Ohio is a state found in the midwestern region of the US. Ohio is the 34th largest states of all 50, with a population of slightly over 11.8 million. It is the seventh most populous and tenth most densely populated state. This exciting state is bordered by Lake Erie and Michigan in the north, West Virginia and Kentucky in the South, and Indiana to the west. Ohio is mostly made of small mountains and plains, but it can be divided into a few geographical regions. This state has the northern Great Lakes Plains region, which is a fertile lowland.
The popular Lake Erie Shoreline has clay and sandy beaches, and you will often see tourists here. Its shores are covered by sand dunes and tall clay bluffs that run along the lake. The Till Plains is one of the regions in this state. It spreads to the west and center of Ohio, and it’s a very fertile area. The lowland region is home to the highest point in Ohio — Campbell Hill. However, this spot is not tall enough to be regarded as a mountain. When it comes to camping, Ohio has a lot to offer. Discussed below are some of the free campgrounds in Ohio you should consider.
AEP Recreation Lands – Cumberland, Ohio
Address: 9160 N. St. Rt. 83 Cumberland, Ohio
This is an excellent place to camp. Located a few kilometers from Cumberland, Ohio, AEP Recreation Lands will give you a unique camping experience. This camp has a variety of shaded and sunny spots. There are about 12 campsites available here. AEP works on a first-come-first-serve basis, and they don’t accept reservations. Some of the fun activities you can engage in while camping here include swimming, hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, tent camping, among others. This campground is connected to amenities like water, toilets, bathrooms, and some campsites are connected to electricity.
Cabelas – Avon, Ohio
Address: 35685 Chester Rd, Avon, OH 44011, USA
Phone: +1 440-723-5600
This is a parking lot located in Avon, Ohio. Only overnight parking is allowed here: anything longer than that can attractive confrontation. This is an excellent spot that you can spend a night before continuing with your trip. It is located in a calm environment with minimal freeway noise. Furthermore, the security around here is tight. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your safety — the parking lot is under 24 hr camera surveillance, and guards are always on the watch out.
Cascades Plaza Walmart – Kent, Ohio
Address: 250 Tallmadge Rd, Kent, OH 44240, USA
Phone Number: +1 330-673-3142
This is a Walmart store parking found in Avon, Ohio. Overnight parking for trucks and RVs is allowed here. However, the store management is very strict on how you park your vehicle. You should park your car in the right manner to prevent blocking other users. You are not allowed to stay more than one night — you will be confronted if you do. There are several hotels located nearby, meaning you will access to essential amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets.
Cracker Barrel Parking Lot – Dayton, Ohio
Address: 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton, OH 45414, USA
Phone Number: +1 937-890-0047
This is a parking lot found in Dayton, Ohio. You can call and make reservations before camping here overnight. The parking lot is located behind a restaurant, meaning you can enjoy a meal and other amenities like water, toilets, bathrooms, and WiFi. This parking lot paved, flat, and quiet. The surrounding area is full of hotels and restaurants — you won’t feel alone at night. This parking has high levels of security, with security guards and cameras working round the clock to ensure everything is safe. Furthermore, given that the spot is in a calm space, you won’t hear traffic noises at night.
Hanging Rock OHV and Ponds – Ironton, Ohio
Address: 45638, Ironton, OH 45638, USA
Phone Number: +1 740-534-6500
This is a primitive camping found in Ironton, Ohio. Accessing this campground is easy, with access roads in top conditions. Given that there is a forest nearby, hunters frequent the area, especially on weekends. Some of the fun activities you can engage in while camping here include hunting, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and biking. There is also a 26-mile trail that is ideal for hiking. This campground has amenities like water, toilets, bathhouses, and electricity.
Harrison County SF – Trailriders CG – Cadiz, Ohio
Address: 85250 Camp Rd, Cadiz, OH 43907, USA
Phone Number: 740-266-6021
This is a nice free campground located in Cadiz, Ohio. To access it, take the 24 Cadiz hwy and drive for around 20 miles, then turn left. You will see a large free space, this is the place. This is a large campground with around nine campsites. Most of these campsites are connected to electricity. This campground has access to essential amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets. Some of the activities you can engage in while camping here include biking, horseback riding, and hiking.
Harrison State Forest – Cadiz, Ohio
Address: 82480 Cadiz-Jewett Rd, Cadiz, OH 43907, USA
This is an excellent you access for free in Cadiz, Ohio. It is a nice and secluded place, meaning you can enjoy various activities in silence. The access roads to this campground are well paved, meaning they can still be in use even if it rains. The campground has access to amenities like toilets, water, and electricity. The network signal around here is also very strong. One thing you should keep in mind is that this campground works on a first-come, first-serve basis, and it doesn’t accept reservations. You can participate in hiking and bird watching while camping here.
Hidden Hollow Campground – Bloomingdale, Ohio
Address: Bloomingdale, OH 43910, USA
Phone Number: +1 877-247-8733
This is a nice campground located in Bloomingdale. It is a large campground with about 22 family campsites. Most of these campsites are connected to electricity. Before camping here, you should first register with the campground management. Hidden Hollow campground has access to essential amenities like water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets.
I 75 Rest Area – Wapakoneta, Ohio
Address: 75 Mile Marker 113.99, Wapakoneta, OH 45895, United States
Phone Number: (614) 466-7170
This is a beautiful rest area located in Wapakoneta, Ohio. It has access to all the essential amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets. While here, you can engage in fun activities like hunting, wildlife viewing, horse riding, camping, and hiking. When it rains, the access roads can be difficult to navigate.
Kate Kerouac Parking Lot – Columbus, Ohio
Address: 2250 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Phone Number: +1 614-299-2672
This is a parking lot found in St Columbus, Ohio. Only overnight parking is allowed here. Given that this campground is located off-road, you won’t hear traffic noises. There are several hotels and restaurants located near this parking lot, meaning you will have access to essential amenities like water, toilets, bathrooms, and electricity. This campground is also secured, with security cameras installed around the building.
Kinderhook Horse Trail – Newport, Ohio
Address: C244, Newport, OH 45768, USA
Phone Number: +1 740-373-9055
This is a campground found inside the Wayne National Forest. It is quite a large campground with 14 campsites. Most of these campsites are connected to electricity. You need to keep in mind that this campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. It also doesn’t accept any form of reservations. While camping here, you can engage in various activities like hiking, bike riding, horseback riding, and skating. This campground has amenities like water and toilets.
Menards Northland – Columbus, Ohio
Address: Address: 1649 Morse Road Columbus, OH 43224
This a parking lot you can camp overnight. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to stay for a single night. There are also instructions that you shouldn’t park in the blue market spots — these spaces are left for employees. This parking is located close to several restaurants, meaning you will have access to amenities like water and toilets.
Miami Valley Gaming Casino – Lebanon, Ohio
Address: 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
Phone Number: 513-934-7070
Miami Valley Gaming Casino has a large parking lot you can use for a night. This parking lot is designed for large vehicles like RVs and trucks. The security around this parking is tight, with security cameras installed all round.
New Straitsville Trailhead – New Straitsville, Ohio
Address: Plummer Hill Rd, New Straitsville, OH 43766, USA
Phone Number: (740) 753-0101
This trailhead is part of the Monday Creek OHV System. There is a small campground here that be good for a few day’s camping. Despite the fact that this campground is small in size, it has a lot to offer. You can engage in fun activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, among others.
Northpark – Columbus, Ohio
Address: 1510 Halo Street Columbus, OH 43240
This is an old Kroger parking lot found in Columbus, Ohio. Unlike many parking lots, this one allows you to camp for more than two days. However, you will have to request for special permission for that to happen. While camping here, you have access to essential amenities like water, bathhouses, and toilets.
Overnight stop – Logan, Ohio
Address: 4 E Main St, Logan, OH 43138, USA
This is a very large parking lot you can use for an overnight rest. While camping here, however, you will have to endure ambulances noises from a nearby voices. The campground has amenities like water, bathhouses, electricity, and toilets.
Prairie Grass TH (bike or hike in only) – London, Ohio
Address: Prairie Grass Trail, London, OH 43140, USA
Phone Number: +1 330-673-3142
This area is known for overnight parking. It is important to keep in mind that motorized vehicles are not permitted here. There is a small camping area that you will use to rest. Some of the amenities available here include water, toilets, bathrooms, and electricity.
