Ohio

Shawnee State Forest Campground

Established Campground

Tucked into the rolling hills of southern Ohio’s largest state forest, this rustic campground offers 56 sites scattered through mixed hardwood forest. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and hand-pump water scattered throughout. The place fills up during hunting seasons and summer weekends, but you’ll often have your pick of spots midweek. No hookups or showers—just quiet woods and the occasional deer wandering through camp.

Access is via well-maintained gravel roads, passable by any vehicle. The campground serves as a popular staging area for the forest’s extensive bridle trail network. Sites are first-come-first-served, and the 14-day limit is rarely enforced outside peak seasons. Cell service is spotty at best, making this a true digital detox spot.

Remote forest camping in Ohio's hill country

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Place Details

TypeEstablished Campground
Street address3rd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 41174 Get directions →
Nearest townPortsmouth, Ohio
Miles from pavement8.5 mi
Minimum vehicleAny vehicle
Access road surfaceGravel
Cell serviceSpotty
Capacity (# of rigs)56 rigs
Cost (USD/night, 0 = free)Free
Reservation requiredNo
Stay limit (nights)14 nights
Best seasonApril-October
Land managerState Land
Permit requiredNo
AmenitiesDrinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Shade, Toilets
Coordinates   Open directions
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