Towpath Trail Peace Park

For Ohioans who cherish genuine outdoor experiences and a connection to the state's rich history, Towpath Trail Peace Park in Bolivar offers a truly unique and peaceful camping destination. Tucked away directly on the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, this campground provides a rustic yet comfortable setting that's perfect for hikers, bikers, kayakers, and anyone simply seeking solace in nature. It's a place where the sounds of coyotes, crickets, and cicadas replace urban noise, inviting you to truly unwind.

What truly sets Towpath Trail Peace Park apart is not just its prime location on multiple scenic trails, but also the warm hospitality and deep local knowledge of its host, Joe. Guests consistently praise Joe for his kindness, his passion for the area's history, and his willingness to share captivating stories about key events that happened right on his property. This personal touch transforms a simple camping trip into an enriching journey through Ohio's past. If you're a nature lover who also appreciates a good story and a friendly face, Towpath Trail Peace Park promises a memorable and rejuvenating escape right here in Ohio.

Towpath Trail Peace Park is strategically located at 689 OH-212, Bolivar, OH 44612, USA. Its address places it at a truly unique and advantageous nexus for outdoor enthusiasts: directly on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This makes it an incredibly accessible spot for those embarking on long-distance hikes or bike rides along this historic pathway, as well as the Buckeye Trail and the ambitious Great American Rail-Trail.

The campground is nestled between the village of Bolivar baseball fields and the McDonnell trailhead on the Ohio & Erie Canal, specifically near the 12' 6" low Wheeling & Lake Erie RR bridge on Scenic Byway 212. This location means campers have immediate, direct access to the trails, allowing them to step out of their tent and onto an adventure. While offering a profound sense of peace and natural isolation, it's not entirely cut off from civilization. The little town of Bolivar is nearby, offering essential services and local charm.

It's worth noting that due to its proximity to a scenic byway and a railroad, some occasional vehicle and train noise might be heard. However, as noted by visitors, the train typically passes only once during the night, and any minor disturbances are quickly overshadowed by the symphony of nature's sounds – coyotes, crickets, and cicadas. The host, Joe, even thoughtfully offers earplugs for light sleepers, demonstrating his dedication to guest comfort. This blend of remote feel with trail-side convenience and a touch of local history makes Towpath Trail Peace Park a prime location for exploring Ohio's natural and historical landscape.

• Primitive Tent Camping: The campground specializes in primitive tent camping, providing a back-to-basics outdoor experience. Sites are designed to accommodate tents and may include features like benches, fire pits, and picnic tables.

• Shared Amenities: While primitive, campers have access to shared amenities to enhance their stay:

  • Electricity: Shared electricity is available for recharging phones and other small devices, a modern convenience for primitive camping.
  • Water: A shared water hose is provided, offering pristine aquifer water rated for human consumption, tested annually.
  • Porta-Jon: A handicapped-accessible Porta-Jon with hand sanitizer is available for restroom needs.

• Camp Host: Joe, the owner and host, is highly praised for his kindness and vast knowledge of local history. He provides a personalized and informative experience, often sharing stories about key events that happened on the property.

• Excellent Wi-Fi: Surprisingly for a primitive campground, reviewers consistently highlight that the "Wifi worked great," allowing campers to stay connected if needed.

• Fire Pits and BBQ Grills: Each primitive campsite includes a fire pit, and BBQ grills (like a Smoky Joe barbecue grill) are also available for cooking over an open flame.

• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood bundles are available for purchase on-site, making it easy to enjoy campfires.

• Snack Shack (Mobile/Future Permanent): The Towpath Trail Snack Shack operates as a mobile catering business, offering quality all-beef hot dogs, gourmet exotic meat sausages, and various trail snacks. Plans are in place to renovate a barn to become a permanent snack shack for 24/7 access via vending machines.

• History Lectures: Joe offers history lectures, providing in-depth knowledge about the local area, including the Greenville Peace Treaty and Fort Laurens.

• Recycling Trash Containers: Environmentally conscious amenities are available for waste disposal.

• Direct Trail Access: The campground's standout feature is its immediate and direct access to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Buckeye Trail, and the Great American Rail-Trail. This makes it an ideal spot for avid hikers, bikers, and long-distance trail users.

• Historical Significance: Situated on the Greenville Peace Treaty Line, the camp offers a profound connection to American history. Host Joe's knowledge and willingness to share stories about Fort Laurens and other local historical events provide an enriching educational component to your stay.

