Camping in Ohio

Ohio’s lake beaches, forested hills, and winding rivers set the stage for outdoor adventure.

97% (13107 reviews)
97% (13107 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ohio

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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12 top campgrounds in Ohio

98%
(2163)

Camping at Heritage Farms

47 sites · Lodging, Tents115 acres · Peninsula, OH
At Heritage Farms, we’re currently a 5th-generation, family-owned and -operated Christmas tree farm headed by my husband, George, and me, Carol. Originally founded in 1848 by my great uncle Lawson Waterman, it was my father who shifted our primary focus to cultivating Christmas trees in 1955. George and I took the reins in 1979 and have been happily continuing the tradition of growing trees while also expanding into other areas, including celebrating Halloween with our month-long Pumpkin Pandemonium in October. We’ve also taken to hosting the Peninsula Flea during the summer months, catering to a wide variety of artisan- and craftsman-centric clientele. As for camping, we began eight years ago following a trip George and I took to Denmark, wherein we stayed in a number of outdoor shelters that would later inspire us to construct the first of our several Adirondack-style shelters. We’ve since expanded to offering six shelters total, three of which share the same Adirondack aesthetic of our original build, and three of which take inspiration from an open-air A-frame design. Along with those shelters, we’ve mapped out nine primitive tent sites, all of which are available for rent, spring through fall—we hope to see you here! Heritage Farms is a 5th-generation, 115-acre farm located in the heart of the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and as such we are incredibly close to the various trails located across the Cuyahoga Valley. We are a working tree farm, and while we do ask for your care while residing among our fields, we also encourage you to take advantage of the beauty and serenity that our property has to offer! WHAT WE OFFER From April 1st to October 26th, 2024, we have 15 campsites available* for rental, including nine outdoor tent sites, three A-frame sites, two standard Adirondack shelter sites, and one “Glamping” site. Each site comes standard with a fire ring, a grilling grate, a picnic table, and a storage rack for firewood and kindling drop-offs. All shelter sites include closure devices for privacy and protection. Our Glamping site (numbered as Campsite 3) features an upgraded Adirondack shelter that includes a complimentary mattress, screen door and fasteners, exterior curtain, lean-to awning, and full propane grill and tool set. Also included is a furnished campfire ring featuring rustic bench seating and chairs. It’s a perfect site for large groups! Included for use by all campers is our Games Field, located by our lower gravel lot, adjacent to campsites A and B. This field holds a cornhole area, a horseshoes pitch, and a tetherball court, all with playing pieces available. We also have our Lending Wagon, stocked with board games, books, puzzles, and miscellaneous gear campers may need—we do request that all items borrowed from the Lending Wagon be returned before departing Heritage Farms. Other amenities include an information booth where carts, charging stations, and assistance from an on-site attendant can be found. *During October, several of our campsites (A-F, and 6) are closed in lieu of our Pumpkin Pandemonium. As a result, our reservations are limited during this month. SOME THINGS TO KNOW 1. We have capacity limits at our sites. Tent sites, labelled A-J, can hold three (3) tents. Shelter sites, numbered 1-6, have a shelter and room for two (2) tents. All sites are limited to a maximum of six (6) campers. 2. All vehicles (except bicycles) must remain in the designated parking lots. 3. No vehicles may be driven into the camping area at any time. 4. Campers are responsible for carrying their gear to their campsites—we provide wheeled carts for your use. 5. Ohio Primitive Camping licensing does not allow for wheeled camping on Heritage Farms property. This includes car camping, truck campers, popups, RVs, and any other wheeled camping vehicles. 6. Due to Summit County Health regulations, we cannot provide ground water. Please bring your own drinking water and washing water. We do have 1-gallon jugs of water available for purchase during reservations and upon arrival at Heritage Farms. Purchases can be made using PayPal, credit card, or cash. 7. Due to the potential risks posed to our crops, and to state and National Park regulations, WE DO NOT ALLOW OUTSIDE FIREWOOD on Heritage Farms property—firewood MUST be purchased from Heritage Farms. Firewood and kindling bundles are available for purchase upon reservation at a discounted rate and will be delivered to your campsite prior to your arrival. Firewood may also be purchased upon arrival at our standard rate, using PayPal, credit card, or cash. 8. Several of our campsites are situated along the boundary between the farm and Cuyahoga Valley National Park property. Please respect the designated boundaries and refrain from encroaching into unauthorized park territory. 9. Check-in times are from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you’re arriving after 7:00 p.m., please let us know your estimated time of arrival—if you’re arriving after dark, we’ll mark your site with a solar light. Checkout should be completed before 10:00 a.m.—all tents, equipment, and trash must be removed from your campsite prior to your departure. We do have a dumpster on-site where all camp trash must be disposed. Gray water stations are available for the disposal of used or dirty water. 10. Only campers registered to Hipcamp are permitted on Heritage Farms property. A public picnic area is available ¼-mile south of the farm for outside socializing. 11. DOG POLICY: we welcome dogs who have received prior permission from the farm owners. We limit the number of dogs on property each day. A dog registration form must be filled out upon arrival and must include information regarding rabies vaccinations—dogs that have not had the proper vaccinations are not permitted on the property. All dogs MUST be on a leash and in the physical control of their owner(s) at all times. No pets may be left unattended at any time—pets must be taken with their owner(s) any time the owner(s) departs the farm property. 12. Heritage Farms is a working farm, and as such machinery may be in use during your stay. OTHER INFORMATION Our 15 primitive campsites are situated 25 to 50 yards apart from one another. This allows for social distancing and maximizes campsite privacy. All 15 of our campsites at Heritage Farms are available for booking from April 1 until September 27, 2024; from September 28 to October 26, 2024, only shelter sites 1-5 and tent sites and G, H, and J will be open. We can't wait to see you on the farm!
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$40
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99%
(1022)

