Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite

For many Ohioans, the call of the wild is a powerful one, drawing us to the tranquility and challenge of untouched natural spaces. While our state offers a wide array of camping experiences, from amenity-rich RV parks to rustic family campgrounds, there's a unique appeal to truly primitive, backcountry camping. For those who relish the idea of disconnecting and immersing themselves deeply in nature, with only the essentials, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite in Germantown offers an authentic and accessible wilderness experience right here in Ohio. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a destination for true adventurers and those seeking a profound connection with the outdoors.

Located within the expansive network of Five Rivers Metroparks, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite provides a valuable opportunity for Ohioans to practice Leave No Trace principles and enjoy the peace of a less-developed setting. It's a place where you carry in what you need and carry out what you bring, embracing self-reliance and environmental respect. This type of camping is particularly appealing to backpackers, experienced tent campers, and anyone looking to hone their outdoor skills in a beautiful, well-maintained natural environment without traveling far from home.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite, detailing its precise location and how to access it, the unique services and minimal amenities it offers, and its distinct features and highlights. We'll also cover the essential information about permits and contact details, ensuring you have all the facts necessary to plan a responsible and rewarding primitive camping trip. Our aim is to provide factual, engaging, and informative content that helps you prepare for an authentic backcountry adventure in Ohio.

Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite is located at 7511 Creek Rd, Germantown, OH 45327, USA. This address places it within the picturesque Germantown area, which is part of the larger Five Rivers Metroparks system in Montgomery County. The Metroparks are a jewel of the Dayton region, offering extensive natural areas for recreation and conservation.

Access to the campsite is inherently designed for a backcountry experience, meaning it's not a drive-up site. Campers will need to hike into the campsite from a designated parking area. While the exact trail length varies, it is described as requiring a walk of about half a mile to reach areas near the river for water access, implying the campsites themselves are a manageable backpacking distance from the trailhead. Being situated off Creek Road provides a relatively secluded feel while still being within reach of main thoroughfares in the Dayton metropolitan area. State Route 725 (SR 725) is approximately 0.4 miles away, and Creek Road itself is about 0.1 miles away. This proximity, while offering some convenience for arrival, also means that some ambient noise from traffic on SR 725 and Creek Road may be audible, especially in the evenings, as noted by past visitors.

Despite some ambient noise, the location within Five Rivers Metroparks ensures that the campsite is surrounded by natural beauty, including woodlands and proximity to a river. This setting provides a true escape for those seeking a primitive camping experience, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and connecting with Ohio's natural landscapes. The ease of reaching the trailhead from major population centers like Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus makes it an accessible option for many Ohioans seeking a primitive overnight adventure.

Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite is explicitly a primitive backpacking campsite, meaning the services offered are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural environment and provide an authentic wilderness experience. Visitors should be prepared for self-sufficiency. The services and amenities provided are designed to support basic overnight stays while adhering to backcountry principles.

• Permit System: Use of the campsite requires a permit obtained from Five Rivers Metroparks. This system helps manage usage, minimize impact, and ensures a responsible camping experience. Permits are required for all overnight stays.
• Designated Campsites: The site offers 3 individual campsites. Each site is designed to accommodate 1-2 small tents, providing a compact and designated space for sleeping.
• Common Area: A shared common area is available for cooking and eating. This centralized space helps consolidate activity and minimize impact on individual tent sites.
• Latrine: A basic latrine facility is provided, offering a designated and more environmentally responsible option for human waste disposal than digging catholes.
• Food/Backpack Poles: Each campsite is equipped with a pole that includes hooks, specifically designed for hanging food bags, backpacks, or lanterns. This is crucial for bear and critter hangs, protecting food from wildlife.

It is important to note what is not offered:

• No Fires Allowed: Open campfires are strictly prohibited at this campsite. Campers must bring and use a camp stove for cooking.
• No Potable Water: There is no direct source of potable (drinkable) water at the campsite. Campers must pack in all their water or be prepared to source water from the nearby river and purify it themselves using appropriate filters or treatment methods.
• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: As a primitive site, there are no electrical hookups or Wi-Fi access. This is part of the appeal for those looking to truly disconnect.
• No Trash Receptacles: All trash must be packed out by campers, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Despite its primitive nature, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite boasts several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for a particular type of outdoor enthusiast in Ohio.

