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 campgrounds for no-reservation camping 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)

Looking for "tent camping near me?" 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 for an extra fee.

2. Lamping Homestead Recreation Area (Woodsfield)

Also located in the Wayne National Forest, you'll find this campground 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, and no Ohio camping reservation required.

3. Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp (Zaleski)

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. The site available is on a first-come, first-served basis and features a latrines, a picnic table, and a fire ring. 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. This is a wonderful spot for those looking for free camping in Ohio.

4. Lane Farm Campground (Marietta)

What was once a working family farm is now 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 is required. There is a $10 fee.

5. Ring Mill Campground (Sistersville)

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)

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)

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-served 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)

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," as stated on 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 Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead in Massillon.

Have you been to any of these campgrounds for no-reservation camping 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.

Do you love exploring Ohio? Take a look at this video on Hocking Hills State Park from OnlyInYourState: