: The area experiences distinct seasons with humid summers and potentially muddy spring conditions. Pack appropriate gear for your season of travel.
Honor system fees: Several campgrounds operate on self-registration. A visitor to Old Stone Church Campground explained: "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."
Trail difficulty: The terrain in this area can be challenging. At Scioto-Grove Metro Park, a backpacker advised: "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working or going to be an issue."
Try beginner-friendly backpacking: Several areas offer shorter hiking distances to campsites. A Zaleski State Forest visitor shared: "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."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreational features. At Pops Place Camping, a camper 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."
Consider weekend limitations: Some parks have restricted camping schedules. A camper at Scioto-Grove Metro Park explained: "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime... Need to reserve online, books up very fast."
Small trailers work best: Most camping areas near Bremen accommodate smaller RVs rather than large rigs. At Old Stone Church Campground, a camper noted: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed."
Bring water supplies: Many primitive sites lack hookups. An RVer at Pops Place Camping mentioned: "There is a spigot on the outside of the shower house to get drinking water."
Consider generator policies: Check restrictions before arrival. The Monday Creek area has designated spots for various vehicle types, with one camper noting it's a "Primitive (off the grid)" location that's "My kinda place."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bremen, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bremen, OH is Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Bremen, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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