Primitive tent camping near Dundee, Ohio offers several secluded options within the rolling hills of east-central Ohio. The area sits at elevations between 900-1200 feet with distinct seasonal temperature variations. Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency with limited facilities, though some provide basic amenities like fire rings and access to portable toilets.
What to do
Creek exploration: Park and Pack Campsite 3 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest features a stream crossing that creates opportunities for wading. "It was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it," notes one visitor about this site.
Sunset viewing: The elevated terrain provides excellent opportunities for sunset watching at several sites. One camper at Heritage Farms noted, "We stayed in a lean to and it was so much fun! The views from the camp spots are incredible."
ATV trails: For those seeking more adventure, some campgrounds feature motorized trail systems. At Walhonding Hills Campground, a visitor mentioned, "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
Cycling access: Connect to regional trails directly from camp. Rivers Edge Camping Area provides "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy available at certain locations. At Park and Pack Campsite 10 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest, one visitor shared, "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded."
Clean facilities: Basic but well-maintained amenities receive positive reviews. A camper at Rivers Edge Camping Area stated, "The porta potty in parking lot was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer! In the morning there were many runners in the park but they stayed away from the camping area."
Firewood service: Some campgrounds offer firewood delivery to your site. At Heritage Farms, a visitor appreciated that "They will bring the wood up to your campsite for you. You are able to buy some from them at other times (they have a sign on how to do so at each site) and they will drive it up again."
Holiday events: Special occasions feature additional activities at some campgrounds. "The 4th of July celebration is better than any other town fireworks I've ever seen," shared a seasonal camper at Walhonding Hills Campground.
What you should know
Registration requirements: Each camping area has specific check-in procedures. For Mohican-Memorial State Forest sites, "Make sure that you look for the red blazes on the trees at the start of the trail. I would recommend downloading the various bridle trails (Mohican) on the AllTrails app."
Site locations: Some campsites can be difficult to locate without proper directions. A visitor to Park and Pack Site 1 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest mentioned, "A well hidden campsite. We almost walked past it and didn't even know it. Toledo another hiker on the trail was still looking for it and never found it."
Trail conditions: Weather affects accessibility at many sites. "The trail itself is flat, wide and conditions depend on recent rainfall and horse use. It was mostly dry with some muddy areas to navigate around," noted a visitor to Park and Pack site #4.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly across the area. According to one camper at Mohican-Memorial State Forest, "I had limited cell phone signal while here but this had the best signal out of the 10 sites."
Tips for camping with families
Wagon-friendly sites: Some campgrounds offer equipment to help transport gear. At Heritage Farms, "Be prepared - you park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure."
Accessibility considerations: Certain sites are better suited for families with young children or mobility concerns. "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 visitor about Park and Pack Campsite 4.
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with open areas for children to play. One camper at Heritage Farms mentioned, "lots of room for kiddos to run wild," while another noted the campground is "a part of a 5th generation working farm. Both standard campsites and shelters are available and are scattered among a working Christmas Tree farm."
Weather preparation: Seasonal conditions can change quickly. "We ran into some unfortunate weather so didn't get the full experience," noted a visitor to Heritage Farms, who recommended considering sites with shelters during uncertain weather.
Tips from RVers
River access: Some sites provide water recreation opportunities near tent camping areas. One visitor to Mohican State Park Campground reported, "Probably the least done and most worth it item to do is the river. If you are in the park there are areas to walk up river and jump in with a tube and float back down to the camp areas and get out. River was COLD, but very nice in 90 degree heat."
Site selection: RV campers sometimes share facilities with tent campers. "Was at main Camp ground with RV's all around. Seemed pretty popular yet was quiet enough. People were very respectful and careful driving around as kids and families tend to walk/ride bikes around," reported a visitor to Mohican State Park.
Alternative options: When primitive sites are unavailable, established campgrounds provide backup options. "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."
