Best Camping in Ohio

Ohio's campgrounds are concentrated in Hocking Hills, Cuyahoga Valley, the Lake Erie shore, and the Wayne National Forest.

Hocking Hills State Park Campground
The most in-demand campground in Ohio — 155 sites (electric), adjacent to the Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls trail system. Reservations open 6 months in advance and fill immediately for weekends. The campground's forest setting is excellent; the canyon hikes are steps away.

South Bass Island State Park (Put-in-Bay)
Accessible only by ferry or private plane — the island setting on Lake Erie is unlike any other Ohio camping experience. The 125-site campground is steps from the Put-in-Bay town center (island restaurants, bar scene, historic sites). Ferry from Catawba or Port Clinton. Summer weekends are very busy; mid-week in late summer is ideal.

Mohican State Park Campground (Loudonville)
In the Clear Fork Gorge — 178 campsites, excellent canoeing and kayaking access on the Mohican River, and a covered bridge nearby. The Mohican State Forest hiking trails in the adjacent gorge are among the finest in north-central Ohio.

Kelleys Island State Park
On Kelleys Island in Lake Erie — 129 sites on an island accessible by ferry from Marblehead. The glacial grooves, the North Shore Alvar (a globally significant limestone pavement habitat), and the island's wine production add character. Much less crowded than South Bass.

Wayne National Forest: Covered Bridge and Lamping Homestead
Primitive and developed campgrounds in the Wayne NF — the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway connects three historic covered bridges with forest campgrounds. The Lamping Homestead (primitive) and the Vesuvius Recreation Area (developed, near an old iron furnace) give different character.