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Best Tent Camping near Ray, OH

623 Reviews

State parks and national forests surrounding Ray, Ohio provide numerous options for primitive tent camping, with Zaleski State Forest standing out as a premier destination for backcountry tent camping. Located in southeastern Ohio, Zaleski offers multiple backpacking loops averaging 10 miles each, with designated tent campsites along the trails. Trothwood Forest, situated southwest of Ray, provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including fire rings and vault toilets. Benton's on the Baileys offers extremely private primitive camping adjacent to Wayne National Forest with access to the Baileys Trail System, making it an excellent base for hikers seeking tent-only camping experiences.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature natural surfaces with minimal site preparation. Zaleski State Forest maintains three main camping areas with established fire rings, outhouses, and potable well water, though campers should bring toilet paper as it's not provided. Campsites fill quickly, particularly on weekends, with parking at the Hope Schoolhouse (27800 Wheelabout Road, McArthur) often full by 8:30 am on Saturdays. Many sites require advance planning as they operate on first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is generally limited throughout the region, so physical maps are essential. Seasonal considerations include muddy conditions in spring and poison ivy and ticks during warmer months.

The terrain at backcountry tent sites varies considerably from the surrounding flat farmland. According to reviews, Zaleski features "high quality trees, nice little hills, and cool rock formations," making it "a special place in Ohio." Campers noted that while trails can be challenging with "lots of ups and downs," the hiking effort rewards with scenic views and relative seclusion. Each campsite area contains multiple tent pads that remain relatively private from one another despite sharing common facilities. Early arrival is recommended as one visitor reported, "Get there early and get to the campsites first, there are decidedly better sites in each camp." Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally snakes.

Best Tent Sites Near Ray, Ohio (31)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ray, OH

623 Reviews of 31 Ray Campgrounds

  • Eira T.
    Jul. 5, 2015

    Burr Oak Cove Campground

    Quiet campground in Wayne National Forest!

    We enjoyed walk-in site #3 during a holiday weekend. The walk-in sites afford more privacy and tree cover than the drive-up sites, where you can see your neighbors on all sides. No showers or sinks, just several vault toilets. Potable water available throughout the camp. Camp sites are $10 a night.

    Neighbors were fairly quiet, and there is one trail that leads down to Burr Oak lake. The trail is 1 mile, but it seems to link up with some longer yellow and green-blazed trails that go around the lake. The campground is also a short drive from the Wildcat Hollow trail head in the Athens Unit of Wayne National Forest

  • B
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Forked Run State Park Campground

    Bad for tents

    Went there in October. No attendance around and not many campers. Sites are very bad for tent camping and not the bet for RV’s. Back ins are sort and most sites have no level ground even for the picnic table or fire ring. Showers were clean but cold. Vault toilets only and stuck to high Heaven. Not serviced well at all. Hiked the lake view trail, poorly maintained. The upper loop from the beach end is very hard to find and not marked at all. Even more disappointing than Hope Lake which has its own site problems for tents.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Krodel Park Campground

    Nice park, awful bathrooms

    This is a strange campground, but not a bad one. It is minutes away from downtown Point Pleasant. I had spent the afternoon exploring the town and didn't feel like driving further. There aren't many campgrounds nearby, so this place came to the rescue.

    The park's main feature is a lake that looks to be artificial. Maybe an old gravel quarry? The terrain around the lake is nicely landscaped. There is a paved path along the shore, along with picnic tables and shelters. Kayak rentals are available and the lake is stocked with fish.

    Most of the campground is RV focused, but I stayed at a primitive tent site. These are located closer to the entrance. There are no site numbers. Just pull your car up onto the grass and set up wherever. A few picnic tables and electrical outlets are spaced out along the road. There were a few other campers here when I visited, but there was enough room for us to maintain good separation. No shade trees or shrubs for privacy, though.

    This is not a particularly quiet or restful campground. The day use area around the lake was hopping, with people coming and going well into the night. No closing time, or just not enforced? Not sure. Having so much traffic was a little uncomfortable from a safety standpoint, but nothing untoward happened while I was there. There was also quite a bit of noise from the nearby road and railroad.

    The biggest problem with this campground was the bathroom. It was one of the worst I've seen. It may very well have been cleaned recently, but it was so dark and dingy that I couldn't tell. No windows and just a single bare incandescent bulb for illumination. Reminded me of a gas station toilet. The sink barely drained, the toilet barely flushed, and the urinal looked like it was about to fall off the wall. I have used vault toilets that were much, much nicer than this. I found myself wishing for one of those. Gross.

    There is only one other bathroom located closer to the RV area, and this looked to be just as bad. To be clear, there are only two single occupancy men's rooms for the ENTIRE campground. Yes, there are a few porta potties scattered around as well, but this is ridiculous. This place needs to invest in better facilities.

