The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds in OhioExplore the Map

Best Campgrounds in Ohio

3,144 Reviews

Ohio state parks offer a range of developed campgrounds with diverse accommodation types, from tent sites to cabin rentals. Popular options include Hocking Hills State Park and Mohican State Park, which maintain well-rated campgrounds with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Most state park campgrounds provide RV-friendly sites with water and electric connections, while select locations such as West Branch, East Harbor, and Mohican state parks feature cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more comfort. These established campgrounds typically include fire rings, restroom facilities, and reservable sites.

Many Ohio campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect facility availability and camping conditions. "After a few years of trying, I finally got into Mohican State Park. The campground itself is very well laid out. It's long and just a few rows deep with trees throughout, so you don't feel over crowded," noted one camper who visited in spring. Reservation systems operate for most developed sites, with popular locations filling quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods. State park campgrounds generally feature good road access suitable for most vehicles, though some primitive camping areas may require higher clearance. Alcohol is permitted at most campgrounds, and pet policies vary by location. Weather patterns in Ohio bring humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and cold winters that limit camping comfort without proper gear.

The campground experience varies significantly across the state, with waterfront locations receiving particularly strong reviews. Sites at East Harbor, Caesar Creek, and Alum Creek state parks provide water access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campers consistently rate facilities at Mohican State Park Campground among the highest in the state for their layout and amenities. According to a visitor at Caesar Creek State Park, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly. Camp sites are spacious." Privacy levels differ between campgrounds, with more wooded sites offering better separation between neighbors. Several reviewers mentioned the importance of shade coverage during hot summer months, with tent-only areas at some parks like Harrison Lake State Park providing relief from direct sun. Full-hookup sites tend to be more closely spaced than standard electric or non-electric options.

Best Camping Sites in Ohio (651)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    Website

    $20 - $70 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    2. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent.  Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities.  "

    "First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."

    3. West Branch State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    Website

    $24 - $40 / night

    "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"

    4. East Fork State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $33 / night

    "This is your standard Ohio State Park campground.  It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities.  East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "

    "Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."

    5. East Harbor State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-4424

    $26 - $90 / night

    "A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."

    "this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"

    6. Mohican State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Perrysville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 994-5125

    $22 - $220 / night

    "It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."

    "The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site.  Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace.  More space and great neighbors. "

    7. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Waynesville, OH
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $33 / night

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

    8. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    $22 - $100 / night

    "This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "

    "It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state.  We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."

    9. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    $35 / night

    "Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

    10. Findley State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    Website
    +1 (440) 647-0534

    $24 - $50 / night

    "Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."

    "Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 651 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ohio Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Ohio

1054 Photos of 651 Ohio Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Ohio

3144 Reviews of 651 Ohio Campgrounds

  • Chasity S.
    Mar. 20, 2026

    The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park

    Worst management! I’m afraid to even still be here!

    The lady at Bear Creek started out in June 2025 a quiet place with friendly management and their friendly family entire family that all live at one end of the park so no one else can have their spaces a family that causes nothing but gossip and drama that is the reason why I stopped going to throw in dinners and events. The campground itself is a mess management let potholes go all winter long to the point that it was so bad people were complaining. I myself complained, and they acted like they were doing us a favor by getting some gravel and trying to half ass fill the holes the porta potties were out of commission all summer last summer and so far are still out of commission. The splash pad is a joke. The pavilion is just a place with some picnic tables and they have allowed DJ or live band on Friday or Saturday nights where they can all get drunk and act. Accordingly we asked for the owners number to voice our complaints to the people that own the landing at Bear Creek, but management refuses to give the owners information and we had to go other routes to get that information since then they have been harassing us taunting us. They called the police and tried to kick us out without our campers without my therapy cats without our pets without our belongings without our homes we sold our four bedroom house and bought two big campers and this is where we live full-time we will be leaving in April 2026. It is now March 2026 the middle of March and the harassment hasn’t stopped. They have told people things about us that are not true. They’ve been returning our mail just a laundry list of things that are not only illegal, but scary that two people could be that unhinged that they would act this way toward anybody, especially people like myself who have never had a complaint. I never really leave my camper because I have a small business that I run never caused any problems never caused a disturbance and I’ve been here since June 2025 once they found out that we were moving and that we wanted to talk to the owners to follow voice our complaints. It’s been nothing but police and harassment and it’s to the point where I’m afraid to even stay here. I’m afraid they’re going to harm my cats or myself. I’ve never seen two people more unhinged and crazy and spiteful and vengeful as I have the managers that are currently managing the landing at Bear Creek. I’ve never had this much interaction with police officers over managers of a property harassing so badly, knowing that I have mental health issues and using those mental health issues as a threat against me, I do not recommend people come. They stay for maybe a month or two and leave because they realize how awful this place is the gossip the drama there’s been drugs. There’s been a guy that had a knife and was trying to stab all his neighbors, and they found cocaine in his camper. There have been numerous incidents. Someone passed away out here in a strange fashion. This place is a wasteland. It is a routing negative energy and management is childish petty and the most spiteful, crazy, insane unhinged people I have ever seen in my entire life, the way that they have been behaving with their children in their truck driving up to my camper, harassing me outside of my camper, returning my mail just all this craziness. I can’t believe it. I can’t even put together in words to leave this post right now I’m so sorry this is the worst place I’ve ever seen and neither of the worst type of people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Please do not stay here for your own safety. If you’re trying to reach the owners to file a complaint about management the first picture shows you how to do so because management will not give you the owners information.

