Woodbury Overflow Camp

For Ohioans who truly appreciate the untamed beauty of our state and seek an authentic, no-frills outdoor experience, the Woodbury Overflow Camp offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. Located within the expansive Woodbury Wildlife Area, this primitive campground is designed for those who embrace the rugged side of camping, focusing on wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, and simply enjoying the vast natural surroundings. It’s a stark contrast to highly developed RV parks or amenity-rich resorts, appealing to the adventurous spirit looking for a genuine wilderness escape.

Woodbury Wildlife Area, encompassing over 19,000 acres in Coshocton County, is a significant natural resource managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). It’s a diverse landscape of reclaimed land, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and ponds, providing a rich habitat for various wildlife. The Overflow Camp serves as a vital component of this area, offering accessible camping specifically tailored to those engaging in outdoor pursuits. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Woodbury Overflow Camp, detailing its location, the services it offers, its distinct features, and why it's a perfect fit for Ohio locals eager to experience true primitive camping.

It's important to note that Woodbury Overflow Camp operates under specific regulations designed to preserve the wildlife area and ensure a consistent experience for its users. This includes a seasonal camping period and a requirement for campers to hold a valid Ohio hunting, fishing, or trapping license. These guidelines help maintain the camp's character and align with the primary purposes of the wildlife area, making it a specialized destination for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

Woodbury Overflow Camp is situated within the Woodbury Wildlife Area, specifically located in Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA. This places it approximately four miles west of Coshocton, a well-known city in Coshocton County, in the east-central region of Ohio. The wildlife area itself is extensive, covering over 19,000 acres, and access can be gained via various state routes, including SR 16, SR 36, SR 60, and SR 541, with SR 541 running through the center of the area providing good access to a network of county and township roads.

While the address indicates a general township, the campground is part of a designated camping area within the broader wildlife area. Due to its primitive nature, campers should expect less developed roads leading to the sites compared to a state park campground. However, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) manages the area, implying a reasonable level of accessibility for vehicles, though combined vehicle and camper length is limited to a maximum of 34 feet at designated sites.

Given its rural setting, cell phone service might be intermittent or unavailable in certain parts of the wildlife area, including the camp. It's always advisable for Ohio locals to download maps or carry physical directions to ensure a smooth arrival. The beauty of this location lies in its remoteness, offering a genuine escape from urban noise and light pollution, perfect for stargazing and immersing oneself in the sounds of nature. Coshocton, being relatively close, can provide access to essential supplies before heading into the wildlife area.

Services Offered

• Primitive Sites: Woodbury Overflow Camp offers 32 primitive campsites. These sites are typically undeveloped, meaning they do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means reservations are not possible, and campers must arrive early to secure a spot, especially during popular seasons.
• Limited Capacity per Site: Each designated campsite permits no more than 2 motor vehicles and 2 tents. Combined vehicle and camper length is limited to a maximum of 34 feet.
• Seasonal Camping: Camping is permitted only from the last Friday in September through the third Monday in May. This restricts summer camping, making it a fall, winter, and spring destination.
• Maximum Stay Length: Campers are limited to a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
• Valid License Requirement: All campers are required to possess a valid Ohio hunting, fishing, or trapping license. This is a unique requirement that aligns with the wildlife area's primary purpose.
• Natural Features: While not a direct "service," the campground provides access to the wildlife area's natural features including woods, grasslands, reclaimed land, wetlands, and ponds, which are integral to the camping experience.
• Associated Facilities (Woodbury Wildlife Area): While the camp itself is primitive, the broader Woodbury Wildlife Area offers additional facilities like a shooting range (with associated fees and rules) and various trails, though these are separate from the immediate camping services.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Primitive Camping: This is the core highlight. Woodbury Overflow Camp offers a true primitive camping experience, ideal for those who prefer roughing it and disconnecting from modern conveniences.
• Hunting and Fishing Access: The campground's location within a vast wildlife area provides unparalleled access to hunting (deer, squirrel, rabbit, wild turkey, grouse, furbearers) and fishing (stocked ponds with bass, bluegill, catfish) opportunities for licensed individuals.
• Expansive Wildlife Area: With over 19,000 acres, the Woodbury Wildlife Area offers extensive space for exploration, hiking, birding (over 60 species of birds observed nearby), and wildlife viewing (deer, turkey, various furbearers).
• Variety of Habitats: The area's diverse mixture of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and numerous small water impoundments (ponds and wetlands), creates a rich ecological environment to discover.
• Shooting Range Access: For those interested in target practice, the Woodbury Wildlife Area includes a public shooting range (with separate permits and fees) offering rifle, pistol, and archery ranges.
• Stargazing: Due to minimal light pollution in this rural Ohio location, the camp provides excellent conditions for stargazing on clear nights.
• Quiet and Secluded: The primitive nature and regulations often contribute to a quieter, more secluded camping experience compared to more populated campgrounds.
• Off-Road Vehicle (APV) Trails: The wildlife area features designated APV (All-Purpose Vehicle) trails for those with permits, adding another recreational dimension.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a primitive campground located within an Ohio Wildlife Area and managed by the ODNR Division of Wildlife, Woodbury Overflow Camp does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way commercial campgrounds might. Its appeal lies in its low-cost, back-to-basics approach to camping.