  • Anna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Caldwell Lake Campground — Scioto Trail State Park

    Tent only sites - quiet, wooded

    I stayed in the non-electric, tent-only campground NOT the RV campground. Out of curiosity, I drove through the RV campground and it was so loud and cramped! But the tent-only area is separate. Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate. But there was only one other camper and we all had plenty of space - I could barely see them through the trees. All sites appeared to have a picnic table and fire ring. Many miles of trails / dirt roads for hiking and biking. Clear skies at night. Very relaxing.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Close proximity to natural attractions

    Hocking Hills State Park, Oh-Site 89. https://thehockinghills.org/

    Hocking Hills State Park offers close proximity to most of the popular natural attractions...Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, etc....but for a tent camper that prefers solitude and space, I found it unappealing.

    I did arrive late on a Monday evening, mid-October and got one of the last available sites. Packed on a Monday night!

    I found the camping sites a bit cramped both in depth and width. Site 89 and 90 shared the same parking pad. Limited flat locations existed for a tent and my tent footprint is fairly small. You do have a firepit and picnic table with all three in fairly close proximity, so you must be extremely cautious with wind direction when deciding for a fire, else you’ll have embers dotting your tent and picnic table. Even though the neighbors were trying to be respectfully quiet...you heard every conversation and saw their every move.

    No electric, which is fine in my book...the water spigot is centrally located on the loop and happened to be next to my site.

    The restroom/shower facilities were not well cared for upon my visit. The floors were very muddy and trash was piled up in the corner of one stall and out of necessities.

    Construction and dump truck noise started early with a project behind the restrooms.

    The visitor’s center was well-stocked and the employee was pleasant. Cell service is unavailable and even sketchy at the visitor’s center. Wood can be purchased at the visitor’s center.

    Close proximity to local attractions and a swimming pool are likely the big draw.

    Knowing that I prefer solitude and distance when camping, I’ll likely not return but choose nearby Lake Hope State Park for my local visits.

  • A
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Burr Oak State Park Campground

    Nice trails, not so nice campsites

    Most of the sites at this state park campground are very small and don’t have much level ground. Even the sites meant for RVs and trailers are right on top of each other. It’s almost like they took what should have been one site and made it two. There’s a handful of sites that offer a little space and level ground for tent campers. You may or may not have a picnic table and fire ring with a grill at your campsite when you arrive. According to staff, people take the fire rings and I guess there’s nothing they can do. Bathrooms were clean. The lake view trail was nice and accessible from the campground.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    A Good Place to Meet is in the Middle

    A new site for us at this campground, site 59 which is an inside site. We also had friends who booked 2 inside sites very nearby so we were able to all set up in the middle and share a large space for 10 people and 7 dogs. We were able to be socially distant, have space for cornhole and lots of room for the dogs. Our site pad was pretty level. My husband went over the pad just a little onto the grass, as the other side sloped. So when we stepped out of the camp, we wouldn't be stepping down on a slope. This is one of the quietest campgrounds we go to even though there is plenty for kids to do (playground). Had the weather been better, we would have brought our kayaks for the lake. You have three different types of restrooms. The ones closest to use are the drop toilets, a little further is a porta potty and the furthest was the flush toilets (no showers). It's our little slice of heaven so we like to try a new site each time if we are able. We take our dogs with us so we have to be a little more picky so we don't bother anyone.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Zaleski State Forest

    Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Firebiner at Zaleski South Loop

    Campground Review: With a close friend coming to visit from Spain, I wanted to show her a cool backpacking location in Southeastern Ohio. Zaleski State Forest seemed like a good choice for a new backpacker. There are multiple loops to trek, averaging about 10 miles per loop. Overall the trails are well maintained (minus a few dense areas). There was almost an excessive amount of blazes. Campsites are plentiful along the trails. We stayed at Campsite C. Each site has access to communal well-water and a restroom. Each site usually has a small fire ring and logs to sit on. Overall, the campsites were pretty decent and secluded, but nothing special view wise aside from the typical Ohio forest. I would say pretty overall, but nothing quite outstanding.

    Product Review: The Banner & Oak Firebiner is a neat little tool that has some really fun features! Most notable being the fire starter. The Firebiner uses a small spark wheel and replaceable ferro rod to create sparks. The sparks are pretty large for the little tool. I now use my Firebiner to start my MSR stove quickly and with zero plastic waste! I haven’t used it to try to start a straight up fire, but friends have successfully before. Most importantly, the spark wheel is just darn right fun to play with. The device has other little uses like a bottle opener, utility blade, and screwdriver. I absolutely love this device! Only complaint would be that I wish it came in different colors, but who really cares.

    Here is a link to check out the Firebiner yourself: https://bannerandoak.com/products/banner-and-oak-firebiner?variant=9696793034788&currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndu9CmerLos5Y1yvjGHJ2L4FG732wg9bMpyPAJRa3m8dxlxffZ6Nt-RoC6LQQAvD_BwE

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2022

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Beautiful scenery!

    General: 172-site state park with a mix of full hook-up, electric, and no hook-ups in separate areas plus a 33-site family hike-in camp, two group camps, and three cabins. All sites need to be reserved – no walk-ins are allowed. There is a beautiful visitor center, and the camp office has a small store as well. There is a very nice coin-operated laundry room. Don’t count on cell service– with a fleeting one bar of Verizon, it was just enough to tease us, but the break was also a welcome respite. 

