Tent campsites near Laurelville, Ohio feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet throughout the region. The area receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions ideal for primitive camping. Weather patterns typically include warm summers with occasional thunderstorms and mild fall seasons that attract backpackers seeking foliage views.
What to do
Explore the Baileys Trail System: Located near Benton's on the Baileys, this trail network offers excellent biking opportunities. "This campsite is near the Baileys Bike System," notes Keith B., making it convenient for mountain bikers wanting quick access to trails.
Visit Lake Hope: A short drive from Zaleski State Forest, Lake Hope provides swimming, fishing and boat rentals. "You can dock a boat off lake hope and enjoy a day on the water, or rent a kayak or canoe at the local beach area right down the road. You can enjoy a day playing in the water, eating and ice cream and sun bathing," reports Kasey K.
Hike to Moonville Tunnel: This historic railroad tunnel makes an excellent day trip from camping areas. "I highly recommend taking the short connector trail on the south loop to cut over to the Moonville Rail Trail. We spent one afternoon hiking over to the Moonville Tunnel and it was one of the coolest parts of our four day trek," shares James W.
What campers like
Private, secluded campsites: Geneva Hills Camp offers tent sites with natural privacy buffers. "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," reports A B., highlighting the unexpected insect-free experience.
Water access at designated points: Zaleski backpackers appreciate the reliable water sources. "At each backpacking camp (3 in total) there is water and a toilet (nothing to wipe with) water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case," advises Lani R., suggesting filtration for better taste.
Well-marked trail systems: Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides clearly marked paths for novice backpackers. "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," writes Zach, noting the beginner-friendly setup.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While some tent camping areas near Laurelville require advance booking, others operate first-come, first-served. At Old Stone Church Campground, "Campsite fee is $15 on the honor system. If you have a National Park's Golden Age or Access pass, they honor a 50 percent discount," explains Tammy F.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies throughout the region. Some areas maintain connections while others are completely offline. "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!" cautions Lani R. about Zaleski State Forest.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Laurelville host diverse wildlife that campers might encounter. "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp in May 2018," reports Leon H., noting that rattlesnakes have been spotted on northern trails.
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate loop lengths: When backpacking with children, select shorter routes. "We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings," shares Renée C., adding "Our 8 year old did great & we saw lots of families camping."
Pack extra supplies: Benton's on the Baileys offers walk-in tent sites that require preparation. "You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private," notes Emily M., emphasizing the need to plan for the uphill trek.
Check for seasonal amenities: Facilities change throughout the year at many camping areas. "The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site. There may be more services during the height of the season," reports Tammy F.
Tips from RVers
Look for pull-through sites: RVers should seek specific accommodations. "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)," explains Tammy F. about camping at Old Stone Church.
Monitor road conditions: Access to campsites varies dramatically across the region. "Beautiful winding Ohio roads and landscapes out of this world," writes Kasey K., but notes these scenic routes can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Check for quiet hours enforcement: Some campgrounds experience variable noise levels. "Our only neighbors got a little... rowdy, but it was okay," reports Tammy F., suggesting that quiet hour enforcement might be inconsistent at certain locations.