Woodbury Camp

For Ohioans seeking a camping experience that blends rustic charm with a rich, unique history, Woodbury Camp in Bedford Township, Ohio, presents an intriguing opportunity. Spanning 150 acres and featuring a private lake, a lodge, cabins, and designated campsites, Woodbury Camp has been a part of Ohio’s landscape for approximately 100 years. Its storied past, transitioning from Joe Louis’s training camp to a Detroit YWCA camp for African American youth, and later a VFW camp, adds a distinct character that sets it apart from many other outdoor destinations in our state.

Currently, Woodbury Camp is undergoing a transformation, evolving into a state-licensed campground that welcomes a range of visitors, including those with RVs and tent campers. This development is significant for Ohio locals, as it means more opportunities to experience this unique property. The current owners, Jan Muhleman and Tom Hollyer, acquired the camp with a vision to preserve its essence while allowing more people to enjoy its natural beauty and facilities. As Jan recognized, "the camp was created so that lots of people could enjoy it."

The allure of Woodbury Camp lies not just in its historical depth but also in its natural offerings. With a private lake at its heart, it provides a serene setting for water-based activities and peaceful relaxation. The presence of cabins and a lodge further enhances the appeal, offering diverse accommodation options for different preferences. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent by the woods, park your RV with convenient hookups, or enjoy the comforts of a cabin or the spacious lodge, Woodbury Camp aims to cater to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

This article will delve into the specifics of Woodbury Camp, exploring its location and accessibility within Ohio, the services and features it provides, and how its unique history contributes to its overall charm. For Ohio residents looking for a destination that offers more than just a typical campground, Woodbury Camp promises an experience steeped in nature and history, right in our own backyard.

Woodbury Camp is located in Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA. While a specific street address isn't widely publicized in available public data beyond the township, its location in Bedford Township suggests a rural or semi-rural setting, characteristic of many Ohio campgrounds that offer an escape into nature. Bedford Township is situated in Coshocton County, a region of Ohio known for its natural beauty, including rolling hills and forested areas.

For Ohio residents, accessibility would generally involve traveling via state routes and local roads leading into Bedford Township. While the exact access point to the 150-acre property isn't detailed, the mention of it being a former "VFW camp" and now transitioning to a "state-licensed campground" suggests that there are established, navigable access points suitable for vehicles, including RVs. Being a private property with a long history as a camp, it likely has well-maintained internal roads or trails for navigation within the grounds.

The camp's remote yet accessible nature allows it to provide the peaceful, natural environment campers seek, away from urban noise and light pollution. While specific travel times from major Ohio cities aren't available without a precise street address, its location in Coshocton County positions it within a reasonable drive for many residents across Central and Northeastern Ohio, making it a viable option for weekend trips or longer stays for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience in their home state.

• Campsites for Tents and RVs: Woodbury Camp offers designated campsites for both "soft, pitch-your-own tent campers" and "hard shell, RV-type camper." They have six sites for tents and two sites with electricity and water hookups for RVs.
• Cabin Rentals: The camp features several cabins, some of which have been converted to year-round residences by previous owners, and others likely available for rent. Cabin 4 was specifically built as a director's cabin and already had heat and plumbing.
• Lodge Rental: A lodge is available, featuring amenities such as a pool table, piano, vintage Hammond B3 organ, library, and a commercial-grade kitchen. It can be rented for events, including weddings.
• Private Lake Access: Enjoy access to a private lake for various activities, although specific details on permitted activities (e.g., swimming, fishing, boating) would need to be confirmed. The history mentions a tragic drowning, suggesting a need for caution and potential restrictions.
• Bath House Facilities: Two barrier-free bathrooms are available in a bath house for campers' use.
• Mowed Trails: The property includes trails "mowed for easy walking through forest, fields, and woodland swamps."
• Special Use Permit and State Campground License: The camp has been working to obtain a special use permit and a state campground license, indicating a commitment to formal operation as a public-facing campground.
• Event Hosting (e.g., Weddings): While not originally intended, the lodge and grounds have become a venue for events like weddings, suggesting flexibility in their offerings.