    Site Quality: Standard issue for state parks with paved driveways, picnic table, and fire ring, however, there are a few things to note: Some sites are decidedly not level (#105 is very sloped). 103 and 101 meet at a V at the back end and this impedes the separation between the sites. Our site (103) had a drop-off between the driveway and the rest of the site that could pose a tripping hazard if you are not careful. All of the restrooms emit a hum, but the wastewater treatment facility is very loud and is located directly behind the first 9-10 full hook-up sites. 

    Bathhouse: The restrooms were clean, but the showers were just adequate (not the worst camp shower but definitely not the best I have experienced) but at least there was hot water. 

    Activities: We came for the hiking, and we were not disappointed. This park is gorgeous! We hiked the Blue trail (Grandma Gatewood Trail) to Cedar Falls, taking in Upper and Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave along the way, and returned via the Rim Trail, which was much easier (fewer roots and up and down). We received a color-coded map of the trails upon check-in but had difficulty deciphering it, especially the mileage. We went to the Camp Office before starting our hike to get clarity. Once on the trails, they were well-marked with either signs or blazes. While you could do a long hike (12 miles one-way) from one end of the park to the other), don’t miss Ash Cave – we drove there the next morning before leaving. There are also mountain biking trails, two playgrounds (the one more centrally located is a bit dated and does not look very safe but there is a newer, larger one at the very end of the road (near the lake trail) and there are also horseshoe pits and a volleyball net there. In season, there is a large swimming pool. 

    The campground itself gets 3 stars for some of its flaws but the scenery is so beautiful, 4 stars are merited, in my opinion. I would recommend reserving in one of the “spurs” as there would be less traffic.

Guide to Ray

Tent camping near Ray, Ohio ranges from primitive backcountry sites to campgrounds with basic amenities. The region sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, creating a landscape of moderate hills, ravines, and rock outcroppings that contrast with Ohio's typically flat terrain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring brings frequent rainfall making many trails muddy and challenging.

What to do

Trail exploration: Benton's on the Baileys offers direct access to the Baileys Trail System. One camper notes the area is "extremely private primitive camping surrounded by Wayne National Forest and steps from the Baileys Trail System," making it convenient for hikers and mountain bikers exploring this extensive trail network.

Rock formations: Zaleski State Forest features numerous geological points of interest. A backpacker mentioned, "There are a great deal of interesting rock formations to check out as well as a few good overlook areas. I highly recommend taking the short connector trail on the south loop to cut over to the Moonville Rail Trail."

Water activities: Tent campers can enjoy nearby lakes and streams. One visitor to Waters Edge Canoe Livery mentioned it's a "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go."

What campers like

Diverse terrain: The topography creates varied hiking experiences. A camper at Zaleski State Forest observed, "The terrain has many climbs and descents and takes you along ridges, through valleys, and along forest floors."

Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently encounter local fauna. One backpacker reported, "You will see lots of wildlife, we have seen salamanders, deer, snakes, a wild turkey even wandered into our camp."

Privacy: Many tent sites offer seclusion from other campers. A visitor to Benton's on the Baileys described it as an "Excellent campground that is tucked out of the way. You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet."

What you should know

Campsite availability: Popular areas fill quickly during peak seasons. For Zaleski, a backpacker advised, "The Hope Furnace parking was full by 8:30/9 am on the Saturday we arrived."

Trail difficulty: Some hiking routes present moderate challenges. One camper at Zaleski admitted, "I'm a backpacker and this was tough. There is clear trails and a lot of rocks to climb on top of."

Insects and plants: Be prepared for seasonal hazards. A review for Geneva Hills mentioned, "We could make dinner and there weren't any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp," though this may vary by season.

Tips for camping with families

Loop selection: Choose appropriate trail distances for children. A family who camped at Zaleski shared, "Wonderful overnight backpack trip for our family. We did the South Loop at Zaleski - 10.9 miles. The hike was great. Lots of ups & downs, a pond & beautiful rock outcroppings."

Water planning: Potable water availability varies by campground. The same family noted, "Not supposed to filter the water in the creeks. Thankfully there is pretty tasty water at camp."

Trail markings: Navigate with confidence on well-blazed paths. One hiker explained, "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. And there are several loop sections so you can easily plan various tips accordingly."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most primitive camping near Ray is tent-focused. Lizzy's Acres offers a strategic location for tent camping described as "Wooded Camping near State Parks & a small town," but most primitive sites in the region don't accommodate RVs.

Walk-in requirements: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. A visitor to Benton's on the Baileys mentioned, "You have to walk to the site, up a steep hill, but it is very private and quiet. The bathrooms are down the hill too, but very clean and private."

Post-hike amenities: Consider nearby services for after your camping trip. One camper suggested, "Treat yourself to a post hike meal at the Lake Hope Dining Lodge, Sunday brunch is awesome. Don't worry about stinking from the trail, the outside seating is dog and smelly hiker friendly."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ray, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ray, OH is Zaleski State Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ray, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Ray, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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