Tent camping near Glenford, Ohio provides access to several established campgrounds and backcountry options within the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio. Old Stone Church Campground in Shawnee offers walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash disposal. Approximately 30 minutes south, Zaleski State Forest provides primitive tent-only backcountry sites along well-marked hiking trails. For tent campers seeking more amenities, Pops Place Camping offers rustic tent sites with access to showers and drinking water, while Baileys Trail Tent Camping provides dedicated tent campsites near the Baileys Trail System.
Most tent campgrounds in the area operate on a seasonal basis, with limited or no services during winter months. Old Stone Church Campground uses an honor system for its $15 fee, with a 50% discount for National Parks pass holders. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, though drinking water is limited at primitive locations. Tent campers should be prepared for variable terrain and weather conditions. Fire rings are provided at most designated sites, but firewood availability varies by location. Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping area offers free primitive tent camping with vault toilets but no drinking water, making it suitable for self-sufficient campers.
Backcountry tent camping in Zaleski State Forest provides a more secluded experience with multiple loop trails averaging 10 miles each. According to reviews, the terrain features "lots of ups and downs, a pond and beautiful rock outcroppings." Campsites fill quickly, especially at popular locations like Camp 2, which serves as a halfway point on the South Loop trail. Scioto Grove Metro Park, though farther from Glenford, offers reservable backpacking sites with tent pads and fire rings. One camper noted it's "great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear" with "totally primitive" sites along a river trail. Tent campers should be aware of seasonal conditions, with spring bringing muddy trails and summer months increasing humidity and insect activity.
"Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
"I stayed there Aug 2024 and as of that date the rustic tent camping was $20. "
"We'd like to welcome Ed and Michelle to our platform. This prime location is 15 minutes from the National Park. On site drinking water and firewood available."
from $15 - $125 / night
"Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren’t any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."
from $35 - $600 / night
"Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty. Lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
"There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."
"Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."
"Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."
"Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."
from $40 - $125 / night
"Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided."
"Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear."
"Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods."
"Spent consecutive months at this location and couldn't have been happier with the host and accomodations. Great for that "far out" feel just outside of town."
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
The forested hills surrounding Glenford, Ohio sit at elevations between 800-1000 feet, creating varied terrain for tent campers seeking both riverside and hilltop experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions due to the region's clay-rich soil combined with seasonal rainfall.
Motorcycle touring: Set up base camp at Pops Place Camping for exploring scenic roads including the Triple Nickel. "This is an ideal base camp for riding your motorcycle on the scenic roads in that area of Ohio such as the triple nickel. The owners are very nice people and helpful," notes David M., who adds the campground has "decent gravel for street bikes" at the entrance.
Mountain biking: Access the Baileys Trail System directly from Benton's on the Baileys, where sites are "surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System." Keith B. mentions that the "campsite is near the Baileys Bike System," making it convenient for cyclists wanting quick trail access.
Gear testing: For backpackers wanting to test equipment before longer trips, Scioto Grove Metro Park offers an accessible option. "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail," writes Zach, noting the park provides "tent pads and a fire pit."
Privacy between sites: At Geneva Hills Camp, tent campers appreciate the natural spacing between sites. "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," reports camper A.B., who found it "a neat place to camp" with convenient access to Hocking Hills.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at many Glenford-area campgrounds. One visitor to Old Stone Church Trailhead called it "Beautiful. Nicely maintained," noting it was "Well marked. Parking can be on side of road or down below where campsites are."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the accessible pricing at area campgrounds. At Pops Place Camping, "as of August 2024 the rustic tent camping was $20," according to David M., who noted the site includes "porta john and shower" that were "very clean" plus access to drinking water at the shower house.
Limited cell service: Many tent sites have variable connectivity. Emily M. at Benton's on the Baileys reports "excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet."
Dispersed camping considerations: At Monday Creek OHV Dispersed, prepare for truly primitive conditions. "Camped at the west side of the vaulted toilet lot. Arrived about 5 PM and all 3 camping spots were empty," writes Kevin C., who warns about "lots of trucks and toy haulers heading up the various roads into the late evening."
Reservation requirements: The best tent camping near Glenford, Ohio often requires advance planning. For Scioto Grove Metro Park, Anna S. advises that you "need to reserve online, books up very fast," adding she "got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park."
Kid-friendly terrain: Zaleski State Forest offers loops appropriate for different age groups. "I have taken my kids for several treks on the lower loop," shares Leon H., adding "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp."
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. At Pops Place Camping, David M. notes that "The common grass area has wood lounge chairs, common fire ring, playground, and cornhole boards," plus "a basketball backboard near the current cabin if you happen to bring a basketball for your kids to use."
Educational opportunities: Baileys Trail Tent Camping provides an immersive forest setting for nature study. Alex A. describes it as a "nice wide open space surrounded by woods" with "very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected," making it suitable for children needing reliable facilities.
Pull-through access: RVers with smaller rigs can find limited but accommodating spaces. At Old Stone Church Campground, Tammy F. reported "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. Tammy F. noted at Old Stone Church Campground, "I had good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good," which is important for RVers needing connectivity.
Limited hookups: Most sites near Glenford lack full hookups. Tammy F. reports that Old Stone Church has "The only facilities here were a single pit toilet (surprisingly clean) and a trash can at each site," and adds that "There may be more services during the height of the season, at least water for horses, but nothing else I could tell."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glenford, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glenford, OH is Old Stone Church Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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