Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6

For Ohioans who truly value getting back to basics and immersing themselves in nature, Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6 offers an unparalleled opportunity for a primitive camping experience. This isn't a family campground with playgrounds and hookups; it’s a designated, hike-in site designed for adventurers who prefer the quiet solitude of the wilderness and are prepared for self-sufficient camping. Located within the vast and beautiful Mohican-Memorial State Forest near Loudonville, it’s a perfect spot to unplug and reconnect with Ohio's stunning natural landscapes.

Mohican State Park and the adjacent Mohican-Memorial State Forest are celebrated across Ohio for their rugged terrain, deep ravines, and extensive trail systems. Backpack Campsite #6 is one of several "Park-and-Pack" sites, meaning you'll park your vehicle and hike a relatively short distance to your secluded spot. This allows you to experience the peace and quiet of backcountry camping without the commitment of a multi-day trek deep into the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker looking for a convenient escape or a novice eager to test your primitive camping skills, this campsite provides an authentic Ohio outdoor adventure.

---

Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6 is located within the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, with its general vicinity being Loudonville, OH 44864, USA. While a precise street address for a specific campsite is often replaced by GPS coordinates or general park directions (like the given HPQ6+WW code, which indicates a location on a map), its setting places it firmly in one of Ohio's premier natural recreation areas.

These "Park-and-Pack" sites are designed for accessibility by foot. To access Backpack Campsite #6 (and others in the series), campers must first self-register at a kiosk located at the state forest headquarters and service buildings at 950 ODNR Mohican Rd 60 (County Road 939), Perrysville, Ohio 44864. From a designated parking area, a short hike—typically less than a mile—leads to these primitive sites. This walk-in access ensures a backcountry feel, while still being relatively convenient for packing in necessary gear. The overall Mohican region is well-connected by Ohio's state routes, making it an accessible destination for many residents across the state, usually within a 1 to 2-hour drive from major urban centers like Columbus or Cleveland. This balance of being deeply immersed in nature yet relatively easy to reach makes it an ideal spot for Ohioans seeking a quick wilderness escape.

---

Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6 offers a deliberately minimalist set of services to preserve its primitive character and encourage self-sufficiency among campers:

• Designated Primitive Site: Campsite #6 is a clearly marked, undeveloped primitive site, identified by a red triangle on a white Carsonite post. It's intended for tent camping and low-impact outdoor living.

• Metal Fire Ring: Each primitive site is equipped with a metal fire ring, allowing for safe campfires for cooking and warmth. It's important to note that campfires are only permitted within these rings and are prohibited between 6 am and 6 pm during the months of March, April, May, October, and November.

• No Water at Site: There is no direct water source at Backpack Campsite #6. Campers must pack in all their drinking water or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources (if available and safe), or collect potable water from central locations within the broader state park (like the main campground or forest service center) before heading to their site.

• No Restrooms at Site: Individual primitive sites do not have restrooms. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, which typically involves burying waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources and trails.

• Self-Registration / Reservation System: Until September 1, 2025, camping at these sites operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration at a kiosk. Starting September 1, 2025, a new reservation system will be in effect, requiring a digital permit obtained through an online booking system for dates on and after that date. This allows campers to reserve their spot up to 90 days in advance.

These limited services emphasize the true primitive camping experience, requiring campers to be prepared with all necessary gear and knowledge of backcountry ethics.

---

Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6, like its counterparts in the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, offers distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Authentic Wilderness Feel: Being a primitive, hike-in site, it offers a genuine backcountry camping experience. This means more solitude, fewer crowds, and a deeper connection to nature compared to traditional campgrounds.

• Gateway to Extensive Trails: The campsite is part of a larger network that provides access to Mohican's extensive hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails. This allows campers to explore the scenic Clear Fork Gorge, discover hidden waterfalls like Lyons Falls, or simply wander through the impressive hemlock and pine forests.

• Secluded and Peaceful Environment: The "Park-and-Pack" design ensures that sites are spaced out and tucked away from the main roads and busy areas, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and quiet.

