Kayak Camping Adventure on the Scioto River | 30 Miles Columbus to Circleville Ohio

During a recent heat wave in Ohio two buddies and I spent two nights and three days on the Scioto River in Ohio. We began our adventure in Columbus at the Greenlawn put in and took out 30 miles down river at the Elmon Richards Scioto River Fishing Access.
The Scioto River is a river in central and southern Ohio more than 231 miles in length. It rises in Auglaize County just west of Roundhead, Ohio, flows through Columbus, Ohio, where it collects its largest tributary, the Olentangy River, and meets the Ohio River at Portsmouth.
Because of our late start on day one we ran into some trouble finding a suitable campsite during daylight hours. The river was flowing very slow during much of our float and we noticed quite a bit of trash on the banks throughout the Columbus section, but gets much cleaner the further you get from Columbus.
Not one of my favorite river runs but any time on the water with friends is a good time!

[@biglakepress5788]

I totally appreciate that you don't put a bunch of crap music in your videos. I would rather hear the song of nature and your conversations. Thank you for that.

[@jasonwish-]

Your welcome, I appreciate feedback like this!

[@DMSAdventures]

Oh man! Nothing like a little dose of humility! Pretty much every kayaking video i watch reinforces my belief that i have no business kayaking!! Great adventures though.

[@jasonwish-]

It’s been a big dose lately because it happened to me again in the Adirondacks part two coming out next week lol. I bet you would do just fine! Kayak camping on a river is pretty darn fun!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Good times even with the debris and going to far. Just adds to the adventure.

[@jasonwish-]

It certainly does Chris! I think the smell was the worst part LOL, thanks for watching!

[@HealTheWhitneyWorld]

You make this look so easy! So beautiful this makes me miss my dad and uncle RIP🥹❤️love this video amazing content! I love Columbus ohio! Born and raised. Love our trails 🥰great video I enjoy from beginning to end !

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you so much! It’s great to have so many nice trails and rivers in the Columbus area. Even though we live an hour from it we are there several times a week eating, shopping or selling our produce from our farm at the farmers markets, we love Columbus as well! My wife and I both graduated from OSU in the late 90s.

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

Great video Jason! I have all the respect in the world for you doing any type of camping in the summer in the Ohio Valley, the heat and humidity are brutal! Fall, Winter, and Spring are my favorite seasons to camp and hike. I haven’t been boat camping before but would be really interested in seeing what it’s all about, because it looks fun, even on a less than ideal river! Hope you’re doing well.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Samuel! I despise backpacking during the summer heat and humidity so that's why I like to go kayak camping....you still get to camp out but during the day its spent on the cool, refreshing water! You definitely need to try it out!

[@colonel1979ab]

14:49 Another 2 inches down and Donny should have just used a tent🤣

[@jasonwish-]

Yep he’s basically a ground dweller now 🤣

[@billysherlin6589]

I always worry about passing the takeout. At least it was only 1.5 miles, but I can only imagine the let down. Enjoyed the video and now I know about the Scioto river. Thanks

[@jasonwish-]

It can be easy to do especially on a new river, but that just adds to the adventure! Thanks for watching!

[@allenbuck5589]

I grew up around Circleville drafted in 71. My father ran 300 traps on the that river during the 1930s depression. I’ve been out around there and the old canal as a boy. It was very polluted back then. Chemicals a old Sewage plant south of town. Plus a huge town dump out there as a boy I would go out there with my older brother they would set the dump on fire every night. We would shoot rats. That was late 50s early 60s. Round town my home spot. I’m retired in. Sc

[@jasonwish-]

Wow, that is some cool history! I'm sure things have really changed around that river in the past 60 years. We love SC, hiking, kayaking and RVing.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Awesome videos. I feel your pain on the first night having trouble finding campsite on the river at 10 at night. But you covered some water on the second day. That was funny how you lost your Crocs but you recover them. Crocs are good for kayaking. My buddy wears his Crocs all the time when he kayaks. I need to pick me up a pair to wear again. Missing your take out it happens. I had the same thing and mileage happened to me but I had to walk back my truck barefooted 👣 in 90 degree temperature. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah things like that happen sometimes. Since the Scioto river is so close for us we didn’t do much planning and just kind of winged it and we were fortunate everything ended up working out in the end. Doubt if I ever go back to do the Scioto unless I try to float it down to the Ohio River. Thanks for the comment!

