Ohio is a diverse state with many fabulous destinations to camp and soak up nature. I love finding new places to explore but am quick to return to my personal favorites. Ohio has so much to offer, from the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the mighty Ohio River and everything in between. Don’t be surprised if Ohio becomes your go-to Midwest area to camp once you have stayed. Here are the five best places to camp in Ohio:
Best Places to Camp in Amish Country
Ohio’s Amish Country has my heart, so much so that I wrote a book called 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die. When I say these are my favorite places to camp, you can be assured that I have been here a time or two. Amish Country will steal your heart, like it did mine while eating fry pies, sampling Amish cooking, and enjoying the slower pace of life.
Scenic Hills RV Park has been around for as long as I can remember, and we have utilized this centrally located park in Berlin, Ohio, for many years. Offering 112 Full hook-up sites and hosting only self-contained units, this park caters to the 40+ crowd. Big rigs are welcome; they have nine super sites for rigs larger than 40 ft.
Whispering Hills RV Park keeps everyone in your family happy and busy during your stay. Yogi Bear can visit your little camper with a VIP visit and have a bedtime story read to them. Laser tag is on tap for the older kids on your camping trip. 200+ RV sites are available, but they book quickly, so make your reservation in advance.
Best Places to Camp in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills Region is Ohio’s premier outdoor playground. Stately, Hemlocks stand guard over the forests, and the sandstone gorges are hidden gems for hikers to explore. Exploring this area of Ohio should make any RVers midwest bucket list.
Logan-Hocking Hills KOA Families love KOA campgrounds, and this one has something for everyone in your group. While staying here, swim in the pool, race some remote-controlled cars, or go gem mining for some precious stones. You are only miles from all the hiking trails when you are camping here.
Hocking Hills State Park; If you want location, location, location, Hocking Hills State Park is the place to be. The road leading up to the campsites is steep and windy, but once you are in your site and all setup, you are in the heart of one of Ohio’s natural wonders. If you are a nature lover, these sites put you at the trailhead to the visitor center and the upper and lower falls.
Pro-tip: Book these campsites at least six months in advance. This area is busy and if you want a premium site, be an early bird.
Camping at Cedar Point
The rollercoaster capital of the world is one of Ohio’s most exciting places to go. You will find 17 rollercoasters that can bring adrenaline seekers all the thrills they are looking for. Located along a sandy beach in Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie, this theme park is more than just rollercoasters but a destination.
Sandusky Bayshore KOA There is no other privately owned campground any closer to the action than this one! While you may be here for the rollercoasters, this park has everything you could imagine when you’re not living it up at Cedar Point. Guests here can jump on the two jumping pillows, swim in one of the two pools, or take a nature walk through the woods. If you’re really looking for some unique fun, rent a Rydable to cruise around the park.
Camping pro-tip: Book one of their super sites with a poured concrete pad, stunning fire pit, and outdoor furniture. It is the complete camping package!
Enjoy Waterfront Campsites at Atwood Lake
When I came to the Atwood Lake campground for a Heartland Owners Club Rally, I fell in love. Everything in area H was redone entirely; every site had 50 amp service and a full hook-up. Updated in 2022, this campground has made itself into one of Ohio’s premiere camping destinations. You won’t get bored at Atwood; swimming beach, boating, and fishing are just a few of the activities offered here.
Pro-tip: Book one of the lake view sites in advance for stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Pick Out a Site in One of Ohio’s State Park’s Campgrounds
Ohio State Parks are FREE to every RVer from every state in the union. When you choose to book a campsite in one of the 75 parks in Ohio, you will have your camping experience opened up to a whole new world of opportunities. When booking a site through the Ohio State Parks website make sure to check the site length, how it is situated, and what services it has. Each park is different and some are more updated than others.
State Park Recommendations
East Harbor; If you are looking for the best place to set up your RV for the week on the shores of Lake Erie, East Harbor State Park creates a welcoming destination for lake lovers. Did you know that Port Clinton is the Walleye Capital of the World? Some of the best fishing can be found in this part of Ohio.
Mohican; Love covered bridges, serene walks in the woods? Mohican State Park has all that and more. Canoe or float down the Mohican River, fly through the sky on a zipline, or visit historic Loudenville while you are staying.
Pro-tip: Book early here because they fill up fast.
Mosquito Lake; This park gets a bad rap because of its name, but it is a beautiful destination in NE Ohio. Rent a boat from the marina, take Fido for a swim on the dog beach and pick a campsite right on the water of the Lake. I promise the mosquitos are not that bad here.
The midwest has so many “hidden gems,” and there is no end to the fantastic places to go and stay, but Ohio has some of the best. No matter where you park your rig while RVing in Ohio, you will find golden sunsets, stunning sunrises, and plenty of things to do in Ohio. Happy camping!
Blog written by Brandy Gleason, author of Gleason Family Adventures and owner of a Heartland Sundance 294BH.
