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Camper submitted image from Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State ParkView 30 Photos
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Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Campers can access free camping at Maple Grove within Jesse Owens State Park, though the transition from AEP ReCreation Land to state management has created some confusion about permits and rules. The campground sits on reclaimed mining land and features a mix of roadside sites and a loop section tucked back among trees.

The layout includes both sunny and shaded spots, with vault toilets that reviewers describe as clean despite some flying insects. Sites accommodate up to two vehicles each and allow leashed pets under current state park regulations. "Space is tight," notes one reviewer, and only a few sites offer level ground for RVs. A dumpster sits near the restroom facilities, and campers register at an on-site kiosk.

Cell coverage proves spotty throughout the area, with Verizon providing the most reliable service. The nearby Miner's Memorial Park houses the famous Big Muskie bucket, a massive dragline excavator bucket from the area's mining history. An equine area operates close to the campground for visitors interested in horses.

The Buckeye Trail passes through this section of the park, connecting to 58,800 acres of reclaimed land with hundreds of lakes and ponds. For campers wanting more developed amenities, Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park provides electric hookups less than two miles northeast.

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Location

Public Campground

Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park is located in Ohio

Detail location of campground

Address

7580 St. Rt. 284
McConnelsville, OH 43756

Coordinates

39.70714419 N
81.72570155 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 4/3/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park needs a permit.

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Drive Time

Reviews

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1 Star

34%
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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests commonly noted this as a clean, free campground with permit access, though several reviews mentioned tight spacing and basic facilities. Many visitors reported excellent value for primitive camping despite limited amenities.

Betsy W.
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2024

Small and close to neighbors

Small campground with sunny and shady spots. Host on site. Pit toilets clean but a few insects flying. Dumpster available by bathroom. Register at kiosk by bathroom. FF sites only. Besides host only 1 camper. FREE!!!

Site92 but only 12 sites
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Betsy W., September 27, 2024
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Betsy W., September 27, 2024
Joaquim P.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2021

Close quarters, but free

It’s free but space is tight. Would only recommend if you need a quick stop and, like me, don’t wanna pay for it! 😉

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Joaquim P., October 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Joaquim P., October 7, 2021
A
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Maple Grove campground

Very peaceful, the spots are kinda close, only a few are level, vault toilets, no water access or power hook up Available. It is free

Site7
Month of VisitJune
K
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Jesse Owens State Park (Ohio) but also AEP Maple Grove

If you are confused by this campsite that makes sense. This was an AEP ReCreation campsite. It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page. I would recommend you keep close tabs on that site to figure out what you need to know about this site or others. The new sign does make it easy to find. It is also one of the closest campsites to the Miner's Memorial Park with the Big Muskie bucket. If you don't know what that is do go and check the site out. 

I would also say print maps and also take photos of maps. This one wasn't too bad to find as it is on the current paper map that AEP printed dated January 13, 2020. If you have kids that like horses I would go over to see if anyone is at the Equine area that is close by as well.  So a fun filled day of looking at a giant mining bucket and horses. 

Cell phone coverage is extremely limited out here. Verizon got service in most of the areas.  It wasn't 100%.  If you do need coverage the Mining Memorial is the main spot to go. Other carriers never seemed to have a signal. 

These campsites allow 2 cars per site. Pets are allowed if leashed. As Ohio is taking over the campsites think Ohio State Park rules. You can still camp here for free at the moment.  

https://www.aep.com/recreation/areas/recreationland

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2018/07/first\_phase\_of\_ohios\_new\_jesse.html

https://birding-in-ohio.com/morgan-county/jesse-owens-state-park-and-wildlife-area-maple-grove-campground/

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Kenpocentaur K., August 16, 2020
  • (9) View All
Renée C.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2017

Free Camping!

Print your permit& you can camp for free! https://www.aep.com/Assets/docs/recreation/areas/RECREATIONLANDSPERMITREV04-23-2019.pdf

*No electric*

First come, first serve- 293 campsites at a few separate camping areas 

Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting& fishing. 

58,800-acres with 350 lakes& ponds. 

The Buckeye Trail runs through this park. Absolutely beautiful area to explore. This is an excellent place to get back to primitive camping& enjoy public land access. This area is a gem& should be enjoyed.

  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Renée C., July 17, 2017
  • (6) View All
Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2017

Smallest

Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power.

The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit. This is the smallest AEP site we visited with a row of sites by the road and a loop back in the trees. Awesome job and idea!

Knowledge is power:

AEP American Electric Power 

McConnelsville, Oh

Offers The Wilds; 10,000 donated reclaimed land where wildlife species reside. Tree farms, hydro plants and deer hunting. Then there's the free camping with permit, horse trails, bike trails and dog training areas. 

AEP not only ReCreated Land that was stripped mined, they made it an out door enthusiasts playground while conserving and putting things back better then they were. Check out their site online for more information and permit printing.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • Review photo of Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park by Shelly S., July 6, 2017
  • (11) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jesse Owens State Park and Maple Grove Campground located in Ohio?

Jesse Owens State Park and its Maple Grove Campground are located outside McConnelsville in southeastern Ohio. This area was formerly part of American Electric Power (AEP) ReCreation Lands before being purchased by the State of Ohio and transformed into Jesse Owens State Park. The park is situated in a rural setting that provides campers with a peaceful natural environment away from urban areas. The location offers access to the outdoor recreational opportunities of Ohio's scenic countryside.

Is there a map available of Jesse Owens State Park and its campgrounds?

Maps of Jesse Owens State Park and its campgrounds, including Maple Grove, can be obtained through official Ohio State Parks channels. As this park transitioned from AEP ReCreation Lands to state park status, updated maps and information continue to evolve. Visitors should check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or contact the park office directly for the most current maps. The campground itself has a registration kiosk where information is typically available. For planning purposes, obtaining official park maps before your visit is recommended to navigate the park's various recreation areas and campgrounds.

What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Jesse Owens State Park?

Jesse Owens State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the park's trails, fishing in the nearby waters, and mountain biking on designated paths. The park also accommodates horseback riding for equestrian fans. Additionally, hunting is permitted in designated areas during appropriate seasons. With its natural setting, the park provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The varied terrain and landscapes make it an excellent destination for outdoor adventurers seeking multiple activities in one location.

What camping facilities are available at Maple Grove Campground in Jesse Owens State Park?

Maple Grove Campground offers basic, rustic camping facilities. The campground is free to use but requires a permit. It features clean vault toilets and a dumpster for waste disposal. There are no electric hookups or water access points available. The site has a campground host on-site and a registration kiosk near the bathroom facilities. Camping spots are first-come, first-served, with a layout that includes a row of sites along the road and a loop back in the trees, offering both sunny and shaded options. While the sites are somewhat close together and only a few are level, the peaceful setting compensates for the basic amenities.

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