146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Salem, Ohio include a mix of private operations and state park facilities within easy driving distance. The Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA offers tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals, providing a centralized option for visitors exploring the region. Within 20 miles, campers find Guilford Lake State Park Campground with electric hookups, showers, and pet-friendly policies. Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area accommodates both tent and RV camping with boat-in access options. The landscape around Salem features a combination of wooded areas and water access points at lakes like Berlin Lake and Guilford Lake.
Many campgrounds in the Salem area remain open year-round, though facilities and services may be limited during winter months. Water access points at Guilford Lake State Park and Berlin Lake provide fishing and boating opportunities during warmer seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups and drinking water, while more rustic options may offer primitive sites with fewer amenities. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at private campgrounds compared to state parks. One camper noted, "The Atwood Lake Campground is a true gem in a beautiful area of eastern Ohio! The campsites are nicely spaced though if you're in the inner loop as we were or even some of the outer ring sites you'll be looking right into your neighbor's site."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Several nearby state parks feature lakeside camping options that provide direct water access for fishing and recreation. West Branch State Park, approximately 30 miles north of Salem, earns high ratings for its lake views and recreational amenities. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at state parks throughout the area. For those seeking more developed options, private campgrounds like Salem-Lisbon KOA provide additional amenities including showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. A visitor to West Branch State Park described it as "a great find" with "scenic" surroundings and noted that it offers "a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming reservoir with boat rental." Several reviews highlight the appeal of spacious, shaded sites that provide privacy between neighbors.
"Lots of playgrounds and you can access the lake for swimming and fishing from just about anywhere. The sites are well spaced and feel private, until you get closer to the lake."
"The people next to us parked their boat right behind their site. We even seen a doe and 2 fawn right here at our site!"
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."
"Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"
from $30 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside."
"You are close together and no privacy like they have at other ohio state parks. I was able to snag a site on the water same day. Bathhouse is dated but clean and stocked."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"It's been raining and our step out is into mud. To be expected in the area during the winter. If it isn't snow covered, it's muddy. They have a little pizza shop and are right by Gilford Lake."
"This was another way for us to social distance as COVID-19 was still an issue. I also took photos of the camping bathrooms as each KOA does it a little differently."
"Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "
"We took advantage of some of the hiking trails around and they were good in some areas, but definitely needed to be kept up on more often."
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability"My 2 boys had so much fun at the lake and the playground and the bounce pad ect ect! The owners and all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and always around interacting with the guests."
"Very nice lake and inflatables in swim area. Good fishing lake as well. Lake milton is a jump down the road for boating."
"This park is one of my favorites in Ohio at this time. Most of the sites are some what private. There are many trails and even a fog park next to the lake."
"They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park."
from $27 - $80 / night
Check Availability"All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"
"This location is pretty great, especially since it's very close to Pittsburgh. You can go canoeing, hiking, swimming, and camping! There is even a nice snack bar during the summer!"
from $18 - $128 / night
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GuideThis campground has a ton to do - a beach for swimming, kayaking, archery, hiking and more. The tent sites are tucked back from the campground road, but the camper sites are fairly close together. Our site was not level. There were a few other issues, including lack of TO in the women’s bathroom and a gate at the back of the park (near the group site) that was left open - right off of a public road.
GuideI've heard there are campgrounds that discriminate against car camping, first time experiencing it. There are many sites where people have a LARGE camper, a car, and multiple tents spread out over a large area. We have 2 SUV's with tents that attach to the backs. We followed all the rules and are taking up about HALF of our site. We were told that is not allowed. When asked for reasoning and comparing to what we've seen around the park, we get no clear answer that makes sense. We are here with a group that rented about 20 sites. After spending 4 hours setting everything up, she says one may have to leave; she's waiting to hear from her boss. I will definitely never return here!
TravelerGreat camp ground in a state park. Green, spacious, clean, quiet. Great opportunities for bike riding, walking, paddle boarding and fishing. Clean bathrooms with showers with hot water.
GuideI have to agree with all the other reviews. It’s a great facility with a ton of potential it just seems poorly managed. The sites are not up to par with other campgrounds in the same price bracket nationwide. The staff does not have great attitudes and are put off being asked to assist. They say no scooters or electric bikes but there’s a thousand golf carts flying around because realistically it’s not a walkable park. They would benefit from a tram or trolley on busy weekends to go from camping areas to activities. Check-in was rough after hours especially trying to navigate to find your site is extremely difficult. We drug a few trees across the top of our unit. We were originate to have friends take us to our spot or we would not have found it until morning. Underwhelmed for the $180/night camp spot.