[@rockyryan4753]

Would love to meet you all and go kayaking and camping with you guys

[@AJKPenguin]

Crazy to think parts of the Scioto's Columbus section are almost rural looking, at least in your fun video.

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah I was very surprised I was thinking that same thing but unfortunately there was lots of noise and unpleasant odors that ruined it. Thanks Adam!

[@AJKPenguin]

You are welcome Jason. Thank you.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Gotta love a good river trip ! That is quite the pile of trash.....wow ...random airplane lol ..that is a fun story about your lost kayak! And a nice road walk at the end hahahahahahaha.......chicken wings!!!!!

[@jasonwish-]

Despite the bad smells and trash it was still an awesome trip with friends on the water and that's what matters! Thanks for checking it out! Btw, I enjoyed your canoe trip you just released, looked like an awesome, pristine place!

[@atstepchild]

My buddy and I kayak / camp that river often. We were just on that same island recently. A couple years ago, we almost got washed away there after storms came through and had to move camp 3x in the night for higher ground.

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah I really like that site! Even though the river was not quite my style around the Columbus area it was definitely getting better the closer we got to Circleville, hopefully we can take it all the way to the Ohio River Some day.

[@atstepchild]

We did that one time, putting in around Chillicothe, and getting out on the Ohio River.

[@traviswhisman3231]

Lol you started out across river from my fishin spot. And i kayaked from half way to columbus, back to there, been wanting to do this trip. Lootssss of carp around, (this comment right at start of watching)

[@logsdon36]

Great video!! Imagine what it would have been like 250-300 years ago with the wildlife and natives hunting you. Lol

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! Oh man that would be freaky! I have often thought about that when floating down rivers...it would’ve been like picking off a sitting duck!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Ahh man that ending...I did not see that coming. Great trip but yeah after finishing your video I think I'll be passing on that section of river for now. Down my way the Little Muskingum is fun but too low right now... Hocking River isn't much better. River banks are bad too.

[@jasonwish-]

Yes I would not recommend that section but I’ve heard it gets much better especially from Waverly to Portsmith. I’ve been wanting to do the little Muskingum or sometime but just haven’t gotten around to it yet and we also have the Kokosing in Mount Vernon on the shortlist as well as Ohio brush creek.

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Good to see no drones were harmed in filming this video!

[@jasonwish-]

Hahahaha, yeah I’m extra careful now and try to stay above dry land as much as possible, lol 😂

[@cgriggsiv]

Excellent video as always young man It looks like you and the crew had such a fun time With only two small semi disastrous One is little on the hot side and to somehow someway you passed your check out point to your truck Somehow Gaia maps LED you astray close too 2 miles past

[@jasonwish-]

All good fun! I’m just happy no electronics were lost LOL, thanks CG.

[@cgriggsiv]

@@jasonwish- Very true statement Me too

[@traviswhisman3231]

I didnt start in the scioto tho i started in Darby about half way to columbus, the creek on the scioto by where you finish I highly recommend fishing sometime🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯 (first couple min watchin)

[@jasonwish-]

We did a big section of the Big Darby but further up stream near plain city. Actually got a vid on it...we got hit by a huge storm and it washed our kayaks away. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4jIcnqfiricr5o

[@monmixer]

I have not seen a pinching bug in about 10 years. I was just wondering about that the other day. then I see one.

[@kristisowards2675]

You are right behind my sisters house. My grandkids play on the bridge. My sister cleans up trash by the truck loads.

