Southeastern Ohio's wooded hills around Logan provide varied tent camping experiences, from established campgrounds to primitive forest sites. Zaleski State Forest offers a backpacking trail with multiple tent camping areas featuring water access and vault toilets, serving as a popular destination for overnight hikers. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed area in Wayne National Forest provides free primitive tent sites with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash receptacles.
Tent sites throughout the region typically feature natural surfaces with minimal improvements. Zaleski's backpacking campsites include communal well water and restroom facilities, while primitive sites elsewhere may require bringing all necessary water. Fire rings are common at designated sites, though fire regulations vary seasonally. A recent review noted, "The vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus" at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area. Most sites operate on a first-come basis, though some locations like Scioto Grove Metro Park require advance reservations for their backpacking tent sites.
The forested terrain creates natural separation between most tent camping areas, offering privacy even at shared campgrounds. Tent campers can access numerous hiking trails directly from their sites, particularly in Zaleski State Forest where the backpacking trail features multiple loops averaging about 10 miles each. One camper wrote, "The terrain has many climbs and descents and takes you along ridges, through valleys, and along forest floors." Walk-in tent sites typically provide more seclusion than drive-in areas, though several reviewers mentioned occasional noise from nearby roads at some locations. Seasonal considerations include increased mud on trails after rainfall, with spring hiking conditions sometimes challenging on steeper sections. The region's tent camping options serve well for testing backpacking gear or enjoying weekend wilderness experiences without traveling far from urban areas.
"There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."
"Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."
"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."
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."
"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."
from $40 - $125 / night
"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."
from $35 - $600 / night
"I stayed there Aug 2024 and as of that date the rustic tent camping was $20. "
"We'd like to welcome Ed and Michelle to our platform. This prime location is 15 minutes from the National Park. On site drinking water and firewood available."
from $15 - $125 / night
"Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
"Spent consecutive months at this location and couldn't have been happier with the host and accomodations. Great for that "far out" feel just outside of town."
from $32 / night
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
GuideCamped here for the Mothman Festival in mid-September. Fine folks running the place - the 90+ y.o. matriarch takes the money and calculates tax by hand. Make note that the pictures posted on the website are VERY outdated; the facilities are derelict in comparison. We were just there to camp so it was fine for our purposes (i.e., no need to use the event space (closed I think), pool, playground, etc.). Tent camping is a free-for-all first-come first-serve. If rain is in the forecast, don't pitch a tent by the river; many sites on the floodplain had washed out after a heavy overnight rain. Also notable, the bathrooms were perhaps the nastiest I've seen at any campground. I don't think they cleaned them once during our two-night stay, and just progressively smelled more and more like urine as the weekend progressed.
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
TravelerThis is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
ScoutIve camped here a few times in the kast few years and have really enjoyed it. They just put in a spigot to get water from. There is vault toilets. They cut down some brush to make a few trails that you can hike. This campground is surrounded by other free campgrounds in Jesse Owen's state Park but this is the only one that gets cell service. You are allowed to run generator.
Tent camping near Logan, Ohio offers numerous primitive and backcountry options within the Wayne National Forest and surrounding woodlands. The region sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, creating a landscape of steep ravines and ridgetops with elevation changes averaging 300-600 feet across hiking routes. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with December-February temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F and occasional snowfall creating muddy conditions on forest access roads.
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Access the growing Baileys Trail System from Baileys Trail Tent Camping, a small campground close to numerous trailheads. "Great for that 'far out' feel just outside of town," notes camper Steven S., who spent multiple months at this location.
Motorcycle touring: Use Pops Place Camping as a base for exploring scenic byways. "This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel," shares David M. The campground sits on a paved road with "decent gravel for street bikes" at the entrance.
Basketball and yard games: Some campgrounds offer recreation amenities beyond hiking. Pops Place includes "a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use" along with "wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards."
Accessible clean facilities: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping provides unexpected amenities for a free site. "Vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus," writes Kevin C., who camped "at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot" and found it to be "a great stop over location."
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion available at Benton's on the Baileys. "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," reports Emily M., who also noted "the bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
Water availability: While some primitive sites require carrying water, established campgrounds typically provide reliable sources. At one site, a camper mentioned, "You can get drinking water" from "a spigot on the outside of the shower house." Another camper at a different location noted the water was "definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case."
Cell service varies: Despite the remote setting, connectivity exists in unexpected places. At Pops Place, one camper reported "good Verizon cell service there, I did not expect it because of the location and hills in the area." Others recommend downloading maps beforehand, as service becomes unreliable on many forest roads.
Fire regulations: Most established campgrounds permit fires in designated rings, but rules differ at dispersed sites. Old Stone Church Trailhead allows fires, though you must bring your own firewood or purchase it locally. Check seasonal restrictions, especially during dry summer months.
Camping fees structure: Costs vary widely across the region. Monday Creek OHV offers free dispersed camping, while Old Stone Church Campground uses a $15 honor system payment. "If you have a National Park's Golden Age or Access pass, they honor a 50 percent discount," notes one camper.
Kid-friendly trails: Several campgrounds provide access to moderate hiking suitable for children. Geneva Hills received positive feedback from families, with one camper noting it was "a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp" while offering on-site activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local wildlife near camp. At Zaleski State Forest, Leon H. reports, "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp in May 2018."
Water testing considerations: Campgrounds with well water might require filtration for children. One camper advised that at certain sites "water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case" despite being technically potable.
Small trailer access: Limited pull-through sites exist at select forest campgrounds. At Old Stone Church Campground, Tammy F. found "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)."
Alternative parking options: When official campgrounds fill up, RVers have found alternatives. "A short distance further down the road, just after it turns to gravel, at the Old Stone Church trailhead, there are grassy places to back in smaller campers/RVs," reports one camper who explored the area.
Seasonal road conditions: Forest service roads deteriorate after heavy rain, particularly in spring. Multiple reviewers mention potential mud and accessibility issues for vehicles without adequate clearance, recommending calling ranger stations for current conditions before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Logan, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Logan, OH is Zaleski State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
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