Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #9

For Ohioans yearning for a true escape into the wild, far from the conveniences of modern amenities and bustling crowds, Mohican State Park's Backpack Campsite #9 offers an authentic and rewarding primitive camping experience. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this is a hike-in site, inviting adventurers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of one of Ohio's most beloved natural areas. Located along the extensive trail system that weaves through Mohican State Park and the adjacent Mohican-Memorial State Forest, Campsite #9 provides a secluded haven for backpackers, hikers, and those seeking genuine tranquility. Imagine setting up your tent in a spacious, flat area surrounded by nature, with nothing but the sounds of the forest and the glow of your campfire for company. This isn't just camping; it's an opportunity to embrace self-sufficiency, challenge yourself, and experience the profound peace that only true wilderness can offer. For local Ohio residents, it's an accessible adventure that feels a world away, right in our own backyard.

Mohican State Park's Backpack Campsite #9 is situated along the Pleasant Hill Lake Trail, near Perrysville, OH 44864, USA. This location places it deep within the expansive and diverse Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest system, a renowned hub for outdoor recreation in Ohio. As a primitive, hike-in site, direct vehicle access to Campsite #9 is not available, which is precisely what contributes to its secluded charm.

Accessibility for backpackers is via various trails within the park and forest. While specific mileage to Campsite #9 from various trailheads might vary, the overall "park-and-pack" campsite system at Mohican is designed to be accessible with a hike of a mile or less from designated parking areas. For sites 8 through 10, including #9, parking is typically found at lower and upper areas at the end of Township Road 3006. From the upper parking area, trails lead directly to these sites.

Mohican State Park itself is conveniently located in Ashland County, making it a manageable drive for most Ohio residents. It's accessible via major state routes, including State Route 3 and State Route 97, which connect to larger highways. This allows for a relatively straightforward drive from metropolitan areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati to the park's main entrances or designated trailhead parking. The commitment to hiking in your gear for a truly primitive experience is part of the appeal, offering a rewarding sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the natural environment. While isolated, the park's general accessibility ensures that this wilderness escape remains a viable and exciting option for local adventurers across Ohio.

As a primitive backpacking campsite, Mohican State Park's Campsite #9 offers a minimalist approach to camping, focusing on the essential elements for a wilderness experience. The services provided are deliberately limited to encourage self-sufficiency and respect for the natural environment, aligning with Leave No Trace principles.

Services Offered:

• Designated Flat Tent Space: Campsite #9 features plenty of flat space, ideal for pitching multiple tents comfortably. This ensures a stable and relatively level sleeping area, crucial for a good night's rest in the backcountry.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring is provided at the campsite, allowing for controlled campfires. This is an essential amenity for cooking, warmth, and the quintessential campfire experience, while also containing fires for safety and minimizing impact. It's important to note that campfires are prohibited from 6 AM to 6 PM during March, April, May, October, and November, and must always be attended.
• Accessibility from Trails: The campsite is accessible from two different trails, providing flexibility for backpackers in planning their routes in and out of the site. This also contributes to the secluded feel, as it's not directly visible or reachable from a single, heavily trafficked path.
• Permit System: All campsite users, including those at backpack sites, must have a valid digital permit issued through the reservation system. This helps manage usage and ensures a controlled wilderness experience.
• Self-Registration: For Park-and-Pack sites, including #9, self-registration is required at a kiosk located at the state forest headquarters (950 ODNR Mohican Rd 60, Perrysville, Ohio 44864). This involves writing your name and campsite number, and placing a portion of the registration form on your vehicle's dash.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted at these campsites, provided they are kept on a leash and under control at all times. Visitors are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and packing out all pet waste.

It's crucial to understand that these primitive sites do NOT offer amenities such as potable water, restrooms, or utilities. Campers must pack in all necessary water and practice Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal (e.g., burying human waste, packing out all trash).

The true highlights of Mohican State Park's Backpack Campsite #9 lie not in luxurious amenities, but in the immersive natural experience it provides and its proximity to the region's most celebrated outdoor features. This campsite serves as a gateway to some of Ohio's most stunning landscapes and challenging trails.

