Tent camping near London, Ohio offers primitive sites within several county and metro parks across central Ohio. The region sits on the western edge of the Appalachian plateau at elevations between 850-1100 feet, with mild summers and moderately cold winters. Most camping locations connect to water features including the Little Miami River and Scioto River, where water levels fluctuate seasonally.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: Sycamore State Park features multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The hiking trails are often over grown and not very challenging," notes camper Ashten J., though the park offers "quite a few good spots to fish" and hunting opportunities.
Fishing without permits: At Possum Creek Metro Park, visitors can fish in both Argonne Lake and smaller fishing ponds without needing a license. "You will find folks fishing at that lake and the other smaller lakes onsite," according to a camper who visited regularly.
Kayaking and river access: Near Xenia, Constitution County Park provides direct river access with "a small ramp into the river. It's the perfect launching point for anyone wanting to take a kayaking trip down the river," according to Daniel G., though he notes it's "right beside the road" with limited privacy.
What campers like
Free firewood provision: On Cedar Pond and other metro parks provide firewood as part of the reservation. As one reviewer at Possum Creek noted, "They provide a bundle of firewood for each night that you have reserved the site. In addition, you can easily purchase more wood that will be right there at the site for you."
Testing backpacking gear: The REI River Trail in metro parks provides an accessible introduction to backpacking. A reviewer noted, "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working or going to be an issue."
Historical exploration: Narrows Reserve and surrounding parks contain remnants of historical structures. "For those that need something interesting to look at you will find old abandoned items such as a pool and street car in the woods. The land has an interesting history you will want to explore," writes one camper about the area.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most tent sites in the London area provide only basic facilities. At Morris Bean Reserve, amenities are minimal, with one camper describing it as "Nothing spectacular but good spot to waste a few hours."
Reservation timing: Reserve well in advance for popular weekends. Some parks operate with restricted camping schedules. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime," notes Joaquim P. about seasonal limitations.
Walk-in requirements: Many tent sites require hiking in from parking areas. At Narrows Reserve, "the primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot," according to one camper who hadn't realized this until arrival but found it enhanced the experience.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible intro sites: Several parks offer beginner-friendly camping for families. Sycamore State Park includes "playground and pond for kids to fish in" and "really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties," according to Heidi G.
Equipment rental options: For families without gear, some metro parks offer affordable rental equipment. "If you do not have camping gear but still want to get out and try it then you can rent it from them. A set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag," notes a reviewer at Possum Creek.
Nature features for kids: Old Town Reserve and neighboring parks offer natural features appealing to children. One camper at a nearby park mentioned, "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus 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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most camping near London focuses on tent sites, with few developed RV options. Constitution County Park has drive-in access but limited amenities, with Camden H. noting, "The park overall is nice, just a little small. Perfect if you want to camp alone or with a small party of six."
Road noise considerations: RVers should consider proximity to roads when selecting sites. "The road is extremely near and you can hear every car driving by," warns a camper about Constitution County Park, suggesting midweek visits when "the little town across the way is a fun site to see and quiet."
