Discover the best beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in Ohio

United States
—
Ohio

97% (1095 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ohio

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

89%

(51)

Kickapoo Kamping

2 sites · TentsZanesville, OH

This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.

Fruitdale Farm

9 sites · Lodging, 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).

The Pleasant Valley Farm

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Lucas, OH

Pleasant Valley Farm was originally a working farm with a two-story farmhouse and traditional bank barn, built in the late 1800s. The massive timbers and joinery are constant reminders of the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Jim and Kathy Grogg purchased Pleasant Valley Farm in 1994 and not only updated the house and barn, but also expanded the lake to its current 13 acres. The large 144-year-old, 2736-square-foot barn is now available for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, birthdays, and reunions.

Rusty's Retreat

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fostoria, OH

We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Buckeye and Lexi can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There's also Turk the turkey and his flock of chickens. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.

100%

(2)

Roosevelt Glamping Company

4 sites · Lodging60 acres · Wooster, OH

The property spans 60 acres with lush woods, a meandering creek, valleys and rock formations. The top of the ridge lends awesome sunset views overlooking the valley. You can rent a cabin on the property, or rent a permanent Safari Tent that overlooks the creek. You can also rent our luxury 16' canvas bell tents that be set up in addition to renting the cabin to allow for more guests. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in a specified area or rent our luxury 16' canvas bell tents and have everything set up for you- including beds, seating and linens. The property is shared by one cabin rental, one permanent Safari Tent and the owners also live onsite should you need anything , but give you complete privacy. Certain areas of the property are not accessible to explore when there are renting cabin or tent guests in those areas.

6 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in Ohio

99%

(1012)

Fruitdale Farm

9 sites · Lodging, 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).

The Pleasant Valley Farm

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Lucas, OH

Pleasant Valley Farm was originally a working farm with a two-story farmhouse and traditional bank barn, built in the late 1800s. The massive timbers and joinery are constant reminders of the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Jim and Kathy Grogg purchased Pleasant Valley Farm in 1994 and not only updated the house and barn, but also expanded the lake to its current 13 acres. The large 144-year-old, 2736-square-foot barn is now available for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, birthdays, and reunions.

Rusty's Retreat

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fostoria, OH

We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Buckeye and Lexi can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There's also Turk the turkey and his flock of chickens. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.

Kickapoo Kamping

2 sites · TentsZanesville, OH

This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.

Roosevelt Glamping Company

4 sites · Lodging60 acres · Wooster, OH

The property spans 60 acres with lush woods, a meandering creek, valleys and rock formations. The top of the ridge lends awesome sunset views overlooking the valley. You can rent a cabin on the property, or rent a permanent Safari Tent that overlooks the creek. You can also rent our luxury 16' canvas bell tents that be set up in addition to renting the cabin to allow for more guests. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in a specified area or rent our luxury 16' canvas bell tents and have everything set up for you- including beds, seating and linens. The property is shared by one cabin rental, one permanent Safari Tent and the owners also live onsite should you need anything , but give you complete privacy. Certain areas of the property are not accessible to explore when there are renting cabin or tent guests in those areas.

91%

(23)

Hope's Hippie Hideaway

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Mc Arthur, OH

10 acres altogether, about 5 acres mowed. Enough almost the size of a soccer field for kids to play in, in more than one place. Each campsite is about half an acre and we do have fire pits once you decide where you want to camp. We do not often have guests so you should have most of the property to yourself. The campsites are on the far shaded side of the property with my camper and cabin on the other five acres. Learn more about this land: Bookings available for 2023 season. Hope’s Hippie Hideaway at Wheelabout Creek is your new private LGBT friendly 10 acre camping site, less than 10 mi away from Lake Hope. If you could go through Zaleski, it would be 2 minutes. This is not a campground. Hike all day at Lake Hope, Zaleski, or Iron Furnace State Park, and cool off in the private creek that lines the entire property. Attention: The pool is closed for 2023. Lot's of area for exploring, creeking and to enjoy the wildlife. We have swimming holes, port-o-potty, 24-foot shelter house, over six half acre shaded non-hookup camping sites to choose from with private creek access. All campsites have a fire ring, access to charcoal grill, share access to water and electric, but not hookups. Sites #1 & #6 come with picnic tables. We also now have a trash container on site. There is currently one 40-ft gravel pad with pull through access next to temporary water in a full sun area. Dogs are normally on the property with huskies a qtr mile away. Dogs are welcome when leashed. And well-behaved. This is our own little happy place where we enjoy the view, the sounds of nature and togetherness with our friends and family. There is a shooting range near Lake Hope State Park, but shooting is not allowed on the property. The property is technically in McArthur, Ohio, but Google also considers it in Albany, Ohio. 10 miles from Lake Hope, 20 mi from Athens, 6 mi from McArthur Ohio where there are gas stations, fast food, pizza can be delivered, and three dollar general's within 15 minutes. Each campsite can have up to 6 people, any more and the site next door can also be booked. This listing is only for the 4 currently available non-hookup campsites or gravel pad. All amenities including water and electric are shared with owner and other guests. Daily electric hookup for gravel pad not available yet. Please bring some extra firewood as we go through quite a bit of it and firewood is not provided. We have room in the sun and shade for trucks, trailers, ATV's, we have walking trails mowed out, a driving trail around the property, and the pool can be reserved an hour ahead of time. Let us know what you want to bring and we will let you know what is planned that weekend and things to do in the area. Adults can float, kids can go play somewhere else. Bring your hammocks and tents. Can provide tent for extra fee. Wildlife preserve area in tall grass. Discounts for returning customers.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(11)

Alum Creek State Park

Maumee Bay State Park

South Bass Island State Park

West Branch State Park

Ravenna, Ohio

100%

(4)

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

St Marys, Ohio

100%

(3)

Fernwood State Forest

Wintersville, Ohio

100%

(3)

Kelleys Island State Park

Kelleys Island, Ohio

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly 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.