Dispersed camping options near Lithopolis, Ohio include several primitive sites within Wayne National Forest, particularly in the Monday Creek OHV area where vault toilets and trash facilities are available but no drinking water. Temperatures in this region typically range from 20-30°F in winter to 80-90°F during summer months, with the highest precipitation occurring April through July. The terrain around Lithopolis sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with surrounding camping areas ranging from 700-1100 feet throughout the Hocking Hills region.
What to do
Explore off-road trails: At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, primitive camping spots are available near the OHV trail system. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening," notes one camper who enjoyed the location.
Test backpacking gear: Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers an accessible backpacking trail for beginners and gear testing. "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, besides that they're totally primitive," reports a camper who used the area for equipment trials.
Water activities: Visitors to the region can paddle at Waters Edge Canoe Livery, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Lithopolis. "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," shares a reviewer who enjoyed both camping and water recreation at this location.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Benton's on the Baileys offers secluded tent camping experiences. "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. 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," explains a camper who appreciated the seclusion despite the uphill trek to reach the sites.
Campfire amenities: Tent campers appreciate when firewood is provided or available for purchase. At Pops Place Camping, "They sell firewood for $5. The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards," mentions a camper detailing the amenities that enhanced their stay.
Nature immersion: The best tent camping near Lithopolis, Ohio often provides opportunities to connect with wildlife. "We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly," reports a backpacker at Zaleski State Forest, highlighting unexpected animal encounters that can occur at wilderness sites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: For the most sought-after tent camping sites near Lithopolis, advance planning is essential. "It is a backpacking camp. No driving your vehicle any further than the bottom of the hill. Great location, very beautiful. Spacious in between 5 campgrounds and right next to the Scioto River," explains a camper describing the setup at one location.
Water access: Zaleski State Forest offers potable water but quality varies. "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 an experienced backpacker who completed the trail system.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout camping areas near Lithopolis. At Pops Place Camping, one visitor notes, "There is good verizon cell service there, I did not expect it because of the location and hills in the area." Meanwhile, at Zaleski, campers should "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!" as one reviewer emphatically warns.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessibility-friendly sites: For families with younger children, look for camping areas with minimal hiking required. At Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center, "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp," reports a visitor who found the location family-friendly.
Plan appropriate hiking distances: When backpacking with children, select shorter routes. "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings," shares a parent who successfully completed the trail with their 8-year-old.
Scout for playground amenities: Some campgrounds near Lithopolis offer recreational facilities for children. Scioto Grove Metro Park features a "rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore. Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons," notes one camper highlighting features appealing to families.
Tips from RVers
Know road conditions: While tent camping is predominant near Lithopolis, some areas accommodate small RVs with proper preparation. "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)," reports a visitor to Old Stone Church Campground.
Electrical access limitations: Most primitive camping around Lithopolis lacks hookups. At Pops Place Camping, "If you are tent camping and need to charge your phone he has no problem with you using the electric outlet at the RV site if no one is there," notes one camper about the owner's accommodation for power needs.
Check fee structures: Payment systems vary at different locations. For 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 a reviewer detailing the payment process for overnight stays.