Fruitdale Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Bainbridge, OH
Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are available for purchase during the growing season and firewood is available all year round. There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved. Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets. A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN ONLY. POINTS OF INTEREST in the area:   The HIGHLANDS NATURE SANCTUARY (7 miles away), previously called "7 Caves"  is highly recommended for some beautiful hiking.  There is a small museum (The Appalachian Forest Museum) at the main trailhead by the parking area... the folks there can direct you to a couple of other great trails nearby if you're interested in further hiking.  NOTE: Most of the trails within the sanctuary are not open to dogs, however, there are a couple of dog-friendly trails (inquire at the museum).   Museum is closed for the winter (Nov-March). **Recommended trails: Valley of the Ancients (1/2mile, start at museum) and the Barrett's Rim Trail (2.5 mile loop) and the Kamelands Trail, which are both accessible during the pandemic.   AMISH BAKERY (Country Crust Bakery) & MARKET (JRs General Store)* on 41 South in Bainbridge (15-20min away): The bakery is a great lunch stop for a fresh, soft Pretzel Bun sandwich (delicious) and to load up on fresh baked goods (the apple fritter is my fave!). The market, which is almost right across from the bakery, is also worth checking out... delicious deli sandwiches and great deals on spices, cheeses, pickles, jams, bulk foods, produce, etc. Watch out for horse & buggy traffic... and bicycles! *The Amish accept cash or check only and are closed on Sunday. In the teeny town of BAINBRIDGE (10-15min away): There are some nice antique/primitive shops around; in particular, Ancient Valley Mercantile has a nice selection of antiques as well as local art, gifts, gourmet coffees, local honey, etc. There's a wonderful little cafe (634 Coffee + Cafe, inside the historic Paxton Theater) that offers coffee drinks, pastries, soups and sandwiches. Stop into Pap's Hilltop Honey and Distillery, where you can purchase and sample a variety of moonshine flavors and cocktails. The Paxton Restaurant has good home cooked meals and a variety of pies and cheesecakes for dessert. Or grab an ice cream at the Dairy Queen before strolling the primitive shops.  PAINT CREEK LAKE STATE PARK: (2 miles away) There are dog-friendly hiking trails (the harmony trail and little pond trail are personal favorites), mountain bike trails, a 21-hole disc golf course, boat ramp (if you have kayaks, you can paddle around on the lake... this spot is excellent at sunset), and a camp store that has ice and hand-dipped ice cream. There is also a BEACH, which is good for picnicking and swimming, located at the southern entrance, off of SR 50. GREENFIELD: This town is closer (5 miles) and larger than Bainbridge and good for getting supplies. There are some restaurants, bars and supermarkets (Community Markets, at the further end of town, is recommended over the Save-a-Lot), El Canon (Mexican) would be my restaurant of choice if you decide to eat out.  Catch 22 Sports Bar has good burgers and there are plenty of pizza options for dine in or take-out. COVERED BRIDGE:  There is a sweet little covered bridge that you can still drive across in the tiny town of South Salem, just a 5 minute drive away.  To get there from here, take 41 North and then take a right onto Lower Twin Rd and drive a few miles and you will come to the bridge.  SERPENT MOUND (about 30 miles away, Peebles, OH) is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio. It is an effigy mound representing a snake with a curled tail.  Nearby are three burial mounds—two created by the Adena culture (800 B.C.–A.D. 100), and one by the Fort Ancient culture (A.D. 1000–1650).  A must see! CHILLICOTHE (Ohio's first capital):  (30 minutes away) The historic downtown boasts charming architecture and is perfect for exploring on foot.  Several local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and bars.  A lovely city park with a small lake is host to a year-round population of ducks, geese and swans.  There is also a disc golf course and skate park in the city park.  There is frequent live music, gourmet cocktails and a wide variety of craft beer at Steiner's Speakeasy (an Americana-style bourbon bar of America).   GREAT SEAL STATE PARK (about 35 miles away in Chillicothe):  If you are into mountain biking, you will find some of the best trails in the state here (start at the Lick Run parking area).  There is also a great disc golf course here along with a picnic shelter and a playground for the kids.   FORT HILL EARTHWORKS & NATURE PRESERVE:  (30 minutes away) This preserve encompasses 1300 acres of mature woodlands and 11 miles of some of the best hiking trails in the state.  Part of the Old Growth Forest Network, there are remnants of the temperate deciduous forests that once covered all of the eastern United States.  For archaeology enthusiasts, there is a stone and earthen wall hilltop enclosure, as well as a smaller circular earthwork (both of which can be difficult to discern).
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$30
 / night
96%
(113)

