Free camping in Ohio's state forest system doesn't always come with paved sites, but Hidden Hollow Campground delivers that and more. Set within Fernwood State Forest outside Bloomingdale, the campground runs 22 sites in a loop, with pull-in spots near the entrance that work well for larger rigs and flatter sites along the back suited to tent setups. One camper confirmed getting a 40-foot skoolie into the loop without issue. Self-registration is handled at a card box attached to the restroom building, and a ranger swings through daily to collect cards. The stay limit runs 14 days out of every 30.
The campground sits near a shooting range, and that detail matters. Gunfire carries into camp during the day and can start early in the morning. Most reviewers mention it without complaint, but campers who are light sleepers or bringing young children should factor it in. Helicopter traffic at night has also been noted on occasion. "Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw," says Joe W., though the range noise tends to be the main variable.
Most sites include a fire ring and picnic table, though a few lack fire rings entirely, so it's worth checking your site on arrival. Grey water dump areas are available on-site. Water access has changed over time: as Joe W. notes, there is "no source of safe, clean water anymore," so bringing your own supply is essential. An orange-blazed trail runs behind site 10, and fishing is reportedly within a short drive.
The pit toilets draw consistent criticism across reviews. Cleanliness varies considerably depending on when you visit and how recently the facilities were serviced, and multiple reviewers describe them as poorly maintained. Bringing hand sanitizer and being prepared to use the woods is practical advice here. Cell service registers around three bars. Late spring through early summer visits have seen the campground lightly used, with some campers reporting fewer than five other parties on site.
Pugliese Campground to the south gives campers another option if Hidden Hollow is full or the conditions don't suit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHidden Hollow Campground is located in Ohio near Valley View
Coordinates
40.33415146 N
80.76418135 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/21/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/21/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/14/25
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 12 min from Weirton, WV
- 38 min from Wheeling, WV
- 45 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 13 min from Canton, OH
