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Camper submitted image from Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park - 1

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Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park

6 Reviews

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Maple Grove, near McConnelsville, Ohio, is a free campground nestled within Jesse Owens State Park, offering a straightforward camping experience. With basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, though some spots are a bit tight and not all are level. Visitors have mentioned that it’s a great place for a quick stop, especially if you’re not keen on paying for a site. As one camper put it, “It’s free but space is tight. Would only recommend if you need a quick stop.”

Outdoor activities abound in the area, with hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities nearby. The Buckeye Trail runs through the park, making it easy to explore the beautiful surroundings. Just a short drive away, you can check out the Miner's Memorial Park and the iconic Big Muskie bucket, which adds a unique touch to your visit.

While the campground lacks some modern conveniences like drinking water and electric hookups, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for limited cell service. If you’re looking for a no-frills spot to unwind and connect with nature, Maple Grove is worth considering.

Description

State Park

Jesse Owens State Park

Jesse Owens offers four no-fee campgrounds. Campers should follow the self-registration process. Campsites may be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis with a two-week maximum stay. All other state park camping rules apply. NOTE: One camping area — Sand Hollow — closes for the winter season.

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Location

Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park is located in Ohio

Detail location of campground

Address

7580 St. Rt. 284
McConnelsville, OH 43756

Coordinates

39.70714419 N
81.72570155 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2024

Small and close to neighbors

Small campground with sunny and shady spots. Host on site. Pit toilets clean but a few insects flying. Dumpster available by bathroom. Register at kiosk by bathroom. FF sites only. Besides host only 1 camper. FREE!!!

Site92 but only 12 sites
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Betsy W., September 27, 2024
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Betsy W., September 27, 2024
Joaquim P.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2021

Close quarters, but free

It’s free but space is tight. Would only recommend if you need a quick stop and, like me, don’t wanna pay for it! 😉

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Joaquim P., October 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Joaquim P., October 7, 2021
A
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Maple Grove campground

Very peaceful, the spots are kinda close, only a few are level, vault toilets, no water access or power hook up Available. It is free

Site7
Month of VisitJune
K
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Jesse Owens State Park (Ohio) but also AEP Maple Grove

If you are confused by this campsite that makes sense. This was an AEP ReCreation campsite. It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page. I would recommend you keep close tabs on that site to figure out what you need to know about this site or others. The new sign does make it easy to find. It is also one of the closest campsites to the Miner's Memorial Park with the Big Muskie bucket. If you don't know what that is do go and check the site out. 

I would also say print maps and also take photos of maps. This one wasn't too bad to find as it is on the current paper map that AEP printed dated January 13, 2020. If you have kids that like horses I would go over to see if anyone is at the Equine area that is close by as well.  So a fun filled day of looking at a giant mining bucket and horses. 

Cell phone coverage is extremely limited out here. Verizon got service in most of the areas.  It wasn't 100%.  If you do need coverage the Mining Memorial is the main spot to go. Other carriers never seemed to have a signal. 

These campsites allow 2 cars per site. Pets are allowed if leashed. As Ohio is taking over the campsites think Ohio State Park rules. You can still camp here for free at the moment.  

https://www.aep.com/recreation/areas/recreationland

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2018/07/first\_phase\_of\_ohios\_new\_jesse.html

https://birding-in-ohio.com/morgan-county/jesse-owens-state-park-and-wildlife-area-maple-grove-campground/

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • (9) View All
Renée C.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2017

Free Camping!

Print your permit& you can camp for free! https://www.aep.com/Assets/docs/recreation/areas/RECREATIONLANDSPERMITREV04-23-2019.pdf

*No electric*

First come, first serve- 293 campsites at a few separate camping areas 

Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting& fishing. 

58,800-acres with 350 lakes& ponds. 

The Buckeye Trail runs through this park. Absolutely beautiful area to explore. This is an excellent place to get back to primitive camping& enjoy public land access. This area is a gem& should be enjoyed.

  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • (6) View All
Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2017

Smallest

Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power.

The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit. This is the smallest AEP site we visited with a row of sites by the road and a loop back in the trees. Awesome job and idea!

Knowledge is power:

AEP American Electric Power 

McConnelsville, Oh

Offers The Wilds; 10,000 donated reclaimed land where wildlife species reside. Tree farms, hydro plants and deer hunting. Then there's the free camping with permit, horse trails, bike trails and dog training areas. 

AEP not only ReCreated Land that was stripped mined, they made it an out door enthusiasts playground while conserving and putting things back better then they were. Check out their site online for more information and permit printing.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • (11) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is unknown.

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