Overview

Resident Camps in Ohio are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3701-25 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

These rules were created to establish minimum standards, applicable throughout Ohio, for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of these facilities in order to protect the public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission, and provide a safe and healthy recreational environment.

"Resident camp" means a facility which is being primarily utilized for the purpose of camping, that requires overnight residence, indoor or outdoor activities, and exists on any tract of land together with any buildings or other structures pertinent to its use. A resident camp does not include universities, colleges, or other educational facilities. It also does not include any use of a tract of land, or property determined by the local board of health as not being within the intent of 3701-25 OAC.

If you own or operate a resident camp, or have plans to so, contact the local health department to obtain permission to operate.

Find my local health department

Inspectors and the Areas They Serve

What We Inspect

We typically inspect the resident camps beginning in June and continue with a monthly inspection through August. At any time, we may reinspect to ensure that any violations have been corrected. When we inspect a resident camp, we look for:

  • The water supply is safe and sanitary
  • Proper collection and disposal of sewage
  • Toilet facilities are maintained, clean and sanitary
  • Handwashing and shower facilities are maintained, clean and sanitary
  • Trash and solid waste is properly stored and disposed

  • Insects, rodents, pests and noxious plants are controlled
  • Pets and other animals are properly managed
  • General safety measures are maintained
  • The grounds and buildings are maintained

View a complete list of the Resident Camp Rules.

Resident Camps We Permit & Inspect

Camp Ken Jockety

1295 Hubbard Road
Galloway, OH 43119

Camp Mary Orton

7925 N High Street
Columbus, OH 43235

YMCA Hoover Y Park/Camp

1570 Lockbourne Road
Lockbourne, OH 43137

Campgrounds

Campgrounds in Ohio are regulated under the authority of Chapter 3729. of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Chapter 3701-26 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

These rules were created to establish minimum standards, applicable throughout Ohio, for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of these facilities in order to protect the public from injury, minimize the potential for disease transmission, and provide a safe and healthy recreational environment.

  • Recreation camp
  • Recreational vehicle (RV) park
  • Combined park-camp
  • Temporary campground

  • Technical assistance and training on the construction, operation, maintenance, and evaluation of campgrounds
  • Review and approval of engineered plans that have been designed to meet all of the requirements found within 3701-26 of the OAC
  • Inspections performed to ensure that the campground is constructed per the rules and approved plans
  • Guidance to local health district staff for the implementation of the campground regulatory program
  • Periodic surveys of local health district licensing programs to assess their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
  • Resource for the general public relative to recreation issues, protection from disease transmission, personal safety, and complaint investigations