Best Tent Camping near St. Marys, OH
Tent camping options near St. Marys, Ohio include both established campgrounds and primitive sites along hiking trails. The St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail offers free primitive tent camping at an Adirondack shelter between Points 6 and 7, accessible only by hiking in. On Cedar Pond provides a more developed alternative with just two tent sites featuring amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and shower facilities.
Primitive tent setups along the Buckeye Trail require proper preparation as facilities are minimal. The Adirondack shelter can accommodate up to six people sleeping off the ground and includes a stone fireplace for cooking and warmth. Deadfall from surrounding trees provides kindling and fuel for fires. For those seeking more amenities, On Cedar Pond offers reservable sites with standard campground facilities including toilets and trash disposal, though these are not free. Saulisberry Park Campground provides another option with electric hookups and picnic tables, but lacks shower facilities.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. The Buckeye Trail shelter sits approximately 10 miles from trailheads at Lockington or Fort Loramie, making it ideal for breaking up a two-day backpacking trip. One camper noted that "you cannot miss it as you go along the trail" and appreciated being able to "drop the tent" while learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail. This shelter represents a practical first step toward backpacking without carrying the full physical load of tent gear. For those preferring more comfort, On Cedar Pond offers a scenic setting that one visitor described as "beautiful" with an "amazing" stay. Most tent sites in the region require advance planning regarding water sources and waste disposal.