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Best Campgrounds in Ohio

3,216 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    Website

    $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 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    Website

    $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 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    Website
    +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

    59 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Perrysville, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Waynesville, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    Website
    +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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3216 Reviews of 663 Ohio Campgrounds

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2026

    Back 40 Campground

    Great park.

    Stayed over 4th of July. Place was packed. We only stayed two days but had to pay for three. We knew this going in, and I don't blame them for requiring a 3 day stay on holidays because they're just packed; and if you only booked two days , they would lose out on a day because nobody's going to take just one day. Was worth the extra $. As to the park, it is very nice. Clean, mowed and trimmed. Great roads. There are quite a few full timers and several that rent the same slots continously and stay only part time. Access is controlled by a gate and if you arrive after 10pm you'll have to park outside in overflow and walk to your camper. We did not find this to be a problem. Narrow driveway in and out of park, RVs can't pass each other so giving way is a must. Back 40 has many sites and is very popular with the locals Several are only elect and water, quite a few appear to be full hookup, but not sure how many are permanently rented. All Rigs in the park when we stayed were well kept up - no junk ones. Internet was overwhelmed while we were there due to too many users. However we had great 5G Verizon service. Owners and staff were great. Only 2 showers in each gender. They are a bit dated but generally clean and very usable. We really enjoyed our stay and would book again should we return. We didn't have time for investigating local sites, but the Muesum of the US Air Force is a one hr drive and VERY worth the trip. It will take you 6 or 7 hrs to see it all. Highly recommend this park.

  • Ravi G.
    Jul. 7, 2026

    The Caves Campground

    Dyrt didn't pay for reservation, no refund

    Caves is great campground. However they do not honor dyrt reservations. Had to pay at the campground. Sent email to dyrt, no reply. They owe me 400 dollars, and I have not heard back. Dyrt, if you honor, I will update this review- until then, DO NOT USE!!!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2026

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Easy layover

    Just staying here one night before moving on. We snagged one of the full hookup sites, B131. It has a nice open grassy area, picnic table, and Firepit with some mature trees, providing plenty of shade for this site. Although lots of campers on top of each other, being an end site gave us more room and privacy. We walked a trail along the water, to the beach. It was a nice well-maintained trail, and only a little over a mile to get to the beach.

  • A
    Jul. 6, 2026

    John Bryan State Park Campground

    Meh

    Our area was hilly and near impossible to find a flat spot for the tents. Sites were so close together that it was honestly interesting to figure out who’s fire pit was whose.

    Pit toilets and regular flush ones available.

    Not much to write home about

  • A
    Jul. 6, 2026

    Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    First time here

    Nice playground for kids, public trees all over but our site didn’t have private trees for hammocks.

    The lake was nice, had water snakes.

  • A
    Jul. 6, 2026

    Mohican Wilderness

    Return campers

    We return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.

    Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.

    Bathrooms are typically clean.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2026

    Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area

    Large Campground in the middle of nowhere

    Many sites on the lake. Old facilities. It eas humid and had rained (thunder storm). Quiet. Typical eastern usa camping with thick canopy of trees, mosquitoes. Site 80 was more open, and on a cul de sac. Gravel pad with a 2-3 degree slant. Lots of critters about.

  • Gregory B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2026

    Miami Whitewater Forest Campground

    Raccoons and Dirty Bathrooms

    We stayed at this campground and had several issues. Raccoons were a real problem—they kept trying to get into our tent, weren’t afraid of people, and caused a lot of havoc around the site. The showers and bathrooms were dirty, and the shower timer was frustratingly short at just 15 seconds. The campsites were also very small, which made the experience feel cramped.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Pastime Campground

    Drinking on the grounds

    The cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink

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?

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?

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?

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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