Tent camping near Delaware Lake offers primitive backcountry experiences within an hour's drive of Columbus. The area features several dispersed camping options in forested terrain at elevations averaging 1,000 feet. Seasonal changes affect camping conditions, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the mid-80s and spring camping often requiring preparation for mud and moisture.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Tent camping at Scioto Grove Metro Park connects to several hiking options. "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore. Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons," notes Karen K.
River activities: Camp near water access points for fishing or wading. "Need to reserve online, books up very fast. Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn't see a single person," shares Anna S. about her Scioto Grove experience.
Test backpacking gear: Use shorter hiking distances to practice with equipment. At Mohican Memorial State Forest, a visitor noted: "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."
What campers like
Creek proximity: Several tent sites feature water access. At Park and Pack Campsite 3, one camper described, "A well hidden campsite. We almost walked past it and didn't even know it... This one does have a creek crossing after you leave the camp site. It was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it."
Weekend availability: Limited scheduling makes securing sites competitive. One Scioto Grove visitor mentioned, "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I'm sure it's pretty and all, but it's hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio! Oh well, rest stops always work for car camping."
Natural seclusion: Sites provide varying levels of privacy. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, a reviewer shared, "The whole area is beautiful and scenic. I'd like to head back in the fall and or winter to enjoy the view of the gorge in different seasons. The site is fairly remote, we only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail."
What you should know
Registration requirements: Each camping area has specific check-in procedures. At Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1, a camper advised: "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. It is currently a clip board system."
Limited amenities: Primitive sites lack facilities. "The Park and Pack camp sites do not have a bathroom. As you can see from this site I took the time to take a picture of the moon pole. So do leave no trace of your bathroom habits," explains one Mohican visitor.
Weather considerations: Expect variable conditions. "The bridge was a lot of fun but I did slip on it in the rain as it was hard to get traction on the wood," reported a Scioto Grove camper.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection factors: Choose campsites based on hiking distance and terrain. "This is the easiest and safest to get to if you have any issues with mobility. It is almost a rails and trails walk into this campsite," reports a camper about Park and Pack Campsite 4.
Water crossings awareness: Some sites require stream navigation. "You do have to cross a stream to get to it," warns a camper about Campsite 3. This matters when camping with younger children.
Space requirements: Group size affects site suitability. A visitor to Campsite 10 noted, "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site closures: Check availability before arrival. A visitor to Mohican warned: "THE FREE CAMPING IS CLOSED!!!!!! We went to the location of the office to fill out a slip for the free camping sites and they are all closed now. We ended up staying at the state park campground for 33$ which is not too bad."
Pond recreation: Some developed campgrounds offer water activities. At Tee Pee Family Campground, a camper mentioned: "The pond was fantastic. Has a large inflatable slide and a dock that you can jump off of in the middle. Kids loved it."
Quiet zones: Research noise levels. "This campground consists of a lot of permanent sites and a LOT of golf carts going around all throughout the day," notes one Tee Pee visitor.
