18 Best Places For Camping In Ohio

Are you interested in the best places for camping in Ohio?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

I was born and raised in Ohio, so I know there are lots of things to do in Ohio and tons of Ohio state parks with camping options.

There are also other options for campgrounds in Ohio too, not just state parks.

So if you’d prefer a KOA in Ohio or maybe you want to try glamping, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on this list too.

All throughout the state, there are some amazing campgrounds.

Some are perfect for winter camping, and others are great for summers by a lake or admiring fall leaves.

No matter what kind of Ohio camping adventure you’re interested in, there is an awesome campground in Ohio for you.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 18 best places for camping in Ohio!

18 Best Places For Camping In Ohio

Go Camping In Ohio At Findley State Park

Findley State Park is often considered one of the best campgrounds in Ohio.

The Ohio campground has over 200 campsites.

There is a selection of both electric and non-electric campsites in the state park.

So you can choose to go traditional tent camping or you can come in your RV.

The campground also has a bathhouse with toilets, showers, and even laundry facilities.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love spending some time at the playground.

This Ohio state park campground also has volleyball courts, basketball courts, two horseshoe pits, and a gaga ball pit.

It’s a great place to go camping in Ohio.

Stay Near The City At The Cleveland SE KOA Holiday

For those looking to stay near Cleveland, there is the Cleveland SE KOA Holiday.

The Cleveland SE KOA Holiday is a park just outside of Cleveland, in Streetsboro.

It is a seasonal Ohio campground, so it’s only open from May to October.

But if you’re thinking of camping in the area during that time, it’s an awesome campground in Ohio.

The Cleveland KOA park has a camp kitchen, a pool, wifi, cable tv, and a pavilion you can use during your stay.

They offer sites for traditional tent camping and RV camping.

You can also go glamping at this campground in Ohio!

The KOA has cabins of all sizes that you can rent if you don’t want to bring your tent or RV.

John Bryan State Park Campground Offers A Family Atmosphere

The campground at John Bryan State Park is one of the smaller Ohio state park campgrounds.

Overall, there are 56 campsites.

A majority of them are non-electric, but they do have a few electric sites if you want electricity, whether camping or in an RV.

So this is a great place for more traditional tent camping.

Along with the campsites, there is a bathhouse where you’ll find toilets and showers.

At each individual campsite, you’ll have a picnic table and a firepit.

Pets are also always welcome at John Bryan State Park.

During the on-season, there is also a camp store that has things like ice and firewood for purchase.

Admire Covered Bridges While Camping At Mohican State Park

One of the best Ohio state parks with camping is Mohican State Park.

Mohican State Park is also unique because it has its own covered bridge.

Covered bridges are popular throughout Ohio and often people travel from all across the US to admire some of Ohio’s most popular covered bridges.

While you’re camping in Ohio’s Mohican State Park, you can see one of those iconic bridges.

Mohican State Park has over 90 campsites, both electric and non-electric.

If you’d prefer glamping, there are also deluxe cabins you can rent on the state park grounds.

Near the campground, you’ll find a bathhouse with toilets and showers.

The state park also has volleyball courts, basketball courts, a nature center, and gem mining at the camp store.

This Ohio campground is located near some of the popular attractions in Ohio.

Stay In A Yurt While Camping At Kelley’s Island State Park

If you are exploring Ohio’s hidden gems, then a visit to Kelleys Island is a must.

Kelley’s Island State Park offers traditional campsites throughout its campground.

That means you can choose to bring your tent, stay at an electric site, or bring your RV.

But one of the things that makes Kelley’s Island State Park awesome for camping in Ohio is the yurts.

You can try state park camping in one of the two yurts that are on the campgrounds.

Inside the yurts, you’ll find a full kitchen, bathroom, heating, and a patio that overlooks Lake Erie.

Kelley’s Island State Park also has cabins you can rent if you don’t want to try traditional camping.

It’s one of the best Ohio state park campgrounds.

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hocking Hills State Park With A Camping Trip

Hocking Hills State Park is one of my personal favorite state parks in Ohio.

This Ohio state park is full of fun things to do, including scenic hikes, and stunning waterfalls.

So it’s no surprise that Hocking Hills is one of the most popular campgrounds in Ohio.

This Ohio state park campground is right by an area known as Old Man’s Cave.

