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Ohio · camping guide

Camping in Ohio

640 places to camp in Ohio: 52 national forest and federal campgrounds, 15 state park campgrounds, 26 free dispersed and primitive spots, 547 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 84°F and lows near 63°F.

Photo: Pexels
640places to camp
35free or dispersed
May–Sepbest months
100%with cell signal at camp

Best areas to camp

  1. Around Madison67 camps in the area within 25 miles
  2. Around Dayton63 camps in the area within 25 miles
  3. Around Mansfield49 camps in the area within 25 miles
  4. Around Marietta44 camps in the area within 25 miles
  5. Around Logan42 camps in the area within 25 miles

Questions

When is the best time to camp in Ohio?

The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 84°F and lows near 63°F.

Is there free camping in Ohio?

Yes: 35 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.

Will I have cell signal camping in Ohio?

At about 100% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.

See all 640 on the map

Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.

Open Ohio in Find camps

This week's picks

A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.

  • North Branch Kokosing River Lake - CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [North Branch Kokosing River Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=327&agencyCode=130)

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  • Paddle Creek Horse CampFederal campground · Free · No cell signal

    This horse camp is a large level field with ample area for trailers and horses. Some hitching rails are provided. This camping area is open year-round and is kept mowed and has a capacity…

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  • Lane Farm CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Formerly the Lane family farm, this small campground is approximately 5 miles north of Marietta along the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway. The site has four campsites on the…

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  • Monday Creek OHV SystemFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    The Monday Creek area of the Wayne National Forest provides some excellent opportunities for riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This trail system, north of Nelsonville, provides…

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  • Superior OHV SystemFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Superior OHV Trail System is currently 16.5 miles long. A trailhead off State Route 52 accesses this section of trail.

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  • Paint Creek Dam SiteFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Paint Creek Dam Site Area, located on Paint Creek Lake, offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Scioto area of southwestern Ohio. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping…

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  • Alum Creek Below Dam AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. The lake provides an ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. A special events…

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  • Ring Mill CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This was once the site of a mill and farmstead. The mill is now gone, but the stone house of its original owner, built in 1846, is still located at the site. The house is on the National…

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Free camping in Ohio

35 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.

  • Trail Riders CampgroundOther / private · Free · Cell signal

    Campground equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault latrines. No drinking water; horse water available. 20 sites accommodating family and/or horse campers. Campers must…

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  • Dispersed site #2 · 2 mi NW of BethelDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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  • Oak ViewDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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  • Big Bend CampsiteDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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See all free camping on the map