J
Joe B.
Scout
ScoutPastime Campground
Drinking on the grounds
The cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink
Best Campgrounds in Ohio
Ohio state parks offer a range of developed campgrounds with diverse accommodation types, from tent sites to cabin rentals. Popular options include Hocking Hills State Park and Mohican State Park, which maintain well-rated campgrounds with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Most state park campgrounds provide RV-friendly sites with water and electric connections, while select locations such as West Branch, East Harbor, and Mohican state parks feature cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more comfort. These established campgrounds typically include fire rings, restroom facilities, and reservable sites.
Many Ohio campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect facility availability and camping conditions. "After a few years of trying, I finally got into Mohican State Park. The campground itself is very well laid out. It's long and just a few rows deep with trees throughout, so you don't feel over crowded," noted one camper who visited in spring. Reservation systems operate for most developed sites, with popular locations filling quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods. State park campgrounds generally feature good road access suitable for most vehicles, though some primitive camping areas may require higher clearance. Alcohol is permitted at most campgrounds, and pet policies vary by location. Weather patterns in Ohio bring humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and cold winters that limit camping comfort without proper gear.
The campground experience varies significantly across the state, with waterfront locations receiving particularly strong reviews. Sites at East Harbor, Caesar Creek, and Alum Creek state parks provide water access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campers consistently rate facilities at Mohican State Park Campground among the highest in the state for their layout and amenities. According to a visitor at Caesar Creek State Park, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly. Camp sites are spacious." Privacy levels differ between campgrounds, with more wooded sites offering better separation between neighbors. Several reviewers mentioned the importance of shade coverage during hot summer months, with tent-only areas at some parks like Harrison Lake State Park providing relief from direct sun. Full-hookup sites tend to be more closely spaced than standard electric or non-electric options.
Best Camping Sites in Ohio (663)
1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
109 ReviewsSouth Bloomingville, OHWebsite$20 - $70 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
2. Alum Creek State Park Campground
80 ReviewsLewis Center, OHWebsite+1 (740) 548-4039$23 - $70 / night
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
3. West Branch State Park Campground
66 ReviewsRavenna, OHWebsite$30 - $52 / night
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."
"Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"
4. East Fork State Park Campground
65 ReviewsConcord, OHWebsite+1 (513) 734-2730$39 - $52 / night
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
"Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."
5. East Harbor State Park Campground
58 ReviewsKelleys Island, OHWebsite+1 (419) 734-4424$31 - $90 / night
"A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."
"this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"
6. Mohican State Park Campground
48 ReviewsPerrysville, OHWebsite+1 (419) 994-5125$27 - $220 / night
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
"The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors. "
7. Caesar Creek State Park Campground
49 ReviewsWaynesville, OHWebsite+1 (937) 488-4595$39 - $52 / night
"There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"
"We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"
8. Maumee Bay State Park Campground
44 ReviewsOregon, OHWebsite+1 (419) 836-7758$41 - $56 / night
"Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."
"This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "
9. Hueston Woods State Park Campground
46 ReviewsCollege Corner, OHWebsite+1 (513) 523-6347$27 - $100 / night
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
"It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state. We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."
10. Findley State Park Campground
45 ReviewsWellington, OHWebsite+1 (440) 647-0534$29 - $52 / night
"Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."
"Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."
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Recent Reviews in Ohio
3208 Reviews of 663 Ohio Campgrounds
- KKrystle S.Scout
Scioto-Grove Metro Park
Amazing, Friendly
Easy to make reservation, easy to check in and very friendly staff
Chanda J.ScoutHarris RV Park
A Peaceful, No‑Frills Gem on the Ohio River
I spent 28 nights at this laid‑back little campground from late May through June, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of no‑frills spot I love. Every site is a pull‑through, long enough for just about any rig and tow vehicle, with a simple grass‑and‑gravel setup that only needed minimal leveling. There’s no shade, so be ready for full sun, but the tradeoff is wide‑open views—especially if you snag sites 11 or 12, which overlook the river beautifully. Hookups were solid across the board: 30/50 amp electric, normal water pressure, and full sewer. Connectivity was fantastic, which made working remotely a breeze. Starlink ran between 250–300 Mbps, Verizon had five bars. I didn’t have a single issue streaming, attending meetings, or getting work done. Amenities are basically nonexistent—no bathrooms, no showers, no pool, and the laundry across the street was closed the entire month I stayed. But honestly, the price reflects that, and I wasn’t paying for extras I didn’t need. Pets are welcome, though there’s no dog park, and families might find it a bit dull since there’s nothing for kids to do. For me, the simplicity was part of the charm. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, with moderate road noise from Route 7 and occasional train and barge traffic along the Ohio River. I actually enjoyed the sounds—they added character. There’s also a nearby church whose bells I found lovely. Most of the other campers were long‑term workers who kept to themselves and were consistently respectful. I rarely saw anyone, which made the whole stay feel peaceful and private. The location is great if you need essentials: gas, ice cream, a post office, and even the occasional food truck. Scenic views and parks are close by, and I stayed here mainly because my family lives nearby and I’ve always loved the area. The staff made the experience even better. Paul greeted me when I arrived, helped me pick a great site, and even assisted with unhooking. Max, the owner, stopped by on the weekend with a packet of local attractions and chatted for a bit. Both were incredibly friendly and welcoming. As for pros, the location, views, and price are hard to beat. The cons are pretty mild—no trees to buffer the road noise and sites that could be a bit roomier—but nothing that ruined the stay. Remote workers, vacationers, and anyone craving a quiet retreat will feel right at home here. My work‑from‑RV score was excellent across connectivity, noise, and comfort, and I’d absolutely work remotely here again. In the end, I genuinely loved my time at this campground. The owner and manager were wonderful, the grounds were well maintained, and the no‑frills vibe fit me perfectly. I fully plan to make this a regular summer stop.
