Best Tent Camping in Ohio

Nestled between the Great Lakes and the Appalachian Mountains, Ohio offers a plethora of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Beautiful Lake Erie beaches give way to caves, escarpments, and waterfalls, so if you’re looking to go camping in Ohio, you’re bound to find the perfect spot!

Starting in the northern tip of the state, bordering Lake Erie, campers will find serene beaches and natural coves full of picturesque summertime fun. Kelley’s Island State Park, a 677-acre park on the northern tip of the island, offers campers year-round adventure. Unique natural history and geographical features make Kelley’s Island an excellent choice for camping in Ohio’s unique Great Lake region.

East Harbor State Park, another camper’s haven along the shores of Lake Erie, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, 10 miles of hiking trails, and three boat ramps make this amazing campground the perfect spot for avid outdoorsmen and family campers alike.

South of Lake Erie, near the border of West Virginia, campers will find Ohio’s famous Hocking Hills area. Stunning cliffs and waterfalls, deep hemlock forests, and world-famous caves make this area one of the most popular for year-round camping in Ohio. The most well known cave in the Hocking Hills is Old Man’s Cave, so named for hermit Richard Rowe who lived in the cave for 30 years after settling in the area around 1800. The Old Man’s Cave area provides trails along a breath-taking gorge, which was carved 150 feet into the sandstone by the waters of Old Man’s Creek.

Campgrounds located in the Hocking Hills and Old Man’s Cave areas provide unique opportunities for waterfall hikes, climbing, and canoeing along the Hocking River. The geologically unique Hocking Hills region offers up some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the state and the country.

From pristine Great Lake beaches to the rugged beauty of the Appalachians, let The Dyrt help you find the best camping in Ohio!

Best Tent Sites in Ohio (95)

    1. Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Oregon, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 836-7758

    "This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! "

    "Just a short walk or bike ride to Lake Erie via a paved path. I highly recommend taking a bike, as there are so many trails and paths to ride throughout the park."

    2. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5781

    "There's a great loop hike in Zaleski State Forest. High quality trees, nice little hills, cool rock formations. Fine campground for tent-camping (my preferred camping method)."

    "Campsites fill up quickly & areas will be shared. Not all have fire rings. Camp 2 is very popular since it is the halfway point(ish) on the trail. Camp 1 is only a couple miles into the loop."

    3. White Oak Campground

    10 Reviews
    Whitehouse, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 407-9701

    $30 - $40 / night

    "I set up right at 3 at Site 7 - there's no check-in process or attendant. I hadn't printed my permit, so I wondered if I would get a visit from a ranger but all was quiet."

    "Nice restroom facilities, FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Parking is general, but close to each site."

    4. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame."

    5. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    8 Reviews
    Germantown, OH
    Website

    $15 - $28 / night

    "It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping."

    "This was a lovely campsite with 4 picnic tables, fire ring, and a very clean latrine. The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. "

    6. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    Website
    +1 (614) 949-1078

    "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."

    7. Park and Pack Campsite 10 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Loudonville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 938-6222

    "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."

    8. Mohican State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Perrysville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 938-6222

    "Near the bridal trails you'll find Park and Pack site #4. It's a great spot if your legs are tired after a long day of hiking or if you did too many hills that day."

    "You're never far from a restroom no matter where you are. They have a very nice campground store and a pool that wasn't open for the season yet when we were there."

    9. Benton's on the Baileys

    4 Reviews
    Chauncey, OH
    Website
    +1 (773) 837-0847

    $40 - $125 / night

    "Extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System. Fire pit, picnic table and handmade hammock supplied for comfort and convenience."

    "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."

    10. Park and Pack Campsite 3 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Perrysville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 938-6222

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews in Ohio

2775 Reviews of 95 Ohio Campgrounds



Guide to Ohio

Ohio offers a diverse range of tent camping experiences, from serene lakeside sites to wooded retreats, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, campers enjoy spacious, flat sites with electric hookups and drinking water available throughout the park.
  • White Oak Campground features clean facilities, including a wash station and extra firewood for purchase, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Heritage Farms offers unique camping within a Christmas tree farm, complete with picnic tables and fire pits for a cozy outdoor experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

  • Camping at Scioto-Grove Metro Park is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a peaceful getaway.
  • Camp Rotan provides a free camping experience, though amenities are limited, making it ideal for those seeking a more primitive adventure.
  • For a more structured experience, Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center charges around $35 per night, offering well-maintained facilities and a friendly atmosphere.

Tips for tent camping near popular attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping locations in Ohio?

Ohio offers exceptional tent camping experiences across the state. Possum Creek Metro park (Five Rivers Dayton Metro Park) stands out as a favorite, providing a bundle of firewood for each night reserved and spacious sites with excellent amenities. Zaleski State Forest is perfect for backpackers, offering multiple loops averaging around 10 miles each that showcase the beauty of southeastern Ohio. Other top tent camping destinations include Mohican-Memorial State Forest with its park and pack sites, White Oak Campground with free firewood, and the Twin Creek area within the Dayton Metro Parks system. For the best experience, make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer and fall seasons when Ohio's campgrounds are most popular.

Are there tent-only campgrounds in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio has several tent-only campgrounds that provide a more peaceful, traditional camping experience. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area offers six spacious walk-in campsites near the Ohio Covered Bridge Scenic Highway. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring, though privacy between sites is limited. The West Woods in Geauga County provides two walk-in tent-only sites that accommodate 2-4 people. These sites, while relatively small, are budget-friendly at just $5 for county residents and require reservations at least three days in advance. Lane Farm Campground is another option with only four tent sites and basic facilities. Many of Ohio's Metro Park systems also maintain tent-only areas that emphasize a more natural camping experience with minimal development.

Where can I find free tent camping in Ohio?

Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping in the Summit Metro Parks system offers free primitive camping on the edge of Akron. Just south of Cleveland, this accessible site requires a short hike from convenient parking off Merriman Road. Rivers Edge Camping Area at Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead is another free option worth considering. For budget-conscious campers, Wayne National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities with minimal fees. While truly free camping is limited in Ohio, several state forests permit backcountry camping for nominal fees. Always check current regulations before camping, as permits may be required even for free sites. During peak season (May-September), securing reservations or arriving early is recommended even for free locations as they can fill quickly.