Campsites near Orient, Ohio range from 5 miles to 30 miles away, primarily in the central and south-central regions of the state. The area features a mix of forested terrain and open fields at elevations between 700-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, making late spring and early fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers access to a 2,120-acre reservoir where campers can fish for multiple species. "Great rv spots and even better tent/non electric spots... easy walk to fish or to campers beach... my sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes," notes Buck B.
Mountain biking trails: Alum Creek State Park Campground features dedicated mountain biking paths through forested areas. "Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," reports Catherine.
Water recreation: The campground beach at Alum Creek provides swimming access for campers separate from the main public beach. "There's a small beach within the campground, a bigger public beach a short drive away, hiking trails and campground events to enjoy," writes Catherine.
What Campers Like
Private, spacious sites: At A.W. Marion State Park Campground, the primitive section offers larger sites with natural separation. "This was our second weekend in a row at this campground. While we were here the weekend before, we decided that we wanted to camp on site #9. This site is probably the biggest in the primitive section," shares Cassandra C.
Quiet weekday camping: Buck Creek offers peaceful experiences during weekdays even in summer. "We camped here in our camper in early July 2017. The campground is clean and overall a good value. It was a busy weekend but not as loud as I figured it would be," notes Leon H.
Walkable access: Many campers appreciate the connectivity between camping areas and recreational features. At Buck Creek, one reviewer mentioned: "We also used the camper beach but to the left of it to launch our kayaks. Which was nice because you could back up to the pathway and park. Then drag your kayak down a short trail to the water."
What You Should Know
Bathroom facilities vary: Campgrounds in the region have inconsistent bathroom quality. At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, "There's outhouses with no running water but also a relatively new bath house with nice showers and toilets," according to Elana C.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds offer limited camping dates, like Scioto-Grove Metro Park. "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided. Some have log seating and some do not," notes Susan G.
Site privacy considerations: Site selection matters significantly for camping experience. At Jackson Lake Park, a camper advised: "We booked last minute on a holiday weekend and had like 2 options for a spot. I wasn't happy with our spot but again that's my own fault. I would definitely book ahead and look at the map to find a good spot. Some are very close to neighbors. Others are really nice."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Jackson Lake Park offers numerous kid-friendly amenities. "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," says Jess N.
Backpacking with kids: For families wanting to introduce children to backpacking, Scioto-Grove provides an ideal starter experience. "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," explains Zach.
Movies and activities: Some campgrounds organize regular entertainment. At Buck Creek, one camper noted: "Camp host on I think lot 71 or there about were great at keeping the activities going. Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!! And the kids loved it."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center offers basic sites with complete connections close to Columbus. "Over 300 sites, first come basis. Full hookups. Park on grass site, level. We like this kind of basic camping as we have a motorhome and use our own facilities," says Linda G.
Site leveling: When selecting the best places to camp near Orient, Ohio, RVers should consider terrain. At A.W. Marion, a camper observed: "A cold but sunny weekend in February at site #32. No other campers there for the weekend, but a lot of foot traffic. We stayed at site #31 in January and my husband thought this site was more level than #31."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds reduce services in winter. At A.W. Marion, one camper mentioned: "Only electric and vault toilets are available in the winter. You might scrunch your nose about the vault toilet, but they were kept very clean."
