Tent campsites near Galloway, Ohio offer wilderness experiences within driving distance of Columbus. These sites provide varied terrain from riverside locations to open meadows with hiking opportunities ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging backcountry experiences. Operating seasons typically run from April through October, with most locations closing during winter months due to weather conditions.
What to do
River activities: At Greene County Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, campers can kayak or canoe on the Little Miami River. "I went with a buddy for a one night stay. Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities," reports Logan.
Test backpacking gear: Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a short trail system perfect for gear testing. "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit, besides that they're totally primitive," shares Zach.
Explore local trails: Multiple hiking options exist around Constitution County Park with access to the Little Miami. "The park overall is nice, just a little small. Perfect if you want to camp alone or with a small party of six. It runs right next to the little Miami," notes Camden H.
Visit nearby towns: Spring Valley sits across from Constitution County Park and provides a change of pace from camping. "The little town across the way is a fun site to see and quiet," explains a camper who appreciated the small-town atmosphere.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Some sites at Scioto Grove provide notable privacy. "Need to reserve online, books up very fast. Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn't see a single person," notes Anna S.
Riverside camping: Waters Edge Canoe Livery offers creek access directly from campsites. "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go," reports Jonathan W.
Meadow setting: Narrows Reserve provides open meadow camping with river access. "Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade. There was two fire pits provided within the meadow but enough space for quite a few tents," explains Chelsie B.
Single-site camping: Some locations offer exclusive use of the entire camping area. Camden H. notes about Constitution County Park, "There is only one site to camp at, so you won't have to worry about other campers the park is all yours."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. A Scioto Grove camper noted, "It is a tricky site to reserve as they only do it for a short season and in that season two weekend a month to avoid over use."
Walk-in access: Several sites require hiking with gear. "The primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot," mentions a Narrows Reserve camper, highlighting the need to pack efficiently.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites offer basic facilities only. "You will need to bring in the water that you will need for cooking and cleaning during your stay," advises a camper about Jacoby Road Canoe Launch.
Weather considerations: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions, while summer can be hot with limited shade at several sites. "Meadow provides no shade," notes a Narrows Reserve visitor, important for summer planning.
Tips for camping with families
Short backpacking options: Scioto Grove offers accessible backpacking for beginners. "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working," notes Kenpocentaur K.
River features for kids: Several parks offer child-friendly water features. "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," says Karen K. about Scioto Grove.
Shorter stays for beginners: For first-time family camping, consider a single night. "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," suggests Neal C.
Tips from RVers
Alternative lodging options: For those seeking more amenities than tent camping provides, Geneva Hills Camp offers multiple accommodation types. "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," reports A B.
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some sites. "The road is extremely near and you can hear every car driving by," notes Camden H. about Constitution County Park, important for light sleepers.
Off-peak timing: Visit on weekdays when possible. Daniel G. mentions about Constitution County Park, "It's a nice stop for anyone on the river," with fewer visitors during non-peak periods.