Sometimes, it’s fun to be spontaneous, pack up the car with your camping gear and retreat into nature for a few days. That’s why it’s important to know where the Ohio campgrounds are that don’t require reservations. From remote campsites tucked away in national forests to towpath campsites along the Ohio Erie & Canalway, the following are a few campgrounds in Ohio where no reservation is required, according to the USDA Forest Service, Ohio DNR and various other sources. Camping in Ohio is a special way to embrace nature and quality time with those you love. Visit one of these no-reservation campgrounds in Ohio for a night under the stars!

Please confirm camping is open at these locations, which can be affected by weather and seasonal operating schedules.

1. Burr Oak Cove Campground (Glouster)
Burr Oak Cove Campground, Burr Oak Rd, Glouster, OH 45732, USA
Evelyn V./Yelp
A short distance from Burr Oak Reservoir, you'll find Burr Oak Cove Campground, tucked away in a heavily wooded area of Wayne National Forest. There are 19 units with walk-in sites. From April 15 to the fall season, camping here is $10 per night and limited water service is available.
2. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area (Woodsfield)
Lamping Homestead Recreation Area, 36998 Clearfork Rd, Graysville, OH 45734, USA
Michaela Schoeffler/Hiking Project
Also located in the Wayne National Forest, you'll find this campground on on S.R. 537, about 2 miles from S.R. 26 in Woodsfield, Ohio. With two nearby loop trails for hiking and a 2-acre pond, it's a gorgeous area to explore. There are 6 walk-in campsites at this former farmstead of the Lamping family from the 1800s. There is a $10 fee.
3. Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp (Zaleski)
Zaleski State Forest Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp, Township Hwy 5, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
MissMessie/Flickr
Within the Zaleski State Forest, you'll find the Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp (not pictured) on the north end of the Grouse Management Area on Township Road 5 at the fire tower. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and feature latrines, picnic tables and fire rings. The campsite is operational one day before the start of squirrel season until one day after the close of grouse season, according to the ODNR Division of Forestry's website.
4. Lane Farm Campground (Marietta)
Lane Farm Campground, Marietta, OH 45750, USA
campingroadtrip.com
What was once a working family farm is now a a peaceful campsite along the Little Muskingum in Wayne National Forest. You'll find the campground about 5 miles north of Marietta along S.R. 26. There are 4 primitive campsites with vault toilets and no reservation required. There is a $10 fee.

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5. Ring Mill Campground (Sistersville)
Ring Mill Campground, 38645 Jericho Low Gap Rd, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA
campingroadtrip.com
A little more than 30 miles north of Marrietta, you'll find another historic campsite within Wayne National Forest. The stone house of the once working farmstead and mill's owner can be found on-site. It was built in 1864 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ring Mill Campground features 3 walk-in primitive sites and is located 3 miles off of S.R. 26 along County Road 68. There is a $10 fee.
6. Ronsheim Campground (Cadiz)
Harrison State Forest, Archer Township, OH 43986, USA
EmmiyMik/Flickr
Tucked away in Harrison State Forest, Ronsheim Campground (not actually pictured) features a loop of 7 paved back-in sites. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. You'll also find vault toilets and a non-potable water well on site. Upon arrival, you will need to fill out a registration card. Address: 85250 Camp Road, Cadiz, OH, 43907
7. Big Bend Trailhead (Akron)
Towpath Trail, Valley View, OH, USA
Summit Metro Parks/Yelp
Camp along the Towpath Trail for an extra special trip. Although it's free to camp at the Big Bend Trailhead and it's a first-come, first-serve basis, you'll need to sign in at the kiosk when you arrive. Note: You can also camp about 1/4 of a mile south of the Franklin Trailhead. Address: 1337 Merriman Road, Akron, OH, 44313
8. The Rivers Edge Campground (Massillon)
Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead, 3455 Erie Ave NW, Massillon, OH 44646, USA
Quail Hollow Park/Facebook
While reservations are not required to camp within this beautiful park, "visitors must fill out the Primitive Camping at Rivers Edge Registration Card or at the campsite kiosk and must call 330.353.2377 when they arrive," according to the Stark Parks' website. There is a primitive group camping site available, but reservations must be made in advance for groups with more than 25 people. You'll find the campsite near the Brideport Quarry Trailhead in Massillon.

Have you been to any of these campgrounds in Ohio before? Where is your favorite place to camp in Ohio? Let us know!

For more camping adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article: 9 Spectacular Spots In Ohio Where You Can Camp Right On The Lake.

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More to Explore

Campgrounds in Ohio

Sarah M. | April 13, 2023

What are some of the best campgrounds in Ohio?

Some of the most scenic and popular places to camp in Ohio are:

  • Hocking Hills State Park
  • Kelleys Island State Park
  • Grand Lake St. Marys
  • Alum Creek State Park, and
  • Mohican State Park.

 

The hiking trails in these Ohio parks are especially beautiful. Ohio is also home to several resorts and natural water parks that offer camping, such as:

  • Longs Retreat Family Resort in Latham
  • Natural Springs Resort in New Paris, and
  • Wood's Tall Timber Resort in New Philadelphia.

 

These camping resorts are family friendly and often feature other activities beyond hiking, such as arcades and zip lines. 

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Yes, most Ohio State Parks feature year-round campgrounds, however, there may be limited facilities in the winter months. Select state parks also feature cabin rentals and electric hook-ups for campers and RVs in addition to primitive sites. For more information about camping in Ohio’s state parks and a complete list of which parks feature campsites, visit the official Ohio DNR website.

What are some things I need to take on a camping trip?

Camping essentials primarily depend on what type of campsite you'll be using. Some cabins and cottages may come equipped with mattresses, cooking utensils and other items, while pitching your own tent will mean bringing your own air mattress, cookware, sleeping bag, etc.  Whether you’ll be pitching a tent, bringing your RV or staying in a cabin, the following are some must-bring items for camping in Ohio: First-Aid kit, flashlight, matches, water, food, pocket knife, a navigation tool and rain gear. 

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