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Best Campgrounds in Ohio

3,018 Reviews

Nestled between the Great Lakes and the Appalachian Mountains, Ohio offers a plethora of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Beautiful Lake Erie beaches give way to caves, escarpments, and waterfalls, so if you’re looking to go camping in Ohio, you’re bound to find the perfect spot!

Starting in the northern tip of the state, bordering Lake Erie, campers will find serene beaches and natural coves full of picturesque summertime fun. Kelley’s Island State Park, a 677-acre park on the northern tip of the island, offers campers year-round adventure. Unique natural history and geographical features make Kelley’s Island an excellent choice for camping in Ohio’s unique Great Lake region.

East Harbor State Park, another camper’s haven along the shores of Lake Erie, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, 10 miles of hiking trails, and three boat ramps make this amazing campground the perfect spot for avid outdoorsmen and family campers alike.

South of Lake Erie, near the border of West Virginia, campers will find Ohio’s famous Hocking Hills area. Stunning cliffs and waterfalls, deep hemlock forests, and world-famous caves make this area one of the most popular for year-round camping in Ohio. The most well known cave in the Hocking Hills is Old Man’s Cave, so named for hermit Richard Rowe who lived in the cave for 30 years after settling in the area around 1800. The Old Man’s Cave area provides trails along a breath-taking gorge, which was carved 150 feet into the sandstone by the waters of Old Man’s Creek.

Campgrounds located in the Hocking Hills and Old Man’s Cave areas provide unique opportunities for waterfall hikes, climbing, and canoeing along the Hocking River. The geologically unique Hocking Hills region offers up some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the state and the country.

From pristine Great Lake beaches to the rugged beauty of the Appalachians, let The Dyrt help you find the best camping in Ohio!

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Best Camping Sites in Ohio (623)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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

    77 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "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

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    Website

    "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

    64 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / 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

    53 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-4424

    "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. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / 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!"

    7. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    "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."

    8. Mohican State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Loudonville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 994-5125

    "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. "

    9. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "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! "

    10. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    "Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."

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Showing results 1-10 of 623 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos in Ohio

1045 Photos of 623 Ohio Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Ohio

3018 Reviews of 623 Ohio Campgrounds

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

What camping is available in Ohio?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ohio offers a wide range of camping options, with 623 campgrounds and RV parks in Ohio and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground in Ohio?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 109 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Ohio?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots in Ohio.

What are the best parks in Ohio?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 463 parks in Ohio that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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