Shawnee State Forest Turkey Ridge Campground
Hidden deep in the Shawnee State Forest, this primitive campground offers 25 sites scattered through hardwood forest along Turkey Creek. Sites are basic — vault toilets, fire rings, and hand-pump water wells, but no electric hookups or showers. The setting is pure Ohio backwoods with thick forest canopy and seasonal wildflower displays. It’s a favorite among hunters, backpackers, and overlanders running the nearby forest roads.
Access requires a 3-mile drive on gravel Forest Road 1, which can be rough after heavy rains but manageable for most vehicles. The campground operates on a first-come basis with no reservations. Sites fill during hunting seasons (October-November) and spring turkey season. Campfires allowed except during burn bans.
Hidden forest primitive camp in Ohio's backpack trail hub
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 2nd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Portsmouth, Ohio |
| Miles from pavement | 3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 25 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | State Land |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |