Tent campsites near Willard, Ohio require proper planning for seasonal access. Most primitive campsites in the region close during winter months, with the main camping season running April through November. Sites are typically situated on wooded terrain with creek access varying by location, making waterproof footwear essential during spring camping when water crossings may be challenging.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1, campers can enjoy the nearby creek for cooling off. One camper notes, "This one does have a creek crossing after you leave the camp site. It was the deepest part of the creek and muddy leading up to it. This is because the trail is also the horse trail in the forest."
Swimming at quarry pond: While staying at tent camping areas near Willard, take a day trip to Tee Pee Family Campground for their swimming area. A camper mentioned, "The pond was fantastic. Has a large inflatable slide and a dock that you can jump off of in the middle. Kids loved it."
Winter hiking: For cold weather enthusiasts, some tent sites remain accessible for winter camping. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 3 shared, "I stayed at Campsite 3, which was beautiful, tucked off of the trail beside a wide stream. Fair warning, you do have to cross a stream to get to it."
What campers like
Well-marked sites: Campers appreciate clear markings at Mohican's backcountry sites, especially for first-time visitors. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 10 shared, "Site 10 is about 3/4 of a mile down the trail from the upper parking area. Well marked and easy to find."
Scenic lower ledge areas: Some campsites offer additional exploration beyond the main camping area. One camper noted, "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."
Privacy between sites: Most tent sites near Willard maintain good separation, though registration is crucial. A camper at Park and Pack Campsite 10 mentioned, "The whole area is beautiful and scenic. We only saw a hiker while hiking in and heard mountain bikers riding down the trail NW of Site 10."
What you should know
Registration process: All Mohican Park and Pack sites require in-person registration. As one camper explains, "After signing in at the kiosk we drove and parked at the upper parking area for sites 8-10. 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."
No water sources at some sites: Pack in all drinking water for sites lacking creek access. A camper at Park and Pack Site 10 noted, "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."
Verify site availability: Check the registration board carefully as some sites may be reserved for extended stays. One camper shared, "Make sure you get a reservation and look closely at the board at the kiosk. Our main camper at this site was gracious as he had booked the site for the week most folks didn't realize the site was taken as his name was so far up the clipboard."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose more accessible sites for camping with children. One camper at Hidden Hollow Camp shared, "We have camped here multiple times with out scout troop. Facilities are excellent with a large clubhouse with kitchen. Vault toilets are fine."
Mobility-friendly options: Some tent sites near Willard offer better access for those with limited mobility. A camper noted about one site, "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."
Download maps in advance: Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many tent sites. A camper advised, "Make sure that you look for the red blazes on the trees at the start of the trail. I would recommend downloading the various bridle trails (Mohican) on the AllTrails app. The paper map provided at the trail head was missing some information."
Tips for RVers
Access challenges: RV camping options near primitive tent sites can be limited by road conditions. A camper mentioned, "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 (which isn't much of a parking area and the Rangers don't really want anyone parking there)."
Alternative options: When tent sites are full, Mohican State Park Campground offers developed sites for both tents and RVs. A camper wrote, "We ended up staying at the state park campground for 33$ which is not too bad. We had a beautiful spot in the water. Electric was good and people were friendly."
Seasonal considerations: Some RV areas close earlier in fall. One camper noted, "Bathrooms close to all campsites. Showers not clean and broken; hot water questionable. We liked being close to the hiking trails this morning and it was dog friendly."
