Forest camping in Ohio with climbing
Ohio’s lake beaches, forested hills, and winding rivers set the stage for outdoor adventure.
97% (1323 reviews)
- Ohio
97% (1323 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Ohio
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top forest campgrounds in Ohio with climbing
99%
(976)
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.
Greenfield (5 miles north) is the nearest town and has two grocery stores, restaurants, a bar, hardware, gas, etc. Bainbridge (7 miles south) has gas, hardware, a couple of restaurants, dollar store, amish businesses, etc.
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$30
/ night
99%
(487)
McKee Farm - Treehouses and Camping
16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents230 acres · Frazeysburg, OH
McKee Farm is rich in memories and rich in history. It has been in the family for over 150 years and we were told that it was one of stopping points for the underground railroad. The 240 acre farm boasts a hidden cave, wide open fields, breathtaking forest land, and historic and rustic barns.
Nestled at the edge of a wooded creek, Tullihas in the Trees treehouse boasts a beautiful sunset view with rolling hills. Tullihas combines comfort with the thrill of being immersed in nature. Built using recycled electric poles, Tullihas in the Trees has a deck perfect for hammocking, an interior dressed with windows so that guests can feel as if they are living amongst the trees, and two small lofts ideal for a restful night's sleep.
Oxley in the Woods is our newest treehouse cabin. Nestled in the woods with a view of the sunset, the lovely A Frame is filled with lovely woodwork, vintage parquet flooring, and private wooded views. The deck is huge! We've had guests set up a tent on the deck beside the treehouse for fun! Swings, and a slide make the Oxley a fun adventure. The double bed in the loft and the two stacked single beds are comfortable and cozy.
The McKee Farmhouse was built in the 1800s and is rich in memories. It's a rustic old house, with wood trim, hardwood floors, and plenty of imperfections that make it unique. You can sit on the porch and drink your coffee with a view of the barn and pastures, or cozy up in one of the house's four bedrooms and sleep in. The house is fully air conditioned and heated, has all the amenities of home, but takes you back to a simpler time.
Our campsites are all set apart from one another in various locations on the 240 acre farm. Secluded and unique, each campsite has its own charm. We provide guests with a fire ring and a shovel, and some sites have a picnic table.
Hiking trails are marked throughout the land. Guests can hike with views of horses, cows, wildlife, corn fields, large boulders, and rustic barns. The dirt roads provide great places to drive ATVs and four-wheelers. An Amish farm borders McKee Farm. Guests should know there is minimal cell service, however, this can offer a great opportunity to unplug. Tullihas in the Trees provides a perfect remote and rustic getaway for anyone.
In October and November, access to hiking is limited.
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$35
/ night
89%
(239)
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
/ night
98%
(110)
Rustic Retreat
4 sites · Lodging3 acres · Xenia, OH
Enjoy three vintage airstreams on an 1870s farm property. Lots of wildlife including a variety of birds, birds of prey like owls and hawks and deer. The local Little Miami Scenic bike path is the largest in the nation and is within 2/10 of a mile away. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, trail running, bike rental and rock climbing. Guide services available.
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$52
/ night
100%
(72)
John G.’s Off Grid Venue and Camping
4 sites · RVs, Tents69 acres · Athens, OH
You'll be camping at the Off Grid Venue and Camping. We are primarily a music and events venue available for rent 1/2 days, 24 hrs or all weekend events. We only rent to Hipcampers when no events are happening therefore camping dates are limited. Situated in beautiful south-eastern Ohio, we have 69 acres of hardwood forest to explore with over 5 miles of hiking trails. We're located close to several state parks, two Vineyard/Wineries and a short hop to Athens/Ohio University
Learn more about this land:
We currently have 3 tent sites within a couple hundred feet of the pavilion, which offers not only one of the best camp bathrooms you've ever experienced but also a 24' X 32' sheltered area for those unexpected downpours. We are located 1 mile from route 33 and 4 miles from routes 50 & 32. There are two Vineyard/Wineries within a 3 mile radius and we're only 7 miles from Athens and Ohio University's Convocation Center and football stadium. We offer over 5 miles of hiking trails with beautiful second growth hardwoods and a lake view.
