Tent camping near Nelsonville, Ohio offers primitive outdoor experiences amid the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region's average elevation of 740 feet creates distinctive ridge-and-valley terrain for backpackers and day hikers exploring the area. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring camping often faces muddy conditions after rainfall.
What to do
Explore the Baileys Trail System: Located near Benton's on the Baileys, this trail network provides excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities. "Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System," notes Keith B., making it a convenient base for trail adventures.
Check out historic sites: The Old Stone Church Trailhead area contains interesting historical remnants. "Well marked. Parking can be on side of road or down below where campsites are," explains Christy P., highlighting the accessible nature of this location for day exploration.
Ride ATVs on designated trails: Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area serves as a hub for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. "Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening. We slept soundly, made breakfast and were on our way. Great stop over location," reports Kevin C., describing the active yet manageable atmosphere.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the secluded feeling at Baileys Trail Tent Camping. One camper noted, "Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves."
Clean facilities: The bathroom amenities at several campgrounds exceed expectations for primitive camping. At Pops Place Camping, David M. found that "The porta john and shower were very clean. The shower uses an on demand water heater," providing comfort not always available at tent sites.
Challenging terrain: For backpackers seeking physical challenge, the region delivers. One camper at Zaleski State Forest mentioned, "I'm a backpacker and this was tough. There is clear trails and a lot of rocks to climb on top of. The trial was about 19 miles and was definitely worth it," giving perspective on the difficulty level.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Mobile service varies widely throughout the area. At Zaleski State Forest Horse Camp, one camper warned "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!" This emphasizes the need for physical maps and pre-downloaded directions.
Water availability varies: Not all sites provide drinking water. At Monday Creek OHV, campers must bring their own water supply, while Zaleski offers water at designated points. One backpacker noted "water is available at 3 backpack camping areas (Points D, I & P)" at Zaleski.
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp," advises a Zaleski camper, noting that site quality varies considerably within each designated camping area.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local fauna. At Old Stone Church Campground, the natural setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities in a managed environment, with Christy P. noting it's "Very nice" and "Very clean," making it suitable for family outings.
Consider shorter loop options: For families with young hikers, choose appropriate trail distances. At Zaleski, one parent shared "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings."
Watch for poison ivy: Several trails contain skin irritants requiring vigilance with children. A camper reported "Trails had lots of poison ivy & ticks present," suggesting long pants and regular tick checks for young explorers.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most sites near Nelsonville lack full hookups. At Old Stone Church Trailhead, RV camping is permitted but primitive. "Pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)," notes Tammy F., clarifying the accommodation situation.
Honor system payment: Many public forest campsites operate on self-registration. "Campsite fee is $15 on the honor system. If you have a National Park's Golden Age or Access pass, they honor a 50 percent discount," explains an RVer at Old Stone Church, highlighting the payment process for overnight stays.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to camping areas can challenge larger vehicles. RVers should note that many forest roads alternate between paved and gravel surfaces, with some campground entrances requiring careful navigation for larger rigs or trailers.
