We write about a lot of beautiful states to go camping in, and Ohio is no different.
With the Appalachian mountains running through, the Buckeye trail, and many waterfront camping opportunities, you’ll almost never want to leave this awesome state.
If you are planning on breaking out the tent for the weekend or traveling to Ohio, here are 10 awesome spots to go tent camping in Ohio.
1. Hocking Hills State Park
Southeastern Ohio hosts an nationally and internationally recognized top park to visit.
Explore the vast caves and gorges, or take in the sights and sounds of nearby waterfalls.
Or take a look at the rich history this park has at places such as Old Man’s Cave.
Part of Ohio’s Buckeye trail passes through, leading you from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave over 6 miles of trails.
There are plenty of campsites in and around Hocking Hills that can accomodate pretty much any style of camping, from cabins to primitive campsites and everything in between!
And there are tons of activities to do around the state park, such as rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, ziplining, and more.
2. Tappan Lake
Tappan lake is a place where you can get high octane fun, great fishing, and plenty of hiking all in one place.
With a 399 horsepower limit on boats allowed on the lake, you won’t have a problem finding a boat that will help you ski, tube, or wakeboard.
Not wanting to go out on the water?
Spend your time fishing on the bank of this 2,300 acre lake.
You’ll find a large variety of fish species in the lake as it is stocked yearly.
And if you fancy a hike, you can follow one of the trails that will lead you to the Tappan Wetlands, an awesome place to see wildlife and also a connecting trail to the main Buckeye trail.
The area around the lake is also open for hunting as long as you have the correct Ohio permits and licenses.
And you’ve also got access to the camp store and snack bar in case you forget anything and don’t want to make a trip to the store!
There are over 500 campsites to choose from, each ready to hook up an RV or set up a tent and some campsites have electric hookups.
3. John Bryan State Park
Known as the most scenic state park in Ohio, John Bryan is a 752-acre sight to see.
Within the park is a limestone gorge that was cut by the Little Miami River (a state and national scenic river).
A part of that gorge is designated as a national natural landmark.
Apart from viewing the gorge, canoeing is very big within the park.
As you paddle you’ll be able to see many historic sites as you pass under steep rock cliffs while winding your way down the river.
Fishing is also available along the river and you’ll be able to catch bass and panfish in abundance.
Want to have a little fun while hiking around?
Check out the 18 hole disc golf course located with the park.
There are plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails to choose from, and you’ll also have the opportunity to rock climb if you’d like.
There are a total of 61 campsites to choose from (9 electric and 52 non-electric), and toilets and drinking water are available on-site (drinking water is not available in the off-season).
4. Alum Creek State Park
Home to Ohio’s largest inland beach, Alum Creek state park is an amazing place to spend a few days camping.
The park’s reservoir is over 3,000 acres and welcomes boats (no horsepower limit is in place) and even has a full-service marina.
On one side of the reservoir you have wide-open waters perfect for skiing or tubing, and on the other side you have tree-filled shores and shale cliffs that make for great paddling scenery.
Swimming is also available in designated areas if you wish to take a quick dip in the water.
Fish of all types can be found in the reservoir, ranging from bluegill to bass and many others.
You can also find both a disc golf course (rentals available) and a dog park with water access located within the park.
If you have the proper license you can hunt in various areas of the park for animals such as squirrels, deer, and rabbits.
There are 3 hiking trails (ranging from 1.5 to 4.1 miles), 3 mountain biking trails (ranging from easy to difficult), and one 7 mile multi-purpose trail for activities including hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding.
Over 280 electric campsites are available with hot showers and bathrooms nearby.
There are also 30 equestrian camp primitive sites available if you wish to camp with your horse.
5. Wayne National Forest
Covering over 250,000 acres of Appalachian foothill, the Wayne National Forest is an amazing place to set up a tent for camping.
The forest contains over 300 miles of trails used for hiking, biking, off-roading, horseback riding, and more.
You have the option to set your tent up pretty much anywhere in the forest (practice leave no trace).
Or if you are looking for a more structured camping trip there are several campgrounds located within the forest.
One of those places is the Lake Vesuvius recreation area.
In this part of the forest, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing boating, and even archery.
The area itself is historic, named after the Vesuvius Iron Furnace, one of 46 iron furnaces that produced iron in Ohio for almost 100 years (source).
6. Zaleski State Forest
The Zaleski state forest is the 2nd largest in Ohio.
The forest has trails that cater to equestrian, backpacking, and hunting.
For backpackers, you can set out on 26-miles of loop trail that takes you through the forest.
