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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