There is a mixture of traditional campsites and a handful of cabins that you can rent.

If you’re more adventurous, there are also campsites in the park that are hike-in campsites.

That means that to get to them, you’ll have to park and bring everything with you on a hike to the campsite.

The main campground at Hocking Hills State Park has a bathhouse with showers and toilets, playgrounds, and a camp store.

For the hike-in campsites, you’ll only have a spigot for water and pit latrines.

It’s certainly for the more adventurous, but luckily there is something for everyone at Hocking Hills.

Have Family Fun While Camping In Ohio At The Lazy River At Granville

The Lazy River at Granville is a unique and fun way to go camping in Ohio.

It is a great option for those looking to have a fun family trip and camping adventure, all rolled into one.

Lazy River at Granville is located just outside of Columbus, in the Welsh Hills.

It is also a Top 100 rated park, which means you can expect some awesome accommodations and amenities.

The park has campsites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins you can rent.

On the park grounds, you’ll find two heated pools, a zipline, basketball courts, a game room, a snack bar, and so much more.

Your family can take part in the two-story challenge course or just hang out by the pool.

No matter what you choose to do, you’ll love camping in Ohio at this super cool Ohio campground.

Try Camping At East Fork State Park

East Fork State Park has one of the biggest Ohio state park campgrounds.

At this massive campground, you’ll find over 400 state park campsites.

Most of them are electric sites, but they also have non-electric sites.

Traditional tent campers can also use electric sites, they aren’t just for RVs.

East Fork State Park even has state park campsites for equestrians, which is pretty unique.

On the grounds, you’ll also find mini-golf, basketball courts, cornhole, boat rentals, and bike rentals.

You’ll easily find tons of things to do while you stay at this huge Ohio state park with camping.

Go Camping In OH At The State’s Only National Forest

Wayne National Forest is the only National Forest in Ohio.

So if you’re in Ohio and you’ve always wanted to experience camping in a national forest, you’ll want to visit Wayne National Forest.

The national forest has a few different options for camping in Ohio.

You can choose to stay at one of the traditional campsites and bring your tent or RV.

They also have dispersed camping.

Dispersed camping is where you backpack into the forest and pitch your tent somewhere along the trail.

This is a very rustic style of camping, and you’ll typically only have a firepit in terms of amenities.

But if you’re feeling adventurous, this is a really way to experience Ohio camping.

Take The Family Camping At Hueston Woods State Park

Another massive campground in Ohio can be found at Hueston Woods State Park.

Hueston Woods State Park has over 300 campsites.

They range from electric, non-electric, and even equestrian sites.

Each campground comes with a picnic table and firepit.

There is also a bathhouse that has toilets and showers.

On the grounds of this state park campground, you’ll also find mini-golf, outdoor checkers, volleyball and basketball courts, and playgrounds.

It’s a great campground in Ohio to bring the whole family.

Explore The City While You Camp At Columbus North KOA

If you want to visit Columbus while you’re camping, then I suggest staying at the Columbus North KOA.

It is just outside of Columbus, in nearby Sunbury.

This is a seasonal campground, so it’s only open from May to October.

Inside the grounds, you’ll find campsites for tents and RVs as well as cabins you can rent.

The Ohio campground also has a pool, a snack bar, a dog park, a fishing pond, and wifi.

You’ll be near Columbus, but you’ll still get to enjoy the picturesque Ohio countryside.

The Columbus North KOA is a great option for camping in OH during the warmer months.

Enjoy Seasonal Family Camping In Ohio At Ridge Ranch Campground

Ridge Ranch Campground is another seasonal option for camping in OH.

The campground is family-owned and operated and is open from May to October.

It is over 76 acres and there are campsites that are sunny and campsites that are shaded.

On the grounds, there is also a lake that is over 16 acres in size.

At the lake, you can enjoy swimming or relax out on the large swimming deck.

You can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake.

The campground also has activities planned throughout the year that are great for having fun with the whole family.

There are sports courts, a camp store, a game room, and playgrounds too.

It’s easily one of the best family-owned campsites in Ohio.

Group Camping Is Great At Scioto Trail State Park

Scioto Trail State Park is another one of the smaller state parks in Ohio that offers camping.

There are just over 70 campsites at two separate campgrounds.

