Best Tent Camping near Marion, OH
Tent camping options near Marion, Ohio include several established campgrounds in the surrounding state forests and parks, with Mohican State Park Campground standing out as a particularly highly-rated destination for tent campers approximately 40 miles east. Several primitive tent camping opportunities can be found within the Mohican-Memorial State Forest's Park and Pack system, where walk-in tent sites offer more secluded experiences away from developed campgrounds.
Most tent sites in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest require registration at the ranger station kiosk located on County Road 939 in Perrysville before setting up camp. The Park and Pack system features ten designated primitive tent sites with varying degrees of accessibility and amenities. Sites typically include established fire rings but lack amenities such as running water, toilets, or trash service. Water access varies by site location, with some campsites positioned near creeks that provide filterable water sources. Cell phone service is limited throughout the forest, particularly at more remote sites, making downloaded maps essential for navigation.
The tent camping experience at Mohican's Park and Pack sites offers significantly more privacy than the main campground areas. Many sites require short hikes ranging from 0.3 to 1 mile from parking areas, creating natural buffers from other campers. Site #10 provides ample space for multiple tents with good hammocking options, while sites #1-3 offer proximity to water sources. According to one visitor, "This site was one of my favorites as it was right by the creek. The creek was clear and cool." For those seeking easier access, site #4 features a wide, relatively flat trail suitable for beginners or families wanting to try primitive camping. During peak seasons, early arrival is recommended as these free sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and fill quickly, particularly on weekends.
