Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3

Hello, fellow Ohioans and outdoor enthusiasts! If your ideal escape involves strapping on your hiking boots, maybe even bringing along your furry best friend, and venturing into the quiet embrace of a truly secluded forest, then Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3 offers an experience tailored just for you. This isn't a bustling campground with all the bells and whistles; it's a primitive, hike-in site designed for those who appreciate the raw beauty and tranquility of Ohio's wilderness. Located deep within the renowned Mohican landscape, it provides an authentic backcountry adventure that’s perfect for seasoned hikers and anyone looking to truly disconnect.

In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of Backpack Campsite #3, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview. We'll explore its precise location and how to access it, detail the primitive services you can expect, highlight its unique features, and provide essential contact information for planning your trip. Our aim is to help you understand why this particular campsite is an "awesome place for a hike with your dogs" and so much more, making it an ideal choice for your next Ohio outdoor excursion.

Mohican-Memorial State Forest, alongside Mohican State Park, forms a sprawling natural area celebrated for its deep gorges, pristine rivers, and extensive network of trails. Backpack Campsite #3 is one of several designated "Park-and-Pack" campsites, meaning you park your vehicle and hike a relatively short distance to your secluded spot. This system allows for a backcountry feel without requiring multi-day treks, making it accessible for a wider range of hikers while still ensuring a genuine wilderness experience.

Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3 is situated within the vast Mohican-Memorial State Forest, near Loudonville, OH 44864, USA. The provided address, "HMRV+46, Loudonville, OH 44864, USA," is a Plus Code, indicating a precise geographic location within the forest rather than a conventional street address for direct vehicle access. This emphasizes that Campsite #3 is a true hike-in destination, part of the "Park-and-Pack" system.

To reach Campsite #3, visitors typically start at a designated parking area within the state forest, such as the Bridle Trail Area on State Route 97. From this trailhead, a relatively short hike (often less than a mile) along well-established trails leads to the campsite. Specifically, after about 0.25 miles past Campsite #2, the trail crosses Pine Run, a beautiful, hemlock-lined section of the valley. Just past this crossing, a sign will direct you down a side trail about 50 yards to Campsite #3. It’s nestled in a private and scenic spot in the stream's floodplain, surrounded by tall, straight pines.

The Mohican-Memorial State Forest is renowned for its diverse trail network, which includes hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails. Navigating to Backpack Campsite #3 requires consulting official ODNR trail maps for Mohican-Memorial State Forest, which are crucial for understanding the layout and planning your route. The remote nature of these campsites ensures a peaceful experience, away from road noise, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural sounds and beauty of the forest.

• Primitive Camping: Backpack Campsite #3 is a designated primitive campsite, meaning it offers very basic amenities for a rustic outdoor experience. Campers should be fully self-sufficient.
• Designated Campsite: While primitive, it is a legally designated "Park-and-Pack" site. This ensures you have a specific, reserved spot for camping, preventing unauthorized dispersed camping.
• Fire Ring: Each Park-and-Pack campsite, including #3, is equipped with a metal fire ring for campfires. Campers are permitted to gather dead and downed wood from the forest floor for fires, or bring commercially packaged firewood. Strict regulations apply to fire safety, including time restrictions (fires prohibited 6 am-6 pm in March, April, May, October, November) and the requirement to fully extinguish fires before leaving.
• No Potable Water: Water is not provided directly at Backpack Campsite #3. Campers must carry in all their water supply or bring appropriate filtration/purification equipment to treat water from natural sources like Pine Run, if available and safe. Potable water is available seasonally (April 1 to November 1) at locations within Mohican State Park and the Bridle Trail Area parking lot (which serves sites 1-4 and 7).
• No Restrooms: There are no restrooms or latrines at the individual backpack campsites. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal (digging catholes at least 200 feet from water, trails, and camp). Pit latrines may be found at designated parking areas or main trailheads.
• Reservations Required: As of September 1, 2024, all Mohican-Memorial State Forest Park-and-Pack campsites, including #3, require a reservation through the new ODNR Division of Forestry system. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.
• Camping Permit: A valid camping permit, obtained through the online reservation system (either printed or digital copy), must be present at your campsite as proof of reservation.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Backpack Campsite #3. They must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, and owners are responsible for packing out all pet waste.

