Gone are the days when you'd roll up to a campsite in Hocking or Mohican-Memorial State Forests, fingers crossed, hoping there's a spot for you. In a move to streamline outdoor escapades, a shiny new reservation system has been trotted out to ensure your tent has a guaranteed piece of woodland real estate waiting. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), campers can now book one of the 23 campsites at Hocking State Forest Horse Campground, or pitch their tent at Mohican-Memorial State Forest's seven Park-and-Pack sites, without the gamble of first-come, first-served.
The digital shift - it's aimed at helping campers plan better and administrators tend better to visitors' needs. "Ohio’s state forests provide visitors with a unique camping experience," Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser noted in a public statement. Balser mentioned that this system isn't just convenient; it's a feedback loop poised to "improve our services.” Beginning September 1, if you're heading for these woodsy confines, you'll need to show a valid permit, the ODNR announced.
Getting ahead of the curve is simple: Provide your name, address, and vehicle license plate number on the reservation website.
