Primitive tent camping near Westerville, Ohio offers several options within 30-60 minutes' drive from the city. Located in central Ohio with elevations ranging from 800-1100 feet, this region features diverse landscapes from wetlands to forested hillsides. Winter camping temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer highs regularly exceed 85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Creek exploration opportunities: At Park and Pack Campsite 2 in Mohican Memorial State Forest, campers can enjoy cool, clear creek access directly from their site. "The creek was clear and cool. It was also far enough away that I wouldn't be constantly worried about it," notes one camper. During summer months, the creek remains ankle-deep in most sections.
Gear testing excursions: Scioto Grove Metro Park provides an ideal location for testing new equipment. "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit," reports a camper. The REI backpacking trail creates a loop suitable for day-hiking before setting up camp.
Rope bridge crossing: Family groups particularly enjoy the suspension bridge at Scioto Grove. "Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore," mentions one reviewer. The bridge connects main trail sections but can become slippery when wet.
What campers like
Low-traffic locations: Many campers appreciate the isolation at Park and Pack Campsite 10. "The whole area is beautiful and scenic. I'd like to head back in the fall and or winter to enjoy the view of the gorge in different seasons. The site is fairly remote, we only saw a hiker while hiking in," notes one visitor. Cell phone reception varies significantly between sites.
Registration flexibility: Mohican-Memorial State Forest Park and Pack system allows for flexible arrival without strict check-in times. "It is nice no official check in and check out time like you have at the state park campsites," explains a camper. Registration remains required at the kiosk located at 950 ODNR Mohican Road 60 (County Road 939), Perrysville.
Multiple camping styles supported: Sites accommodate various camping setups. "This site was great for both hammocks and tents. You could have a small group here and not feel crowded," says a reviewer of Campsite 10. Most primitive sites offer both open areas for tent pads and sufficient trees for hammock camping.
What you should know
Registration confusion: Many first-time visitors struggle to locate proper registration areas. "Personally the directions on the kiosk where you sign in are misleading and to me really just plain wrong. The directions were correct once we got to the trailhead BUT there was no way to know where the trail head was," warns one camper. Download maps in advance as cell service is limited throughout the forest.
Limited facilities: Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center provides more amenities than most primitive sites, but still lacks electrical hookups. "Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," reports a visitor. Potable water access points are limited at most primitive sites.
Seasonal restrictions: Camping availability varies significantly by season. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I'm sure it's pretty and all, but it's hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio!" notes one camper. Many locations restrict camping to Friday and Saturday nights only during specific months.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with mobility concerns or younger children, select sites with easier approaches. "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," explains a camper about Park and Pack Campsite 4. The trail remains mostly flat with minimal elevation changes.
Pack additional water: No running water exists at primitive sites. "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 for my daughter and me," reports a camper. Each person typically requires 2-3 liters daily during summer months.
Prepare for stream crossings: Several sites require crossing water to access. "This site was one of my favorites as it was right by the creek. Crossing the creek the water at this time was ankle high," notes a Mohican camper. Water levels fluctuate seasonally and after rainfall events.
Tips from RVers
Trail access from campground: While most primitive sites don't accommodate RVs, Mohican State Park Campground offers convenient hiking access. "We liked being close to the hiking trails this morning and it was dog friendly," reports an RVer. Campsites provide paved pull-through options with electrical hookups.
Bathroom limitations: Even developed campgrounds have facility challenges. "Showers not clean and broken; hot water questionable," notes one RVer about Mohican State Park Campground. Bringing solar shower bags provides a backup option during peak season.
