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!!!
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! 😉
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
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
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.
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.