In the park, you’ll find a nice-sized lake where you can enjoy watersports like kayaking and canoeing.

If you want to try camping near Steward Lake, they do have primitive hike-in sites.

Each campsite has a picnic table and fire rings.

On the campground, there is also a vault latrine and pressurized water, but there isn’t a bathhouse.

So this is a bit more rustic camping.

But if you’re up for it, Scioto Trail State Park is a great place to go camping in Ohio.

Spend Some Time Camping On Lake Erie At South Bass Island State Park

Northern Ohio borders Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes.

In Lake Erie, South Bass Island is an island that is part of Ohio, and home to the quaint village of Put In Bay.

South Bass Island State Park has one of the best Ohio state park campgrounds.

There are just over 130 campsites on the campground and many of them are tent only.

They also have electric sites, so you can bring your RV to camp too.

Along with the campsites, there are also cabins and something called cabents to rent.

Cabents have the walls of a cabin, but the canvas roof of a tent.

It’s a bit like glamping when you stay at one of their unique cabents!

Be In The Center Of All There Is To Do Near Columbus At The Buckeye Lake KOA

The Buckeye Lake KOA is directly in the heart of some of the best activities in and around Columbus.

It’s the closest KOA to the actual city.

Plus it’s near the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Ohio State University, and the German Village.

Because you’ll be so close to Columbus, you’ll be able to try some of the many amazing Columbus restaurants.

The campground has a ton of amenities too.

There is a pool, a camp store, a camp kitchen, mini-golf, wifi, and cable tv.

They offer a selection of traditional campsites for tents and RVs as well as cabins you can rent.

Explore The Trails At Dillon State Park While Camping In Ohio

Dillon State Park is a great option if you’re thinking of camping in Ohio state parks.

The park itself has some great amenities.

Hike the many Ohio trails, swim in the lake, or relax on the beach during the day before coming back to your campsite.

The campground also has gaga ball courts, basketball courts, a camp store, and free wifi.

At each campsite, you’ll find a picnic table, a fire pit, and many of the 195 sites are electric.

They even have equestrian sites where there are non-electric campsites.

At the campgrounds, you’ll find a bathhouse with toilets, showers, and even laundry services.

If you don’t want to pack a tent or come in your RV, you can rent one of the cabins on the park grounds.

Check Out Cedar Point When You Camp At The Crystal Rock Campground

Cedar Point is an epic waterpark in Ohio and an amazing amusement park in Sandusky Ohio.

It’s a great place to bring the whole family on a hot summer day and it’s popular a popular Midwest weekend getaway with the locals and visitors alike.

When you stay at Crystal Rock Campground, you’ll be just minutes away from Cedar Point.

Along with its nearby amenities, Crystal Rock Campground has some awesome amenities of its own.

You can play volleyball in the sand volleyball court, grill out in the pavilion, play cornhole, spend some time in the game room, or the kids can hang out on the playground.

The campground also has modern bathrooms, shaded campsites, and a variety of campsites.

If you’re looking for a great Ohio campground near Cedar Point, and not far from Toledo OH, you can’t go wrong staying at Crystal Rock Campground.

Spend Some Time By The Lake At Tappan Lake Park Campground

Tappan Lake is a popular recreation park in Deersville, OH.

It’s named for the over 2,000-acre lake that is in the center of the park.

On the lake, you can go boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

You can also swim in the lake or relax on the large beach.

Because Tappan Lake is a popular park, it has over 500 campsites.

The park offers a variety of standard tent campsites and RV sites.

There are also cabins you can rent with views of the lake if that is more your speed.

Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit, and many of them are electric as well.

Tappan Lake Park Campground is a campsite in Ohio for those that love days spent by the lake.

Packing List For Camping In Ohio

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when camping in Ohio. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies during Indiana camping.

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this foldable water-resistant backpack would be great

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

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I have always loved camping in Ohio, my home state.

There are so many different state parks and interesting campgrounds in Ohio to explore that make for the best weekend getaways in Ohio.

From primitive camping to deluxe cabins, there truly is an Ohio campsite for every type of camper.

I hope this list has inspired you to get out and explore the beauty of Ohio!

If you’ve had the opportunity to stay at any of these amazing Ohio campgrounds, I’d love to hear about your trip in the comments!