Riverside Adventures

6 sites · RVs, Tents67 acres · Morrow, OH
Join us at Riverside Adventures for your next getaway. We are located on a 67 acre farm located on the Little Miami River in the heart of Warren County Ohio, also known as "Ohio's playground". We have 4 camp sites total, all with with river front access. Each site has its own stone patio, fire ring, and picnic table, with other amenities also available. We welcome both small and large groups and can help you plan events here such as family reunions, bachelor(ette) parties, and corporate retreats. With two canoe liveries within two miles of us (Morgan's Canoe Rental and Little Miami Canoe), you can drop your canoe or kayak in upstream and make your campsite a pit stop before getting picked up downstream by their shuttles. You can also rent a tube from us and go up and down our property or hang out on your tube anchored by the beach. We can also shuttle you upstream on Saturdays and Sundays. You can hike on our property to get scenic views of the Little Miami River Valley or spend time exploring Halls Creek (just down the street), the Fort Ancient Mounds, and others. We know other special local spots we can let you in on, too. We are just a 1/2 mile from the Little Miami Bike Trail and close to Caesar's Creek, Cowan Lake, YMCA's Camp Kearn, and Camp Joy. Plain Folk Music Cafe, Fresh to Morrow, Valley Vineyards, and Little River Cafe, are also short drives if you want to grab a bite to eat and vibe on some cool, local hangouts. We're just a 15-minute drive from King's Island and an hour or less drive from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. It's great out here, ya'll--join us! We look forward to helping you with your next outdoor adventure!
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$60
 / night
98%
(1250)

