The best camping near Zaleski State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Zaleski State Forest adventure.

Discover Zaleski State Forest's lush trails and historic sites.  

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Community favorites near Zaleski State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Zaleski State Forest

98%
(100)

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
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98%
(428)

Altenbrauch Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Mc Arthur, OH
Located only 8 miles from Hocking Hills State Park, Altenbrauch Farm features 62 acres of open fields, small streams and wooded hills intersected by a lonely country road.  Aside from our house, there are no neighbors in sight.  Easily pitch your tent in an open field or trek through the hills and hollows to find your perfect campsite.As part of Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, Vinton County is home to the second largest state forest, in addition to multiple state parks and wildlife areas. You’ll encounter abandoned historical sites and relics dating back to the early 1800s, hidden away among the wooded hills of Ohio’s least populated county. If you're a lover of outdoor recreation, this is the place to be. Within about a half-hour drive, there are many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, hunting and fishing, and birding.  Nearby parks and forests include Hocking Hills State Park, Hocking Hills State Forest, Lake Hope State Park, Zaleski State Forest, the Moonville Rail Trail, Lake Alma State Park, Tar Hollow State Forest, and more!Set up camp wherever you like!  There are 12 acres of open field space, surrounded by 50 acres of wooded hills and hollows with hiking trails and level spots to pitch tents. Vehicles can be driven to the field sites; we are still working on a road to access the hill sites by vehicle.  The fields have about a dozen "permanent" sites with stone or metal fire rings and log seating.  Portable fire rings are also available that can be moved anywhere.  Dead wood for campfires is free to gather, or split firewood is available to purchase for $5/bundle. A toilet and solar shower are located at the center of the property. An outdoor water spigot is also available. Guests are expected to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Any trash packed onto the property must be bagged and taken with you.
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$30
 / night
98%
(63)

Trothwood Forest

8 sites · Lodging, Tents43 acres · Mc Arthur, OH
Family-Owned 43+ acres. nearly all wooded. This property has been minimally developed so as to allow it to be as clean and as natural of possible. There are some trails making hiking the property easier. A few locations on the property are available for quite private camping stays or family friendly getaways. When you drive up the driveway stick to the right. The houses on the left are a different property. Solar/fire heated shower near the flagpole. Always test the water temperature before use. There is cell service on the property! This is an ideal location to give children adventures that are still within minutes to a small town and other attractions in the Hocking Hills area. Approximate near bys: Enjoy the scenery while driving or just staying put: 17-minute drive to Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery 20-minute drive to Ash Cave 26-minute to Old Mans Cave 2-3 minute drive to McArthur for supplies if needed
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$26.10
 / night
100%
(13)

Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

37 sites · Lodging, RVs89 acres · Logan, OH
Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.
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$64
 / night
98%
(110)

Pop's Place Camping

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Corning, OH
A small primitive camping area in SE Ohio. We have 2 acres with four sites available. A short distance to Burr Oak State Park, Tecumseh Trails Off-road, Merckles offroad, Wayne National Forest, Bailey's Trail System and The Triple Nickel. A side x side, ATV or hunters paradise. We are also motorcycle friendly.
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$20
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89%
(243)

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
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98%
(404)

Camping with Unruly Goats

2 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Groveport, OH
Learn more about this land:Harrison Farm is a working livestock farm, with goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks, a horse, a donkey, and super friendly barn cats. We host many events, including yoga classes, tours, on-Farm dinners, and private parties. We are located thirty minutes from downtown Columbus, just outside of historic Canal Winchester, and only five minutes from BrewDog. The hills of southeastern Ohio are close by, with Lancaster only twenty minutes away, and just an hour’s drive to Hocking Hills or Tar Hollow. We welcome you to relax in solitude, or join us to learn more about farming.
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$30
 / night
100%
(179)

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
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(4)

EJT Retreat

1 site · Lodging2 acres · New Straitsville, OH
Welcome to EJT Retreat! If you love to escape to the outdoors, but also love to have a few everyday comforts close by, this is a perfect spot for you. Situated on just under 2 acres, this 18’x30’ cabin is built into a hill, and offers a beautiful view of our natural pool pond and tree-line. Our property shares a border with the beautiful Wayne National Forest, which provides acres and acres of public land to explore, literally right in the backyard.
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$79.20
 / night
94%
(41)

