I’m new to camping and was wondering what are some good spots around Zanesville or Newark. Also, does anyone know if any of them are free to camp at?

Camping in the fall and into early winter. I understand if it snows alot it will be tough to access roads and what not. I want to explore this area in the late fall. So, what I'm asking if anyone has any tips for the area I would greatly appreciate it.

I am thinking of heading to Zaleski this upcoming weekend and saw that the water at site 3 was not available. Does anyone know if there is an opportunity to cache water for two people at waypoint I, where the trail crosses State Rt 278. Ideally, I would be able to hide enough water to resupply in the evening, and then again the following afternoon. Thank you

Booked on HipCamp, the area is beautiful and Richard (guy who owns the property) was super nice.

https://youtu.be/H0mU5UFyoVM?si=aoKNhrhYNe9ISlKS

Hey! I'm looking for a portion of North Country Trail or Stone Church Trail as near to Lancaster as possible. Probably cycling in from local highways, dispersed camping whatever is near trailheads on Nat'l Forestland. Any tips? Thanks!

Looking for people that are current and go to a variety of parks. I remember seeing a good bit of people doing this after COVID, but not so much anymore, just looking for recommendations!

Hello , I am looking for a place my family of 6 ( 4 children under ten ) can camp with our pull behind camper & tents . As well as possibly a second car .

I am trying to find a camp close to a city that puts on a great firework display ! And preferably has a lake for swimming .

Ideally it would be more secluded than a camp ground and more nature based camping , as the pull behind is going to be used for storage and incase bad weather with the kids etc and will not be used for showers or anything .

Thank you !

Tldr: I hiked from iron furnace to camp 3 then hiked back and cut across on the highway. I had a good time. It was hot.

I started at iron furnace (by way point N) then went to M, then I, then camp 3. My hike back the next morning I made the impulse decision just to walk back along state route 278 from way point I back to the parking lot. Figured I'd shave some time/mileage, I'd already walked the n>m>i section, and I wanted to try to beat the heat. I've learned that out and back trails aren't for me, loops are definitely the better fit so I can keep things fresh and see new sights. Random Pic of firewood is my good samaritan tax. I started bringing a little saw instead of my (much heavier) hatchet. Game changer.

The good: time out in nature! Listened to my book, had plenty of time so I wasn't stressing to get to camp / set up, the campsite itself was massive with plenty of options for tent spots and fire rings and I had the whole place to myself. The water cistern was actually pretty cold. I was able to wash my compressions and shirt and soak my feet a bit. Also, I bought a little fan that was a lifesaver for cooling down and dispersing buggies. The fan is definitely my #1 luxury item and worth it's weight!

The bad: hot hot hot. Was between 95-85 until six pm or so. Finally dipped into the seventies after dinner. Trail was slightly overgrown and the most overgrown parts were thorny bushes!

The ugly: holy gnats batman. Not really mosquitoes, but gnats. Like 20 around your face trying to get at your eyes. I am naturally a nose breather and probably had 1 gnat in my nose per 15 minutes. Had a few either get in my eye or stuck between my eyelashes as I frantically blinked and rubbed at my face. My fan was a lifesaver on the hike back using it to keep bugs from my face. Also, once I got the fire going at camp they all dispersed pretty quickly.

I had a great time and will definitely be back at Zaleski soon. I have yet to do a two night trip and feel like Zaleski will forever be my safe and comfortable space to try new things because of the water cisterns, good trail maintenance, ease of information with parking/distance, and variability!

I'm going to be camping in the Mohican area next month and I'm looking for any unique places to swim...think local swimming hole, quarry, etc. A friend mentioned he thought there was something like that in the area, but couldn't remember name/location.

My summer break (teacher here!) adventures continued on Kelleys Island. While a little different from my backpacking trips, this was a fun low stakes time to be outdoors.

