Primitive tent camping near New Albany, Ohio offers multiple dispersed camping options within the region's mixed hardwood forests. Central Ohio's terrain features rolling hills with elevations between 800-1,100 feet, creating natural drainage toward the Scioto and Mohican River watersheds. Winter camping remains available at select Park and Pack sites while many metro park locations close seasonally from November through March.
What to do
Creek exploration: Park and Pack Campsite 3 features access to a stream crossing that provides cooling relief during summer months. "This is one of the smallest camp sites. It would be hard to put a big tent here so make sure you use your smaller tents. You can easily hang hammocks back here," notes a camper who stayed at the site. The creek crossing adds a natural water feature for filtering or cooling off.
Winter camping practice: Test cold-weather gear at primitive sites with relatively short hike-ins. "After getting to the Ranger kiosk everything was pretty self explanatory. I stayed at Campsite 3, which was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it," explains one winter camper at Mohican Memorial Forest.
Mountain biking trails: Many campsites connect to established mountain biking networks. "We only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail NW of Site 10," reports a Park and Pack Campsite 10 user. Trails vary from wide former rail beds to technical singletrack depending on location.
What campers like
Fire ring setups: Primitive sites often feature both established and unofficial fire rings. At Park and Pack Campsite 10, "You can find a short 'trail' at the NE edge of the campsite that leads down to a ledge where a couple unofficial fire rings have been built," according to one visitor. Many campers appreciate the established stone fire rings that reduce environmental impact.
Topographic variation: The natural terrain creates camping opportunities with distinct characteristics. "There are plenty of areas to set up shelter and hang hammocks. After my daughter and I set up camp near the fire ring we explored and found spots below the SE edge," notes a father who camped at Park and Pack Campsite 10.
Privacy levels: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites provide unexpected seclusion. At Scioto Grove Metro Park, "Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn't see a single person. Nice tent pads, campfire ring, and provided wood," reports a recent visitor who found unexpected solitude.
What you should know
Registration systems vary significantly: Each camping area follows different protocols. "The ranger office is closed at this time. Make sure you go to the Mohican Memorial Forest office and not the Mohican State Park office. They are located close to the covered bridge in the park," explains a camper at Mohican Memorial State Forest. Some sites use clipboard sign-ups while others require online reservations.
Limited booking windows: Metro park sites have restricted availability patterns. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I'm sure it's pretty and all, but it's hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio!" notes a visitor about Scioto Grove's limited season and day restrictions.
Campsite identification challenges: Finding specific sites can be difficult without preparation. "First off this campsite was the hardest for us to find but it is the easiest to get to in terms of walking. How does this happen? We took the main trail head at the bridle parking lot but this isn't where you should go," explains a camper about locating a specific Park and Pack site.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Some sites provide easier access for children or adults with mobility concerns. At Park and Pack Campsite 4, "This is 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," notes a camper who evaluated multiple sites for accessibility.
Kid-friendly features: Certain areas include natural play elements. "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore," describes a family who visited Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Hammocking options: Many sites accommodate multiple hanging setups for family groups. "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded," reports a visitor to Mohican-Memorial State Forest, making it suitable for families with varied sleeping preferences.
Tips from RVers
Partial hookup alternatives: While primitive tent camping dominates the area, some hybrid options exist. At Walhonding Hills Campground, "They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well," notes a seasonal camper who appreciates the amenities alongside primitive camping options.
Self-contained setups required: Most sites lack water hookups and dump facilities. "There may be more services during the height of the season, at least water for horses, but nothing else I could tell," explains a visitor to Old Stone Church Campground who brought their own supplies.
Private land camping alternatives: When public lands fill up, private camping options provide fallbacks. At Pop's Place Camping, "Ed & Michelle helped me feel right at home and made sure I had what I needed. Peaceful, safe, well kept, and a nice outdoor shower too!" reports a traveler who needed an alternative to the more primitive public land tent camping near New Albany.
