Best Tent Camping near Martins Ferry, OH
Tent campgrounds around Martins Ferry, Ohio offer varied primitive camping experiences across southeastern Ohio and nearby West Virginia. Hune Bridge Campground, located within Wayne National Forest, provides tent-specific sites with a historic covered bridge nearby. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area, also in Wayne National Forest, features six walk-in tent sites surrounding a small pond, catering exclusively to tent campers seeking a more secluded experience.
Most tent sites in the region have basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, but limited services otherwise. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as most locations including Hune Bridge and Lamping Homestead do not provide potable water sources. Vault toilets are available at several locations, though their cleanliness and maintenance vary. The sites typically feature natural surfaces with minimal improvements. According to one visitor, Hune Bridge offers "a great drive-in campsite perfect for family and friends to get into the woods for a bit." Free camping is available at some locations with stay limits up to 14 days.
The tent camping experience in this region offers proximity to natural features and outdoor activities. Areas near the Little Muskingum River provide opportunities for fishing and paddling, while the North Country Trail passes near several campgrounds. One camper noted that Lamping Homestead is "simple, quiet, beautiful" with "spacious walk-in campsites." The region's rolling hills create scenic backcountry tent camping opportunities, particularly in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Limited privacy exists between sites at most locations, though the overall camping density remains low compared to more developed areas. Some campgrounds are seasonal, with closures during winter months, while others maintain year-round access for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts.