- Marsha S.
TravelerDeer Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful State Park & Campground
My favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities.
- Marsha S.Traveler
East Harbor State Park Campground
Really Nice State Park!
The campground is very nice with clean facilities, activities and nice sites (especially in areas A and B). If you are there in June, expect Mayflies. No big deal, just be prepared. My only negative is the beach could have been a bit cleaner.
- ssusan F.
GuidePunderson State Park Campground
Does the job
This campground has a ton to do - a beach for swimming, kayaking, archery, hiking and more. The tent sites are tucked back from the campground road, but the camper sites are fairly close together. Our site was not level. There were a few other issues, including lack of TO in the women’s bathroom and a gate at the back of the park (near the group site) that was left open - right off of a public road.
Susan A.GuideMosquito Lake State Park Campground
Discriminate against car camping
I've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
- KKarolina M.Traveler
Punderson State Park Campground
Beautiful and clean
Great camp ground in a state park. Green, spacious, clean, quiet. Great opportunities for bike riding, walking, paddle boarding and fishing. Clean bathrooms with showers with hot water.
- Kimberly N.Guide
Clay's Resort Jellystone Park
Overpriced under managed. Great potential.
I have to agree with all the other reviews. It’s a great facility with a ton of potential it just seems poorly managed. The sites are not up to par with other campgrounds in the same price bracket nationwide. The staff does not have great attitudes and are put off being asked to assist. They say no scooters or electric bikes but there’s a thousand golf carts flying around because realistically it’s not a walkable park. They would benefit from a tram or trolley on busy weekends to go from camping areas to activities. Check-in was rough after hours especially trying to navigate to find your site is extremely difficult. We drug a few trees across the top of our unit. We were originate to have friends take us to our spot or we would not have found it until morning. Underwhelmed for the $180/night camp spot.
Guide to Ohio
Camping in Ohio offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, Ohio's campgrounds have something for you.
What to do
- Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are near lakes and hiking trails. For example, at Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and mountain biking. One camper mentioned, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails, live music select evenings, etc.”
- Family Activities: Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping have playgrounds and swimming areas. A visitor shared, “There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole.”
- Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, “We saw deer, heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night - really cool.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A review from Mohican State Park Campground stated, “Restrooms and showers clean and sanitary.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large sites with plenty of space. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Findley State Park Campground said, “Park Staff was great and very friendly.”
What you should know
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, “The constant road noise and insane amount of small plane traffic is extremely annoying.”
- Site Selection: Not all sites are created equal. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites are shaded, which is nice, but pretty close together.”
- Limited Amenities: Some parks may lack certain amenities. A camper at Mount Gilead State Park Campground pointed out, “The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campbell Cove Camping has a great playground and swimming area, making it perfect for kids.
- Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet, check reviews for noise levels. One camper at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, “No party people very family friendly.”
- Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Mohican Adventures Campground said, “You can ride your bike from Mohican Adventures Campground into downtown Loudonville without going on any roads.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground noted, “Some of them do hold water in the bottom inside loop of section A.”
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A review from A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The only downfall I saw is that it is not full hook up in most spots.”
- Be Prepared for Weather: Some campgrounds can get muddy. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground warned, “If rain is predicted, the place turns into a complete mudpit.”
Camping in Ohio offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make camping reservations in Ohio state parks?
How do I make camping reservations in Ohio state parks?
Ohio state park camping reservations can be made online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or by calling 866-OHIOPARKS. Reservations typically open 6 months in advance, and booking early is recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one of Ohio's larger campgrounds, you'll need to check in at the registration office upon arrival. When visiting Pymatuning State Park Campground and other popular parks, be prepared for potentially longer check-in lines during peak season. Some parks offer first-come, first-served sites, but these are limited. Have your vehicle information, intended length of stay, and payment method ready when making reservations.
Where can I find good fishing spots near Ohio campgrounds?
Where can I find good fishing spots near Ohio campgrounds?
Wolf Run State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with campsites that wrap around the lake, providing easy water access. Campers note that the water is clearer than many Ohio lakes, making it ideal for fishing. East Fork State Park Campground is another great option with a 2,160-acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish. Additional fishing destinations include Caesar Creek State Park (known for its muskie fishing), the Ohio River access points near Shawnee State Forest, and the various ponds at Mohican State Park. Most Ohio state park campgrounds with lakes offer boat rentals and fishing docks. Remember to obtain an Ohio fishing license before your trip, available online or at local bait shops.
What are the best state park campgrounds in Ohio?
What are the best state park campgrounds in Ohio?
Ohio offers excellent state park camping options with diverse amenities. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is highly regarded for its lake access, convenient location between Cincinnati and Columbus, and recent improvements. Many campers find autumn the perfect season to visit. Harrison Lake State Park Campground in northwest Ohio stands out for its unusually spacious, level sites compared to other Ohio state parks. Other noteworthy options include Alum Creek with its beautiful wooded sites, East Harbor along Lake Erie, and Mohican State Park with excellent hiking trails. Most Ohio state parks offer clean facilities, water access, and a variety of recreational activities, though amenities and site privacy can vary considerably between parks.
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