• Ideal for Skill Building: For new backpackers, the relatively short hike to the site makes it an excellent place to test gear and refine primitive camping skills without committing to a multi-day backcountry expedition.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at these campsites, provided they are kept on a leash and under control at all times, making it possible for canine companions to join in the adventure.

• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Campers are immersed in the beauty of the Mohican-Memorial State Forest, known for its unique geology, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography.

• Reservation Option (Coming Soon): The upcoming ability to reserve sites (effective September 1, 2025) will be a significant highlight, offering peace of mind and allowing campers to plan their trip well in advance, securing their desired primitive spot.

---

As a primitive campsite within an Ohio State Park and Forest system, Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6 does not operate with commercial "promotions or special offers" in the way a private campground might. Its primary appeal lies in providing an accessible, authentic, and often low-cost wilderness experience. However, there are significant operational updates that are important for campers to be aware of:

• Transition to Reservation System (Effective September 1, 2025): Until September 1, 2025, these sites are first-come, first-served and free (though a self-registered permit is required). However, for all camping dates on or after September 1, 2025, a new online reservation system will be in effect for Mohican-Memorial State Forest's Park-and-Pack campsites. This is a crucial change for planning purposes.

• No Fee for Reservations (Currently): While reservations will be required, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) states there is "no charge to create or cancel a reservation." This maintains the accessibility of these primitive sites financially, making it easier to plan without additional booking fees.

• Advance Booking Capability: The new system will allow campers to reserve a site up to 90 days in advance, a major convenience that helps secure a spot, especially during popular times. Users are limited to reserving 14 days within a 30-day window and up to two campsites for the same dates at one campground.

To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking and regulations for Backpack Campsite #6, Ohioans should always consult the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website, specifically the Division of Forestry section for state forest camping reservations.

---

For Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6, direct contact for this specific primitive site is routed through the broader Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest management. It's important to use the official channels for the most accurate information:

• Address for Forest Headquarters (Self-Registration Kiosk Location until Sep 1, 2025): 950 ODNR Mohican Rd 60 (County Road 939), Perrysville, Ohio 44864, USA.

• Mohican State Park Office Phone: (419) 994-5125 (General Park inquiries, typically open Monday-Friday during business hours).

• Official ODNR Division of Forestry Website: For comprehensive information, detailed maps, current rules, and critically, to access the new online reservation system for "Park-and-Pack" campsites (effective September 1, 2025), please visit the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources website (ohiodnr.gov) and navigate to the "State Forest Camping Reservations" under the Division of Forestry section. This is the most reliable source for managing your primitive camping plans.

Always check the official ODNR website before your trip for the most up-to-date rules, regulations, and any changes to the reservation process for backpack campsites.

---

For Ohio residents, Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6 offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience, particularly for those yearning for a genuine wilderness escape right in our own backyard. Its appeal lies in its commitment to providing an authentic primitive camping adventure without the need for extensive travel often associated with more remote backcountry destinations.

Firstly, the accessibility for locals is a significant advantage. The relatively short hike from a designated parking area to the campsite makes it feasible for a weekend trip, allowing Ohioans to quickly disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in nature. This ease of access, combined with the low (or no) cost of the primitive sites, makes it an affordable and practical choice for regular outdoor excursions.

Secondly, the comprehensive trail system accessible from these sites means endless opportunities for exploration. Whether it's hiking through the stunning Clear Fork Gorge, discovering hidden waterfalls, or simply enjoying the peaceful forest, Mohican offers a diverse natural playground. The upcoming reservation system for these backpack sites (effective September 1, 2025) further enhances its suitability for locals, providing the ability to plan and secure a spot in advance, removing the uncertainty of first-come, first-served and making it easier to integrate a primitive camping trip into busy schedules. For Ohioans who value self-sufficiency, solitude, and direct engagement with our state's beautiful wild spaces, Backpack Campsite #6 in Mohican State Park provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable and restorative outdoor adventure.

Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #6

HPQ6+WW, Loudonville, OH 44864, USA