Winter Camping in Ohio? (cabins, rated, parks)

[fletchman1957]

OK, I've always considered myself an outdoors-do-anything person but I have yet to winter camp, in a tent. Looking for local experiences, where you did it, etc. I'll have a weekend to myself next weekend and probably a whole week between Christmas and New Years and would like to get planning something. Thanks

[wilson1010]

Its been a long time since I have camped and even longer for winter camping. But it is a lot of fun preparing for the elements. I can't say I would want to do this in Ohio because of the variability of Ohio weather. All of your important equipment will be rated for a specific climate. But you won't know until a week before you go in late DEcember what you are planning for: a 10 degree ice storm or a sunny 40 degree week.

I'd take your plan up to Northern Michigan where the weather is more dependable and learn cross country skiing at the same time. This whole thing has gotten a lot more interesting with GPS and cell phones so that now you can more safely hike far from your base camp.

Be prepared to spend some serious $$ on equipment though. That's what the winter camping thing is all about.

[NCbyChoice]

Many state parks in Ohio offer winter camping (at least they used to). We used to hold a winter campout every year at Heuston Woods. I know you said you want to tent camp, but just in case, many of the parks offer nice little quaint, rustic cabins. Many also offer winter hikes, ice fishing and cross-country skiing (but Christmas might be a little early for that). Have fun and make sure you pee before getting cozy in your sleeping bag!

[gman5431]

I went camping at East Fork this past week and they only had one of the loops open for camping. It was nice during the day, i was wearing a T Shirt and it was in the 60s but it got brutally cold at night.

G Man