Best Tent Camping near Waverly, OH

Several tent campground options dot the terrain surrounding Waverly, Ohio, with most areas concentrated within a 30-minute drive. Waters Edge Canoe Livery and Zaleski State Forest provide designated tent sites with varying levels of amenities. SaltCreek Retreats and Benton's on the Baileys offer additional tent camping opportunities in the broader region, giving tent campers access to the natural landscapes of southeastern Ohio.

Tent sites in the Waverly area typically feature basic amenities. Zaleski State Forest provides primitive tent camping with potable water and toilet facilities at designated backpacking camps. Most tent-only areas have fire rings and allow pets, though campers should verify specific rules before arrival. Waters Edge Canoe Livery offers more developed tent camping with drinking water, showers, and toilets available. Trothwood Forest provides more rustic tent sites with fires allowed but limited facilities. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with spring bringing muddy conditions to many sites.

The hiking-oriented nature of Zaleski State Forest makes it particularly suitable for tent campers. The trail system features multiple loop options averaging about 10 miles each, with established camping areas providing water access and basic facilities. Tent sites are typically situated away from RV areas, providing a more immersive forest experience. The terrain includes hills, valleys, and forest floors with multiple established campsites that offer seclusion even when sharing the designated camping areas. A camper noted, "These campgrounds and hiking trails are my go-to for a weekend backpacking trip. Rarely have I seen other hikers on the same trails but we always meet people at camp." The trails are well-maintained with clear markings, though some visitors report challenging terrain with significant elevation changes that reward tent campers with scenic views.

Best Tent Sites Near Waverly, Ohio (23)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Waverly, OH

567 Reviews of 23 Waverly Campgrounds


  • Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Scioto Trail State Park Campground

    Tent only sites - quiet, wooded

    I stayed in the non-electric, tent-only campground NOT the RV campground. Out of curiosity, I drove through the RV campground and it was so loud and cramped! But the tent-only area is separate. Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate. But there was only one other camper and we all had plenty of space - I could barely see them through the trees. All sites appeared to have a picnic table and fire ring. Many miles of trails / dirt roads for hiking and biking. Clear skies at night. Very relaxing.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Close proximity to natural attractions

    Hocking Hills State Park, Oh-Site 89. https://thehockinghills.org/

    Hocking Hills State Park offers close proximity to most of the popular natural attractions...Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, etc....but for a tent camper that prefers solitude and space, I found it unappealing.

    I did arrive late on a Monday evening, mid-October and got one of the last available sites. Packed on a Monday night!

    I found the camping sites a bit cramped both in depth and width. Site 89 and 90 shared the same parking pad. Limited flat locations existed for a tent and my tent footprint is fairly small. You do have a firepit and picnic table with all three in fairly close proximity, so you must be extremely cautious with wind direction when deciding for a fire, else you’ll have embers dotting your tent and picnic table. Even though the neighbors were trying to be respectfully quiet...you heard every conversation and saw their every move.

    No electric, which is fine in my book...the water spigot is centrally located on the loop and happened to be next to my site.

    The restroom/shower facilities were not well cared for upon my visit. The floors were very muddy and trash was piled up in the corner of one stall and out of necessities.

    Construction and dump truck noise started early with a project behind the restrooms.

    The visitor’s center was well-stocked and the employee was pleasant. Cell service is unavailable and even sketchy at the visitor’s center. Wood can be purchased at the visitor’s center.

    Close proximity to local attractions and a swimming pool are likely the big draw.

    Knowing that I prefer solitude and distance when camping, I’ll likely not return but choose nearby Lake Hope State Park for my local visits.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    A Good Place to Meet is in the Middle

    A new site for us at this campground, site 59 which is an inside site. We also had friends who booked 2 inside sites very nearby so we were able to all set up in the middle and share a large space for 10 people and 7 dogs. We were able to be socially distant, have space for cornhole and lots of room for the dogs. Our site pad was pretty level. My husband went over the pad just a little onto the grass, as the other side sloped. So when we stepped out of the camp, we wouldn't be stepping down on a slope. This is one of the quietest campgrounds we go to even though there is plenty for kids to do (playground). Had the weather been better, we would have brought our kayaks for the lake. You have three different types of restrooms. The ones closest to use are the drop toilets, a little further is a porta potty and the furthest was the flush toilets (no showers). It's our little slice of heaven so we like to try a new site each time if we are able. We take our dogs with us so we have to be a little more picky so we don't bother anyone.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Zaleski State Forest

    Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Firebiner at Zaleski South Loop

    Campground Review: With a close friend coming to visit from Spain, I wanted to show her a cool backpacking location in Southeastern Ohio. Zaleski State Forest seemed like a good choice for a new backpacker. There are multiple loops to trek, averaging about 10 miles per loop. Overall the trails are well maintained (minus a few dense areas). There was almost an excessive amount of blazes. Campsites are plentiful along the trails. We stayed at Campsite C. Each site has access to communal well-water and a restroom. Each site usually has a small fire ring and logs to sit on. Overall, the campsites were pretty decent and secluded, but nothing special view wise aside from the typical Ohio forest. I would say pretty overall, but nothing quite outstanding.

