Wayne National Forest and Zaleski State Forest offer diverse tent camping options near Nelsonville, Ohio. Backcountry tent camping is available at Zaleski State Forest, where multiple backpacking loops average 10 miles each with designated camping areas along the trails. Primitive tent sites can be found at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area, while walk-in tent sites are available at Benton's on the Baileys and Baileys Trail Tent Camping. Old Stone Church Campground provides additional tent-only camping options with basic amenities in a forested setting.
Most tent campsites in the region feature dirt or forest floor surfaces with minimal grading. Zaleski State Forest backpacking sites include fire rings, outhouses, and potable water at three designated camping areas, though campers should bring toilet paper. Monday Creek OHV offers vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring tent campers to bring their own supplies. Benton's on the Baileys provides more amenities with clean bathrooms, showers, and drinking water available for tent campers. Weather conditions can impact site accessibility, with spring rains creating muddy conditions on trails and at campsites. Most areas permit 14-day stays, with fees ranging from free at some forest sites to approximately $20 for private campgrounds.
Tent campers frequently use Zaleski as a base for multi-day backpacking trips. According to reviews, "The terrain has many climbs and descents and takes you along ridges, through valleys, and forest floors." Sites at Zaleski fill quickly, especially on weekends, with Camp 2 being particularly popular as it sits at the halfway point of the South Loop trail. One camper noted that "all campsites have multiple areas for different hikers and each is relatively secluded from the others." Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most backcountry areas, making physical maps essential for navigation through these primitive tent camping areas.
"There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."
"Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."
"Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."
"Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
from $40 - $125 / night
"Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
"Spent consecutive months at this location and couldn't have been happier with the host and accomodations. Great for that "far out" feel just outside of town."
"Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
"I stayed there Aug 2024 and as of that date the rustic tent camping was $20. "
"We'd like to welcome Ed and Michelle to our platform. This prime location is 15 minutes from the National Park. On site drinking water and firewood available."
from $15 - $125 / night
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
GuideCamped here for the Mothman Festival in mid-September. Fine folks running the place - the 90+ y.o. matriarch takes the money and calculates tax by hand. Make note that the pictures posted on the website are VERY outdated; the facilities are derelict in comparison. We were just there to camp so it was fine for our purposes (i.e., no need to use the event space (closed I think), pool, playground, etc.). Tent camping is a free-for-all first-come first-serve. If rain is in the forecast, don't pitch a tent by the river; many sites on the floodplain had washed out after a heavy overnight rain. Also notable, the bathrooms were perhaps the nastiest I've seen at any campground. I don't think they cleaned them once during our two-night stay, and just progressively smelled more and more like urine as the weekend progressed.
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
TravelerThis is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nelsonville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nelsonville, OH is Zaleski State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
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