• Secluded Riverside Location: Campsite #3 is particularly appealing due to its "private and scenic spot in the stream's floodplain" along Pine Run. It's tucked away "50 yards down the side trail," providing a sense of deep seclusion and the soothing sounds of the creek.
• Dog-Friendly Hiking: As noted by a reviewer, it's an "awesome place for a hike with your dogs." The extensive trail network within Mohican-Memorial State Forest, which includes hiking, mountain bike, and bridle trails, offers ample opportunities for long walks with your canine companion.
• Natural Beauty and Pine Plantations: The campsite is surrounded by "tall, straight pines," contributing to a beautiful and immersive forest environment. The broader state forest features magnificent pine plantations and the stunning Clear Fork Gorge.
• Primitive and Authentic Backcountry Experience: For those seeking to truly unplug, this site offers a minimalist camping experience. It's an opportunity to test self-sufficiency skills in a beautiful, natural setting without the distractions of modern amenities.
• Accessible Hike-In: While primitive, it's considered an "easier backpacking experience" compared to more traditional multi-day trails. The relatively short walk (less than a mile) from the parking area makes it more accessible for those new to backpacking or with less gear.
• Stone Slab Tables: Previous campers have thoughtfully constructed "two large stone slab tables" at the site, which are a practical and welcome highlight for cooking or organizing gear, a rare find at primitive sites.
• Proximity to Mohican Attractions: From this base camp, you can explore many of Mohican’s iconic features, including the Clear Fork Gorge, the Fire Tower, and the Covered Bridge, all accessible via the extensive trail system.

As a component of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry, Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3 operates under public land management principles and therefore does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of a private business. Its value lies in providing public access to primitive camping.

The key "offer" for this type of campsite is its no-cost reservation system and the inherent value of accessible wilderness:

• Free Reservations: As of the new reservation system (effective September 1, 2024), there is no charge to set up an account or to create or cancel a reservation for these primitive Park-and-Pack sites. This makes planning your backcountry trip financially accessible.
• Low-Cost Outdoor Recreation: While you'll need to provide all your own gear, food, and water, the absence of a nightly fee for the campsite itself makes it an extremely affordable option for experiencing the deep wilderness of Ohio.

It is crucial for prospective campers to always consult the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website (ohiodnr.gov) for the most current information regarding the reservation system, any specific regulations for Mohican-Memorial State Forest, fire restrictions, and other relevant policies. This will ensure you are fully prepared and compliant with all guidelines for a safe and enjoyable primitive camping experience.

Since Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3 is a primitive, hike-in site, there isn't a direct phone number for the campsite itself. Reservations and general inquiries about camping and trail use in Mohican-Memorial State Forest are managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry and the Mohican State Park office.

• Address: HMRV+46, Loudonville, OH 44864, USA (This is a Plus Code for the general location, not a physical office or mailing address).
• For Reservations:
  • Online: Reservations for Park-and-Pack campsites in Mohican-Memorial State Forest are made through the new ODNR Division of Forestry reservation system. You will need to create an OH|ID account. Look for links on the official ODNR website for Mohican-Memorial State Forest.
• For General Mohican-Memorial State Forest Inquiries:
  • Mohican-Memorial State Forest Office: (419) 938-6222 (for forestry-specific questions).
• For General Mohican State Park Inquiries (which neighbors the State Forest and shares many trails):
  • Mohican State Park Office: (419) 994-5125.
• Official Website: Always refer to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website (ohiodnr.gov/mohican-memorial-state-forest) for the most current rules, trail maps, and safety alerts.

When planning your trip to Backpack Campsite #3, it is vital to be self-sufficient, carry detailed maps, and adhere to all Leave No Trace principles, as there are no on-site staff or facilities at the campsite.

For Ohio locals craving an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3 is an ideal destination. It strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and genuine seclusion, allowing you to truly disconnect and appreciate the raw beauty of our state's natural landscapes. The ease of the "Park-and-Pack" system means you don't need to be an expert thru-hiker to enjoy a backcountry experience, making it suitable for a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts, including those newer to primitive camping.

One of the most compelling reasons this campsite is perfect for locals is its dog-friendly nature, as highlighted by glowing reviews. Being able to bring your canine companion on a rewarding hike and share a secluded camping experience enhances the adventure for many Ohio pet owners. The campsite's prime location along Pine Run, surrounded by towering pines, offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, stargazing, and listening to the sounds of the forest, providing a much-needed respite from daily life.

Furthermore, its integration into the vast Mohican-Memorial State Forest provides endless opportunities for exploration. You can embark on extensive day hikes or mountain bike rides directly from your campsite, discovering the rugged gorges, scenic vistas, and diverse ecosystems that make Mohican a jewel of Ohio's natural park system. By utilizing the new reservation system, locals can plan their trip with confidence, ensuring a designated spot in this beautiful primitive haven. For those ready to embrace self-sufficiency and the serene quiet of an Ohio forest, Backpack Campsite #3 is an excellent choice for a memorable and rejuvenating outdoor adventure.

Mohican-Memorial State Forest - Backpack Campsite #3

HMRV+46, Loudonville, OH 44864, USA