• Authentic Backcountry Experience: This is arguably its most significant highlight. It provides a genuine primitive camping and backpacking experience that is often hard to find close to urban areas in Ohio, allowing for deep immersion in nature.
• Affordable Permit Cost: The cost for a permit is very reasonable (e.g., $10, with lower rates for weekdays and off-season). This makes it an accessible option for those seeking an overnight outdoor adventure on a budget.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: Reviews consistently praise the campsite for being very clean and well-maintained. This reflects the diligent efforts of Five Rivers Metroparks in preserving the natural integrity and usability of the site.
• Spacious Individual Sites: While designed for small tents, the campsites offer plenty of room between them, ensuring a sense of privacy and seclusion even if other campers are present.
• Critter-Free Environment: Positive feedback indicates that raccoons or other typical campsite critters tend to leave campers undisturbed, which is a testament to effective wildlife management (including the use of food hanging poles).
• Part of Five Rivers Metroparks: Being within this extensive park system means access to a larger network of trails for hiking and exploration beyond the immediate campsite area.
• Designed for Low-Impact Camping: The specific rules (no fires, pack in/pack out, designated cooking areas) encourage and facilitate responsible, low-impact camping practices, preserving the natural beauty for future visitors.

As a managed backcountry campsite operated by Five Rivers Metroparks, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite typically does not offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. Its pricing structure is already designed to be highly affordable and encourage access to outdoor recreation.

However, it's important for potential visitors to note the following regarding costs:

• Variable Permit Pricing: The permit cost is already structured to be lower on weekdays and during the off-season. This is a built-in "special offer" that rewards flexibility in scheduling. For example, a weekend permit might be $10, while a weekday permit could be less.
• Group Rates: While not explicitly stated for this specific site, larger park systems sometimes offer slight discounts or special arrangements for organized groups (e.g., scout troops, school groups). It's worth inquiring if you plan to visit with a significant group.

The primary "value" or "promotion" of Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite lies in its inherently low cost, especially considering the unique primitive camping experience it offers within a well-maintained park system. Always check the Five Rivers Metroparks website or contact them directly for the most current pricing and permit requirements.

For inquiries, permit information, or to learn more about Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite and the Five Rivers Metroparks system, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 7511 Creek Rd, Germantown, OH 45327, USA
• Phone: (937) 277-4374 (Primary) or +1 937-277-4374 (Mobile)

It is crucial to contact Five Rivers Metroparks directly to obtain the necessary permit before planning your trip. Their official website or a direct phone call will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on permit availability, booking procedures, any current park alerts, and specific rules and regulations for backcountry camping.

For many Ohioans, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite in Germantown represents an invaluable local resource for genuine wilderness immersion, offering a unique blend of accessibility and authentic primitive camping. Its suitability for residents of the Buckeye State is rooted in several compelling factors that cater to our love for the outdoors.

Firstly, its sheer accessibility is a major advantage. Situated within the Five Rivers Metroparks system and relatively close to major population centers like Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, it allows Ohioans to experience a true backcountry escape without requiring extensive travel. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying the serenity of nature, making it perfect for weekend trips or even a quick overnight adventure when the call of the wild becomes too strong to ignore. The reasonable permit cost further enhances its accessibility, making it an affordable option for many who might otherwise find primitive camping a distant and expensive endeavor.

Secondly, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite provides an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and practice essential outdoor skills. In an increasingly connected world, the absence of electricity, Wi-Fi, and the prohibition of open fires encourage a return to basics. Campers must rely on their own preparation for water purification, cooking with a stove, and managing their waste, fostering self-reliance and environmental responsibility. This type of experience is invaluable for personal growth and for instilling a deep appreciation for conservation, aligning perfectly with Ohio's strong outdoor ethos.

Finally, the commitment of Five Rivers Metroparks to maintaining the campsite as clean and well-preserved ensures a positive experience for all visitors. The designated campsites, common cooking area, and latrine, coupled with the emphasis on Leave No Trace principles, help protect this precious natural space for future generations of Ohioans. While there might be some ambient noise from nearby roads, the overall experience of sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature, far outweighs this minor consideration for those seeking an authentic backcountry adventure. For Ohioans craving a genuine escape into the wilderness without venturing far from home, Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite offers a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience.