The Wilds, a conservation-focused destination in southeastern Ohio, has announced the opening of its new Hellbender RV Campground, with a grand opening event scheduled for May 30.
The campground expands the center’s offerings by providing additional lodging options aimed at enhancing the visitor experience while supporting conservation and local tourism.
Situated on a 75-acre site, the Hellbender RV Campground includes 47 full-service RV sites and 26 primitive camping spots. Amenities include hiking and biking trails, a playground, a camp store, and a dog park.
The campground is named after the eastern hellbender, a large amphibian native to North America and listed as endangered in Ohio. Through this naming, The Wilds intends to underscore the significance of preserving native wildlife and natural waterways.
The Wilds operates on approximately 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface mining land and is home to more than 30 rare and endangered species, according to the Zanesville Times Recorder.
Visitors can encounter animals such as takin, Père David’s deer, greater one-horned rhinos, southern white rhinos, and Masai giraffes.
The facility offers a range of guided experiences, including daily Open-Air Safari and Wildside Tours, as well as specialty options such as zipline safaris, horseback safaris, and birding tours.
Overnight accommodations are available for guests wishing to extend their stay. Options include adults-only yurts at Nomad Ridge, family-oriented cabins at Straker Lake, a lodge, and the WildNights at the Outpost camping experience.
The addition of the Hellbender RV Campground is expected to draw an estimated 35,000 visitors annually, contributing to the region’s tourism and economic development.
According to Dr. Joe Smith, vice president of The Wilds, “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.
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 remains open year-round, with a full schedule of tours from May through October and specialized experiences available from November through April.
Reservations for the new campground and additional information about tours and educational initiatives are available at TheWilds.org.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the expansion of facilities like the Hellbender RV Campground highlights a growing trend toward integrated conservation tourism.
By combining wildlife education with modern RV amenities, destinations can attract new audiences, increase overnight stays, and enhance regional economic impact.
Operators in the glamping, RV, and campground sectors may consider similar models that blend environmental stewardship with immersive guest experiences to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.