Ring Mill Campground

For Ohioans seeking a true escape into nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ring Mill Campground in Matamoras, OH, offers a primitive yet incredibly rewarding camping experience. This hidden gem, nestled within the beautiful Wayne National Forest, provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors. Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds with extensive amenities, Ring Mill Campground embraces a rustic charm, focusing on the simplicity and tranquility that many outdoor enthusiasts truly crave. It's a place where the sounds of the creek replace city noise, and starry nights are the main event.

Ring Mill Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a site steeped in history. Once the location of a bustling mill and farmstead, the stone house of its original owner, built in 1846, still stands and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historical backdrop adds a unique dimension to your camping trip, allowing you to immerse yourself not just in nature, but also in a piece of Ohio's past. For those who appreciate history intertwined with their outdoor adventures, Ring Mill offers a truly distinct experience.

The campground caters to a desire for genuine outdoor recreation. As highlighted by satisfied campers, it's a place where you can "play in the creek with the kids," "kick back read a book," and simply "enjoy the campfire." Its secluded nature, with "very very little traffic," means you can truly unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. While it embraces a primitive style of camping, it provides enough essentials to ensure a comfortable stay for those prepared for a rustic adventure. If you're looking for an authentic, peaceful, and historically rich camping experience in Ohio, Ring Mill Campground is certainly a destination worth exploring.

Ring Mill Campground boasts a beautifully secluded yet accessible location in Matamoras, Ohio, within the expansive Wayne National Forest. Its address is 38645 Jericho Low Gap Rd, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA. This placement makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility in southeastern Ohio.

The campground is situated approximately 3 miles off S.R. 26, on County Road 68. While it offers a sense of remoteness, it's still manageable to reach, located about 32 miles north of Marietta, a larger hub in the region. This balance allows campers to truly feel immersed in nature without being entirely cut off from civilization, providing a convenient escape for many Ohioans. For navigation, GPS coordinates for the area are 39 deg 36' 21" / 81 deg 07' 19".

Matamoras itself is a small, charming community that contributes to the overall quiet atmosphere of the area. While the campground is primitive and won't have immediate access to amenities, nearby towns may offer basic supplies. Visitors should plan to bring all necessary provisions, as services might not be right around the corner, which is common for campgrounds within national forests.

Beyond its immediate vicinity, Ring Mill Campground offers excellent accessibility to regional natural attractions. It is a canoe access point on the Little Muskingum River, providing direct entry for non-motorized boating activities. This river is known for its scenic beauty, meandering through forested hills and pastures, paralleling the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway. Furthermore, the campground is near the North Country Trail, a major long-distance hiking trail, making it a convenient stopping point for backpackers or those wishing to explore a section of the trail. The ability to launch a canoe or access a major hiking trail directly from the campground significantly enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio. This combination of peaceful seclusion and access to prime recreational opportunities makes Ring Mill Campground a truly well-located destination.

Ring Mill Campground operates as a primitive campground within the Wayne National Forest, focusing on providing essential amenities for a rustic and authentic outdoor experience. Based on available public data and customer reviews, the services offered typically include:

• Designated Campsites: The campground features a limited number of campsites, specifically noted as having three individual sites. These are designed for tent camping, with a pad for a tent.

• Fire Ring: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance. Campers should plan to bring their own firewood.

• Picnic Table: Individual picnic tables are available at each site, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and organizing gear.

• Picnic Shelter: In addition to individual picnic tables, the campground also has a larger picnic shelter, which can be useful for group gatherings or additional protection from the elements.

• Creek Access: Direct access to a nearby creek, which is a popular feature for families and offers opportunities for children to play.

• River Access: The campground serves as a canoe access point to the Little Muskingum River, enabling non-motorized boating activities directly from the site.

• Hiking Trail Access: Proximity to hiking trails, specifically the North Country Trail, provides opportunities for day hikes or as a stopover for backpackers.

• Single Stall Bathroom / Vault Toilets: While primitive, customer reviews indicate the presence of a "new single stall bathroom" or vault toilets, providing a basic sanitation facility. It's important to note that potable water is generally not available, so campers must bring their own water supply.

• Historic Site: The presence of the historic 1846 stone house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adds an interpretive and cultural element to the site.

It is crucial to note that, as a primitive campground, there are "No hook ups of any kind" for RVs, and "No potable water." Campers should be fully prepared for a self-sufficient experience, bringing all necessary water, cooking supplies, and personal hygiene items.

Ring Mill Campground in Matamoras, OH, distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast in Ohio:

• Deep Seclusion and Tranquility: Despite its accessibility, the campground is notably remote with "very very little traffic," as highlighted by reviews. This offers a true sense of quiet and a genuine escape from urban noise, a rare find for those seeking peaceful solitude in nature.

• Historic Significance: The presence of the original owner's stone house, built in 1846 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides a unique historical dimension to the camping experience. It’s a tangible link to Ohio's past right at your campsite.

• Direct Creek Access: A significant highlight for families and those who enjoy water play is the easy access to a nearby creek. This provides a refreshing and entertaining natural feature for kids to explore and for campers to simply enjoy the sounds of flowing water.