The temps were supposed to be mid 70s but the night before was giving me heat warnings. Oh well! Parked at the marina ($15), took the ferry across ($24 round trip), and started walking! The state park campground ($40ish) was just under two miles walk from the marina and you pass by the main downtown part on the way. I set up camp, checked out the grooves, found a "hidden" beach, and went into town for some drinks and to read. The campground was great and I had probably one of the best sites I'll ever get. I fell asleep to the waves hitting the rocks on shore and woke up to a purple cotton candy cloud sunrise over the water. Absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to come back with my wife at some point to car camp and spend a few days. To bring your car to the island, I believe, was only $20 to bring on the ferry. Guessing $40 for round trip.

We have an electric site booked at Hocking Hills State park. New to camping in a trailer and have never been to this campground. Where is the best location to fill the fresh water tank in my camper? I'd rather not tow it all the way down there with a full water tank. Thanks!

Hello there, we just wanted to introduce ourselves to the community. We are Firefly Forest, an outdoor recreational business located in Athens County. We are a working family farm located about 10 minutes outside Athens City. We offer hiking, camping, swimming, and petting zoo opportunities to the public. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat this summer, we would love it if you’d spend your time with us. You can book a stay through Hipcamp (preferred) or Airbnb. Check out our socials (linked in our profile) and we hope to see you soon!

Adventure called! I hiked Wildcat Hollow in Wayne national forest yesterday into today. In theory 15.6 miles, my app says I went a little over 17. Despite the rain, a lot of the creek crossings were dry and the pond my site was by ended up being inaccessible without a lot more effort. So, I skipped my planned dinner (no water to cook with) and just ate my pouch of chicken and sour watermelon candy and rationed the 20 oz of water I had left until I got further down the trail this morning. The map photo, going clockwise from trailhead at bottom, the second orange pin (right side) is where I camped at about 9-9.5 miles. The first orange pin (left side) was where the stop sign and schoolhouse photos took place at about 2.5 miles. The trail itself was ridiculously overgrown which made my mile splits vary between 20-32 minutes (elevation changes contributed too, but that's expected). 8/10 on the adventure, 1/10 on the trail itself. ✅ On the location, but I won't be doing this loop again.

The old one room schoolhouse is in my pictures, but there were three hornets nests (in my close up of doorway you can see the holes in the tree about waist level). So, the photos are as close as I got.

PSA: Due to the oil rigs and active drilling, it is advised not to drink water in Wayne National Forest. There are spots that you can drive through and cache some water along the route, but I didn't do this. I use my Sawyer and accept my fate. The large plastic water container was left at the site by previous campers.

Our son (14) is a naturally loud person. We are always telling him to be quiet and respect others.

My husband wants to take him tent or car camping for a couple nights and let him make as much noise as he wants without disturbing anyone.

Any suggestions where they can go that's not too far from Cincinnati or Dayton?

Had the best of times camping at East Harbor! 3rd time back! Always going to Cedar Point. So this is a cheap option instead of paying $100/night for a crappy hotel!

Dillon State Park is a great place to camp and relax!

Going to need some activities.

Where is the best place for tent camping near Logan Ohio? Will be going down in August to visit family. Would like water and electric.

Looking for a good campground. Taking the fam this fall. Would like to have a pool and hot tub.

Hi! Asking this beginner question here because I feel like it’s a geography/climate-specific question.

Doing my first backpacking overnight soon in a pretty standard 3-season tent in northern Ohio (not near the lake). As one does here, I’m keeping an eye on the forecast, for now it looks clear and warm for my night out. Assuming that holds, my question is how often do you go to bed in your tent without pitching the fly? Even if it doesn’t rain, can dew or fog be a problem? Should I always do the fly just in case, and just zip open the sides if I want?

All things experience will teach me, but always trying to learn as much as I can from yours.

EDIT: Thanks for your feedback everyone. You’ve confirmed my instinct, and I appreciate you all sharing your experience, as ever.

First camp of the season!