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Tent campers visiting Westerville, Ohio have several established options within driving distance, including Scioto Grove Metro Park offering free backpacking sites along the Scioto River just south of Columbus. Mohican-Memorial State Forest, located about an hour's drive northeast, provides multiple primitive Park and Pack campsites scattered throughout the forest, with sites numbered 1-10 that require registration at the ranger station kiosk before setting up camp.
Scioto Grove's tent sites feature dedicated tent pads and fire rings with firewood provided, though camping is limited to weekends only during certain seasons. Each site accommodates two tents and includes basic amenities like a fire ring, but no running water or bathroom facilities are available at the campsites themselves. At Mohican-Memorial State Forest, tent campers should be prepared for varying terrain conditions, with some sites requiring stream crossings to access. Sites are free but require on-site registration at the ranger station on County Road 939 in Perrysville, with no advance reservations possible, making early arrival advisable during peak seasons.
The tent-only experience at these locations offers seclusion not found at developed campgrounds. Scioto Grove provides riverside camping with some sites more remote than others, offering greater privacy from day-use park visitors. Site 5 is particularly noted for its riverside location and seclusion. Mohican's Park and Pack sites vary in accessibility, with Site 4 and Site 10 offering the easiest approach for those with mobility considerations, while others require more challenging hikes. According to reviews, "Campsites have their own personality" with varying proximity to water, trail access, and privacy levels. The sites at Mohican can accommodate both tent and hammock camping, with enough space for small groups without feeling crowded.
"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."
"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
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."
"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."
"They have a pool and atv trails on campground property. Great for doom buggies, side by sides, and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes as well."
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
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.
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.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
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.
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
TravelerTight
LegendMy husband and I had an overnight stay here on our way to Indy. Sites were level and easy to navigate, with fire rings and picnic tables. Lots of trees and trails. Though the majestic pines were tall, they offered little for privacy. Bathrooms were clean and showers were free. However, the touchless feature made showering difficult as you have to stand directly in front of the sensor to keep the water running which means you must bear the cold water until it heats up. Neither of us had an enjoyable shower experience. Playground for the kiddos and a volleyball court. All around a nice stay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westerville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westerville, OH is Scioto-Grove Metro Park with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Westerville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Westerville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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