Find the Best Things

Camp Under the Stars: Ohio's Top Spots

Given the natural beauty of our state, camping is one of Ohio's favorite activities. No matter where you are in Ohio, you're probably only a few miles away from a place to set up your tent, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Hocking Hills, Logan, OH

Containing five distinct state parks and forests, Hocking Hills is home to massive caves, steep cliffs, crystal clear rivers and lakes, a natural rock bridge and more! Whether you lodge up at one of their many visitor cabins or set up your own tent at the campgrounds, you could spend weeks in Hocking Hills and still not see everything there is to see.

American Wilderness Campground, Grafton, OH

The American Wilderness Campground is the closest campground to Cleveland at only 35 minutes away from downtown. If you're looking for some luxury comforts while you're roughing it, you can set up your motor home and enjoy the modern restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. And if you're looking to do some fishing, the Log Cabin Store offers bait, fishing gear, firewood, ice, groceries and more.

West Branch State Park, Ravenna, OH

West Branch State Park is located on the beautiful Michael J Kirwan Reservoir where you can go fishing, take a boat on the water, or go for a swim if the weather is pleasant. The park itself comprises 5,379 acres of meadows and woods that you'll find perfect for camping, hiking, horseback riding, or just relaxing in the wilderness.

Forked Run State Park, Reedsville, OH

Located in the heart of Appalachia, this 791-acre park is home to beautiful forested hills, a massive lake, and the lazy Ohio River. Take a riverboat trip while you're there and enjoy the abundant wildlife, play a game of disc golf at the park's custom disc-golf course, or even go hunting in the designated areas for deer, squirrel, grouse, and wild turkey.

Tappan Lake Park, Uhrichsville, OH

With over 500 campsites, or vacation and camper cabins available, you can enjoy nature in the rough or luxurious comfort, any way you like it. The activity center features basketball courts, free Wi-Fi, a nature center, horseshoe pits, and a swimming beach, so there's something to do for everyone in the family.

Mohican State Park, Loudonville, OH

Check out the local owl species on a hike at dusk, take a canoe down the lazy river, or ride your bike at breakneck speeds down one of the many mountain bike trails. Mohican State Park offers diverse year-round activities and is a friendly picturesque destination for your family, corporate, church, or wedding group outings.

Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview, OH

Indian Lake is one of Ohio's premier camping destinations for campers, fishermen, RV enthusiasts, and boating lovers all over the state. They offer water, electricity, sewer, and docking for your boat, tons of shade, fishing amenities, and dozens of local shops and restaurants to make your camping experience unique and amazing.

Shawnee State Park, Portsmouth, OH

Forested hills, valleys, and lakes fill this 63,000-acre forest where you can enjoy such amenities as golfing along the banks of the Ohio River, swimming, boating, fishing and hiking. Once the hunting ground of the Shawnee Native Americans, the park features erosion-carved valleys and has been dubbed with the nickname, “The Little Smokies.”

Paint Creek State Park, Bainbridge, OH

Located in the beautiful Paint Creek Valley, the 5,652-acre Paint Creek State Park is located on Pike Lake where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating. The campground features dozens of trails, a 75-foot gorge, and an area known as Seven Caves about 50 feet above the Rocky Fork Creek.

Alum Creek State Park, Delaware, OH

The Alum Creek State Park is home to the 3,300-acre Alum Creek Reservoir lake where you can take a paddleboat, canoe, or kayak out on the northern section, or take a motorboat out on the southern section to do some water skiing. In the park, itself, you can go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding over 40 miles of trails, have a picnic at one of the many tables throughout the park, or even let your dog have a bit of a vacation at the four-acre dog park located along the shore of the lake!

Key Insights at a Glance

Hocking Hills, Logan - Known for its stunning caves, cliffs, lakes, and natural rock formations; ideal for camping, hiking, and scenic exploration.

American Wilderness Campground, Grafton - Closest campground to Cleveland, offering modern facilities like restrooms, showers, and a store with fishing gear and groceries.

West Branch State Park, Ravenna - Set on the Michael J Kirwan Reservoir, perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking across 5,379 acres of meadows and woods.

Forked Run State Park, Reedsville - Nestled in Appalachia, offering riverboat trips, disc golf, and designated hunting areas in a scenic forested park.

Tappan Lake Park, Uhrichsville - With over 500 campsites and an activity center, this family-friendly park features a beach, Wi-Fi, basketball courts, and a nature center.

Mohican State Park, Loudonville - Offers diverse activities such as dusk hikes, canoeing, mountain biking, and year-round group event hosting in a picturesque setting.

Indian Lake State Park, Lakeview - Known for its amenities for RVs and boats, as well as fishing spots, shade-filled campsites, and nearby shops and restaurants.

Shawnee State Park, Portsmouth - “The Little Smokies” with forested hills, lakes, and valleys, offering golfing, hiking, boating, and more in a historically rich setting.

Paint Creek State Park, Bainbridge - Home to the 75-foot gorge and Seven Caves, offering trails, fishing, and swimming in the beautiful Paint Creek Valley.

Alum Creek State Park, Delaware - Features a large reservoir for water sports, 40 miles of trails, picnic spots, and a dog park along the shore, catering to all types of campers.