Best Tent Camping near Laurelville, OH
Tent campsites in the Laurelville, Ohio area offer a mix of established grounds and primitive backcountry options, with several sites concentrated in the nearby Zaleski State Forest. This southeastern Ohio region provides tent campers access to forested hills, creek proximity, and varying levels of seclusion. Geneva Hills Camp, located north of Laurelville, and Zaleski State Forest, situated approximately 20 miles southeast, are primary destinations for tent camping enthusiasts seeking natural settings.
The tent-only areas within Zaleski State Forest feature multiple backcountry sites connected by well-blazed hiking trails. Campsites include basic amenities such as pit toilets, potable water from spigots, and established fire rings. Most sites have dirt or forest floor surfaces with minimal grading. Many locations require walk-in or hike-in access, with backpackers needing to carry all supplies between 2-5 miles to reach designated camping areas. A visitor commented that "the campsites have privies, spigots for water, and a lot of different sites for different sized groups."
Sites throughout the region offer varying levels of shade and seclusion, with many nestled within mixed hardwood forests. The terrain features moderate hills with numerous rock formations, providing scenic backdrops for overnight stays. Walk-in tent sites at Zaleski are particularly popular among backpackers following the forest's loop trail system, which covers approximately 10-20 miles depending on route selection. Most primitive tent campgrounds become busier on weekends, but midweek visitors often find solitude even during peak summer months. A camper wrote that Zaleski offers "wonderful overnight backpack trips for our family" with "several loop sections so you can easily plan various trips accordingly." Tent campers should note that while established sites have access to water, bringing filtration systems is advisable for extended stays.