CUMBERLAND, OH — The Wilds officially cut the ribbon today on the Hellbender RV Campground, a state-of-the-art outdoor destination named in honor of Ohio’s endangered eastern hellbender salamander. The new campground is the latest milestone in The Wilds’ mission to merge conservation, ecotourism, and environmental education.
Located at the crossroads of State Route 146 and Zion Ridge Road in Muskingum County, just outside The Wilds’ main property, the $7.7 million facility features:
- 47 full-service RV sites
- 26 primitive campsites
- Scenic hiking trails
- A playground, camp store, and other amenities
The campground will serve as a new hub for nature lovers, campers, and families eager to explore southeastern Ohio’s natural beauty—all while learning about efforts to preserve biodiversity.
“This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to be inspired,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. “By naming the campground after the eastern hellbender, we’re highlighting the critical importance of clean water and healthy habitats in sustaining wildlife across our state.”
Funded in part by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Ohio State Legislature, Muskingum County, the Economic Development Administration, and generous private donors, the Hellbender RV Campground is expected to draw more than 35,000 visitors annually, boosting both regional tourism and job growth.
The campground also marks the first phase in The Wilds’ larger vision to develop an “ecotourism corridor,” connecting visitors to other natural destinations across southeastern Ohio, including Salt Fork State Park, Burr Oak State Park, and parts of the Buckeye Trail.
“The Hellbender RV Campground creates more opportunities for families to unplug and reconnect with nature,” said Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President of The Wilds. “It’s not just a campground—it’s a catalyst for conservation, a classroom under the stars, and a launchpad for adventure.”
ODNR Director Mary Mertz called the project “an investment in Appalachia,” adding, “Transforming former mining lands into places of beauty and recreation is exactly what Ohio needs—this is how we turn challenges into opportunities.”
Following today’s ribbon-cutting, guests toured the campground and met with leaders to discuss the future of the site and its long-term conservation impact.
In a 2025 USA Today 10Best poll, The Wilds was named the #1 safari park in Ohio and #2 in the nation, further cementing its role as a national leader in wildlife preservation and outdoor education.