The Lake at the Flying J Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Johnstown, OH
Good news! Open fire ban lifted, camp fires are ok now! The Flying J Farm is 250 beautiful rolling acres including 100 acres of forest, 6-acre lake small pond, three streams, and numerous fields for crops and pastures with cows. The owner bought the farm in 1998 for his retirement from a faculty position at the Ohio State university. Two buildings, the farm house and old barn, are original dating back to 1831. These have been restored for current use. The mission of the farm is to restore health both in people though the products produced and in the land by farming in a sustainable way with no conventional chemicals, antibiotics, and use of GMO. We host many visitors including tours and events. An on farm market is available to visitors for purchase of our products including grass-fed beef, maple syrup, and fruits and vegetables. The cabin was built using wood from the farm. It has off-grid electricity meaning it is powered by batteries charged by solar panels. There is not sufficient power for devices with a heating element such as coffee makers and hair dryers. You may charge cell phones. For any other use, please check with the owner. Wild Life. There is an abundance of wildlife to be observed on the farm. Deer can be seen at dusk, raccoons can be seen going through your camp food at night (if you put it in your car), turkeys, hawks, vultures, rabbits, coyotes (heard screaming at night), frogs (especially heard at night), fish (jumping), and many song birds (my favorite, the bobolink, May and June only, nesting in the pastures).
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$31.50
 / night
100%
(185)

Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat

2 sites · Lodging50 acres · Thornville, OH
Our farm has been in the family for over 50 years. My Cherokee grandmother purchased the farm with the intention of giving each of her children property. We have been raising bison here since 2008. We chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the gift of this farm by my grandmother and mother. We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you! Enjoy a night in our spacious 22 foot tipi. We provide a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. You must provide sleeping bags, linens , blankets etc. The tipi can sleep up to 6 people, 2 on the queen bed we provide, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses that you provide. We have cots available to rent as an add on. . You may also pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the trees with room for up to 10 people in all.​ Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working bison farm with bison, honeybees, chickens and peafowl. We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station. Enjoy our beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of our ranch. We have a plethora of bird species, butterflies and wildflowers to delight nature lovers. After hiking the trails you can splash around in the pristine creek that borders our property (we recommend water shoes). Take in a gorgeous sunset over our farm, enjoy a wood fired dinner cooked over the provided fire pit with grill. The sounds of hoot owls will lull you to sleep and when you wake, enjoy the stained glass glow through the beautiful tipi. We are close to several wineries, breweries and recreational areas (kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking) as well as Legend Valley concert venue. We are a short drive to Buckeye Lake, Dillion Dam, and Hocking Hills. We have a selection of grass fed bison available in our on-site farm store.
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$85
 / night
99%
(125)

The Camp Cabin at the Hallstead

3 sites · Lodging7 acres · Hartville , OH
This small farm is 7 acres of the original 25 my great grandmother purchased for her family in 1934. Guests can enjoy the cabin as well as the barn, which has been converted to a rec area. Make our home and green space yours for a few days. Camp in comfort in our "little cabin in the woods." Accommodates up to six guests, with a queen-sized bed, a futon and two low single beds in the loft, accessible only by ladder. Kids 6 and older may sleep in the loft-- just like Laura and Mary-- and they can read a chapter of one of Laura Ingalls' "Little House" books before bed! The Camp Cabin contains a small refrigerator, microwave and gas fireplace (no, the pioneers didn’t have that!). Fresh eggs and other snacks are provided for breakfast. The restroom and shower are located in the walkout basement of the farmhouse, a 40 yard walk from the Cabin. The restroom has a private entrance and is used only by guests during their stay. Pet and feed goats and other farm animals. Enjoy fun activities on the farm and in the barn.
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$120
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94%
(26)

Woody Acres

3 sites · Lodging24 acres · New Plymouth, OH
Woody is our peaceful hilltop home nestled amongst the scenic hills in southeast Ohio between Hocking Hills State Park and Zaleski State Forest. Enjoy staying on a hilltop meadow filled with a mix of wildflowers and song birds. The meadow is surrounded by a tall mixed hardwood forest where campers are free to walk the mowed path through the woods. Come nightfall, you will be graced with some of the darkest skies in the state. On a clear moonless night, the milky way galaxy comes in to view and shooting stars are not an uncommon site. Choose between staying in the off grid school bus tiny home or the 20 foot "glamper" with outdoor kitchen. If you're lucky, our friendly black cat will grace you with his presence. Woody is located within 25 minutes of many of the areas attractions: 15 minutes to Ash Cave 18 minutes to Cedar Falls 17 minutes to Lake Hope 10 minutes to McArthur 25 minutes to Logan Here at Woody we honor our place in the natural world and are humbled by the beauty that surrounds us. We see ourselves as a part of nature and work towards having a deeper connection with the earth and our place in it by applying caretaker attitude and careful technological use and observation. Our mission is to leave bounty in our wake. If you would like to dive deeper into your own connection with nature, consider taking one of many classes offered by Austin during your stay. Check them out in the add-ons. We would love for you to come stay with us and be a part of a healing landscape where you can disconnect from your day to day, reconnect with nature and experience the Woody Acres magic. Hope to see you soon! Austin and Kate
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$47.20
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Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Ohio guide

