Tent camping near Galena, Ohio offers primitive sites across elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet with seasonal temperatures varying from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Located within the rolling hills of central Ohio, camping options include backpacking sites that require hikes ranging from 0.3 to 3/4 mile from designated parking areas, with most requiring campers to carry in all supplies including water.
What to do
Creek exploration: Park and Pack Campsite 2 provides direct access to a clear, cool creek that's ankle deep during normal conditions. One camper noted, "This site was one of my favorites as it was right by the creek. The creek was clear and cool. It was also far enough away that I wouldn't be constantly worried about it."
Backpacking practice: Scioto Grove Metro Park features a short trail system ideal for testing gear. As one camper shared, "Nice park. You can reserve spaces to backpack along the rei water trail and stay the night to test gear. Not huge, no crazy obstacles but great for last minute trips close to the city."
Trail hiking: The wooded paths connect various campsites with color-coded blazes marking different routes. Refer to downloadable maps before arrival as a camper advised, "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. The paper map provided at the trail head was missing some information."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Park and Pack Campsite 10 sits approximately 3/4 mile from parking areas, offering separation from crowds. A camper mentioned, "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."
Rope bridge crossings: Some park areas feature wooden bridges that add adventure to the hike. According to a visitor, "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."
Firewood provisions: Several sites provide wood for fires, eliminating the need to gather or transport your own. A reviewer said, "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided. Some have log seating and some do not."
What you should know
Registration process: Park and Pack Campsite 3 and other forest sites require in-person registration. "After getting to the Ranger kiosk everything was pretty self explanatory. I stayed at Campsite 3, which was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it."
Water crossings: Many sites require crossing small streams that can vary in depth seasonally. A visitor explained, "This was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it. This is because the trail is also the horse trail in the forest. The water is muddy so I wouldn't creek at this spot but it does have easy water access."
Cell coverage limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no service. One camper reported, "I had limited cell phone signal while here but this had the best signal out of the 10 sites," while another noted, "No cell phone service for Verizon at this time."
Tips for camping with families
Mobility considerations: Some sites are more accessible than others for those with mobility limitations. A camper advised, "If you have any mobility issues this is the second best camp site to go to as most of it is along the wide access road and mountain bike trail."
Navigation challenges: Trail markers can be confusing, especially when arriving after dark. A family noted, "We wondered around for like an hour walking a random trail in the dark and not finding anything. Finally we got online and found a handy dandy pic with the location of all the sites and trailheads."
Weekend camping only: Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center provides alternative options with more amenities. "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."
Tips from RVers
Trail access proximity: Walhonding Hills Campground offers both tent and RV sites with access to recreational trails. One 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."
Limited parking for larger vehicles: Forest campsites have restricted parking areas that may be challenging for RVs. A camper observed, "The last 1/4 mile of the road is pretty rutted, so if you have a low profile vehicle you may need to park at the lower area (which isn't much of a parking area and the Rangers don't really want anyone parking there)."
Seasonal closures: Always check if sites are open before planning a trip. One disappointed camper reported, "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."
