Tent campgrounds near Malta, Ohio include several public and private options for primitive tent setups. Pops Place Camping provides tent sites with basic amenities and receives a perfect 5-star rating on The Dyrt. Approximately 15 miles south, Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers free tent camping in Wayne National Forest with a 4.5-star rating, providing more primitive accommodations for those seeking a natural camping experience.
Most tent sites in this region feature fire rings, picnic tables at established campgrounds, and basic toilet facilities. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed offers vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Pops Place provides drinking water, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for campers seeking more amenities while tent camping. Alcohol is permitted at most locations except Baileys Trail Tent Camping, where fires are allowed but alcohol is prohibited. Many areas maintain a 14-day stay limit, particularly at the free dispersed camping locations.
Tent campers visiting the area often appreciate the proximity to trail systems and natural features. Baileys Trail Tent Camping provides walk-in access specifically for tent campers seeking a more secluded experience. The surrounding Wayne National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities within a short drive of most tent camping locations. A visitor commented that Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provides "primitive (off the grid)" camping that appealed to their style of outdoor recreation. Another camper noted that despite some traffic from off-highway vehicles, they "slept soundly" at Monday Creek and found it to be a "great stop over location" with the vault toilet and garbage cans being "a welcome bonus" for primitive tent camping.
"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."
"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
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"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."
"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."
"There are 4 campsites and a vault toilet that is relatively clean and well-stocked. This campground is just off Hwy 26, but far enough away from town that there isn’t much traffic. "
"Part of the draw for me was the river running alongside, but it is bone dry. Other than that, it's your typical midway NFS campground."
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
TravelerSites are basically parking pads with very little useful space around them but the sites are spaced apart. Bathroom and showers are usable but no frills. Scenery is pretty. ATV play area nearby.
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.
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
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!
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.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
Tent camping options near Malta, Ohio include several locations within Wayne National Forest, with most sites situated between 700-900 feet elevation. The area experiences moderate rainfall throughout camping season, with summer high temperatures typically ranging 80-90°F and nighttime lows dropping to 55-65°F. Forest campsites often feature mature hardwood tree cover, providing natural shade during peak summer months.
Horseback riding access: Old Stone Church Campground offers tent campers excellent proximity to equestrian trails. One camper noted the site has "easy access" with areas that are "very clean," making it convenient for those bringing horses or wanting to explore the trails on foot.
Mountain biking adventures: Benton's on the Baileys provides direct access to the Baileys Bike System. A reviewer commented that it offers "11+ acres of outdoor bliss" with sites "surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System." Each site includes "fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."
Historical explorations: Hune Bridge Campground features a historic covered bridge as part of the camping experience. A camper described it as an "adorable little campground, with a historic covered bridge and lovely creek in the backyard." The area includes "historic covered bridges, churches, homes, general stores and quite a few hiking and horse trails."
Private, secluded sites: Baileys Trail Tent Camping provides tent campers with peaceful settings away from crowds. One long-term visitor was "bummed to leave" after "spent consecutive months at this location and couldn't have been happier with the host and accommodations." Another appreciated the "great 'far out' feel just outside of town."
Natural forest surroundings: Campers often mention the mature trees at many sites. A visitor to Baileys Trail Tent Camping shared that their "favorite part: the trees!" while another described the area as having "nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
Clean facilities despite primitive settings: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed receives praise for maintaining vault toilets even at primitive sites. A camper noted "vaulted toilet and garbage cans were a welcome bonus" at this location, which offers true "primitive (off the grid)" camping.
Stay limits and rules: Most dispersed camping locations enforce 14-day limits. Zaleski State Forest has specific regulations, with one camper noting "cannot camp off of marked areas" and "not all have fire rings."
Water availability varies: Many primitive sites lack drinking water. At Zaleski, a visitor advised "not supposed to filter the water in the creeks. Thankfully there is pretty tasty water at camp." For Hune Bridge Campground, a camper warned "no drinking water is available, but there are creeks all around, so come prepared with a water filter!"
Seasonal conditions impact trails: The best tent camping near Malta, Ohio may change with seasons. A Zaleski visitor reported seeing "lots of poison ivy & ticks present" during their trip, while others mentioned varying water levels in creeks and rivers throughout the year.
Kid-friendly backpacking options: Pops Place Camping provides amenities that work well for families with children. A visitor noted "the common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards" and mentioned "a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campsites offer chances to see local wildlife. At Zaleski State Forest, a camper reported "you will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp."
Early arrival recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during weekends. For Zaleski, a camper advised "get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp" and noted parking areas "seemed to fill up fast" with "Hope Furnace parking was full by 8:30/9 am on the Saturday we arrived."
Road condition awareness: Small RVs can access some tent-focused campgrounds, but road quality varies. At Old Stone Church Campground, one RVer reported "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)."
Cell service information: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. The same Old Stone Church Campground visitor noted "good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good" which helps RVers plan for connectivity needs.
Overnight parking alternatives: Some tent camping areas near Malta accommodate small RVs for short stays. An RVer discovered "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Malta, OH is Pops Place Camping with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Malta, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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