Lakeside camping in Ohio with hiking

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

98% (2526 reviews)
98% (2526 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in Ohio with hiking

99%
(659)

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.
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$40
 / night
98%
(1154)

The Lake at the Flying J Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Johnstown, OH
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, horses and chickens. 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.
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$35
 / night
99%
(937)

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. Greenfield (5 miles north) is the nearest town and has two grocery stores, restaurants, a bar, hardware, gas, etc. Bainbridge (7 miles south) has gas, hardware, a couple of restaurants, dollar store, amish businesses, etc.
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$30
 / night
96%
(152)

Sawdust FarmCamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Geneva, OH
Welcome to Sawdust FarmCamp! Located in Geneva, Ohio. We have four different sites to choose from: 1 tent site, 2 glamping tent sites, and 1 cabin. We also have the option to book all our sites for a 15 person retreat with spacial extras only available for that listing. Portable toilet available, pets welcome, campfires permitted. Potable water and hot water showers are only available at or cabin and our glamping sites only have solar camp showers (not the tent site). New hot showers are being planned for the 2024 season. Naturalist Isabelle H. Klein wrote a collection of letters from her home of Sawdust (named form the sawdust left by the loggers of the early 60’s) for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Explorer Magazine from the winter of 1969 to the summer of 1976. They then were published as the book “Letters From Sawdust” by the Press of Case Western Reserve University for the Museum. It is a lyrical voyage through the seasons at the Sawdust Tract in Northeast Ohio. She details encounters with the wildlife of the area as well as the changing seasons and plant life. Reminiscent of Thoreau's writings about Walden. In 1978 an additional house was moved onto the property from Sidley's gravel pit and joined with the existing Klein farmhouse. We decided to preserve almost 400 acres of the property with the help of the Western Reserve Land Conservatory for the Cleveland Museum Of Natural History, Natural Areas. Forest is home to the red-sided dace, and 10 rare species of birds, including cerulean warblers. The original small family farm and surrounding woods we have retained are being restored and updated. We are proud to call Sawdust home and would love to share it with you.
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$25
 / night
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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100%
(149)

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%
(57)

