Camping in Ohio

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

97% (13098 reviews)
97% (13098 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Ohio

98%
(1236)

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
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).
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$30
 / night
100%
(480)

The Viking Longhall

10 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Peebles, OH
The Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen. The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also. The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles. Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.
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$40
 / night
97%
(116)

Nature's Way

23 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Rockbridge, OH
Visiting the Hocking Hills ? No interest in crowded campgrounds ? you have found 75 acres mostly wooded with trails right at the start of the Hocking Hills. (easy access from 33 and to Logan) There are various places around the property to pitch a tent. There are also options for RV parking with no hookups. I can transport you and your gear to the remote sites. ATV's are also welcome on the property. Firewood will be provided for free and in abundant amount. The site on top of the hill is a very secluded and mowed crest of hill surrounded by dogwood trees and the invasive Autumn Olive bushes. The site above the rxrwinery.com is a secluded, mowed clearing in the mature woods. There are also 2 sites in the valley that allow you to be near your vehicle. While on my property, clothing is optional. If you are traveling with an RV, the Sunny Rest location is the best with campfire.
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$20
 / night
96%
(108)

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%
(165)

Ashcraft Hills

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Warsaw, OH
The United Cabin Join us this fall at The United Cabin as we watch the leaves change and embrace the beauty of the season! This charming pet-friendly A-Frame retreat is nestled on 300 acres of stunning wilderness. Built in the 1980s and surrounded by a canopy of Poplar and White Oak trees, this cozy two-story cabin is the ideal getaway for couples, families, and friends looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Highlights: - Scenic Views: Relax on the balcony, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of a serene ravine and a winding trail leading to a refreshing natural spring. - Outdoor Adventures: Explore the expansive woods, stroll along our picturesque prairie path, or cool off in the creek. The fully stocked pond is perfect for fishing (catch Bass, Bluegill, Carp, and Catfish) or capturing stunning sunset photos. - Comfortable Accommodations: Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen (with natural spring water), a full bathroom with complimentary shampoo and body wash, and laundry facilities. The inviting living room features a cozy gas fireplace, perfect for comfortable fall evenings. The upstairs bedroom includes a queen bed and a full bed, accessed by a charming spiral staircase. Amenities: - Fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, coffee maker, stove, and small refrigerator - Full bathroom with towels provided - Mini split air conditioning for optimal comfort - Gas fireplace for cozy evenings - Washer and dryer - Comfortable bedding, including pillows and blankets - Entertainment options: television, DVD player (with a diverse movie collection), books, and games Whether you’re birdwatching from the balcony, enjoying a movie night, or exploring local attractions like Roscoe Village or the hiking trails at Honey Run and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, The United Cabin offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Book your stay today and create unforgettable memories in this peaceful woodland retreat!
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$27
 / night
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
 / night
99%
(97)

Hemlock Hideaway

12 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Geneva, OH
Hemlock Hideaway and its 18 acres was originally part of a larger 100-acre plot that was surveyed and settled in the late 1700's by Gideon Granger of the Connecticut Land Company. Granger sold it to one Jehoikim Burget in 1815 for the whopping price of $400. The resident house was built in 1816 by Burget and then passed down to family members over the next 5 generations, until we bought it in 2003, marking the first time the house and remaining property were ever officially sold. In the mid 1800's, a grist mill was put up across the river from the cabin, and our creek was the main road in and out of that operation. There is a gravestone belonging to the wife of Jehoikim's son, she being half Native American and therefore couldn't be buried in the local white cemetery. We also own the original hand-written deed from 1815 detailing the sale of the original 100 acres to Jehoikim Burget. Learn more about this land: Our primitive cabin nestled in the woods overlooking the Grand River is a nature-lover's paradise! Come canoe, fish, experience wine country, or unplug and just get away from it all. Please note: There is no running water or electricity at the site, but the cabin is generator-ready and there is an outhouse.  The cabin does have a wood burning stove for heat and simple cooking, however there is no running water or electricity.  That being said, the building is wired and has plugs and outlets and is generator-ready.  You provide your own generator and fuel.  We provide bottled water, sheets, pillows, flashlights, a fire ring with cooking grate, charcoal grill (you provide the charcoal), access to firewood, and an outhouse with toilet paper.  Our 1/4 mile of Grand River frontage can be accessed right outside the cabin door via a quick hike down the somewhat steep hillside.  If hiking isn't preferred, then a quick two-minute drive will take you to the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark - a favorite of local fishermen.  Bigger groups with tents are welcome, but will need to bring all supplies beyond what we provide for two guests. 
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$65
 / night

Under $50

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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.

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