Tent campsites near Kingston, Ohio sit within a region of rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests spanning parts of Ross and Pickaway counties. Most camping opportunities exist within a 30-mile radius of Kingston, where elevations range from 650 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months of May through September.
What to do
Creek exploration: Waters Edge Canoe Livery offers kayak and canoe rentals for visitors seeking water activities. According to one camper, it's a "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."
Trail riding: Benton's on the Baileys provides access to the Baileys Trail System, making it ideal for mountain bikers. A reviewer notes it's "near the Baileys Bike System" and offers "11+ acres of outdoor bliss" with sites "surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System."
Backpacking test runs: Scioto Grove Metro Park features short backpacking trails perfect for beginners or gear testing. A camper explains, "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."
Overnight hiking: Zaleski State Forest offers multi-day backpacking options with designated camps. "I have backpacked the trails here since the 1980s. More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares one experienced hiker. "The terrain has many climbs and descents and takes you along ridges, through valleys, and along forest floors."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many camping areas near Kingston feature secluded spots surrounded by trees. At Benton's on the Baileys, campers appreciate that it's "tucked out of the way" with sites that are "very private and quiet," though "you have to walk to the site, up a steep hill."
Water access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to streams or rivers. At Scioto Grove Metro Park, campers can reserve "spaces to backpack along the REI water trail" with "site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park."
Low foot traffic: The Kingston area offers good opportunities for solitude. One camper at Scioto Grove mentioned they "didn't see a single person" at their riverside site, while another noted they picked "the further out sites of 6 as less foot traffic by park visitors."
Amenities at primitive sites: Even rustic camping areas typically provide basic needs. At Geneva Hills Camp, one visitor reported, "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the Kingston area require advance booking. At Scioto Grove, "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."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet access varies by location. At Zaleski State Forest, "there is water and a toilet (nothing to wipe with)" at backpacking camps, so "bring toilet paper." Benton's on the Baileys has "bathrooms down the hill too, but very clean and private."
Water sources: Quality differs across campgrounds. At Zaleski, "water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case," while others note the water is "good and I have never seen them dry."
Trail difficulty: Some hiking routes present challenges. At Zaleski, "the trail was about 19 miles and was definitely worth it because of the views" but can be "kind of hard" with "a lot of ups & downs."
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly loops: For family outings, select shorter trail options. One parent reports, "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great."
Look for kid-friendly features: Some areas have special attractions for children. Near Kingston, "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."
Watch for wildlife opportunities: The region offers chances to spot various animals. A camper at Zaleski shared, "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp."
Plan for trail hazards: Be aware of potential concerns when hiking with children. "Trails had lots of poison ivy & ticks present" at Zaleski, though many families still enjoyed camping there as "our 8 year old did great & we saw lots of families camping."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV camping near Kingston typically offers minimal services. While Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center accommodates RVs, most sites are primitive with no electric, water, or sewer connections.
Site access considerations: RV campers should check access roads before arrival. Many campgrounds near Kingston have narrow, winding roads that may challenge larger vehicles, and several require walk-in access to actual campsites.
Consider mixed accommodations: Some locations offer both RV sites and cabins. Geneva Hills provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options, giving families flexibility in their camping arrangements.