Features / Highlights:

• Seclusion and Wilderness Immersion: As a primitive hike-in site, Campsite #9 offers a genuine sense of solitude and disconnection from the developed world. It's an ideal spot for those seeking quiet reflection and an intimate connection with nature, away from the noise of larger campgrounds.
• Access to Extensive Trail Network: The campsite’s accessibility from multiple trails means backpackers have direct access to Mohican State Park’s 13 miles of hiking trails and the Mohican-Memorial State Forest’s additional 32 miles of trails. These include popular routes like the Clear Fork Gorge Trail, Hemlock Gorge Trail leading to the iconic Swinging Bridge and Covered Bridge, and challenging mountain biking trails.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from urban light pollution, the night sky at Campsite #9 can be incredibly clear, offering fantastic opportunities for stargazing and appreciating the vastness of the cosmos.
• Wildlife Viewing: The deep forest setting provides excellent opportunities for observing native Ohio wildlife, including various bird species, deer, and other woodland creatures in their natural habitat.
• Connection to Pleasant Hill Lake: While the campsite itself is primitive, its location near the Pleasant Hill Lake Trail suggests proximity to the 850-acre Pleasant Hill Lake, which offers fishing (largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie), boating, and a public swimming beach (though amenities around the lake would require a hike).
• Challenge and Accomplishment: Successfully backpacking to and camping at a primitive site like #9 offers a unique sense of accomplishment and builds valuable outdoor skills. It's a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a physical challenge.

As a primitive backpacking campsite within Mohican State Park, specific promotional offers for Campsite #9 are generally not provided in the same way as commercial campgrounds or lodge facilities. Ohio State Parks, however, do offer various benefits and pricing structures that make outdoor adventures accessible and appealing for local residents.

Promotions or Special Offers (based on Ohio State Park policies and general backpacking practices):

• Affordable Primitive Camping: Backpacking campsites like #9 are typically offered at a lower cost than full-service RV or developed tent sites due to the limited amenities, making them a very economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• No Entry Fees for State Parks: Mohican State Park, like all Ohio State Parks, does not charge an entry fee, which immediately makes the overall outdoor experience more affordable.
• Year-Round Access: Many backpacking trails and primitive campsites remain open year-round, allowing for unique winter camping experiences for those prepared, often at lower off-season rates if applicable.
• Ohio State Parks Rewards Program: Ohio State Parks offers a rewards program. While not a direct discount on Campsite #9, enrolling in this program (accessible via the Ohio State Parks Reservation System website) can lead to benefits for future stays or activities within the state park system.
• Educational Programs: While not a direct discount, the park often hosts free or low-cost educational programs through its nature center, enriching the camping experience.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for backpacking permits and any potential park-wide promotions, it is always recommended to check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or contact Mohican State Park directly.

For those eager to embark on a primitive backpacking adventure at Mohican State Park's Campsite #9, contacting the park office or utilizing the Ohio State Parks reservation system is essential for obtaining the necessary permits and up-to-date information.

Contact Information:

Address: Pleasant Hill Lake Trail, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA (This is the general vicinity for accessing the backpacking trails and sites. The Mohican-Memorial State Forest Headquarters is the point of self-registration for Park-and-Pack sites.)

Mohican-Memorial State Forest Headquarters (Self-Registration Kiosk Address):

950 ODNR Mohican Rd 60 (County Road 939), Perrysville, Ohio 44864

Mohican State Park Office Phone: (419) 994-5125 (General park inquiries, 8 AM - 4 PM, Monday-Friday)

Ohio State Parks Central Reservation Line: (866) 644-6727 (For making reservations for campsites and cabins across Ohio State Parks, including backpacking permits.)

Website for Reservations: Reservations for backpacking campsites are required and can be made in advance online through the Ohio State Parks Reservation System (reserveohio.com).

It is strongly advised to make reservations for backpacking campsites, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited. Always confirm the current rules and regulations regarding primitive camping, fire restrictions, and leave no trace principles before your trip.

For Ohio locals, Mohican State Park's Backpack Campsite #9 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a true wilderness immersion without having to travel across the country. Its appeal lies in its deliberate lack of modern amenities, forcing a return to basics and fostering a deep appreciation for nature. This type of camping is suitable for locals who are experienced backpackers or those looking to expand their outdoor skills, seeking a quiet and challenging escape. The ability to hike into your campsite means leaving behind the noise and bustle of larger, more developed areas, offering a profound sense of solitude that is increasingly rare. Furthermore, the extensive network of trails surrounding Campsite #9 provides endless opportunities for exploration, whether you're into strenuous hikes, peaceful nature walks, or even trail running. It’s an ideal choice for Ohioans who value self-reliance, want to practice Leave No Trace principles, and are keen to discover the untouched beauty of their home state's forests and gorges. Choosing Campsite #9 is not just about a night in a tent; it's about embracing an adventure, reconnecting with the wild, and proving that some of the most rewarding experiences are found off the beaten path, right here in Ohio.

Mohican State Park - Backpack Campsite #9

Pleasant Hill Lake Trail, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA