Off-roading is a popular outdoor activity that involves driving or riding on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, sand, or mud.
It can be a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the natural beauty of a region, and Ohio is home to some fantastic off-road destinations because it has something to offer for every skill level, whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or new to the sport.
This blog will explore some of the best places to go off-roading in Buckeye State.
Where can I drive off-road in Ohio?
Mohican-Memorial State Forest
Located in north central Ohio, the Mohican-Memorial State Forest is a must-visit destination for off-road enthusiasts.
The forest covers over 23,000 acres and features a wide range of trails for all skill levels.
There are over 25 miles of trails for off-roading vehicles and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
In addition to the trails, the Mohican-Memorial State Forest also offers a variety of amenities for visitors.
Several campgrounds are located within the forest as picnicking areas and playgrounds. The forest is also home to the Mohican Wilderness Area, which features more than 50 miles of backcountry off-road trails.
Wayne National Forest
The Wayne National Forest is located in southeastern Ohio and covers over a quarter million acres.
The forest is home to several designated off-road vehicle areas, including the Rock camp OHV Area and the Zaleski Backpack Trail.
The Rock camp OHV Area features over 50 miles of trails for off-road vehicles, several campgrounds, and a shooting range.
The Zaleski Backpack Trail is a more challenging off-road destination with rugged terrain and steep hill climbs.
In addition to off-roading, the Wayne National Forest also offers hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching opportunities.
There are several scenic overlooks and natural areas to explore, as well as a number of lakes and streams for fishing.
Maumee State Forest
The Maumee State Forest is another great destination for off-road enthusiasts in northwest Ohio.
The forest covers over 10,000 acres and features more than 25 miles of trails for off-road vehicles. The trails range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone.
In addition to off-roading, the Maumee State Forest offers a variety of other outdoor activities.
There are several scenic vistas to enjoy and opportunities for fishing and hunting. The forest is also home to several wetlands and marshes, which are great for birdwatching.
Caesar Creek State Park
Located in southwestern Ohio, Caesar Creek State Park is another excellent destination for off-road enthusiasts.
The park covers over 8,000 acres and over 30 miles of trails for off-road vehicles. The trails range from easy to challenging, and there are several designated areas for off-road vehicles.
In addition to off-roading, Caesar Creek State Park offers a variety of other outdoor activities.
Several campgrounds are located within the park, as well as a beach and a lake for swimming and boating. The park is also home to many hiking trails and natural areas to explore.
Holy Trail Off-Road Park
Holy Trail Off-Road Park is a privately-owned off-road destination in eastern Ohio with over 100 miles of trails for all skill levels.
The park is home to various terrain, including mud pits, wooded hills, and other park features.
There are also several campgrounds within the park, as well as many amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Forbidden Zone Park
Located in southeastern Ohio, Forbidden Zone Park is a privately-owned off-road destination that features over 200 acres of trails and obstacles.
The park is home to various terrain, including mud bogs, hills, and wooded areas.
There are also several campgrounds within the park, as well as many amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Hanging Rock OHV System
Hanging Rock OHV System is an off-road destination located in southeastern Ohio.
The system comprises a network of trails that covers over 40 miles and is suitable for a range of off-road vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s. The trails pass through various terrain, including forests, fields, and streams, and range from easy to challenging.
In addition to off-roading, Hanging Rock OHV System offers other outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Several campgrounds are located within the system, as well as amenities such as restrooms and showers.
The system is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse range of recreational opportunities.
Tecumseh Trails
In western Ohio, Tecumseh Trails is a privately-owned off-road destination with over 50 miles of trails for all skill levels.
The park is home to various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas.
There are also several campgrounds within the park and many amenities, such as restrooms and showers.
Phoenix Off-Road Racer Park
In central Ohio, Phoenix Off-Road Racer Park is a privately-owned off-road destination with over 200 acres of trails and obstacles.
The park is home to various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas. There are also several campgrounds within the park and many amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Pine Creek Trail System
Located in eastern Ohio, the Pine Creek Trail System is a network of off-road trails that covers over 150 miles. The trails range from easy to challenging and pass through various terrain, including forests, fields, and streams.
The trail system is open to various off-road vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s. There are also several campgrounds along the trails and several amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Southington Off-Road Park
Located in northeastern Ohio, Southington Off-Road Park is a privately-owned destination that offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles for off-road enthusiasts.
The park includes mud pits, hills, and wooded areas and is suitable for various skill levels.
In addition to off-roading, the park offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Pine Lake Raceway and Trails
In western Ohio, Pine Lake Raceway and Trails is a privately-owned off-road destination offering over 50 miles of trails and a motocross track.
The park is home to various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas, and is suitable for various skill levels. In addition to off-roading, the park offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Superior Trail System
Located in northern Ohio, the Superior Trail System is a network of off-road trails that covers over 200 miles. The trails range from easy to challenging and pass through various terrain, including forests, fields, and streams.
The trail system is open to various off-road vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bike riding, and 4x4s. There are also several campgrounds along the trails and several amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Monday Creek Trail System
The Monday Creek Trail System is a network of off-road trails located in southeastern Ohio.
The trails cover over 60 miles and are open to various off-road vehicles, including dirt bikes.
The trail system is known for its rugged terrain and scenic views, and there are also several campgrounds located along the trails.
Devil’s Backbone
The Devil’s Backbone is a popular off-road destination located in central Ohio.
The area is known for its rugged terrain and scenic views and is a popular spot for off-road vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes. There are several trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging, and the area is also home to several mud pits and other obstacles.
No campgrounds or other amenities are located at the Devil’s Backbone, so visitors should come prepared with everything they need for their trip.
Heiney Farm
Located in central Ohio, Heiney Farm is a privately-owned off-road destination that offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles.
The farm is home to various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas, and is suitable for various skill levels. In addition to off-roading, the farm offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Buds (Hidden Springs Ranch) – Springfield, Ohio
Buds, also known as Hidden Springs Ranch, is a privately-owned off-road destination in Springfield, Ohio.
The ranch offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles for off-road enthusiasts, with various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas.
The ranch is suitable for a range of skill levels and also offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Walhonding Hills Campground – Walhonding, Ohio
Located in Walhonding, Ohio, Walhonding Hills Campground is a privately-owned off-road destination that offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles.
The campground is home to various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas, and is suitable for various skill levels. In addition to off-roading, the campground also offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Bear Creek Ranch KOA – East Sparta Ohio
Bear Creek Ranch KOA is a privately-owned off-road destination in East Sparta, Ohio. The ranch offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles for off-road enthusiasts, with various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas.
The ranch is suitable for a range of skill levels and also offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Perry State Forest – Blue Rock Ohio
Perry State Forest is a state-owned off-road destination located in Blue Rock, Ohio.
The forest covers over 5,000 acres and features a number of trails for off-road vehicles and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The forest also offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Renegade Ridge – Bloomingdale Ohio
Renegade Ridge is a privately-owned off-road destination located in Bloomingdale, Ohio. The park offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles for off-road enthusiasts, with various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas.
The park is suitable for a range of skill levels and also offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Scenic Trails Recreational Land – Corning Ohio
Scenic Trails Recreational Land is a privately-owned off-road destination in Corning, Ohio. The park offers over 100 acres of trails and obstacles for off-road enthusiasts, with various terrain, including mud pits, hills, and wooded areas.
The park is suitable for a range of skill levels and also offers several campgrounds and amenities such as restrooms and showers.
Pike State Forest – Latham, Ohio
Pike State Forest is a state-owned off-road destination located in Latham, Ohio. The forest covers over 4,000 acres and features several trails for off-road vehicles and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The forest also offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Can I ride my side-by-side in all the spots mentioned above?
Most places mentioned in the article are open to off-road vehicles, including side-by-sides (UTVs).
However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific location to confirm that side-by-sides are allowed. Some locations may restrict the type or size of off-road vehicles that are permitted.
For example, the Mohican-Memorial State Forest and the Maumee State Forest are both open to off-road vehicles, but there may be specific rules regarding side-by-side use.
Similarly, the Wayne National Forest and Caesar Creek State Park allow off-road vehicles, but they may have specific trails or areas designated for side-by-sides.
Private off-road parks, such as Holy Trail Off-Road Park and Forbidden Zone Park, are generally more flexible regarding vehicle types.
However, it’s still a good idea to check with the park to confirm that side-by-sides are permitted.
In general, it’s always important to follow the rules and regulations at each location to ensure the safety of yourself and others and to help preserve these natural areas.
Which of the spots mentioned offer free camping onsite?
Mohican-Memorial State Forest: Located in north central Ohio, this state forest offers over 25 miles of trails for off-road vehicles and campgrounds.
Wayne National Forest: Located in southeastern Ohio, this national forest has multiple designated off-road vehicle areas and campgrounds.
Maumee State Forest: Located in northwest Ohio, this state forest offers over 25 miles of trails for off-road vehicles and campgrounds.
Monday Creek Trail System: Located in southeastern Ohio, the Monday Creek Trail System is a network of off-road trails that covers over 60 miles. The trails are open to various off-road vehicles, and there are also campgrounds along the trails.
Perry State Forest: Located in Blue Rock, Ohio, this state forest covers over 5,000 acres and features jeep trails for off-road vehicles, as well as campgrounds.
Keep in mind that while these locations offer free camping, they may have certain rules and regulations in place, such as a limit on the length of stay or a requirement to obtain a permit.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific location before setting up camp.
Concluding thoughts
Ohio is home to many off-road destinations, from state forests to national parks.
Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or new to the sport, there’s something for everyone in Buckeye State.
It’s important to follow the rules and regulations to preserve these natural areas and always prioritize safety when off-roading.
With some planning and preparation, you can have a super fun weekend, a safe and enjoyable off-roading experience in Ohio.
