06-05-2025
Grand opening of The Wilds' Hellbender RV Campground scheduled for May 30
CUMBERLAND — The Wilds is officially open for summer and will celebrate the grand opening of its Hellbender RV Campground on May 30, offering a new way for visitors to experience the conservation center.
The 75-acre campground includes 47 full-service RV sites, 26 primitive camping spots, hiking and biking trails, a playground, camp store and dog park, according to an announcement.
Named after the eastern hellbender, North America's largest amphibian and an endangered species in Ohio, the campground aims to highlight the importance of protecting natural waterways and local wildlife.
The Wilds, located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface mining land, is an award-winning destination known for its conservation efforts and immersive experiences. It is home to more than 30 rare and endangered species, including takin, Père David's deer, greater one-horned rhinos, southern white rhinos and Masai giraffes.
The Wilds' Hellbender RV Campground is being built at intersection of Zion Ridge Road and Ohio 146, with 47 full-service RV spots and 26 primitive camping sites. "Now that the snow and ice is off the ground, at least for a little bit, they're wrapping up the utility connections to each of the lots," said Dr. Joe Smith, vice president and director of The Wilds.
A variety of daily tours
Visitors can explore The Wilds through various daily tours, such as the Open-Air Safari Tour and the Wildside Tour. Specialty tours include the Zipline Safari Tour, Fishing Safari, Horseback Safari, Sunset Tour and Birding at The Wilds experience.
For those looking to extend their stay, The Wilds offers several overnight accommodations, including the adults-only Nomad Ridge yurts, family-friendly Cabins at Straker Lake, a lodge and the WildNights at the Outpost camping experience.
The Hellbender RV Campground is expected to welcome an estimated 35,000 visitors annually, providing a boost to local tourism and economic growth. 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," Dr. Joe Smith, vice president of The Wilds, said in the announcement. "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, visit
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Hellbender RV Campground at The Wilds scheduled to open May 30