  • Travis L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2026

    New Straitsville Trailhead

    Very nice

    Nice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend

  • Marvin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2026

    Findley State Park Campground

    Great weekend

    It’s been a great three days and four nights. It’s off-season for the park is awful quiet there has been campers trails a little muddy, but it’s still a great state park to camp at

  • Excelsior X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2026

    Youngstown ARS FamCamp

    Famcamp

    We staying here for a month. It is cheap and only few sites are occupied. Clean bathrooms and toilets

  • Jacob H.
    Feb. 21, 2026

    Sauder Village Campground

    Little expensive but nice

    Bit pricey but is a nice park stayed most the winter they have a 9 full hook up sites open year round city water heated bath house site gets a little muddy when rains mostly quite to

  • Jimmy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 11, 2026

    Guilford Lake State Park Campground

    My favorite local campground

    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. It's great to be able to fish right in our own campsite. It is small but always a great time every time we go. Also make sure you go to Lisbon and get Mary's Pizza. Trust me you won't regret it!

  • Andrew R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2026

    Dorr Run-Elm Trailhead

    Good stop over point - OHV

    Relatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.

    NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.

    Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2026

    Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

    Family Camping

    We had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.

Guide to Ohio

Camping in Ohio offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, Ohio's campgrounds have something for you.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are near lakes and hiking trails. For example, at Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and mountain biking. One camper mentioned, “Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails, live music select evenings, etc.”
  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping have playgrounds and swimming areas. A visitor shared, “There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many parks are home to diverse wildlife. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, “We saw deer, heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night - really cool.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A review from Mohican State Park Campground stated, “Restrooms and showers clean and sanitary.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large sites with plenty of space. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground mentioned, “Dillon is one of our favorite camping destinations. They have very large sites.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Findley State Park Campground said, “Park Staff was great and very friendly.”

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, “The constant road noise and insane amount of small plane traffic is extremely annoying.”
  • Site Selection: Not all sites are created equal. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites are shaded, which is nice, but pretty close together.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some parks may lack certain amenities. A camper at Mount Gilead State Park Campground pointed out, “The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Campbell Cove Camping has a great playground and swimming area, making it perfect for kids.
  • Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet, check reviews for noise levels. One camper at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, “No party people very family friendly.”
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Mohican Adventures Campground said, “You can ride your bike from Mohican Adventures Campground into downtown Loudonville without going on any roads.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dillon State Park Campground noted, “Some of them do hold water in the bottom inside loop of section A.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A review from A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The only downfall I saw is that it is not full hook up in most spots.”
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Some campgrounds can get muddy. A visitor at Dillon State Park Campground warned, “If rain is predicted, the place turns into a complete mudpit.”

Camping in Ohio offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly fun. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful state has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make camping reservations in Ohio state parks?

Ohio state park camping reservations can be made online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or by calling 866-OHIOPARKS. Reservations typically open 6 months in advance, and booking early is recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one of Ohio's larger campgrounds, you'll need to check in at the registration office upon arrival. When visiting Pymatuning State Park Campground and other popular parks, be prepared for potentially longer check-in lines during peak season. Some parks offer first-come, first-served sites, but these are limited. Have your vehicle information, intended length of stay, and payment method ready when making reservations.

Where can I find good fishing spots near Ohio campgrounds?

Wolf Run State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with campsites that wrap around the lake, providing easy water access. Campers note that the water is clearer than many Ohio lakes, making it ideal for fishing. East Fork State Park Campground is another great option with a 2,160-acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish. Additional fishing destinations include Caesar Creek State Park (known for its muskie fishing), the Ohio River access points near Shawnee State Forest, and the various ponds at Mohican State Park. Most Ohio state park campgrounds with lakes offer boat rentals and fishing docks. Remember to obtain an Ohio fishing license before your trip, available online or at local bait shops.

What are the best state park campgrounds in Ohio?

Ohio offers excellent state park camping options with diverse amenities. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is highly regarded for its lake access, convenient location between Cincinnati and Columbus, and recent improvements. Many campers find autumn the perfect season to visit. Harrison Lake State Park Campground in northwest Ohio stands out for its unusually spacious, level sites compared to other Ohio state parks. Other noteworthy options include Alum Creek with its beautiful wooded sites, East Harbor along Lake Erie, and Mohican State Park with excellent hiking trails. Most Ohio state parks offer clean facilities, water access, and a variety of recreational activities, though amenities and site privacy can vary considerably between parks.

Keep Exploring

  5. View all Ohio cities for camping