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$40
/ night
92%
(30)
Caves campground
4 sites · RVs15 acres · Howard, OH
Beautiful location on the Kokosing river. Located right next to Honey run waterfall lots of hiking, 3 miles from cocos and gap Trail, and so many more wonderful things in the area. Knox county is the gateway to the Amish country, within a couple of miles there’s many Amish stores. We have public restrooms, dump station, 50 amp, and 30 amp sites with water.
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$35
/ night
100%
(5)
Cozy mountain log cabin
1 site · Lodging25 acres · Richmond Dale, OH
NOW OPEN !!! Nestled deep in the mountains is this cozy real log cabin. Perfect for romantic getaways, family gatherings, it’s just a great place to unwind and get away from it all relaxing in your private hot tub surrounded by the sounds of nature with all the amenities of home. It’s located on a hill side overlooking the mountain. It’s secluded and very peaceful. This cabin is located directly on land you are allowed to ride your atvs. If you do not own, your own Atv and your you’re looking to add an adventure to your stay. We recommend renting one of our golf carts to explore the backcountry mountain roads with it is the best way to get out and sightsee and explore the area during your stay , we do offer these adventures separately to anyone looking to take a ride not just our guest. you could bring your own atv and pay a $30 daily riding fee , ride as much as you want. Message us to schedule a ride. we look forward to providing you with an amazing stay soon
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$116
/ night
99%
(83)
Tenderfoot Learning Lab
2 sites · Tents16 acres · New Marshfield, OH
Tenderfoot Learning Lab is for students of all ages to learn how to live a sustainable life within their chosen study and life path. Your stay here will help support our mission of preparing students for life beyond college, teaching them to be critical thinkers who understand the ripple effects of their decisions in their local and global communities.
Learn more about this land: www.tenderfootlearninglab.org
-Ash Cave is within 30 minutes.
-Zaleski state park is a 22 minute drive.
Attractions UNDER 10 minutes away:
- Fox Lake - bass fishing and birdwatching
- Waterloo Wilderness Area - hiking and wild turkey hunting
-Athens Ohio - many great attractions including our world famous breweries (yes, plural)
-Hockhocking Adena Bikeway - A 21 mile rail to trail paved footpath between Nelsonville and Athens
-Wayne National Forest Headquarters - A patchwork of public land that covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills
We are located 22 miles from Hocking Hills State Park
We can accommodate trailer parking with a pull around driveway for all the Hocking Hills ATV trails nearby. No riding on site.
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$28
/ night
100%
(49)
Winding Fork Camp
3 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Warsaw, OH
Learn more about this land:Primitive camping. We provide a fire ring and a shovel. Sites are nestled among a hardwood forest with agricultural fields and plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities. An abundance of trees for hammocking are available. Flat surfaces for tents at each site.
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$30
/ night
99%
(68)
Myhio Haven Horse Farm
4 sites · Tents60 acres · West Portsmouth, OH
Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.
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$30
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99%
(40)
Country Outpost RV Site
1 site · RV5 acres · Hollansburg, OH
Looking for a couple acres all to yourself? Then overnight your self-contained RV at our retired Christmas tree farm. An active "choose-n-cut" tree farm until 2019, we're letting most of our farm grow wild with some deciduous trees also. There are walking trails throughout the "woods" and around our 3/4 acre fishing pond (catch n release please). Relax on the bench on the old country store porch or by the fire ring, fish, or stretch your legs and walk the dog. A pleasant, private, isolated spot in the country to overnight or spend a couple days.
If you're a small family staying just one night, there is no "extra guest" fee for dependent children.
Includes a 30 amp service hookup. Gravel parking lot angles slightly up hill. No tents, no swimming please. 2 nights max per stay. No bathrooms on site! Operated by Outpost Enterprises, LTD
*** Ohio Revised Code Section 3729.15 ***
WARNING: Under Ohio law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a camper or visitor to this campground if that injury or death results from the risk inherent to camping. Inherent risks to camping include, but are not limited to, the risk of injury inherent to land features, equipment, animals, or the negligent actions of the camper or visitor. You are assuming the risk of participating in camping.
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$22.50
/ night
92%
(6)
Destination Dirt
3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Laurelville, OH
Destination Dirt is my regenerative agriculture homestead!
We utilize rotational grazing with goats and sheep as well as permaculture principles to heal the soil and produce nutrient -dense food 😁
We are inviting campers to enjoy the beautiful property and learn about sustainable agriculture.
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$23.75
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Under $50
Star Hosts in Ohio
Forest camping in Ohio with climbing 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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