There are 3 loops that make up the 26 miles:
- The South Loop (9.3 miles)
- The West Loop (8.7 miles)
- The North Loop (7 miles)
You’ll find 3 camps along the way, and the trail map contains location information as well as various points of interest to look out for while you are out on the trails.
The two trailheads are both located at historic landmarks: the Hope Iron Furnace (built in the 1850s to smelt iron) and the Hope Schoolhouse (a historic one-room schoolhouse).
And if you’re into spooky lore, rumor has it that the Moonville Tunnel in the forest is haunted.
While there aren’t typical campsites found in the forest like the other options we’ve mentioned, if you are looking for a great backpacking trip in Ohio, Zaleski forest should be on your list.
7. Lake Erie Bluffs
Along the Lake Erie shoreline you’ll be able to see 2 campsites perched 30 feet high above the water.
Welcome to the Lake Erie Bluffs.
The campgrounds are owned by Lake Metroparks and are teeming with activities.
For those looking to keep by the water, you can experience about 9,000 feet of shoreline while staying at the campgrounds.
You’ll also find the water to be nice for swimming during certain parts of the year, and fishing and boating are also available.
During the winter you’ll find some awesome cross-country skiing and sledding opportunities.
60 miles of trails are available for hiking and will take you along the shoreline as well as through forests, ravines, and meadows.
While you’re visiting be sure to climb up the 50 foot tall observation tower and try to spot some of the nearly 200 species of birds nearby.
With so much to do, there’s never a dull moment!
The campsites, on the other hand, are located between .25 and 1 mile away from the main areas of the parks.
That means when you’re ready to retire to the peace and quiet, your tent will be there waiting for you!
8. South Bass Island State Park
The only way to get to South Bass Island is by boat.
After all, it is an island!
The campsites are located cliff-side and offer amazing views of the water activities happening below.
Campers can travel down to the gravel beaches to get their toes wet or catch some fish.
While you’re there, feel free to rent a kayak (power boat rentals also available) and travel around the island to see what you can find!
The campground has 128 campsites, with 58 of them being tent only.
You’ll also find flush toilets and showers nearby.
If you’re looking for a campsite with amazing views of the water, South Bass Island is perfect for you.
9. East Harbor State Park
Also located on the shores of Lake Erie, East Harbor State Park is over 1,800 acres of shoreline fun.
Lake Erie has no restrictions on horsepower, so feel free to bring your boat for some skiing or tubing fun.
While the marina charges a fee for using their boat ramp, the campground itself has 2 ramps that are free to use (a kayak boat ramp is also available and free to use).
Disc golf is available at the park’s 18 hole course.
While it is free to play, you’ll need to bring your own discs as rentals aren’t available.
Lake Erie is known as the walleye capital of the world.
Anglers can enjoy catching walleye as well as various types of bass, perch, channel catfish, and more.
Hunting for waterfowl is also available on the eastern side of the offshore islands, with 7 duck blinds available (awarded through a lottery. More info here).
And of course, since you are on the lake’s shores, swimming is available in designated areas.
Go away from the shore a bit and you’ll find over 10 miles of multi-use trails, ranging from .3 miles to 2.5 miles in distance.
East Harbor’s campground is the largest family campground in the Ohio State Park system, housing 340 electric sites (51 full hook-up sites) and 160 non-electric sites.
Showers, toilets, and a dump station are available nearby, and you can even purchase wi-fi at the camp store for a very minimal fee.
10. Beaver Creek Campground
2,700 acres of forested lands make up Beaver Creek State Park.
Within the park you’ll also have access to Little Beaver Creek, which is recognized as a state and national scenic river.
Beaver Creek is rich in history, housing sites such as Gaston’s Mill, a rustic pioneer village, and abandoned canal locks.
Paddling activities are available through the creek’s swift currents (be sure to wear a lifevest) and beautiful scenery.
The current also makes for great bass fishing for anyone wishing to catch some fish on their trip, and hunting is permitted in designated areas.
The pioneer village located within the park contains many historical buildings and is operated by volunteers.
7 hiking-only trails within the park range from .2 miles to 1 mile long, and there are also 4 mountain biking trails ranging from easy to moderate.
If you plan on horseback riding, there are 23 miles of bridle trails as well.
6 electric sites and 44 non-electric sites are available to camp at.
Bring along accomodations for showering as there are no showers available onsite.
Pit toilets are available for use within the campgrounds.
Equestrian (59 primitive sites) and group camping (2 sites) are also available.
Where Is Your Favorite Place To Go Camping In Ohio?
Did we miss one of your favorite places?
Let us and other campers know what your favorite place to go tent camping in Ohio is in the comments below!