Greetings, campers!

I’m so glad you’re joining us at Hellbender RV Campground, tucked into the scenic heart of southeast Ohio, right next to The Wilds. Whether you’re pulling in with your RV or rolling out your tent under the stars, you’re about to experience something special—a stay surrounded by wildlife, natural beauty, and the comfort of knowing you’re doing right by the land.

Our goal? 

To make your stay as enjoyable as it is earth-friendly. 

Here are a few ways we can all camp responsibly together, along with some important guidelines to help keep this place wild—for you and for future guests.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Before you arrive, check out our website for all the essentials. Need help? Our call center is ready with answers: (740) 638-5030. Once you're here, we’ve made it easy to stay informed with a kiosk right in front of the camp store and a digital info screen inside.

Being prepared helps you relax and enjoy—and reduces the chance of unintentional impacts on the environment.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Our roads within the campground are chip-and-sealed to cut down on dust and reduce wear on the land. It’s our way of protecting the soil and plant life around the campground.

Friendly Reminder: To help us keep things beautiful, please keep all vehicles on designated roads and off grassy areas. Hellbender RV Campground isn’t an off-road facility, and staying on the path keeps native plants and wildlife safe.

Dispose of Waste Properly

We’re all about leaving things better than we found them. Throughout the campground, you’ll find trash cans, recycling bins, dog waste stations, and three large dumpsters—all within easy walking distance from your site.

Do your part: Never leave trash behind, and please don’t toss garbage in your fire ring. These small actions help protect animals, prevent pests, and keep the area clean for the next group of happy campers.

Leave What You Find

The Wilds is a reclaimed landscape that’s been carefully restored—and we’d like to keep it that way. Please enjoy the beauty, but leave rocks, plants, and natural items right where they belong.

Let’s all be stewards of this land by resisting the urge to collect souvenirs and choosing memories instead.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Each site has a dedicated fire ring to help contain flames and protect nearby habitats. In drier months, we may pause fire use altogether during burn bans—but it’s all part of keeping everyone (and everything) safe.

Eco Tip: We sell certified firewood in the camp store that’s been treated to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride. That means no gathering firewood from around your site—leave fallen limbs where they are to support the ecosystem.

Respect Wildlife

You may see wildlife in the distance, and while it’s exciting, remember—they’re not house pets. Give animals their space, never feed them, and take in the view without disturbing their routines.

While you won’t see the animals of The Wilds from the campground (they’re located safely down the road), you’ll still be surrounded by rural Ohio’s native beauty—so let’s enjoy it respectfully.

And here’s a bonus: All campground water is potable, so bring your reusable bottles and refill as needed. You’ll stay hydrated and help reduce plastic waste.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

We want everyone to have a peaceful, enjoyable experience, and a few simple guidelines help make that happen:

• Limit of 8 people per campsite
• Up to 3 tents per site 
• 2 vehicles allowed per site—extras go in overflow
• Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM
• And above all: respect each other. 

These aren’t just our rules—they’re part of our shared promise to treat this campground, and one another, with kindness and care.

We’ve put a lot of love into Hellbender RV Campground—just like we’ve put into the rest of The Wilds. This land was once strip-mined, but today, it’s a living example of what’s possible when conservation meets community. By following these tips and rules, you're helping us protect that legacy.

So pitch your tent, pour a cup of something warm, and take in the stars. We’re so glad you’re here—and we can’t wait to see you around the campfire.

Read our "Leave No Trace" blog Learn more about Hellbender RV Campground