Tent camping near Bucyrus, Ohio offers access to forested landscapes within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region, where elevations generally range between 900-1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F during peak camping months. Local campgrounds become particularly crowded during weekends in July and August when water features provide relief from humidity.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Mohican State Park Campground, the accessible water features provide recreation beyond just camping. One camper noted, "The creek was clear and cool. It was also far enough away that I wouldn't be constantly worried about it. Still something to be mindful of when camping near water."
River tubing: The Clear Fork River runs through Mohican State Park Campground and offers refreshing summer activities. A visitor mentioned, "If you are in the park there are areas to walk up river and jump in with a tube and float back down to the camp areas and get out. River was COLD, but very nice in 90 degree heat."
Trail hiking: Multiple interconnected trails run through the Mohican forest system with varying difficulty levels. When using the trails, one hiker suggested, "Make sure you look for the red blazes on the trees at the start of the trail. I would recommend downloading the various bridle trails (Mohican) on the AllTrails app."
What campers like
Private sites: Park and Pack Campsite 3 offers seclusion that many campers appreciate. A reviewer described it as "A well hidden campsite. We almost walked past it and didn't even know it." Another mentioned it's "beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream."
Water activities: The pond at Tee Pee Family Campground provides family entertainment options. A camper reported, "The pond was fantastic. Has a large inflatable slide and a dock that you can jump off of in the middle. Kids loved it."
Natural surroundings: Many campsites in the region offer scenic views and natural features. At one site, a camper noted, "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." These natural features enhance the camping experience beyond the designated site areas.
What you should know
Registration requirements: For the Park and Pack sites, registration is mandatory and follows a first-come system. A camper advised, "Make sure you register before you do the long walk out here. You don't want to do illegal camping at the Park and Pack sites as they do keep an eye out for it."
Site access challenges: Some Park and Pack Campsite 10 visitors report navigation issues. One visitor shared, "Personally the directions on the kiosk where you sign in are misleading and to me really just plain wrong. The directions were correct once we got to the trailhead BUT there was no way to know where the trail head was."
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across camping areas. As one camper reported about Mohican Memorial State Forest, "No cell phone service for Verizon at this time." Another mentioned, "Cell phone coverage with Verizon was very limited out here. Download your maps before you go."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For families with mobility concerns, certain sites offer easier access. A regular camper recommends, "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. I have a friend with mobility challenges and can walk on wide open trails."
Campground amenities: Mohican State Park Campground offers more developed facilities that families might prefer. A visitor noted, "It's the kind of campground that you never need to leave if you don't want to. They have regular electric and full hookup sites."
Water planning: When camping at primitive sites without water access, families need to prepare accordingly. One camper shared this experience: "The only con I would give the site is there's no water source, so you have to pack in all your water needs. Being the middle of summer that was quite a bit for my daughter and me."
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1 received mixed reviews from RVers. One camper advised, "Stayed here a few times with just power at site. Was at main Camp ground with RV's all around. Seemed pretty popular yet was quiet enough. People were very respectful and careful driving around as kids and families tend to walk/ride bikes around."
Road conditions: Access roads to some camping areas may present challenges for certain vehicles. A camper warned about one site: "The last 1/4 mile of the road is pretty rutted, so if you have a low profile vehicle you may need to park at the lower area (which isn't much of a parking area and the Rangers don't really want anyone parking there)."
