16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Spencer, Ohio features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites, particularly within the nearby Mohican-Memorial State Forest. The forest's Park and Pack sites provide primitive tent camping options where visitors register at the ranger station kiosk on County Road 939 in Perrysville. Heritage Farms offers tent sites set among Christmas trees with picnic tables and fire rings, while Big Bend Trailhead provides free primitive camping with convenient access for hikers and cyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath.
Most tent sites in the region lack potable water, requiring campers to pack in all drinking water or plan access to nearby sources. Fire rings are common at established sites, though fire regulations vary seasonally. Vault toilets or portable facilities are available at larger campgrounds like Heritage Farms and Rivers Edge Camping Area but absent at the more remote Park and Pack sites in Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Tent pads range from grassy clearings to forest duff, with some sites featuring slightly sloped terrain. Walk-in distances vary significantly, from short 50-yard hikes at Big Bend Trailhead to three-quarter-mile treks to reach more remote forest sites.
The tent-only experience in this region offers varying levels of seclusion. Sites at Mohican-Memorial State Forest provide significant privacy among mature trees, though campsite 10 features "large spacious" terrain with room for multiple tents and hammock options. Primitive sites along the Towpath Trail benefit from trail access but may experience highway noise. Cell service is limited or non-existent at forest campsites, requiring advance planning. Seasonal variations affect the camping experience, with one visitor noting that "we only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail" at their forest campsite. Rivers Edge Camping Area provides "privacy between you and the trail" with sites situated alongside the river.
"Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm. "
"Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The sunset photo is by the entrance of the parking lot to the campsite. This is the 2nd easiest campsite to walk into out of the 10. "
"Site 10 is about 3/4 of a mile down the trail from the upper parking area. Well marked and easy to find. There are plenty of areas to set up shelter and hang hammocks."
"Only primitive non electric site for roof top campers is C5! Others are park and walk or to small to open up and be comfy. Great cabins and yurts! Clean bathrooms and showers."
"It had plenty of space for tents and hammocks. It was close enough to hang out by the creek if you wanted. No cell phone service for Verizon."
"We took the main trail head at the bridle parking lot but this isn't where you should go. The main trail head gets you to sites 1- 3."
"We almost walked past it and didn't even know it. Toledo another hiker on the trail was still looking for it and never found it. This is one of the smallest camp sites. "
"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."
"Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot."
"Located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of Massillon, OH in the Stark County Parks District. These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists."
"Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."
"While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."
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
GuideThis is the cleanest park we've ever used! The bathroom is tidy; the showers are roomy and convenient to use. There is a nice playground for younger kids as well as a pickleball court and basketball court for teens and adults. There also is a pleasant hiking trail. We stayed in Site 42, a concrete site, which was fantastic for my spouse's mobility issues. The sites are not super spaced apart, but, with the graduated elevation, we didn't feel smashed together. We visited Amish Country to absorb the beautiful fall scenery, to shop at local stores, and to relax by a campfire in the evening . The campground was perfect for us. If you're seeking a wilderness adventure , this park is not for you .
ScoutCould not ask for a better site. Absolutely beautiful setting. A nice small lake for fishing, and a perfect shallow stream for kids to play in, running right by the sites. The pool house and facilities are spotlessly clean. On top of that, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We even needed a jumpstart for our truck when we were towing the camper out on a rainy Monday morning and someone came around to help. 100% will come back and 100% would recommend to anyone.
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
TravelerWe arrived in the evening after reserving our spot earlier. We selected a non-electric site that as near the entrance and despite a surprising number of campers on a Wednesday, it was quiet and peaceful.
Very well maintained and a visible presence of security and maintenance personnel who were friendly and helpful.
A very nice way to start our car camping trip.
GuideThis park is off the beaten path and filled mostly with Full Timers in beautiful landscaped sites. But room for overnighters like us. All sites have electric and water. The laundry is small, only 1 working washer, but it came in handy. The bathrooms have free showers but could use a deep cleaning. Big open field for the dog to play
TravelerWe stayed in the fall for one night to visit Cuyahoga Valley Park (about 25 minutes away, as is a Costco). Many choices for short term sites. From the many permanent RVs and water slides in the pond, looks like it could be less quiet other times of year and a fun place for kids (we weren’t traveling with any). Staff nice and helpful but showers were old and dirty, probably in part to the high iron in the water (we didn’t hook up water).