Geode Nature Domes

4 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Chillicothe, OH
Come for the thrill, stay for the chill. Geode Nature Dome is a one-of-a-kind outdoor event space nestled at the foothills of the Appalachians in Chillicothe, Ohio. Designed to create epic outdoor experiences immersed in nature’s elements, our space is perfect for groups, teams, wellness getaways, and adventure-seekers of all kinds. Our unique geodesic domes and glamping sites offer you and your community a rare experience in the heart of nature surrounded by its rich elements. Thrill + Chill Escape the daily grind and tap into your divine adventurous spirit. We offer a series of exhilarating outdoor experiences that allow you to connect with the earth. Be inspired by the open fresh air, trees, mountains and seek the adventure that awaits you. However you wish to connect to nature, we provide you a range of experiences that match your energy level. Embrace your bold spirit and take on adventures like ziplining, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. Or take a deep breath and find something a little more tranquil like yoga, massage, meditation, foraging, or a nature walk. We want to share the magical space that Geode Nature Dome is while showing gratitude for our natural habitat. It is our mission to leave our space better than we found it. Adventure therapy is calling. Geode Nature Dome: Thrilling Events Brought to Life 36' Dome Ideal for 10 people 16' Dome Ideal for 2 people The Specs: Private, half-mile hiking trail on property Picnic area with fire pit Sunlit with ventilation in summer Majestic views Learn more about this land:
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$74
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100%
(2)

Geo-dome Glamping

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Canal Winchester, OH
Park and follow a trail through a canopy of trees to the geo-dome camp site. Furnished with a queen bed and comfortable indoor seating, you can enjoy the air conditioned dome while sipping your morning coffee. We supply local coffee, organic teas and our farm fresh eggs for your breakfast! We also have a small farm cart that has seasonal veggies raised from our gardens for sale. Glampers get a 50% discount during your stay! Outside there is a grated fire pit with firewood provided, seating, table-top griddle and a few short steps away - some lounge chairs with star gazing guides! Many local points of interest! Mirabelle Farm & Vineyard, Brew Dog and Rockmill Brewery. Slate Run Historical Farm and Park Downtown Canal Winchester Hocking Hills (Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, etc.)
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$99
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76%
(19)

Hocking Vacations Campsites

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Logan, OH
Nestled in the heart of the Hocking Hills Region, Hocking Vacations Campsites offer a rustic retreat for those seeking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Guests can enjoy the central location and the close proximity to Hocking Hills State Park, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Whispering Pines, Conkles Hollow, Rock House, and many more! Our campsites offer many amenities to make your back-to-basics experience a comfortable and convenient one. Each campsite is clearly marked and has a 10 x10 wooden PLATFORM with rings to tie down your tent, fire ring, picnic table, and EMERGENCY USE fire blanket. HIKE TO SITE - you will be hiking between 120 and 240 yards to the campsites from the parking area, uphill, and on uneven terrain of mulched paths. There is a shared pull cart available. Recommend you arrive before dark. The parking area is well lit and there is a solar light above the site name sign. PARKING-There is easy access from the road to assigned parking spots, where you will find a well-maintained area with potable water, solar lighting, port-a-potty, fire extinguisher, shared metal cart and informational sign. You will hike to your reserved and private campsite. If needed and available, there is a metal cart to aid you in transporting your supplies to your site. FIREWOOD – Firewood bundles are for sale at a nearby property. Hocking Vacations Campsites are large, cleared areas located amidst towering trees and surrounded by lush foliage. You will be walking to your site on paths cleared of trees and dense foliage. Wear appropriate shoes as the paths are grassy, uneven in places and may have small roots. Visitors are invited to embrace the simplicity and serenity of wilderness camping and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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$25.50
 / night

The best camping near Zaleski State Forest guide

Overview

About

Clocking in a whopping 26,000 acres and listed as the second largest forest in the Ohio state park system, you may have to ask the boss for a little extra time off to enjoy Zaleski State Forest in its entirety. Bring Black Beauty along for the camping experience and explore 50 miles of trails on horseback together, or just pack a well-worn pair of boots and trek the 25 miles of trails designated for hiking. Did we mention you can always backpack in if you want a more remote experience? Hunters and fishers will also quickly find their home here, where 4,000 acres set aside for wild turkey production mean you'll be able to share some serious Thanksgiving bounty. Grab some tackle and cast a line in Lake Hope, or just kick your feet back and listen to the forest teem with life come sunset. Don't forget to pack that camera and some extra batteries—this area is just begging to become your next desktop background.

When to go

The prime time to visit Zaleski State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the forest is full of life. Winter months can be harsh, with trails less accessible due to snow and ice.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as terrain can be uneven and occasionally challenging.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.
  • Cell service may be limited, so download maps and trail guides ahead of time.

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