    Product Review: The Banner & Oak Firebiner is a neat little tool that has some really fun features! Most notable being the fire starter. The Firebiner uses a small spark wheel and replaceable ferro rod to create sparks. The sparks are pretty large for the little tool. I now use my Firebiner to start my MSR stove quickly and with zero plastic waste! I haven’t used it to try to start a straight up fire, but friends have successfully before. Most importantly, the spark wheel is just darn right fun to play with. The device has other little uses like a bottle opener, utility blade, and screwdriver. I absolutely love this device! Only complaint would be that I wish it came in different colors, but who really cares.

    Here is a link to check out the Firebiner yourself: https://bannerandoak.com/products/banner-and-oak-firebiner?variant=9696793034788&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndu9CmerLos5Y1yvjGHJ2L4FG732wg9bMpyPAJRa3m8dxlxffZ6Nt-RoC6LQQAvD_BwE

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2022

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Beautiful scenery!

    General: 172-site state park with a mix of full hook-up, electric, and no hook-ups in separate areas plus a 33-site family hike-in camp, two group camps, and three cabins. All sites need to be reserved – no walk-ins are allowed. There is a beautiful visitor center, and the camp office has a small store as well. There is a very nice coin-operated laundry room. Don’t count on cell service– with a fleeting one bar of Verizon, it was just enough to tease us, but the break was also a welcome respite. 

    Site Quality: Standard issue for state parks with paved driveways, picnic table, and fire ring, however, there are a few things to note: Some sites are decidedly not level (#105 is very sloped). 103 and 101 meet at a V at the back end and this impedes the separation between the sites. Our site (103) had a drop-off between the driveway and the rest of the site that could pose a tripping hazard if you are not careful. All of the restrooms emit a hum, but the wastewater treatment facility is very loud and is located directly behind the first 9-10 full hook-up sites. 

    Bathhouse: The restrooms were clean, but the showers were just adequate (not the worst camp shower but definitely not the best I have experienced) but at least there was hot water. 

    Activities: We came for the hiking, and we were not disappointed. This park is gorgeous! We hiked the Blue trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail) to Cedar Falls, taking in Upper and Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave along the way, and returned via the Rim Trail, which was much easier (fewer roots and up and down). We received a color-coded map of the trails upon check-in but had difficulty deciphering it, especially the mileage. We went to the Camp Office before starting our hike to get clarity. Once on the trails, they were well-marked with either signs or blazes. While you could do a long hike (12 miles one-way) from one end of the park to the other), don’t miss Ash Cave – we drove there the next morning before leaving. There are also mountain biking trails, two playgrounds (the one more centrally located is a bit dated and does not look very safe but there is a newer, larger one at the very end of the road (near the lake trail) and there are also horseshoe pits and a volleyball net there. In season, there is a large swimming pool. 

    The campground itself gets 3 stars for some of its flaws but the scenery is so beautiful, 4 stars are merited, in my opinion. I would recommend reserving in one of the “spurs” as there would be less traffic.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Inside Campsite and Pleasantly Surprised on the Fourth of July!

    After staying one night in non-electric we were able to transfer to an electric site thanks to our great camp hosts. They let us know that one had opened and recommended us to call in the next morning. We were able to get an electric site that was on the inside, a site we would have never chosen otherwise as we have dogs and try to find a space with no one behind us. The site was actually really nice. There was grass and some partial shade. We had room for our ez-up tent, our pop-up bathroom and still room to set up our chairs and walk the dogs without bothering our neighbors. Our friends had the site next to us and they were able to use the trees to hang their hammocks. There was a nice fire ring and the pad was easy to level our a-frame camper. We had another set of neighbors who were in a class A motorhome (it was huge!). Everyone we talked to were very friendly. We were closer to the vault toilets (they were kept clean) and the playground. It was Fourth of July weekend and the campground was really quiet. If you have kayaks, you can drive them down the hill next to the campground to get into the lake. If you like to hike or mountain bike there are trails to use as well.

  • S
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Walk-In Primitive Family Campground

    Walk-in campground provides a nice amount of quiet for the price of carting your gear in (up to a .6 mile, depending on site chosen). Several sites are somewhat hidden from the path while others have little-to-no privacy from your fellow campers . Pit toilets are adequate. Water pump located in the parking lot along with access to biking trails. All sites include picnic table and fire ring.

