Best Campgrounds in Ohio: 2026 Guide
Hocking Hills caves, Wayne National Forest, and Ohio River bluffs
Ohio camping centers on the southeastern hill country, where the Appalachian foothills create a landscape of sandstone caves, forested ridges, and the Wayne National Forest — Ohio's only national forest. The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area anchors the forest with iron furnace history and a scenic 143-acre lake. North of the hills, Corps of Engineers reservoirs near Columbus and Springfield offer accessible lake camping for the state's urban population. The Ohio River corridor adds bluff-top camping with views across to West Virginia. Ohio won't make the cover of a camping magazine, but its campgrounds consistently deliver quality experiences.
Why Ohio Stands Out
The Wayne National Forest covers over 240,000 acres of the Appalachian foothills in three units, with the Athens and Ironton districts holding the best campgrounds. Lake Vesuvius — named for a 19th-century iron furnace — offers two campgrounds, hiking trails through sandstone formations, and mountain biking that draws riders from across the region. The Ohio River campgrounds add a different dimension: riverside sites with barge traffic, fishing, and the feel of the old river frontier. For central Ohio residents, Alum Creek and Paint Creek lakes provide quick weekend escapes with modern facilities.
Top Campgrounds to Explore
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
The Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site near Pedro, with a 143-acre lake, 1,200-acre complex, iron furnace history, and excellent hiking and mountain biking.
Iron Ridge at Lake Vesuvius
One of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area near Pedro, offering great outdoor recreation with activities centered on the scenic lake and surrounding forest.
Oak Hill at Lake Vesuvius
The second Vesuvius campground near Pedro, recently renovated with modern conveniences including electric hookups and flush facilities in the Wayne National Forest.
Leith Run
On the Ohio River near New Matamoras in the Wayne National Forest, with grassy campsites and picnic areas making for a comfortable riverside getaway with bluff views.
Mill Creek at Berlin Lake
An ideal family campground on Berlin Lake in northeastern Ohio near Berlin Center, with boating, fishing, hunting, and picnicking on a scenic reservoir.
Paint Creek Dam Site
On Paint Creek Lake near Bainbridge in southwestern Ohio, offering boating, fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation in the rolling Scioto River country.
Alum Creek Below Dam Area
On Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County near Galena, just minutes north of Columbus. An ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking — the capital city's backyard escape.
Planning Tips
Ohio campgrounds are best from May through October. The Hocking Hills and Wayne National Forest areas are most scenic in fall when the hardwoods turn. Summer weekends fill popular campgrounds — reserve ahead for Lake Vesuvius and the Corps lakes. Spring can be rainy but the waterfalls and wildflowers are worth the mud. The Ohio River corridor campgrounds extend the season with milder temperatures. Most Corps campgrounds offer modern hookups at reasonable rates.
Find More
Browse all Ohio campgrounds on our Ohio camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.
More to read