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.
TravelerVery nice with everything you expect from a state run campground 👍👍👍👍
Tent camping near Spencer, Ohio offers access to a mix of state forest lands and private campgrounds within 45 minutes of town. Situated in north-central Ohio, the area features rolling terrain with elevations between 900-1,200 feet and deciduous forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity in July and August, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees within 24 hours.
Trail exploration: 3/4 mile hike: At Park and Pack Campsite 10 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest, access excellent hiking directly from your campsite. "This site is about 3/4 of a mile down the trail from the upper parking area. Well marked and easy to find," notes Ryan R., who adds that "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."
Photography opportunities: dawn and dusk: The open fields at Heritage Farms provide exceptional photo opportunities. "Our site was beautiful and private. Sunset was incredible the first night," reports Brady R. The Christmas tree farm setting offers unique backdrops for landscape and nature photography throughout the seasons.
River activities: cold but refreshing: During summer months, the Tuscarawas River near Rivers Edge Camping Area provides cooling relief. "Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit," notes Whiskey B. Tubing is popular when temperatures exceed 85°F, though remember that one reviewer found the river "COLD, but very nice in 90 degree heat."
Privacy between sites: The campgrounds near Spencer offer good separation between campers. At Heritage Farms, Abbey E. reports, "Our site was beautiful and private. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers." This stands out from more crowded state park campgrounds in the region.
Fire management services: Many campers appreciate the firewood delivery at Heritage Farms. "If you plan on having a fire, you have to purchase wood from them because you can't bring your own (it's a tree farm). One thing I loved is that they will bring the wood up to your campsite for you," explains Abbey E. The service prevents the introduction of invasive species via outside firewood.
Group accommodations: Hidden Hollow Camp receives positive reviews for group camping facilities. "We have camped here multiple times with our scout troop. Facilities are excellent with a large clubhouse with kitchen," shares Joel C., making it suitable for organized groups requiring common facilities and multiple tent sites.
Registration procedures: For forest camping, follow proper registration protocol at Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Ryan R. advises, "If you're unfamiliar w/ the Park & Pack system...make sure to sign in at the kiosk...There's no reservations, you show up, see what sites are available, sign in and drive to the appropriate parking area." This self-registration system can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Water access considerations: Pack sufficient water for forest sites. As Ryan R. notes about Mohican-Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1, "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." Plan for 1-2 gallons per person per day during summer months.
Cell connectivity: Service varies significantly by location and carrier. Kenpocentaur K. reports, "Your cell phone signal (Verizon) will be limited back here. It will work at some of the high points." Download maps before arrival, particularly for navigating to remote forest sites where signal is unreliable.
Site accessibility rating: When camping with children or individuals with mobility considerations, choose sites with easier access. Kenpocentaur K. recommends certain locations in the forest: "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." Consider site distance from parking when planning with young children.
Running room assessment: Valley Overlook and nearby campgrounds offer varying amounts of space for children to play. One Heritage Farms visitor mentioned "lots of room for kiddos to run wild" and notes the area's "extremely close proximity to CVNP" making it suitable for families seeking both camping and park activities.
Transportation assistance: Heritage Farms offers helpful amenities for families struggling with gear transport. Abbey E. explains, "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site." This service makes walk-in camping more feasible with children and bulky family equipment.
Road condition alerts: Access to some forest camping areas requires navigating rough roads. Ryan R. cautions about Park and Pack sites: "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." RVs should check road conditions before attempting access to remote sites.
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Rivers Edge Camping Area, proximity to parking makes it more accessible for those with larger equipment. Whiskey B. notes the site has "great access close to parking lot" while still maintaining "privacy between you and the trail." This balance of convenience and seclusion suits RVers who appreciate both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spencer, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spencer, OH is Hidden Hollow Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Spencer, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Spencer, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