Overview

With its vast agricultural plains hemmed in by mountains, lakes, and rivers, Ohio’s natural scenery covers all terrains. Beach breaks await along the sandy shores of Lake Erie to the north, while to the east, ancient caves and waterfalls are hidden away in the forested foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor activities take place through all four seasons, from hiking and canoeing to snowshoeing and ice fishing, and camping is possible year-round. Summer temperatures average 80°F, and this is prime time for campers, but the views are most spectacular in the fall, when the eastern hills are ablaze with colorful foliage.

Where to go

Great Lakes Plains

Sandy beaches and island getaways dot the 312-mile shore of Lake Erie, stretching from Toledo through Cleveland to Conneaut. East Harbor State Park is a highlight of the Lake Erie Birding Trail, and birders flock to nearby Maumee Bay State Park during the spring warbler migration. The most scenic spots for summer camping are on the islands, and regular ferries set out for the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island state parks.

Till Plains

Cornfields and farmlands blanket Ohio’s central region, but there are also more than a dozen state parks within a short drive of Columbus. The limestone gorges of John Bryan State Park harbor some of the region’s best hiking trails, while to the north, the Mohican River is one of Ohio’s top spots for canoeing. For beaches, boating, and lakeside campgrounds, Indian Lake State Park and Alum Creek State Park are both popular choices.

Appalachian Plateau

East of the Till Plains, the patchwork farmlands of Amish Country lead the way to the state’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley. This is where Ohio’s adventurous spirit comes into its own—take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad, go ziplining or caving in the Hocking Hills State Park, or enjoy backcountry camping in the heart of the Wayne National Forest.

Bluegrass Region

Rambling woodlands and steep cliffs line the banks of the Ohio River in the state’s southernmost region. Just outside Cincinnati, East Fork State Park has one of the largest state campgrounds in Ohio, while the rugged landscapes of the Shawnee State Park are just a 2-hour drive from the city. For hikers, the ultimate challenge is the North Country National Scenic Trail, which cuts through southern Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Ohio is an excellent destination for camping, offering a diverse range of landscapes and outdoor activities. The state is home to numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds that cater to both tent and RV campers. Some popular camping spots in Ohio include Hocking Hills State Park, Mohican State Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can also find unique camping experiences like backwoods camping and tent camping in the woods on Hipcamp.

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Ohio. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and camping areas on public lands such as state parks, state forests, and wildlife areas. Additionally, private campgrounds and Hipcamp properties are available for camping. It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the area where you plan to camp and to obtain any necessary permits or permissions.

For a list of camping options in Ohio, you can visit Hipcamp or explore specific areas like Cleveland and Dayton.

While East Harbor State Park campground is a large campground in Ohio, the largest campground in the state is actually Indian Lake State Park Campground, which has over 800 sites. East Harbor State Park campground is located on the shores of Lake Erie and offers more than 500 campsites, including electric and non-electric sites for tents and RVs. The park provides various amenities, such as restrooms, showers, a camp store, a beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

In Ohio, whether you need a permit to camp depends on the type of camping and the location. For most state parks and campgrounds, you do not need a specific permit; however, you will need to make a reservation and pay any associated fees. Reservations can be made through the Ohio State Parks Reservation System or by contacting the park directly. For primitive or dispersed camping in Ohio's state forests, you may need a permit depending on the location and duration of your stay. It's essential to check with the specific state forest or location before embarking on your trip. For private camping options, you can explore and book camping sites through websites like Hipcamp, which provides information on various Ohio camping locations, including tent camping, tent in the woods, and primitive camping. Always check the specific rules and regulations of the location you plan to camp in to ensure you have the required permits or reservations.

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