The primary "offer" is the access to the primitive sites themselves, which are free of charge. However, there is a key requirement:

• Valid License Requirement: All campers must possess a valid Ohio hunting, fishing, or trapping license. This isn't a fee for camping directly but a prerequisite for utilizing the wildlife area's camping facilities. Licenses can be purchased annually or for shorter durations through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or authorized vendors.

Given the first-come, first-served nature, there are no booking discounts or seasonal package deals. The value proposition of Woodbury Overflow Camp comes from the affordability of the camping experience combined with unparalleled access to a vast, managed wildlife area for hunting, fishing, and general outdoor recreation. Any costs incurred would primarily be for the required license, personal supplies, and transport.

Contact Information

For general inquiries about the Woodbury Wildlife Area and its camping regulations, the best points of contact are:

Address (for Woodbury Wildlife Area): Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA. The headquarters for the Woodbury Wildlife Area are located at 23371 SR 60 South, Warsaw, Ohio 43844.

Phone:

• Woodbury Wildlife Area Manager: (740) 824-3211
• ODNR Division of Wildlife District 4 Office (Athens): (740) 594-2211

Since sites are first-come, first-served, you cannot call to reserve a spot. However, these numbers can provide updated information on area conditions, rules, or any temporary closures. For purchasing hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website or any authorized license vendor.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Woodbury Overflow Camp is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for Ohio locals who possess a specific appreciation for primitive camping and immersive outdoor pursuits. Its appeal lies in its unique blend of wilderness access, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity for a truly unplugged experience.

For licensed hunters, fishers, and trappers across Ohio, this campground offers unparalleled access to a prime wildlife area. The ability to camp directly within the vast Woodbury Wildlife Area, and be minutes away from extensive hunting grounds or stocked ponds, is a significant advantage. It allows for longer, more dedicated trips focused on their specific outdoor passions, creating a streamlined and efficient experience from camp to field or water.

Beyond specific hunting or fishing activities, the Woodbury Overflow Camp caters to any Ohioan seeking a rustic, back-to-basics camping adventure. In an era where many campgrounds are becoming increasingly commercialized, Woodbury stands as a testament to simple, unadulterated outdoor enjoyment. The absence of hookups forces a return to traditional camping skills, fostering self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for nature's essentials. For families or individuals wanting to teach survival skills or simply disconnect from digital distractions, this primitive setting is ideal.

The "first-come, first-served" approach adds a spontaneous element to trip planning, appealing to those who enjoy flexibility and the challenge of securing a spot. The limited 14-day stay encourages rotation, ensuring that more Ohioans have the chance to experience this unique resource. The tranquil atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and clear night skies—free from urban light pollution—make it a perfect sanctuary for contemplation, nature photography, or simply enjoying the quietude of Ohio's natural heritage.

In essence, Woodbury Overflow Camp is a gem for the adventurous, self-sufficient Ohio local. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s an integral part of an expansive wildlife experience, offering an affordable and authentic journey into the wild heart of our state. For those who believe the best camping involves fresh air, natural sounds, and direct engagement with Ohio's diverse ecosystems, this primitive camp is an absolute must-visit.

Woodbury Overflow Camp

Bedford Township, OH 43812, USA