• Exceptional Host (Joe): Joe is consistently praised as a "very kind man" and a "very caring" owner with a "vast amount of knowledge of the history of the area." His friendly demeanor and engaging stories greatly enhance the camping experience.

• Peaceful and Nature-Rich Environment: Despite occasional train sounds, the campground offers profound "peace and quiet." Campers report hearing coyotes, crickets, and cicadas, and seeing hummingbirds, wild turkeys, deer, and other wildlife, fostering a deep connection with nature.

• Surprisingly Good Wi-Fi: For a primitive campground, the "great Wi-Fi" is an unexpected and highly valued amenity, allowing guests to stay connected, plan routes, or work remotely.

• Pet-Friendly: Towpath Trail Peace Park is dog-friendly, welcoming furry companions to join the adventure on the trails and at the campsite.

• Accessible Primitive Camping: Features like a handicapped-accessible Porta-Jon and generally flat terrain cater to a wider range of campers, making primitive camping more accessible.

• Unique Local Culinary Options: The mobile Snack Shack offers unique food items like exotic meat sausages (e.g., caribou-reindeer, bison bratwurst) in addition to traditional hot dogs and trail snacks, providing an interesting culinary experience.

• Reflection and Peace Park Area: A dedicated 1/4 acre of land is set aside as a "Peace Park" at the intersection of the Greenville Peace Treaty Line and the Ohio & Erie Canal, offering a reflective space.

Towpath Trail Peace Park offers straightforward pricing for its primitive campsites. As of past reports, the rates are:

• Weekends: $25 per night for up to two people.

• Additional Person: $5 for each additional person per night.

• Additional Car Parking: $10 per additional car parking spot.

• Weekdays Discount: Enjoy a 25% discount per night on weekdays.

• Firewood: A bundle of firewood is available for purchase at $10.

• History Lecture: Joe's fascinating history lecture can be added for $10.

These rates highlight the affordability of a stay, particularly with the weekday discount encouraging longer, more serene visits. Booking is available through platforms like Hipcamp and The Dyrt. It's always advisable to check their official Towpath Trail Snack Shack website or their Hipcamp/The Dyrt listings for the most current pricing and any seasonal specials.

To plan your visit, inquire about availability, or connect with Joe about the history of the area, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 689 OH-212, Bolivar, OH 44612, USA

• Phone: (234) 521-3576

• Mobile Phone: +1 234-521-3576 (Joe Rinehart)

• Online Booking: Book through Hipcamp or The Dyrt (links often found on their website).

• Facebook: Consider liking their Facebook page for updates: Towpath Trail Peace Park.

You can also find more information on their website, which is associated with the Towpath Trail Snack Shack. Guests have noted that even if Joe isn't immediately available to meet and greet, campers who have booked can proceed to an available campsite and set up.

For Ohioans, Towpath Trail Peace Park in Bolivar represents an ideal local camping destination, perfectly blending accessible outdoor adventure with a rich historical tapestry right in their own state. It's particularly suitable for those who seek genuine connection with nature and a deeper understanding of Ohio's past.

Firstly, its unparalleled location directly on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Buckeye Trail, and Great American Rail-Trail makes it a dream come true for local hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. No long drives to distant parks; simply step out of your tent and onto miles of scenic, historic pathways. This convenience encourages frequent visits, transforming a simple weekend into an ongoing exploration of Ohio's natural beauty and rail-trail heritage. Kayakers and Tuscarawas River fishermen also find this spot highly recommended, providing diverse recreational opportunities.

Secondly, the "peace and quiet" that defines this campground offers a much-needed respite from daily life. For Ohioans living in bustling cities or suburbs, the sounds of coyotes, crickets, and cicadas provide a welcome change, allowing for true relaxation and rejuvenation. The "pretty" sites, surrounded by bushes where hummingbirds might flutter, create a serene atmosphere that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the local ecosystem.

Finally, the personal touch from host Joe is a remarkable highlight for local visitors. His kindness, deep knowledge of local history (including fascinating stories about the Greenville Peace Treaty and Fort Laurens right on his property), and willingness to share these narratives make the experience uniquely enriching. This transforms a basic camping trip into an educational and memorable journey through Ohio's heritage, fostering a deeper connection to the state's roots. It’s a place where you can camp, learn, and truly appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet, making it a truly authentic Ohio experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Towpath Trail Peace Park

689 OH-212, Bolivar, OH 44612, USA