• Little Muskingum River Canoe Access: For paddlers, the campground serves as a direct canoe access point to the Little Muskingum River. This offers immediate opportunities for scenic non-motorized boating trips through beautiful southeastern Ohio landscapes.

• Proximity to North Country Trail: Being near the North Country Trail makes Ring Mill Campground an excellent base or stopping point for avid hikers and backpackers. This allows for exploration of one of Ohio's significant long-distance trails directly from your campsite.

• Primitive but Thoughtfully Equipped Sites: While lacking modern hookups, the campsites are well-equipped with essential primitive amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. The addition of a new single-stall bathroom (vault toilet) enhances basic comfort for campers.

• Small, Intimate Setting: With only three campsites, Ring Mill Campground offers a more intimate and less crowded experience than larger campgrounds. This light usage contributes to its serene atmosphere and provides a sense of having a private natural space.

• Scenic Beauty: Situated along the Little Muskingum River and within Wayne National Forest, the campground is surrounded by the natural beauty of southeastern Ohio, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the scenic landscape.

As a primitive campground managed by the Wayne National Forest, Ring Mill Campground operates with a focus on providing accessible outdoor recreation at a low cost, rather than offering traditional commercial promotions or special deals. Its "promotions" are inherent in its public land status and the value it provides.

The most significant "offer" at Ring Mill Campground is its incredibly affordable nightly fee:

• Camping Fee: The cost to camp at Ring Mill Campground is a very reasonable $10 per night. This low fee makes it an extremely budget-friendly option for individuals and families seeking an outdoor escape in Ohio.

Beyond the nominal fee, other inherent "special offers" of camping at Ring Mill Campground include:

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Ring Mill Campground does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov or other systems. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While this means you can't book ahead, it offers spontaneity and the potential for a last-minute "gem" find, as one reviewer experienced.

• Seasonal Availability: The campground is open seasonally, typically from early spring to winter. This ensures the best conditions for primitive camping, aligning with the natural cycles of the forest.

• Access to Public Lands: Being part of the Wayne National Forest means campers have access to vast public lands for hiking, exploring, and enjoying nature, all included with the low camping fee.

Prospective campers should always check the Wayne National Forest website for the most current operational dates and any specific regulations or alerts before planning their trip. The value of Ring Mill Campground lies in its simplicity, its natural beauty, and its extremely affordable access to a genuine primitive camping experience in Ohio.

For those planning a visit to Ring Mill Campground and seeking to connect with the management or obtain further details, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 38645 Jericho Low Gap Rd, Matamoras, OH 45767, USA

Phone: (740) 373-9055

Mobile Phone: +1 740-373-9055

These phone numbers serve as the primary contact points for inquiries related to Ring Mill Campground. As Ring Mill is a primitive campground within the Wayne National Forest, direct calls to these numbers would likely connect you with the relevant Forest Service office responsible for its management (such as the Marietta District office). You can use these numbers to inquire about:

• Current operational status (open/closed dates for the season).

• Any temporary closures or alerts.

• Specific regulations regarding fires, pets, or length of stay.

• Information on surrounding trails or river conditions.

• General information about primitive camping in the Wayne National Forest.

Since the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are not taken by phone for specific sites. However, contacting the Forest Service can provide invaluable information to help plan your trip effectively and ensure you are prepared for a primitive camping experience at Ring Mill Campground.

Ring Mill Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Ohio, particularly those residing in the southeastern part of the state, for several compelling reasons that align with the spirit of Ohio's outdoor culture.

Firstly, its primitive nature offers an authentic and accessible wilderness experience that many Ohioans crave. In a state with diverse landscapes, Ring Mill provides a genuine opportunity to "rough it" comfortably. For those looking to escape the modern world and truly disconnect, the lack of hookups and limited amenities becomes a feature, not a drawback. It encourages self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment, which resonates with many outdoor enthusiasts.

Secondly, its seclusion is a major draw. With "very very little traffic" and a quiet atmosphere, it serves as a true sanctuary away from the noise and crowds often found at more developed recreational areas. This peaceful setting is ideal for families wanting to enjoy quality time together, for individuals seeking solitude to read or reflect, or for anyone simply wishing to unwind amidst nature's sounds. The positive reviews consistently highlight this tranquility, making it a "gem" for last-minute or planned getaways.

Thirdly, the integration with natural and historical features makes it unique for Ohioans. The direct access to a "creek" for kids to play in and the Little Muskingum River for canoeing are invaluable for water lovers. Furthermore, its proximity to the North Country Trail offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking and backpacking, allowing locals to explore significant portions of Ohio's scenic long-distance trails. The historical significance of the 1846 stone house adds an educational and cultural layer to the visit, providing a richer experience beyond just camping.

Finally, its affordability, at just $10 per night, makes it an incredibly accessible option for nearly every budget. This low cost ensures that a genuine outdoor escape is within reach for more Ohio families and individuals. The first-come, first-served system, while requiring flexibility, also offers the thrill of a spontaneous adventure for those able to pack up and go.

In conclusion, Ring Mill Campground is perfectly suited for Ohioans who prioritize a peaceful, primitive, and authentic camping experience. It offers a genuine connection to nature, rich local history, and ample opportunities for outdoor activities, all within an easily accessible yet deeply secluded setting in the beautiful Wayne National Forest. It's truly a place where you can relax, explore, and "certainly be back."