The Ohio And Erie Canal Towpath Trail Campsite offers a unique and secluded camping experience along the historic Towpath trail in New Franklin, Ohio. This primitive campsite is perfect for those seeking an authentic outdoor adventure, providing a free and natural setting for hikers, bikers, and kayakers exploring the area.
The campsite is located off the beaten path, with easy access to nature. While it offers a serene environment, it's close enough to hear passing trains and encounter local wildlife such as possums.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting but recommend being cautious of mosquitoes and train noise. With its proximity to nature and historical significance, the campsite is a must-visit for outdoor adventurers.
Hiking
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Primitive campsite. No water. No fires allowed. Was made for through hiking/biking the Towpath trail. I used it to Kayak the Tuscarawas. Easier access to the river would be great.
Free, primitive campground right off the Towpath. If you're not paying attention you can easily miss the sign. There are 3 sites - two are somewhat close together and the 3rd is off by itself a little bit. Sign in on the sheet, maximum is 1 night. As mentioned, tons of mosquitoes so bring your spray or a net. I also had a family of possums travel through my camp in the morning, so you'll definitely get some wildlife. The train runs fairly close by so if you're a light sleeper you'll likely get woken up. Please pack out everything you brought in!
Seeing this was the fulfillment of one portion of a lifelong dream - next portion, I suppose would be to live or work on a boat (houseboat even) and travel up and down the canal).
One of two primitive backpacking/bikepacking campsites on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the other is at Big Bend Trailhead north of Akron. Bring lots of bug spray or like me just a bug net for pesky mosquitoes. They are abundant. No nearby water source just a pit toilet in the Franklin Trailhead parking lot a couple thousand feet to the north of the campsite. Look for the post with the white tent emblem then up a gravel path to designated tent sites. When I was there in May before the vegetation grew in you can barely see people as they pass the path leading to the tent sites. If you plan on using this site please take good care to Leave No Trace. Campsites like this are a premium for backpackers and a wonderful place to get in touch with nature hopefully for generations to come.
This is just a free campsite located off of the Towpath Trail. It consists of 3 camp sites, each with a limit of 4 people per night, for 1 night at a time. It's quite a nice place to camp after a long day riding or hiking. Be sure to fill out the sign in sheet.