The Glouster area sits in the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet throughout Wayne National Forest and surrounding public lands. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping can be humid with daytime temperatures typically in the 80s. Local campsites span three counties in what's commonly called the Sunday Creek watershed region.
What to do
Bike the Baileys Trail System: The recently developed 31-mile mountain biking network provides immediate access from Baileys Trail Tent Camping, where camper Alex noted, "Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
Backpack the Zaleski Forest Loop: This 23-mile trail system offers multiple backcountry camping options with varying difficulty levels. A camper at Zaleski State Forest shared, "I have backpacked the trails here since the 1980s. More recently, I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop. Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp."
Ride OHV Trails: Wayne National Forest maintains over 75 miles of off-highway vehicle trails near Monday Creek. According to a camper, "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."
What campers like
Well-maintained water sources: Many backpackers appreciate the reliable water access at Zaleski's designated sites. One camper mentioned, "The water is good and I have never seen them dry. You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp in May 2018."
Privacy between sites: Benton's on the Baileys offers secluded tent sites that appeal to those seeking quiet camping. A reviewer noted, "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private. There are showers too."
Budget-friendly options: Free primitive camping provides affordable alternatives for self-sufficient campers. A visitor to Old Stone Church Trailhead commented, "Well marked. Parking can be on side of road or down below where campsites are."
What you should know
Early arrivals recommended: Popular backcountry sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A Zaleski camper advised, "Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp."
Limited cell service: Prepare for spotty connectivity throughout the region, though some areas have surprising coverage. A visitor to Pops Place Camping shared, "There is good verizon cell service there, I did not expect it because of the location and hills in the area."
Carry water supplies: Not all sites provide drinking water. At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, campers must bring their own water supply, as the area only offers vault toilets and trash receptacles.
Map requirements: Navigation can be challenging in remote areas. A Zaleski camper warned, "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter loop options: The southern loop at Zaleski offers family-friendly backpacking. A 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."
Look for sites with playground access: Some tent camping Glouster, Ohio locations offer recreational facilities for children. At Old Stone Church Campground, the common grass area includes a playground alongside fire rings.
Pack for poison ivy and ticks: A family camper at Zaleski noted, "Our 8 year old did great & we saw lots of families camping. Trails had lots of poison ivy & ticks present."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping near Glouster, cabins provide comfort while maintaining a woodland experience. Pops Place Camping offers a cabin option with one visitor noting, "He took me on a tour of the new cabin he is building and it will be a nice play to stay when he is done."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most camping in Wayne National Forest is primitive with no electric, water, or sewer connections. At Old Stone Church Campground, one RVer reported, "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
Honor system payment: Many forest service campgrounds operate on self-registration. The same camper noted, "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."
Road condition awareness: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. As one RVer mentioned, "Just after it turns to gravel, at the Old Stone Church trailhead, there are grassy places to back in smaller campers/RVs."
