Best Tent Camping near Newark, OH
Several tent campgrounds surround Newark, Ohio, ranging from 30 to 75 minutes away with varying amenities and settings. Walhonding Hills Campground provides tent sites approximately 45 minutes north of Newark, offering both drive-in and walk-in tent access. Closer to Newark's southeast side, Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center maintains tent campsites with picnic tables and designated fire areas. Another option is Scioto Grove Metro Park, which offers free backpacking-style tent sites along the Scioto River about an hour southwest of Newark.
Most tent camping areas near Newark require some preparation as amenities vary significantly between locations. Scioto Grove provides firewood at its designated tent pads but lacks running water or flush toilets. A visitor commented, "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites with tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided." Sites typically include fire rings, with restrictions during dry periods. Mohican-Memorial State Forest offers primitive tent sites accessed via hiking trails, completely separated from RV camping areas. Potable water availability is inconsistent across locations, so campers should bring filtering equipment or sufficient water supplies.
Walk-in tent sites provide unique camping experiences with greater seclusion than standard campgrounds. The Park and Pack campsites at Mohican-Memorial State Forest feature creek access and natural surroundings only accessible by foot. In early spring and fall, tent camping areas experience fewer crowds while maintaining reasonable temperatures. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working or going to be an issue." Some locations like Pop's Place Camping offer small, tent-specific areas with clean portable toilets and outdoor showers, creating an intimate camping environment separate from larger, more developed facilities.