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Camping near Wayne National Forest

562 Reviews

Camping in Wayne National Forest ranges from basic to well-equipped sites throughout Ohio. The Emily M site at Hocking College works well for people who want quick access to the forest's trails. Many campers head to Burr Oak State Park Campground because it sits close to Burr Oak Lake, where fishing and kayaking are common activities. Deer and various birds frequently show up near camping areas, so you'll need to store food properly. Fire rules change with the seasons and current weather, so always check before lighting a campfire. During busy times, several camping spots need reservations ahead of time. Trails throughout the forest connect to nearby points of interest and have some good views along the way. Keep in mind that Wayne National Forest limits stays to 14 days so everyone gets a chance to use the sites. Both developed campgrounds with facilities and more basic sites are available depending on what you prefer. Before heading out, check if you need any permits for your planned camping area.

Map showing campgrounds near Wayne National Forest, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Wayne National Forest (120)

    1. Forked Run State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Long Bottom, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 378-6206

    "We live close to this park and frequent there, sometimes just day trips. Tent camping is great and just like most places there are a few sites that are the best."

    "I discovered this park in 2019 while on a history road trip to Marietta, Ohio and Blanerhasset Island.  "

    2. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "****Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh.

    Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."

    "The hiking trails are nice but very muddy after the rain. Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest. The docks have near constant traffic but it's not super busy."

    3. Strouds Run State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 592-2302

    "The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."

    "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."

    4. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    "Lake Hope State Park southeast on Rt 33 from Columbus, Oh and adjacent to one part of Wayne National Forest, it is a very nice, quiet, small basic campground."

    "Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."

    5. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    38 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    6. Carthage Gap

    1 Review
    Wayne National Forest, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 667-3072

    $35 / night

    "Sitting above two fishing lakes, one you can swim in during the summer the campground is peaceful and tranquil and next to some amazing woodland."

    7. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College

    9 Reviews
    Albany, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 698-6373

    "Lake Snowden is a great alternative to camping at Strouds. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new “water park” opened during the summer. Great shelters, facilities, and optional bathrooms."

    "We were able to camp right by the lake. The trails are great for hiking and some more intermediate mountain biking. And there are boat rentals of many different types."

    8. Kountry Resort Campground

    5 Reviews
    West Columbia, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 992-6488

    $20 - $80 / night

    "This campground has been around since the 1800s. It has a lot of permanent residents and we had a lot of fun checking out the different set ups.

    There are a lot of amenities but they need updated."

    9. Zaleski State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."

    "Much of Ohio is flat corn land, so Zaleski is a special place in Ohio. The trail swings close to some homes, which is less remote than out west where I live now, but overall it's nice."

    10. Camp Rotan

    2 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 592-3325
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Recent Camping Photos near Wayne National Forest

234 Photos of 120 Wayne National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wayne National Forest

562 Reviews of 120 Wayne National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Wayne National Forest

Camping near Wayne National Forest, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great area. Camped here with my friends and I’ve been here on a backpacking trip through OU."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes or rivers. One camper noted, "Perfect little spots on the lake," highlighting the fishing opportunities at Burr Oak State Park Campground.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around the lakes. A review from Campbell Cove Camping mentions, "You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Burr Oak State Park Campground said, "Showers and restrooms were acceptable and what you might expect from a state park."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday shared, "The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping offer playgrounds and swimming areas, making them great for families. One reviewer said, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole."

What you should know:

  • Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven or sloped sites. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Noise levels: Expect some noise from nearby campers. One visitor at Forked Run State Park Campground noted, "Most patrons seem to be local - weekends full of loud music and drinking."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed stated, "There are no amenities except for an outhouse in the parking lot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Campbell Cove Camping, which has activities for kids. One parent said, "This place was really cute... His name is Steve. He is super friendly and helpful."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Hocking Hills KOA Holiday mentioned, "There are plenty of things for the kids to do."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground noted, "The general store is cute and has everything you need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Forked Run State Park Campground advised, "Ensure your rig can fit into your selected site prior to booking as sites can be small and hilly."
  • Leveling equipment: Bring leveling blocks if your site is uneven. One RV owner at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "I’d go again, but they should maybe make some tent pads for the tent sites."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Top O' The Caves Campground said, "The worst part is the lots are so sloped that it took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level."

Camping near Wayne National Forest, Ohio, has something for everyone. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wayne National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wayne National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Wayne National Forest and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wayne National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wayne National Forest is Forked Run State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wayne National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Wayne National Forest.

What parks are near Wayne National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Wayne National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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