Tent camping near New Franklin, Ohio offers rustic sites within the mostly flat to gently rolling terrain of northeastern Ohio. Most campgrounds sit between 900-1,100 feet elevation, with seasonal weather patterns bringing warm summers and cold winters. Campsites frequently feature hardwood forest settings, with oak, maple and hickory trees providing natural surroundings for tent campers looking for overnight accommodations within 30 miles of New Franklin.
What to do
Wildlife watching and hiking: Rivers Edge Camping Area provides access to both the Towpath Trail and Tuscarawas River with opportunities to spot local birds and wildlife. "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit," notes one camper at Rivers Edge Camping Area.
Christmas tree farm exploration: Heritage Farms offers camping among Christmas trees with wagon-transport required to access sites. A camper shares: "I stayed here with some friends for one night and I would love to go back. Be prepared - you park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure."
Mountain biking access: Near Mohican Memorial Forest Park Pack Campsite 10, trails connect with mountain biking routes. "The whole area is beautiful and scenic. I'd like to head back in the fall and or winter to enjoy the view of the gorge in different seasons," reports a visitor who notes they "only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail."
What campers like
Sunset views: Many tent campers mention impressive sunsets at Heritage Farms. "Our shelter site was just next to the gravel parking area and overlooked the farm as well as had a great view of the sunset," writes one reviewer who found the view made up for some highway noise.
Private sites with space: At The West Woods, campsites offer seclusion despite being in a day-use park. "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation," explains a camper who gave it four stars.
Clean facilities: Though basic, several campers mention well-maintained portable toilets. "The porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer! In the morning there were many runners in the park but they stayed away from the camping area," notes a Rivers Edge camper.
What you should know
Registration procedures: Tent campers must follow specific registration processes. At Park and Pack sites in Mohican-Memorial State Forest, "Make sure you get a reservation at the kiosk by the ranger station in the forest. Do not go to the state park as that is completely different...Do not camp illegally or without a reservation. They do post signs and ask other campers to report the illegal camping."
Cell service limitations: Many tent sites have limited connectivity. Regarding campsite 10 at Mohican, a camper reports: "I had limited cell phone signal while here but this had the best signal out of the 10 sites."
Transportation logistics: Most tent sites require campers to transport gear without vehicles. Heritage Farms requires use of provided wagons: "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site...Our site was beautiful and private. We also had a lot of space. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: The West Woods offers family-appropriate trails. "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud. Doggy friendly!"
Proximity to attractions: Some sites offer quick access to nearby points of interest. At Rivers Edge, one reviewer mentions it's "Only 12 minute drive over to Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Sheltered options: Heritage Farms offers both tent sites and shelters. "When the campgrounds in the National Park were filled and I needed a place to land for the night, I ended up at Heritage Farms in a sunny shelter with a beautiful landscape of growing Christmas trees and gorgeous sunset. The shelter was clean, had a picnic table, and trash can."
Tips from RVers
Small RV limitations: Most tent camping areas near New Franklin cannot accommodate larger RVs, with few sites suitable for anything beyond small campervans. Rivers Edge Camping Area has a small parking area with a porta-potty but cannot accommodate large rigs: "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants."
Pack-in essentials: Since most tent camping sites lack hookups, RVers should come prepared. At Rivers Edge, "There is no drinking water available, so plan ahead from nearby sources. About ½ mile north of this camping area is a cross street where you will find drinking water fountain on the towpath."
