The area surrounding Dillon Lake, Ohio features several tent-specific campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Baileys Trail Tent Camping and Monday Creek OHV Dispersed sites provide options for primitive tent camping within Wayne National Forest. The Old Stone Church Trailhead and Campground, approximately 25 miles southwest of Dillon Lake, offers additional tent camping opportunities with easy trail access.
Campers should note that most tent sites in the region require self-registration at trailheads or ranger stations. Sites typically feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly by location. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping provides free primitive tent camping with vault toilets and trash receptacles but no drinking water. One camper noted, "Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," highlighting the basic but appreciated facilities. Old Stone Church Campground charges a $15 fee on the honor system, with a 50% discount for National Parks pass holders.
Tent camping experiences near Dillon Lake offer relative seclusion compared to more developed areas. The majority of tent sites feature tree cover and natural settings, particularly at the walk-in locations. Tent-specific camping areas like Baileys Trail provide a "far out" feel while remaining accessible from nearby towns. In early fall, many tent campsites offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer months. Most walk-in tent locations require carrying gear short distances from parking areas, with Old Stone Church Campground featuring pull-through sites that can accommodate tents. Hikers appreciate the proximity to trail networks, with several campgrounds positioned strategically near popular hiking routes in Wayne National Forest.
"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
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
"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."
"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
"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
"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."
"The sunset photo is by the entrance of the parking lot to the campsite. This is the 2nd easiest campsite to walk into out of the 10. "
"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."
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.
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideThis is the cleanest park we've ever used! The bathroom is tidy; the showers are roomy and convenient to use. There is a nice playground for younger kids as well as a pickleball court and basketball court for teens and adults. There also is a pleasant hiking trail. We stayed in Site 42, a concrete site, which was fantastic for my spouse's mobility issues. The sites are not super spaced apart, but, with the graduated elevation, we didn't feel smashed together. We visited Amish Country to absorb the beautiful fall scenery, to shop at local stores, and to relax by a campfire in the evening . The campground was perfect for us. If you're seeking a wilderness adventure , this park is not for you .
ScoutCould not ask for a better site. Absolutely beautiful setting. A nice small lake for fishing, and a perfect shallow stream for kids to play in, running right by the sites. The pool house and facilities are spotlessly clean. On top of that, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We even needed a jumpstart for our truck when we were towing the camper out on a rainy Monday morning and someone came around to help. 100% will come back and 100% would recommend to anyone.
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
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.
Tent campsites near Dillon Lake offer varied experiences across Wayne National Forest and surrounding areas. Most sites operate from April through October, with early fall providing mild 60-70°F daytime temperatures. Primitive camping options require self-sufficiency with water and supplies, while established campgrounds balance accessibility with natural settings.
Mountain biking access: Benton's on the Baileys provides direct access to the Baileys Trail System, perfect for mountain bikers seeking convenient trail access. One reviewer confirmed this advantage: "This campsite is near the Baileys Bike System."
Motorcycle touring: Pops Place Camping serves as an excellent base for motorcycle enthusiasts. A camper noted: "This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel. The owners are very nice people and helpful."
Hammock camping options: Park and Pack Campsite 10 offers multiple hammocking spots for those who prefer suspended sleeping. A reviewer explained: "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded."
Clean facilities: Despite its remote location, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed maintains basic but appreciated amenities. A camper mentioned: "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
Private camping experiences: Geneva Hills offers secluded tent sites despite being near popular attractions. A reviewer appreciated: "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."
Self-registration convenience: Old Stone Church Campground uses an honor system for payment. As one camper explained: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website). Campsite fee is $15 on the honor system."
Reservation requirements: Different campgrounds have varied registration processes. For Park and Pack sites, one camper advised: "Make sure you get a reservation at the kiosk by the ranger station in the forest. Do not go to the state park as that is completely different."
Campsite verification: Always verify site availability upon arrival. A camper warned: "Make sure you get a reservation and look closely at the board at the kiosk. Our main camper at this site was gracious as he had booked the site for the week."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. At Old Stone Church Campground, one camper reported: "I had good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good."
Recreational amenities: Walhonding Hills Campground offers family-friendly facilities beyond just camping. A seasonal camper shared: "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
Playground access: Pops Place Camping provides recreational options for children. A reviewer noted: "The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards."
Holiday celebrations: Some campgrounds host special events for families. At Walhonding Hills, a camper mentioned: "The 4th of July celebration is better than any other town fireworks I've ever seen."
Pull-through accessibility: Old Stone Church Campground accommodates smaller trailers. A camper detailed: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Dillon Lake have minimal RV amenities. A camper at Old Stone Church noted: "The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site."
Alternative options: Baileys Trail Tent Camping primarily serves tent campers but offers exceptional amenities. A visitor was impressed: "Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dillon Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dillon Lake is Pops Place Camping with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dillon Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Dillon Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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