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
GuideI've been coming here since I was born. I'm always drawn back to my roots. It's a great family campground with sites and hookups for everyone. No store, but Hermitage and Transfers PA are both 3 to 5 minutes away for whatever you need. Firewood is 20 dollars per tub but you get a ton of good dry wood. If your into RTT Like me check out old duck loop or new duck loop for some awesome sights. Playgrounds for the kids. Ranger activites on the weekends. Well policed and patrolled. Just a great place and beautiful lake! Fishing is top notch as well. Clean bathrooms and showers. Ice is available at check in, firewood at host site 55.
ScoutFishing, boating, clean areas. Nice fire pits, and nice cement pads. Gave 4 instead of 5 stars because the entry gate and shop doesnt always have employees in it. Closes early in day.
TravelerSites are clean with a variety of hook-ups but few are 100% level. It appears to be an older CG. I’m in a 21’ van and tried several sites before one was level enough for me without blocks. Most sites are on the smaller side but FHU sites are okay for larger rigs. Numerous sites are walk-in and popular with tenters, they are very private and you park pretty close and walk up or down an embankment. Potable water and a dump station are available. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Staff is great! Swimming beach is across the lake from the CG and too far to walk for most. Marina is available. Restrooms are nice.
TravelerI’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
Campgrounds in Salem, Ohio range from lakeside retreats to wooded state parks within a 30-mile radius. Most Salem area campgrounds operate seasonally, with the majority closing between October and April due to northeastern Ohio's cold winters. Tent camping sites typically cost $18-30 per night while full-hookup RV sites range from $30-45 depending on amenities and location.
Fishing access: Mill Creek Camping at Berlin Lake Wildlife Area provides multiple shoreline fishing spots. As one camper notes, "We have our own private little beach which our dog loves. Which is another plus, we have a Rottie mix and they allow her in." The lake contains several species including bass and catfish.
Water recreation: Guilford Lake State Park Campground offers kayak and paddle boat rentals directly from the campground. A visitor shares, "We only spent one night there but we're really looking forward to returning with more time to stay so that we can take advantage of the kayak and paddle boat rentals."
Pioneer history: Beaver Creek State Park Campground features restored historical buildings from early settlement. A camper explains, "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
Human foosball: KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake offers unique recreational activities beyond standard camping. A visitor observed, "There seemed to be A LOT. Including human Foosball, a train and some boats. We didn't use any amenities...But, there seemed to be a lot for families to do."
Spacious waterfront sites: Mill Creek Camping earns praise for generous lakeside campsites. According to one review, "You have lots of space and don't feel crowed to the other people camping. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. We were fourtante that our spot was right beside the lake and we could keep the boat docked their during our stay."
Low-cost camping: Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area maintains budget-friendly rates even for premium spots. One visitor highlighted, "Low cost for staying ($18 for a waterside, spacious site for up to 8 people, 2 tents at no additional costs)."
Clean facilities: West Branch State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite heavy use. A camper noted, "Very clean individual showers" while another mentioned, "Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced."
Winter camping options: Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA remains open year-round for off-season trips. A winter camper shared, "This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!"
Varying site privacy: Raccoon Creek State Park offers both secluded and open sites. One camper advises, "If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid. The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them."
Enforcement inconsistencies: Rules at some campgrounds may not be consistently enforced. A Mill Creek visitor reported, "There were fireworks (prohibited) and the campsite next to us played loud music but it was before quiet hours so we didn't mind. The loud music turned into a party with alcohol (prohibited) and the loud music continued way past quiet hours. No campground host or personnel did anything about the noise/party."
Water limitations: Beaver Creek State Park Campground has water restrictions visitors should prepare for. A camper warned, "They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank. Make sure you fill up before you go!"
Site terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At West Branch State Park, a visitor shared, "We stayed here a week after we sold our home...The site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches."
Kid-friendly amenities: West Branch State Park Campground provides thoughtful facilities for children. A visitor pointed out, "There was even a step stool for kids to be able to reach the sinks. A staffed store(9am-7pm on Sunday, 11am-7pm Monday–Thursday and 9 am–8:30 pm on Saturday) with basic supplies."
Water activities: Cutty's Sunset Camping Resort offers water recreation scaled for younger campers. One review mentioned, "Pool is only 3.5' deep. Mainly for kids, which is alright but wish that information was on there site."
Evening programs: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. At Cutty's, a camper appreciated the "Many crafts and things to do for the kids," while another noted the "Lots of activities, things for kids to do. Dog friendly."
Playground placement: Beaver Creek State Park provides camping sites strategically located near play areas. A parent shared, "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Power hookups: Guilford Lake State Park Campground offers universal power access. As one RVer pointed out, "All the sites here are electric, but only electric."
Site selection: When booking at West Branch State Park, pay attention to site descriptions. One RVer advised, "Some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level."
Water fill stations: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground has design issues with water connections. A visitor cautioned, "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from who ever designed the park."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle types. A Beaver Creek visitor warned, "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, OH is Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Salem, OH.
What parks are near Salem, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Salem, OH that allow camping, notably Michael J Kirwan Lake and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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