Best Tent Camping near Powell, OH
Tent campsites near Powell, Ohio provide opportunities for overnight backpacking in natural settings close to the Columbus metropolitan area. Scioto Grove Metro Park offers primitive tent camping along the REI River Trail with five reservable backcountry sites. Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center also accommodates tent campers, providing more amenities while maintaining a natural setting approximately 45 miles southeast of Powell.
Most tent sites at Scioto Grove Metro Park include tent pads, fire rings, and provided firewood, but remain primitive with no running water or electricity. The sites require a short hike along the backpacking trail and cannot be accessed by vehicle. Reservations are limited to weekends during the camping season, which excludes winter months. Sites must be reserved in advance and fill quickly due to their popularity and limited availability. Geneva Hills offers more developed tent sites with picnic tables, drinking water, and shower facilities accessible via drive-in camping.
Scioto Grove's tent camping areas provide a quiet retreat along the Scioto River, with sites spaced to provide privacy. The location offers hiking opportunities with a rope bridge crossing a creek that appeals to both children and adults. Site 5 is noted for its river-front location and seclusion from the busier parts of the park. The backpacking trail provides an excellent opportunity for new backpackers to test gear without venturing far from urban areas. A visitor commented, "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit, besides that they're totally primitive."