Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Ohio (With Travel Guide)
Ohio, known as the "Buckeye State," is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts who love rolling hills, scenic lakes, dense forests, and charming small-town vibes. While it may not be the first state that comes to mind for camping, Ohio offers a surprising variety of natural landscapes that cater to hikers, campers, anglers, and nature lovers.
From the majestic Hocking Hills and Lake Erie islands to the rolling farmlands of Amish Country and the scenic rivers of southeastern Ohio, Ohio provides a diverse range of camping experiences that are perfect for families, adventurers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape in nature.
Below are the 10 best camping destinations in Ohio, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging, transportation)
✅ Important tips & safety advice
1. Hocking Hills State Park (Logan) – Caves, Waterfalls & Cliff Views
🏞️ Highlights:
Old Man’s Cave (iconic gorge with waterfalls & rock formations)
Ash Cave (massive recess cave with a waterfall)
Cantwell Cliffs (steep cliffs & scenic overlooks)
Rock House (unique cave dwelling with a natural skylight)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for hiking & cave exploration, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers & fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hocking Hills State Park Campgrounds (Cedar Falls, Ash Cave)
Logan (15 mins) has supermarkets, gas stations & lodging
Columbus (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Some caves have uneven terrain—wear sturdy shoes
Popular in fall—arrive early to avoid crowds
Bring a flashlight or headlamp for cave exploration
2. Maumee Bay State Park (Oregon) – Lake Erie Beaches & Wetlands
🏖️ Highlights:
Lake Erie shoreline (swimming, kayaking & fishing)
Wetlands & wildlife viewing (ducks, herons, bald eagles)
Golf course & nature center
Scenic sunsets over the lake
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for beach & water activities, 60-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm lake swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds & migratory birds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Maumee Bay State Park Campgrounds
Oregon (5 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Toledo (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near wetlands
3. Mohican State Park (Loudonville) – Rolling Hills & Clear Creeks
🏔️ Highlights:
Clear Fork Gorge (hiking trails along a scenic creek)
Mohican-Memorial State Forest (additional hiking & camping)
Loudonville (historic covered bridge & small-town charm)
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkey, bald eagles)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for hiking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Mohican State Park Campgrounds
Loudonville (10 mins) has small grocery stores & restaurants
Mansfield (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Popular in fall—arrive early to secure campsites
Bring a jacket—even in summer, forests can be cool
4. Caesar Creek State Park (Waynesville) – Lake & Civil War History
🏞️ Highlights:
Caesar Creek Lake (boating, fishing & swimming)
Civil War earthen fort (historic site)
Hiking & mountain biking trails
Wildlife viewing (ducks, geese, deer)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for water activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm lake swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Caesar Creek State Park Campgrounds
Waynesville (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Cincinnati (45 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring sunscreen & water shoes
5. Kelleys Island State Park (Kelleys Island) – Lake Erie Island Getaway
🏝️ Highlights:
Glacial grooves (largest easily accessible in the world)
Lake Erie beaches (swimming & kayaking)
Wineries & local cheese shops
Peaceful island atmosphere
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for island activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for swimming & boating
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Kelleys Island State Park Campgrounds
Kelleys Island (small town) has basic amenities
Sandusky (20 mins by ferry) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ferry service is required—check schedules
Lake swimming can be cold even in summer
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
6. Shawnee State Park (West Portsmouth) – Appalachian Foothills Camping
🌲 Highlights:
Shawnee State Forest (hiking & mountain biking)
Scioto River (kayaking & fishing)
Waterfalls & scenic overlooks
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkey, black bears)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for hiking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Shawnee State Park Campgrounds
West Portsmouth (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Portsmouth (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep—wear sturdy shoes
Black bears are present—secure food properly
Bring a jacket—even in summer, forests can be cool
7. Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor) – Longest Natural Sand Beach in Ohio
🏖️ Highlights:
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve (rare coastal dunes)
Lake Erie swimming & sunbathing
Hiking & birdwatching
Sunsets over the lake
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for beach activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Mentor (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Cleveland (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Beach can be windy—bring layers
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near dunes
8. East Harbor State Park (Marblehead) – Sandusky Bay & Island Views
🏞️ Highlights:
Sandusky Bay (boating, fishing & swimming)
Kelleys Island ferry access
Hiking & wildlife viewing (ducks, geese, bald eagles)
Scenic sunsets over the bay
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for water activities, 60-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm for swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: East Harbor State Park Campgrounds
Marblehead (5 mins) has small grocery stores
Sandusky (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring sunscreen & water shoes
9. Hueston Woods State Park (College Corner) – Lake & Forest Retreat
🌲 Highlights:
Acton Lake (boating, fishing & swimming)
Old Growth Forest (ancient trees & hiking trails)
Golf course & lodge
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkey, bald eagles)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for camping, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hueston Woods State Park Campgrounds
College Corner (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Oxford (20 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Popular in fall—arrive early to secure campsites
Bring a jacket—even in summer, forests can be cool
10. Maumee Bay State Park (Oregon) – Lake Erie Beaches & Wetlands
🏖️ Highlights:
Lake Erie shoreline (swimming, kayaking & fishing)
Wetlands & wildlife viewing (ducks, herons, bald eagles)
Golf course & nature center
Scenic sunsets over the lake
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for beach & water activities, 60-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm lake swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds & migratory birds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Maumee Bay State Park Campgrounds
Oregon (5 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Toledo (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near wetlands
Final Tips for Camping in Ohio
✔ Reservations are recommended in summer & fall (especially near lakes & parks)
✔ Black bears are present in some forests—secure food properly
✔ Weather changes quickly—pack layers, rain gear & sun protection
✔ Lake swimming has designated areas—follow safety signs
Ohio’s diverse landscapes—from the Hocking Hills to Lake Erie islands—offer unforgettable camping adventures. Whether you want waterfront relaxation, forest hikes, or scenic drives, these 10 destinations will give you an unforgettable Ohio outdoor experience. 🏕️🌲🌊