Forest camping in Ohio with snow sports

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

98% (2161 reviews)
98% (2161 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ohio

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12 top forest campgrounds in Ohio with snow sports

98%
(1899)

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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100%
(454)

McKee Farm - Treehouses and Camping

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents230 acres · Frazeysburg, OH
McKee Farm is rich in memories and rich in history. It has been in the family for over 150 years and we were told that it was one of stopping points for the underground railroad. The 240 acre farm boasts a hidden cave, wide open fields, breathtaking forest land, and historic and rustic barns. Nestled at the edge of a wooded creek, Tullihas in the Trees treehouse boasts a beautiful sunset view with rolling hills. Tullihas combines comfort with the thrill of being immersed in nature. Built using recycled electric poles, Tullihas in the Trees has a deck perfect for hammocking, an interior dressed with windows so that guests can feel as if they are living amongst the trees, and two small lofts ideal for a restful night's sleep. Oxley in the Woods is our newest treehouse cabin. Nestled in the woods with a view of the sunset, the lovely A Frame is filled with lovely woodwork, vintage parquet flooring, and private wooded views. The deck is huge! We've had guests set up a tent on the deck beside the treehouse for fun! Swings, and a slide make the Oxley a fun adventure. The double bed in the loft and the two stacked single beds are comfortable and cozy. The McKee Farmhouse was built in the 1800s and is rich in memories. It's a rustic old house, with wood trim, hardwood floors, and plenty of imperfections that make it unique. You can sit on the porch and drink your coffee with a view of the barn and pastures, or cozy up in one of the house's four bedrooms and sleep in. The house is fully air conditioned and heated, has all the amenities of home, but takes you back to a simpler time. Our campsites are all set apart from one another in various locations on the 240 acre farm. Secluded and unique, each campsite has its own charm. We provide guests with a fire ring and a shovel, and some sites have a picnic table. Hiking trails are marked throughout the land. Guests can hike with views of horses, cows, wildlife, corn fields, large boulders, and rustic barns. The dirt roads provide great places to drive ATVs and four-wheelers. An Amish farm borders McKee Farm. Guests should know there is minimal cell service, however, this can offer a great opportunity to unplug. Tullihas in the Trees provides a perfect remote and rustic getaway for anyone. In October and November, access to hiking is limited.
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$35
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100%
(254)

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.
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$35
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99%
(83)

Flannel Dog Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Ashtabula, OH
Flannel Dog Farm is a seven acre homestead on the site of an original 1860's farm. Here you'll find sheep, chickens, ducks, and dogs as well as a variety of wild animals and birds, native pollinators, and fields of wildflowers. Camping and lodging options include a large open camp area, a tiny house, and a covered wagon. Chris Zielski and Alan Block are the wife and husband team that steward the farm. Chris is a metal artist and has a beautiful onsite studio for her business, Copper Leaf Studios. Alan is a sourdough baker, gardener, and fermenter. In addition to Hipcampers, Flannel Dog Farm hosts art shows, classes, and retreats. Much like our farm's name, our place is warm, welcoming, rustic, and a little bit gritty. We believe in inclusion, community, and sustainable living. We love telling and hearing good stories. And, we love to share our part of the world with others. Message us if you have any questions!
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$50
 / night
95%
(183)

Towpath Trail Peace Park

5 sites · Tents2 acres · Bolivar, OH
Primitive tent camping on the Greenville Peace Treaty Line, Buckeye Trail, Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Scenic Byway, Tuscarawas River Water Trail, and the Great American Rail Trail! Located on the historic Ohio-Erie Canal between the village of Bolivar Ballparks and the McDonnell trailheads on the towpath trail ten miles south of Canton, Ohio, and 1.5 miles west of I-77 exit 93 on Scenic Byway Rt 212 in beautiful Tuscarawas County, Ohio. The Peace Park is designed for bikers, hikers, dog walkers, and anyone traveling through to book a campsite even if anyone isn't available to meet and greet. Campers, once booked may go to an available campsite and set up camp. Dog-friendly, handicapped-accessible Porta-Jon with hand sanitizer shared electricity for charging phones, pristine aquifer water, picnic tables, fire-pits, fireside benches, birds, butterflies, lightning bugs, wild turkey, deer, and other wildlife are often seen. Please note: We're located on a section of the Ohio-Erie Canal Scenic Byway, the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad, and a 90-degree corner with a slight slope that causes trucks to downshift brake, we recommend bringing earplugs if you're a light sleeper!
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$25
 / night
89%
(237)

