Fall Camping in Ohio

Discover the best fall camping across Ohio. Embrace the magic of autumn camping. Vibrant foliage, crisp air, and campfire nights under the stars.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: September through November

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Top Picks

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Mohican Campground

Mohican State Park

Thousands of wooded acres explode with autumn color as hemlock and hardwood forests frame dramatic Clear Fork Gorge and cascading Lyon's Falls. Cooler October temperatures bring thinner crowds to streamside tent sites and cabins, while the changing leaves transform every hike into a...

4.5(179 reviews)

Hocking Hills Youth Group Campground

Hocking Hills State Park

Towering sandstone cliffs glow amber and crimson as fall transforms the ancient hemlock gorges into a photographer's paradise, with fewer visitors navigating the waterfall trails after summer ends.

4.7(23 reviews)

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Shawnee Ohio River Full Hook Up Campground

Shawnee State Park

The Appalachian foothills blaze with color each autumn as maples and oaks transform the "Little Smokies" into a photographer's paradise, while cooler temperatures bring comfortable hiking conditions along miles of trails threading through 63,000 acres of forest.

4.8(126 reviews)

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About Fall Camping in Ohio

Fall camping in Ohio transforms the state's diverse landscapes into a spectacular canvas of crimson, gold, and amber hues, offering some of the Midwest's most memorable autumn camping experiences. From the dramatic 400-foot cliffs and waterfalls of Hocking Hills to the serene shores of Lake Erie, Ohio's campgrounds provide front-row seats to nature's most colorful performance.

Best Time

Peak fall color in Ohio typically occurs from early October through early November, with timing varying by region and elevation. Northern Ohio, including the Lake Erie shoreline at Maumee Bay, sees peak color in early to mid-October, while southern regions like Hocking Hills and the Ohio River valley peak slightly later, from mid to late October.

Season Highlights

Stunning fall foliage
Cooler, comfortable temperatures
Fewer crowds and quiet sites
Perfect campfire weather

More Fall Camping in Ohio

Discover 17 additional top-rated fall camping in Ohio

Delaware State Park Campground

Delaware State Park

Towering hardwoods explode into crimson and gold across this glacial landscape, creating a stunning canopy show while September and October's crisp air keeps bugs at bay and trails comfortable.

4.7(241)

Maumee Bay Campground

Maumee Bay State Park

Witness over 300 bird species pause along Lake Erie's shores during their spectacular autumn migration, as golden marshlands and crimson-tinged wetlands create a photographer's paradise.

4.7(72)

Hune Bridge Campground

Marietta · Wayne National Forest

Brilliant scarlet and gold foliage reflects off the Little Muskingum River as temperatures cool and summer crowds disappear from this four-site riverside retreat.

4.7(23)

Beaver Creek Group Campground

Beaver Creek State Park

Autumn transforms nearly 3,000 acres of Appalachian forest into a kaleidoscope of crimson and gold, with peaceful trails winding through the vibrant canopy.

4.8(24)

Deer Creek Group /Equestrian Campground

Deer Creek State Park

Brilliant autumn colors blanket the wooded trails and lake shoreline as horses clip-clop through quiet paths free from summer's bustle. The varied terrain transforms into a tapestry of reds and golds, while cooler temperatures make long equestrian rides comfortable and crowds thin to...

4.6(237)

Beach Parking Auxiliary Eclipse Campground

Salt Fork State Park

Vibrant maples and oaks frame the private beach as autumn transforms Ohio's largest state park into a tapestry of crimson and gold, while cooler September air makes lakeside evenings remarkably comfortable.

4.7(107)

Van Buren Campground

Van Buren State Park

Brilliant beech-maple canopy transforms into a kaleidoscope of amber and crimson each October, while cooler temps make campfires and woodland hikes pure pleasure. September and October visitors enjoy spacious, uncrowded sites where rustling leaves replace summer's bustle.

4.5(96)

Mary Jane Thurston Campground

Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Autumn transforms the Maumee River corridor into a blazing tapestry of reds and golds, while cooler September and October temperatures draw far fewer visitors than the bustling summer months.

4.5(85)

Stewart Lake Campground

Scioto Trail State Park

Autumn transforms the Sugarloaf Mountain slopes into a tapestry of crimson and gold, framing your campsite with panoramic views across the Scioto Valley.

4.5(81)

Explore Fall Camping in Ohio

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Popular Activities

Leaf peeping and fall color photographyHiking through colorful forests and gorgesWildlife viewing and bird migration watchingFishing in rivers, lakes, and streamsMountain biking on autumn trailsKayaking and canoeing on calm fall waters

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve early for peak October weekends at popular destinations—campgrounds like Mohican and Hocking Hills book solid months in advance, but midweek spots often remain available even during peak color.
2Ohio state parks require reservations through the state's online system, while national forest sites like Hune Bridge operate on a first-come basis, making them excellent backup options.
3Pack for variable weather: days can reach the 70s under sunny skies, but nights regularly drop into the 40s or lower, so bring warm sleeping bags rated to at least 30°F and layers including fleece and rain gear.
4A quality camp stove becomes essential as fire bans occasionally occur during dry autumn periods, and hot coffee tastes especially good on crisp fall mornings.

20 campgrounds ranked

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Curated for Fall Camping in Ohio

Fall Camping in Ohio FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fall campgrounds in Ohio based on foliage, weather, and reviews. Top options feature stunning autumn colors and comfortable temperatures.

Fall foliage in Ohio typically peaks during September through November, though timing varies by elevation and latitude. Check local foliage reports for optimal timing.

Ohio offers excellent fall camping with colorful foliage, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. Many campgrounds have special fall activities and harvest-season events.

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