Do Ohio State Parks Still Have Transient Camping Spots?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Currently,

all Ohio State Park campgrounds are open

. For the safety of our guests and staff, a reservation is required to camp. No walk-in campsites or self-registration is available.

How long can you stay at a Ohio state park campground?

Maximum Stay

The maximum period of time that any person is permitted to stay overnight in any designated campground or other rented overnight facility within a state park shall not exceed

fourteen days in any thirty day time frame

.

Can you camp anywhere in an Ohio state park?


A variety of primitive campsites and primitive group areas are available at State Forests and State Parks across Ohio

.

Does Ohio State Parks offer seasonal camping?


Most Ohio State Park campgrounds are open year-round for four seasons of fun, though many offer limited facilities in the winter

. Camping options include family camping, equestrian camping, and group camping. Reservations for camping can be made online or by telephone at (866) OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727).

Where is it free to camp in Ohio?

Free Camping in Ohio State Forests

There are two campgrounds in

Harrison State Forest

, both in very picturesque settings. Ronsheim Campground with 7 sites is set near a small dam and pond. Trailriders Campground has 20 sites that are set up for families or horse campers.

Can you Boondock in Ohio?


Public land offers great free dispersed Ohio RV camping (boondocking) opportunities

. You can get camping location tips from the USFS (USDA Forest Service) Ranger Districts, as well as current restrictions and conditions. Several municipal parks offer limited stay free RV camping as well.

How much does it cost to camp at Ohio State Parks?

The state agency features 9,700 campsites at 59 parks, with the most popular campgrounds at Hocking Hills, Indian Lake, Mohican, East Harbor and Lake Hope, all within easy driving of Columbus. Overnight camping fees range from

$17 to $39 per site

.

What is the meaning of Boondocking?

Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is

any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections

. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Are Ohio State Parks free?


Ohio remains one of the few states in the country that does not charge a general admission or parking fee at its 74 state parks

. Day use facilities, including trails, beaches, picnic areas, boating and fishing facilities are free of charge.

How far in advance can you book camping at Ohio state parks?

Ohio State Parks (Reservations: 866-OHIOPARKS or reserveohio.com) Many state park campgrounds are open year-round for four seasons of fun. Reservations, which can be made

up to six months in advance

, are required to book your cozy campsite.

Which Ohio state campgrounds have full hookup?


Mohican State Park

offers over 50 full hookup campsites and over 100 other sites, many of which offer at least an electrical hookup. If you want to ensure you get a spot make a reservation ahead of time.

How much does it cost to camp at Hocking Hills?

We offer Private Primitive Campsites minutes from Hocking Hills State Parks. Prices

start at $25

, kids enjoy free.

Do Ohio state park Campgrounds have WIFI?

This session explained how and why

the Ohio State Parks System has been phasing in Wi-Fi at the parks

. Wi-Fi is internet that can be accessed wirelessly. The presenter Phil Hoffman, explained what equipment works best and the approximate costs of the products needed to incorporate Wi-Fi in public places.

What are Ohio’s state parks?

  1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park. …
  2. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. …
  3. Wayne National Forest. …
  4. Hocking Hills State Park. …
  5. Maumee Bay State Park. …
  6. Salt Fork State Park. …
  7. John Bryan State Park. …
  8. Malabar Farm State Park.

How much does it cost to camp at Alum Creek state park?

SITE TYPE DAILY BASE RATE WEEKLY BASE RATE
FULL HOOK UP PULL THRU


$70.00 – $80.00


$430
FHU BIG RIG PULL THRU (90′ LONG MIN.) $80.00 – $90.00 $490 WATER & ELECTRIC $45.00 – $65.00 $310 PRIMITIVE $35.00 – $45.00 N/A

What is stealth camping?

Stealth camping is

camping without being noticed

. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes the camping is considered legal, while other times it’s illegal (which we don’t recommend!). For many, it’s done thinking it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.

What are the two national parks in Ohio?

Ohio has two National Historic Parks,

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park, and Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

.

Are there any national forests in Ohio?


The Wayne National Forest

is located in the south-eastern part of the US state of Ohio, in the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. It is the only national forest in Ohio. Forest headquarters are located between The Plains and Nelsonville, Ohio, on US Route 33, overlooking the Hocking River.

Can you camp for free in Allegheny National Forest?

In the Allegheny National Forest there are a variety of back country roads, offering primitive roadside camping.

Campsites are free to use

, and have no facilities except for a fire ring and a pull-off from the road, and sometimes a site reinforced with gravel.

Can you camp on public hunting land in Ohio?

Ohio Hunting Regulations:


Hunters are allowed to camp on hunting Land but not more than 21 consecutive days in any 30-day period

. Additionally, activities that can be performed on hunting Land other than hunting are fishing, hiking, skiing, trapping, and horseback riding.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Allegheny National Forest?


All dispersed sites are available on a first come, first served basis

. Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to 14 days. After 14 days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands.

Can you drink at Ohio State Parks?


Alcohol is prohibited in public areas in every state park

. Alcohol may be consumed within the confines and privacy afforded in a cabin, cabin site, lodge room, rented campsite, or in those areas designated by the chief of Ohio State Parks.

How many Ohio state parks are there?

Explore Ohio State Parks

Open every day and always free, Ohio’s

75

state parks provide a refuge from daily life. Boating, hiking, camping and fishing are just a few of the outdoor adventures that await you at Ohio State Parks!

What is a Boondocker person?

Boondockers are

frugal people who love the challenge of living with less, repurposing things, and not having to spend money of stuff they don’t need

.

What is off grid camping?

Camping off-grid has been around forever. Also known as dispersed camping, dry camping, boondocking, off the grid camping are other names for

camping without hookups including electric, water or sewage

. It’s a way to be close to the action, away from it all (and everyone) or to save on camping fees.

What is dry camping?

Dry camping, also known as boondocking, involves

camping in an RV, van or motorhome with no hookups (no electricity or water) outside of a traditional campground

. Dry campers set up camp on public lands as well as private places (with the permission of the owner), usually for free.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.