State parks and public lands within a 30-mile radius of Nashport, Ohio offer tent camping options on varying terrain from 800 to 1,200 feet elevation. Most camping areas sit within the rolling Appalachian foothills region where mixed hardwood forests dominate the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Creek exploration: Pop's Place Camping provides access to nearby streams that are perfect for wading during summer months. One camper noted that "the common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards" making it ideal for outdoor games near water features.
Horseback riding trails: Access multiple bridle paths near camping areas in Mohican Memorial State Forest. A camper at Park and Pack Site 3 mentioned, "Make sure you look for the red blazes on the trees at the start of the trail. I would recommend downloading the various bridle trails (Mohican) on the AllTrails app."
Backpacking practice: Test new gear on short trails at Scioto-Grove Metro Park where campsites are specifically designed for backpacking preparation. A visitor explained it's "great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many campers appreciate the secluded spots at Park and Pack Campsite 3 where one reviewer described it as "beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream." Another camper mentioned it has "plenty of space for tents and hammocks."
Easy access options: For those with mobility concerns, certain tent campsites near Nashport offer simpler approaches. A camper described Park and Pack Site 4 as "the easiest and safest to get to if you have any issues with mobility. It is almost a rails and trails walk into this campsite."
Fire amenities: Many tent sites include established fire rings with some providing wood. At Scioto-Grove Metro Park, a camper noted their site had "tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided. Some have log seating and some do not."
What you should know
Registration requirements: For tent campsites at Mohican State Park Campground, proper check-in is mandatory. A camper warned: "Do not camp illegally or without a reservation. They do post signs and ask other campers to report the illegal camping."
Water crossings: Several Park and Pack sites require stream crossings to reach your campsite. One camper noted about Campsite 3 that "you do have to cross a stream to get to it," while another mentioned crossing water that was "ankle high" during August.
Limited reservations: Some tent sites have restricted availability. For Scioto Grove, a camper explained: "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime" and another mentioned they "only do it for a short season and in that season two weekend a month to avoid over use."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Old Stone Church Campground offers accessible sites for families new to tent camping. A visitor described: "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Pop's Place Camping, a visitor mentioned "the common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards" where children can play while adults relax nearby.
Creek exploration: Kids enjoy wading in streams near several tent sites. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 3 noted it was "close enough to hang out by the creek if you wanted," making it ideal for supervised water play during hot summer days.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Walhonding Hills Campground offers one of the few developed RV camping experiences near Nashport. A seasonal camper reported, "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas may challenge larger vehicles. A visitor to Old Stone Church noted: "The last 1/4 mile of the road is pretty rutted, so if you have a low profile vehicle you may need to park at the lower area."
Electric availability: Most tent-focused sites lack hookups, but limited options exist. At Pop's Place, a camper mentioned "The narrow cabin you see in some photos is now a gravel pad for RV type camping with electric."