Geneva Hills

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Lancaster, OH
Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide.
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$35
 / night
98%
(47)

Heritage Lake Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Garrettsville, OH
Heritage Lake Farm features Heritage Lake, of course, a 2-acre spring-fed lake in the headwaters of  Ohio's Grand River. Heritage Lake offers fishing, a swimming platform with a diving board, a diving board, a trapeze swing.    Park your RV, motorhome or self-contained trailer just off the driveway south of the Host's main cabin for water, electric and sewer on property.  Tent Camping can be separately booked at FarmStay - Tent @HeritageLakeFarm and is allowed most anywhere on the farm as long as it will not interfere with seasonal agricultural operations. Two vintage sleeping cabins can be separately booked at FarmStay - Cabin1 or  FarmStay - Cabin2 @HeritageLakeFarm. Heritage Lake Farm has abundant wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching,  and foraging.
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$75
 / night
100%
(5)

Cabins at ELWR

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Youngstown, OH
This retreat is located in the middle of an industrial area of Youngstown. As you go up the drive you'll find that the city slips away as you suddenly find yourself in a different peaceful world. Overgrown brush and woods completely surround the property. You'll find a hilly field scattered with a few trees. There is a small shallow creek running along one side of the perimeter. This is a primative cabin with a shared portapotty walking distance.
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$20
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100%
(48)

Winding Fork Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Warsaw, OH
Learn more about this land:Primitive camping. We provide a fire ring and a shovel. Sites are nestled among a hardwood forest with agricultural fields and plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities. An abundance of trees for hammocking are available. Flat surfaces for tents at each site.
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$30
 / night
100%
(1)

The Cedar Lodge Parking

15 sites · RVs5 acres · New Paris, OH
Our property is tucked away in the small village of New Paris in Southwestern Ohio, with wooded grounds and a picturesque pond - and plenty of birding opportunities, we've been told! The entrance to this area is on the Maverick Tiny Homes property, there is signage posted to help you navigate to the appropriate areas. We are eagerly anticipating the 2024 Eclipse and will have dedicated tailgate-style parking on the property during the afternoon of April 8th for approx. $75/car! Please inquire if you wish to join in with a larger unit as we will have limited availability for blocks of spaces.
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$35
 / night
97%
(43)

Pleasant Acres Ohio

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Plain City, OH
This property was first established in 1976, and the original owner named the property “Pleasant Acres”. He and his wife lived here for over 30 years and still have grandchildren living a few houses down from us. Upon meeting his granddaughter and hearing the story, we decided to honor him and his family by keeping the name. My wife and I have lived here since March 2020, and we are excited to share this little slice of heaven with our friends, family, and future guests. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Pleasant Acres where you will have access to over 7 acres located on the national scenic river, Big Darby Creek. We are centrally located and Less than 10 minutes from Plain City, Dublin, and Hilliard, and only 30 mins from downtown Columbus! A short drive or bike ride to any of these lovely Ohio towns will find you a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shopping. We are on a very quiet and serene piece of land 1 mile upstream from Prairie Oaks metro park. Prairie Oaks is home to miles of hiking trails and Darby Bend lakes which has four lakes, bathrooms, shelter houses, and one the best dog parks in central Ohio. Available activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, axe throwing, volleyball, wildlife watching(there is a bald eagle nest just down stream), and more! Boat and axe rental, shuttle service (availability based on our availability to do so. please ask when booking.), and firewood bundles are available.
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$40
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100%
(1)

Camp Piedmont

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Piedmont, OH
Camp Piedmont is a 20 acre camp nestled in a wooded lakeside area on Piedmont Lake. Camp has a newly built double cabin on the boys side & all new metal roofs throughout the buildings. It offers kayaking & swimming at its own private beachfront. Hiking and exploring the wilderness and so much more.
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$200
 / night

Under $50

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Forest camping in Ohio with snow sports 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.

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