• Historic Significance: A major highlight is its rich history, spanning approximately 100 years. It served as Joe Louis's training camp, a Detroit YWCA camp for African American youth, and a VFW camp. This historical depth offers a unique layer to the camping experience.
• 150 Acres of Natural Beauty: The expansive 150-acre property provides ample space for exploration, featuring diverse landscapes including forests, fields, and woodland swamps, enhancing the sense of a true outdoor escape.
• Private Lake: A central feature of the camp, offering serene views and opportunities for water-related activities (specifics on permitted activities like swimming, fishing, or boating should be confirmed directly with the camp).
• Lodge with Amenities: The lodge is a significant amenity, offering indoor recreational options like a pool table, piano, and a commercial kitchen, making it suitable for groups and events, or as a communal gathering space for campers.
• Variety of Accommodation Options: With both RV and tent campsites (with some hookups) and cabins, the camp caters to different preferences for comfort and style of camping.
• Mowed Trails for Easy Walking: The presence of well-maintained trails makes it easy for visitors of all ages to explore the property's natural beauty.
• Transition to State-Licensed Campground: The ongoing process of becoming a state-licensed campground signifies a commitment to meeting official standards and openly welcoming guests, which is a positive development for Ohio locals seeking reliable camping options.
• Unique and Rustic Charm: The historical context and natural setting contribute to a unique, rustic charm that differentiates it from more modern or commercialized campgrounds.

As a property that is transitioning and establishing itself more formally as a state-licensed campground, specific, widely advertised promotions or special offers for Woodbury Camp are not explicitly detailed in publicly available information. However, based on the nature of such a developing recreational property, potential approaches to pricing and value for Ohio locals might include:

• Introductory Rates: As they solidify their status as a state-licensed campground open to the public, Woodbury Camp may introduce special introductory rates for initial bookings to attract new campers and build a client base. This would be a common strategy for newly formalized camping operations.

• Flexible Rental Options: The mention of cabins and a lodge, alongside RV and tent sites, implies a range of pricing points catering to different budgets and preferences. While not a "promotion," offering diverse accommodation types provides inherent value to a broader audience of Ohioans.

• Package Deals for Lodge/Event Rentals: Given that the lodge is being used for events like weddings, it's possible they offer package deals that bundle the use of the lodge with certain campsites or cabin rentals, which could be attractive for local groups or family reunions.

• Seasonal or Off-Peak Pricing: Once established, it is common for campgrounds to offer reduced rates during their off-peak seasons (e.g., early spring, late fall) or for mid-week stays when demand is lower. This would provide opportunities for more budget-conscious Ohio campers.

• Long-Term Stay Discounts: If they develop a system for longer stays (e.g., weekly or monthly), it's customary to offer a discounted nightly rate compared to single-night bookings, providing value for Ohioans looking for extended retreats.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, rates for campsites, cabins, or the lodge, and any potential introductory offers, Ohio residents should contact Woodbury Camp directly. As they formalize their operations, pricing and booking details are likely to become more transparent and accessible.

At present, public information on Woodbury Camp in Bedford Township, OH, primarily provides an address. Specific phone numbers or a dedicated website for direct bookings or inquiries regarding its current operational status as a public campground are not readily available in the provided data. However, as it transitions to a state-licensed campground, official contact methods would typically become established.

Address: Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA

As the camp finalizes its licensing and public access, it is advisable to search for updated contact details, such as a phone number or website, which would be the primary means of inquiry for reservations or specific questions about their camping services.

For Ohio locals, Woodbury Camp in Bedford Township represents a truly unique and evolving outdoor destination, highly suitable for those seeking a camping experience with character and historical depth. Its 150 acres of diverse natural landscape, featuring forests, fields, and a private lake, offer an immediate escape into the tranquility of Ohio's countryside. This proximity means less travel time and more time spent enjoying nature, a key benefit for residents looking for accessible retreats.

The rich, century-long history of Woodbury Camp—from its origins as a training ground for Joe Louis to its role as a YWCA and VFW camp—adds an unparalleled dimension to a stay here. For Ohioans who appreciate local heritage and enjoy connecting with places that have stories to tell, Woodbury Camp offers a fascinating backdrop to their outdoor adventures. It's not just a campsite; it's a piece of living history right here in our state.

The current transition of Woodbury Camp into a state-licensed campground, with designated RV and tent sites, is particularly beneficial for local users. This indicates a commitment to welcoming the public and establishing formal operations, which will likely lead to more structured booking processes and clear amenities. The availability of a lodge and cabins also broadens its appeal, offering options for various group sizes and comfort preferences, from rustic tent camping to more communal or glamping-style experiences.

While specific contact information for direct bookings might still be developing as they formalize their public operations, the potential for this historic Ohio property to become a regular destination for camping, family gatherings, or even small events is immense. For locals who value a blend of natural beauty, unique history, and the evolving promise of a well-managed outdoor retreat, Woodbury Camp is certainly a place to keep on the radar for their next Ohio adventure.

Woodbury Camp

Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA