Ohio’s Hidden Gems: 8 Remote Camping Spots to Discover

Ohio has more than its share of busy campgrounds, but if you want real quiet, you have to look a little further. Over the years, I’ve tried to get away from the crowds and found spots where you can sit by a fire and not hear anything but the woods. These places take more effort to reach, but that’s what makes them rewarding. Here are eight camping spots in Ohio that feel off the beaten path.

1. Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trail

There’s something about packing your gear and heading into Zaleski that always feels like starting an adventure from scratch. The nearly 29-mile loop here is no easy stroll, but that’s part of the charm, it puts distance between you and the rest of the world. I’ve spent whole weekends seeing more deer than people, especially when you push past the first camp area.

The trail winds through deep woods, past rock outcrops and the old Hope Iron Furnace, which gives you a glimpse of history as you pass by. Each of the three backcountry campsites comes with just enough space for a tent and a fire ring, so you don’t have to worry about anyone setting up too close.

I always end up carrying a bit more water than I think I’ll need, just in case the streams run low late in the summer. If you want a place to unplug and keep things simple, Zaleski is worth the miles on your boots. Fall colors here can be spectacular, but I’ve found spring brings quieter trails and a carpet of wildflowers. Zaleski has its own pace, and it rewards anyone willing to match it.

2. Shawnee State Forest Backcountry

If you’re after a real sense of remoteness in Ohio, Shawnee State Forest is hard to top. People call it the “Little Smokies” for good reason, the landscape rolls and dips, with steep hills covered by hardwoods that put on a vibrant show in October. I once hiked the backpack trail here over three days and didn’t see another camper until the final afternoon.

The forest’s 40-mile loop challenges you with elevation but rewards you with quiet, shaded valleys and time to yourself. Primitive sites are scattered along the trail, often tucked away beside trickling streams. My favorite, Camp 6, sits under towering hemlocks with a cold, clear creek just a short walk away.

Cell signal disappears for long stretches, which means evenings are filled with campfire stories instead of notifications. I’ve always come away from Shawnee feeling like I actually got away, not just changed locations. For anyone wanting real solitude, it doesn’t get much better than this corner of southern Ohio. Just be ready for a workout and bring a good map.

3. Burr Oak State Park Primitive Sites

At Burr Oak State Park, the best campsites often aren’t the ones near the lake or the RV crowd. If you’re willing to walk a little farther, you’ll find primitive spots set away from the main loops, they’re smaller, quieter, and tend to go unnoticed by most visitors. I like to head out midweek and stake out a spot where the only visitors are deer wandering through at dusk.

The woods here have a gentle, lived-in feel with trails that wind just far enough to ensure privacy without feeling isolated. It’s not uncommon to wake up to birdsong and see mist hanging low over the nearby hills, especially after a cool night. Fire rings and picnic tables are simple but well-kept, which suits the back-to-basics mood.

I always bring an extra layer, since the nights can be surprisingly chilly even in summer. Burr Oak’s primitive sites are a reminder that you don’t need to travel far from civilization to feel like you’ve stepped into your own wilderness. There’s a particular kind of peace here that makes it easy to linger over breakfast and lose track of time.

4. Wildcat Hollow Trail (Wayne National Forest)

Wildcat Hollow Trail gives you that feeling of discovery every time you hike it. The 15-mile loop isn’t too challenging, but the farther you go, the fewer people you see. I remember reaching the dispersed sites deeper in the forest and realizing how completely separated I felt from daily routines.

The trail starts near Corning and quickly leads into a landscape of rolling hills, dense stands of pine, and the occasional open meadow. There’s a free, designated camping area near the trailhead, but for real solitude, I prefer heading farther in and setting up near one of the quieter creeks. Nights get almost silent here except for the occasional chorus of frogs.

It’s worth bringing along a good map and taking your time on the trail, as some sections get muddy after rain. Wildcat Hollow strikes a balance between accessibility and isolation, making it a great pick for both seasoned backpackers and newer campers wanting to stretch their legs. I always come back feeling recharged and ready for the week ahead.

5. Lake Vesuvius Backcountry (Wayne National Forest)

Lake Vesuvius is usually known for its busy developed campground, but the real treasure is out on the Lakeshore Trail. I found a quiet spot along the water after a few miles of hiking, well away from the crowds. That predawn moment, when the fog lifts from the surface of the lake, stays with me every time I think about this place.

The backcountry here feels wild yet welcoming, with hidden nooks along the shoreline where you can pitch a tent and watch the sunrise in complete peace. If you’re willing to explore the forest roads, there are even more dispersed sites waiting for anyone with a sense of adventure. The sounds at night, herons, distant frogs, the gentle lap of water, remind you just how far you’ve traveled from the bustle.

I always double-check for ticks and bring a lightweight camp chair, because once I settle in, I rarely want to move. Lake Vesuvius offers a different side of Wayne National Forest, one that rewards curiosity and a little extra effort. It’s a place to let the natural world set the schedule.

6. Tar Hollow State Forest

Tar Hollow State Forest often gets overshadowed by the bigger parks, but that’s exactly why I like it. The Logan Trail weaves through some of Ohio’s steepest hills, creating a real sense of escape. Primitive campsites are spaced just far enough apart that you feel like you’ve found your own pocket of wilderness.

The forest feels older, quieter, and less manicured than many other state parks. I like to watch the sun set through the trees and listen as the woods shift from birdsong to the quiet rustle of nocturnal animals. Nights here can get dark, but a bright sky full of stars makes up for it.

The terrain can be a challenge, especially after rain, so sturdy boots make a big difference. Tar Hollow is a good reminder that sometimes the best spots are right under your nose, just a little harder to reach. I recommend bringing an extra flashlight, you’ll appreciate the added security when the evening falls quickly under the canopy.

7. Archer’s Fork Trail (Wayne National Forest)

Archer’s Fork Trail is where I go when I need a real break from everything. This 12-mile loop feels wild even by Wayne National Forest standards, with stretches that cut through caves and skirt alongside curious rock outcrops. The path crosses streams that can swell after a good rain, making each trip slightly different.

Camping here is as primitive as it gets, no amenities, no crowds, just you and whatever you can carry. The feeling of seclusion is hard to match, and I’ve never once pitched my tent within sight or sound of another group. Evenings can get chilly fast, so I always pack extra socks and a solid sleeping bag.

Archer’s Fork is the spot I recommend to friends who want to feel like they’ve really gone off-grid. The landscape is ever-changing, and there’s always a new corner to discover. If you’re up for a rugged hike with a payoff in solitude, this is your trail.

8. Scioto Trail State Forest

Sometimes the best moments in camping come from a simple view, and Scioto Trail State Forest delivers plenty of those. Nestled outside Chillicothe, it offers winding trails for hikers and horseback riders. The primitive campsites here have just what you need, flat ground, fire rings, and quiet nights.

I like to aim for the higher ridges in autumn, when the leaves shift to fiery reds and golds. The sunrise over the valleys is worth setting an early alarm for, and I’ve spent more than one morning with a hot cup of coffee soaking in the view. Scioto Trail stays under the radar compared to nearby parks, which keeps the crowds away.

Wildlife is common, especially in the early hours, so I always keep my camera handy. If you want a classic Ohio forest experience without the rush, this forest is a steady, rewarding choice. I’ve always found Scioto Trail to be a place that lets you slow down and reset, whatever the season.