Earth Song Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lodi, OH
Earth Song Farm is an organic, bio-dynamic farm growing a variety of produce, chicken, eggs and more. We are also a teaching center and a host farm for volunteers looking to experience homesteading, off-grid living, organic growing and hydroponic techniques. Discovery Park provides a creative free-play setting for kids to learn, discover and grow. A naturopathic wellness center at the farm offers health assessment, iris analysis and botanical herbs to help people dealing with health issues.Learn more about this land: Nestled within the 10-acre organic farm that hosts Earthsong Farm and Discovery Park is an authentic American Indian tipi camping experience.   An extra large  party tipi ("Great Gatherings") is available for larger groups as a daytime rental or for overnight stays (up to 18 people).  This tipi is on a woodchip base for a more primitive authentic experience and has optional cots and chairs for your use.   In the fenced Tipi Village compound area there is a large Tipi on a wooden deck, a small play tipi  for kids and 2 more tipis under construction.  The Tipi is adorned with native American Indian decor and furnished with one queen size bed, bedside table and camp chair.  Optional cots available, offering sleep accommodations for a total of 5 -6 people.   Tipi Village is equipped with a shared outdoor kitchen and dining area, including a gas barbeque grill and fresh spring water.  There is also an instant-heat outdoor shower available.   A family-friendly fire pit with surrounding seating is a centralized spot for drum circles, late night marshmallows, and evening conversations.  At night you'll see fireflies and hear plenty of crickets, bullfrogs and singing tree frogs.  During the day, a special archery area offers targets and tomahawk throwing.  You've always wanted to try a bow and tomahawk! Just outside the Tipi Village fence awaits "Discovery Park" for the kids... the "Best Playground Ever!"  The park includes kid powered train cars, gem mining, dual zip lines, a real fire truck, woods to explore, a shallow lagoon to take a raft across and much more. Look up DiscoveryParkOhio to see more details. Schedule a tour of the farm to see the animals, greenhouses and an off-grid EarthShip.  A walk through the old-growth forest brings a quiet sense of peace and a genuine earthing connection.  An old-fashioned General Store offers seasonal organic produce, herbal tinctures and teas, bulk foods, goat milk soap, honey, maple syrup, jams, wooden toys, free-range chickens and eggs, plus much more.   Down the road, complimenting the experience of Tipi Village, is the Log Cabin Shop: a muzzle-loading, early American craft & used bookstore. EarthSong Farm, Discovery Park and Tipi Village are family friendly environments and inline with HipCamp values.  Please understand that we do NOT allow alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs on the property whatsoever.  Functional Information: Tipi Village has designated parking adjacent to the site.  Firewood is included and stocked in Tipi Village.  Free admission to Discovery Park is included. Two gas stations within a 5 minute driving distance offer ice refills for your cooler and quick snacks, Miller's Grocery is in Lodi (5 mins) and Medina is just up the road (15 mins). For the Tourist:  Medina Town Square is adorned with tiny shops and boutiques.  You can also find Castle Noel, a Christmas museum displaying paraphernalia from popular Christmas films throughout time.  Two Farmer's Markets are active from May 1st- September in Medina on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm. Nearby Litchfield offers an outdoor Flea Market (about 15 min. drive). Cleveland is 45 minutes away with the rock-n-roll museum, science center, botanical gardens and much more. Amish country is 45 minutes South with many attractions, stores and restaurants. There is a large assemblage of old order Amish just 10 minutes west with many farm produce stands. Dragway 42 is also just 10 minutes SW near West Salem. Akron is 30 minutes East and has many worthwhile attractions including Stan Hywet Grounds, the former estate of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
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$45
 / night
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
97%
(15)

Steadfast Roots Homestead

7 sites · Tents20 acres · Ashtabula, OH
We are a working homestead. We have 20 acres that offer nice trails to enjoy the peace of nature, two ponds, kayaks, paddleboat, islands, moss beach, fire pits, picnic tables, meeting room/A frame available if needed. So close to I90 our property touches it. Not far from all of the amazing Ashtabula attractions. Outhouse available but no electricity. Ask about sapling adoption!!!
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$40
 / night
96%
(109)

WALKAbOUT Creek Campground

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents132 acres · Chandlersville, OH
-Located in Blue Rock State Forest. Campers are welcome to hike to their hearts content! - Located 10 minutes from Blue Rock's swimming beach at Cutler Lake. - Located 20 minutes from Columbus Zoo's "The Wilds" Safari. - Access to the Blue Rock State Forest equine trails. Over 25 miles of trails. Walking them also allowed! - 3 stocked ponds for fishing - Our own little "Y" Bridge like the notable bridge located in the nearby city of Zanesville. - Communal area for socializing/events. Free to use for campers, provided it is not privately booked for an event.
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$22
 / 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
100%
(115)

My Spot Private Campsite

1 site · Tent80 acres · Dexter , OH
Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing in nature’s solitude. Our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) from parking where you’ll find a footpath that empties out onto a level forest understory, surrounded by trees ideal for pitching tents and hammocks. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a large table, and your own private outhouse with a composting toilet. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to our best stargazing hilltop, for playing in the shallow creek running alongside our campsite, as well as shaded forest and ridgetop views. Our pond, equipped with a dock, ladder and seating is a favorite short 7 minute hike for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing. For longer hikes, any trail will connect you to our larger network of maintained trails over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails and farm-life views across our 80 acre farm. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost: - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - 5 gallons of water (or less) in jugs with handy pour spout - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - Stringed twinkle lights - prehung (we do the hanging before you arrive) * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing.
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$25
 / night

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Lakeside camping in Ohio with hiking 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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