Best Tent Camping near New Lexington, OH
The Wayne National Forest near New Lexington, Ohio offers several primitive tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a back-to-nature experience. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area provides free tent sites with basic amenities, while Old Stone Church Trailhead and Old Stone Church Campground offer established tent sites within 15 miles of New Lexington. Pops Place Camping provides more developed tent sites with amenities like picnic tables and showers for those seeking a less primitive experience.
Tent sites throughout the region vary in terrain and accessibility. Most dispersed camping areas feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal site preparation. At Monday Creek OHV, campers reported finding "great stop over locations" with vault toilets and garbage cans as "welcome bonuses." The Old Stone Church areas offer both drive-in and walk-in tent camping options with some sites featuring fire rings. Access roads to primitive camping areas can become difficult after heavy rainfall, so high-clearance vehicles may be necessary during wet weather. Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some like Pops Place require reservations.
Areas farther from town provide deeper forest immersion and quieter camping experiences. Old Stone Church Trailhead features free tent sites in a well-marked area with roadside or below-road parking options. A visitor noted the area was "beautiful and nicely maintained." Tent campers at Monday Creek often use their sites as launching points for forest exploration, with multiple hiking trails accessible directly from camping areas. Most primitive tent sites in Wayne National Forest lack running water, so campers should bring adequate supplies. Cellular coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with some areas maintaining surprisingly strong signals despite the remote setting. Campfires are permitted at most sites when no fire bans are in effect, and campers should check current restrictions before their visit.







