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CUMBERLAND, OH – Get ready for a wild adventure! The Wilds is officially open for the 2025 summer season, offering unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. More excitement is on the horizon this summer with the grand opening of the new Hellbender RV Campground on May 30!
Located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface mining land, The Wilds is an award-winning destination, named one of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Safari Parks, and a conservation center unlike any other—combining innovative conservation science and education with hands-on, immersive experiences. Wide open pastures provide a breathtaking home for more than 30 rare and endangered species from around the world, including takin, Père David’s deer, greater one-horned rhinos, southern white rhinos, Masai giraffes, and more.
Guests can explore The Wilds through a variety of daily tour options. The Open-Air Safari Tour, presented by G&J Pepsi, allows guests to ride through expansive pastures aboard an open-air vehicle while knowledgeable guides share insights about the amazing animals who call The Wilds home. For those looking to get even closer to the action, the Wildside Tour is offered by an Animal Management team member driving a specially modified four-wheel drive truck off the regular tour paths.
Guests seeking even more adventure can choose from an array of specialty tours. Whether guests are soaring above the pastures on a Zipline Safari Tour, reeling in the fun on a Fishing Safari across one of nearly 100 lakes, saddling up for a Horseback Safari, marveling at vibrant colors during a Sunset Tour, or discovering the rich birdlife during the Birding at The Wilds experience, there is something for everyone.
For those looking to extend their stay, The Wilds offers a range of overnight accommodations, including the adults-only Nomad Ridge yurts, family-friendly Cabins at Straker Lake, beautiful Lodge, and the adventurous WildNights at the Outpost camping experience.
New for 2025, The Wilds is set to open the Hellbender RV Campground, a 75-acre development. The new campground will feature 47 full-service RV sites, 26 primitive camping spots, hiking and biking trails, a playground, camp store, dog park, and additional amenities to enhance guests’ connection with nature.
Named after the eastern hellbender, North America’s largest amphibian and an endangered species in Ohio, the campground pays tribute to the importance of protecting natural waterways and local wildlife. Known for their incredible ability to thrive in clean, healthy water, these “living fossils” have been around for more than 65 million years. However, the eastern hellbender is currently listed as endangered in the state of Ohio, a reminder of how vital it is to protect our natural waterways. From its legendary nickname “snot otter” to the species’ role as an indicator of a thriving ecosystem, the hellbender is the perfect symbol for this new campground. Located at the intersection of State Route 146 and Zion Ridge Road near The Wilds, the Hellbender RV Campground is also expected to welcome an estimated 35,000 visitors annually, providing a major boost to local tourism and economic growth. The Hellbender RV Campground opens on May 30, and reservations are available through The Wilds’ website.
"The Wilds has always been a place where conservation and adventure come together, and we are incredibly excited to open the Hellbender RV Campground this season," said Vice President of The Wilds Dr. Joe Smith. "This new experience will provide our guests with even more opportunities to connect with nature while celebrating a remarkable Ohio species whose resilience mirrors the mission of The Wilds. Whether you're camping under the stars, exploring our pastures, or learning about our conservation work, there is truly something for everyone.”
The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information about tours, conservation initiatives, events, and educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
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About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.