  • Frank H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice campground

    This was the last campground before returning home from a month long camping road trip across the country and back. Picturesque camp directly on the Ohio River. Very level. Small campground with about 40 sites. Basically all sites are for RVs and equipped with electrical and water and most with sewer. We were tent camping and set up and a very soft & thick grassy space on one of the empty sites. The owners plan to install dedicated tent sites along the edge of the woods. There is a camp store with most needed items. Ice and firewood sold. Very spacious and individual toilet and shower & sink rooms. Good showers with plenty of hot water. Playground for children. Volleyball for anyone. Dumpster for trash. Great people. Easy to make reservations.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Hot hot hot! So we kayaked!

    Site 32 - A new site for us at this campground. We had shade in the morning but lots of sun in the afternoon. This site is on the outside and backs up to trees. There is lots grass and space - good for us to walk the dogs and not have them pee and poop where we were sitting. Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and they have flush, vault and portable toilets. There are no showers. This was our first time to kayak which you can launch right near the campground. It’s a little mucky at the bottom of the hill but if you take the path off to the right there is a small beach which is much easier to launch from. There is a small island that has two spots you can stop on and then swim. Lots of birds to see and plenty of other kayakers and fisherman. They are now selling wood and ice at the campground but the store is still closed. A gas station is right down the road in case you forget anything.


Guide to Waverly

Tent camping opportunities near Waverly, Ohio extend beyond established campgrounds into the broader southeastern Ohio region. Located in Pike County amid the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, this area features rolling hills with elevation changes of 300-500 feet between valleys and ridgetops. Several designated backpacking trails connect primitive campsites with seasonal streams and wildlife habitat throughout surrounding state forests and public lands.

What to do

Hiking trails: Zaleski State Forest offers multi-day backpacking opportunities with established trails. "I went backpacking with my brother here last year and it was one of the best camping experiences of my life! We enjoyed four amazing days of hiking, camping and exploring nature. The trails are well marked and easy to follow," reports James W. about Zaleski State Forest.

Mountain biking: Camp near the developing trail system at Benton's on the Baileys. "This campsite is near the Baileys Bike System," notes Keith B. about Benton's on the Baileys, which provides access to the extensive mountain biking network being developed in the region.

Water activities: Several tent camping areas provide creek and river access. "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go," says Jonathan W. about Waters Edge Canoe Livery, which offers both water activities and camping options.

What campers like

Secluded campsites: The region offers tent camping with genuine privacy. "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," shares Emily M. about Benton's on the Baileys, highlighting the privacy found at many area campsites.

Multiple difficulty options: The region accommodates various skill levels. "We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings," reports Renée C. about Zaleski State Forest, which offers both beginner-friendly and more challenging routes.

Wildlife encounters: Tent campers frequently report diverse wildlife sightings. "We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly," notes Lani R. about Pine Knob Loop Campground, adding to the wildlife experiences frequently mentioned by area campers.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Many tent camping areas have minimal amenities. "We hiked in at this point near Lake Vesuvius in the Wayne National Forest. Found a secluded spot up the trail," explains Carri D. about Pine Knob Loop Campground, highlighting the primitive nature of many sites.

Campsite competition: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp," advises Leon H. about Zaleski.

Trail navigation challenges: Some areas require careful planning. "NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!!" warns Lani R., emphasizing the importance of proper navigation tools when tent camping in this region.

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate trails: Several areas accommodate younger hikers. "Lots of fun and a good hike- easy enough for an 8 year old!" shares Carri D. about hiking near Pine Knob, indicating family-friendly options exist despite the challenging terrain.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites enhance family camping trips. "Moonville Tunnel is close and is a great bookend before or after your hike," suggests Leon H., referring to the historic tunnel near Zaleski State Forest.

Family-tested routes: Some loops are particularly suitable for families. "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. Our 8 year old did great & we saw lots of families camping," reports Renée C.

Tips from RVers

Nearby amenities: When tent camping becomes challenging, area attractions offer comfort. "Treat yourself to a post hike meal at the Lake Hope Dining Lodge, Sunday brunch is awesome. Don't worry about stinking from the trail, the outside seating is dog and smelly hiker friendly," recommends Leon H., highlighting supportive infrastructure for campers needing a break from primitive conditions.

Seasonal considerations: Weather significantly impacts site conditions. "Backpacked there for 3 days/2 nights. Good trail and campsites had water, but it can get a little humid and buggy there," notes Nick M. about conditions at Zaleski State Forest, emphasizing the importance of seasonal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waverly, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waverly, OH is Waters Edge Canoe Livery with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Waverly, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Waverly, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.