Boondocking in Ohio is a wonderful adventure and the varied landscapes the state has to offer makes it even more amazing.
In the northwest corner of the state, you find the Huron-Erie Lake Plains, which is home to many sand dunes. The largest part of the state is the Central Lowlands, where you can find terrific cities to explore, including Dayton and Columbus. In the very southern part of the state is the Interior Low Plateau, which is a great place to go fishing and boating. Northeast Ohio hosts the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, and below it is the Appalachian Plateau. Both of these regions include great places for hiking along gently rolling hills.
As you can see, there are plenty of spots for Ohio boondocking. Here are our favorite spots for camping in Ohio.
Boondocking Sites in Ohio
Hook Lake Campground
Hook Lake Campground is on the east side of Jesse Owens State Park near McConnelsville. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring, and there is a dumpster near the main gate. Be advised that the campsite has a 14-day stay limit. This state park offers an archery range, two fishing lakes, and many hiking trails.
Hidden Hollow Campground
There are 22 campsites at Hidden Hollow Campground located within Fernwood State Forest. These campsites near the Land Lab come with a picnic table and a fire ring. This state forest near Bloomingdale is a terrific hiking spot that will allow you to see how the forest rejuvenates itself. There are also numerous fishing ponds.
Ronsheim Campground
There are seven paved pads for trailers at Ronsheim Campground in Harrison State Forest. The sites each have a picnic table and fire ring, and vault toilets are available. Enjoy hiking along 20 miles of trails or bring your horse and go for a ride. This isolated campground near Cadiz also has a shooting range.
Woodbury Wildlife Area
You can camp in the 32 sites at Woodbury Wildlife Area near Warsaw for free for up to 14 days from September to May. You must have a valid hunting, fishing, or trapping license to stay at these sites. This is a fantastic place for nature photography, and hunting is allowed seasonally.
Scarlet Oak Trailhead
Located in Wayne National Forest, Scarlet Oak Trail is actually a part of a series of ATV trails. Each of these trails offers free overnight camping in the trailhead parking areas. This is an awesome opportunity for those who enjoy riding ATVs, but can also be handy for those who simply want to go boondocking in Ohio and explore the beauty of the national forest.
Where to Boondock in Ohio
- State forests are a great place to look for Ohio boondocking.
- Some Ohio State Parks also offer free or low cost dry camping.
- The Department of Natural Resources offers some free camping in Ohio.
- Wayne National Forest is also home to some boondocking in Ohio.
- American Electric Power owns 58,800 acres in southeast Ohio where people can camp, fish, hike, and enjoy other outdoor pursuits for free.
Obviously, Ohio boondocking is an excellent way to get away, so pack up your RV and get ready for an adventure. If you do not have your own camper vehicle, you can rent one on RVshare.
