Tent camping opportunities around Lucas, Ohio center on the Mohican region's mixed hardwood forests at approximately 1,100 feet elevation. The area features ravines and valleys cut by Clear Fork and other waterways, creating varied terrain for backcountry camping. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, while summer camping season brings average highs in the 80s with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Creek exploration opportunities: At Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1, campers can access stream areas for hot weather relief. One camper noted, "This one does have a creek crossing after you leave the camp site. It was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it. This is because the trail is also the horse trail in the forest."
Towpath trail access: The Rivers Edge Camping Area provides direct access to regional trails. A visitor explained, "Located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of Massillon, OH in the Stark County Parks District. These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists."
Winter camping options: Winter tent camping near Lucas presents unique opportunities. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 3 reported, "After getting to the Ranger kiosk everything was pretty self explanatory. I stayed at Campsite 3, which was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Campers appreciate the privacy of certain sites. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, a visitor shared, "The whole area is beautiful and scenic. I'd like to head back in the fall and or winter to enjoy the view of the gorge in different seasons. The site is fairly remote, we only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail."
Group-friendly spaces: Some areas accommodate larger parties well. A reviewer of Hidden Hollow Camp said, "We have camped here multiple times with our scout troop. Facilities are excellent with a large clubhouse with kitchen. Vault toilets are fine."
River proximity: Campsites with water access rank highly with visitors. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, a camper noted, "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot."
What you should know
Registration requirements: The registration process for primitive sites requires physical presence. A camper at Mohican State Park Campground advised, "If you're unfamiliar w/ the Park & Pack system I found this PDF to be extremely useful. As others have stated, make sure to sign in at the kiosk."
Access challenges: Some sites can be difficult to locate despite their proximity. A visitor to Park and Pack Campsite 3 explained, "This campsite was the hardest for us to find but it is the easiest to get to in terms of walking. How does this happen? We took the main trail head at the bridle parking lot but this isn't where you should go."
Facilities limitations: Primitive sites lack most amenities. At Rivers Edge, a camper reported, "There is no drinking water available, so plan ahead from nearby sources. About ½ mile north of this camping area is a cross street where you will find drinking water fountain on the towpath."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: Some locations cater to families with younger children. A review for Park and Pack Campsite 10 states, "This is the 2nd easiest campsite to walk into out of the 10. If you have any mobility issues this is the second best camp site to go to as most of it is along the wide access road and mountain bike trail."
Seasonal planning: For families with school-aged children, consider timing. At Walhonding Hills Campground, a seasonal camper mentioned, "The 4th of July celebration is better than any other town fireworks I've ever seen. The owners are awesome!"
Pack plenty of water: Especially during summer months, water access can be limited. A Park and Pack Site 10 visitor noted, "The only con I would give the site is there's no water source, so you have to pack in all your water needs. Being the middle of summer that was quite a bit for my daughter and me."
Tips from RVers
Campground alternatives: When tent camping sites fill up, some RV areas accept tent campers. A visitor to Mohican State Park Campground explained, "After a few years of trying, I finally got into Mohican State Park. The campground itself is very well laid out. It's long and just a few rows deep with trees throughout, so you don't feel over crowded."
Seasonal closures awareness: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. A camper trying to access the Park and Pack sites warned, "THE FREE CAMPING IS CLOSED!!!!!! We went to the location of the office to fill out a slip for the free camping sites and they are all closed now. We ended up staying at the state park campground for $33 which is not too bad."
Facility expectations: RV campgrounds offer different amenities than primitive sites. A visitor to Mohican State Park noted, "You're never far from a restroom no matter where you are. They have a very nice campground store and a pool that wasn't open for the season yet when we were there."