[@jasonwish-]

I can imagine that all the garbage keeps her very busy. Glad to know there are still those who care.

[@rrmorris67]

beautiful scioto river. yeah. If you say so.

[@jasonwish-]

At the beginning of the video I did not know what was in store. Absolutely the least beautiful river that I have ever done. At the end of the video I did not recommend that river. Slow dirty and smelly.

[@rrmorris67]

Ive been in the columbus area a really long time. Having been to beautiful places...I'm just really jaded about this whole general area. Featureless, boring, forgettable are about the nicest things I can find to say about Columbus, Ohio. It is affordable to live here for a reason. Anyway....didn't mean to dump on your video. It Took courage for you guys to take on that river. Hope you didn't spend too much time in contact with that water.

[@jasonwish-]

Rob Morris this is exactly why we usually leave the state for our big kayaking trips, hard to beat Michigan rivers and also really enjoyed the CLarion in Pennsylvania.

[@rrmorris67]

@@jasonwish- ive rafted the Clarion. The youghihenny river is also awesome.

[@user-fq8mh7ez3j]

The funny thing is Scioto Grove has multiple reservable backpacking campsites.

[@jasonwish-]

We had no idea where we were going to end up...we wanted an island but that didn't work out obviously.

[@jailen461]

Jason love your videos. Love your enthusiasm but sorry buddy I dint think I'll be floating that river any time soon. Like a 100 years. Your other trips, I've done several. But not this one buddy.

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah, I have no plans to ever get back on that river. It blows my mind that so many people in the Columbus area wanna float that river!

[@kristianCasey]

Jason, first of all your videos are amazing! My brother and I are looking at running the Scioto at Greenlawn just like you! But, the river seems low. Do you remember the CFS when you ran??

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Kristian! We did not pay any attention to the cfs when we went, I guess we got lucky. Maybe you can compare the amount of flow over the dam at green lawn from our video to how it looks currently. I don’t think we drug bottom anywhere.

[@kristianCasey]

@@jasonwish- Awesome, thanks again. I am going to assume it’s close to what it is now.

[@marcusmacdonald1332]

All land owners own halfway to the middle of the river. You are trespassing as soon as your feet touch the bottom or the land

[@jasonwish-]

Most of our camping takes place on public lands, which was night one. Can’t say for sure on night two. Every state has different laws regarding this center of the river thing that’s why we normally go to Rivers that do not have private land ownership along the rivers or if they do we choose rivers where the high watermark is the land ownership line and camping is absolutely permitted on the river banks on those rivers.

[@boonedockery7220]

Great Video Jason! Will you be attending the Central Ohio Bushcraft Gathering in October?

[@jasonwish-]

I would love to, but just depends when it is. I will be on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my wife for a week in October and have a few backpacking trips I hope to get in as well...keep me in the loop.

[@boonedockery7220]

@@jasonwish- Jason, It is October 15 - 18 at Kirkmont Center near Zanesfield, Ohio. The 15th is basically set-up and the 18th is a tear-down.

[@jasonwish-]

@@boonedockery7220 oh that one! I've driven by it many times over the years but never stopped....I will try to swing by this year! Thats like ten miles from my house, lol

[@boonedockery7220]

@@jasonwish- I thought you were nearby. This will be my first visit. I'm looking forward to it.

[@davidt.3673]

The kids think Donny looks like a shiny hot dog. Ha ha

[@jasonwish-]

He was pretty darn glossy! I think he must’ve emptied that entire can just for that scene LOL 😂

[@craigelliott9120]

Is it possible to take a 13' v bottom with a 5 hp briggs to the Ohio River launching from green lawn? Any places I'm going to have to pull out ( portages)? Plan on starting at that spot and running the rivers to New Orleans, Louisiana. My boy, the dog, and myself. Plan on about a month on the river and leaving July 2021.

[@jasonwish-]

Wow! what an adventure! I only remember dragging bottom once or twice and a few other shallow spots that may pose a problem but not too many as long as the water levels aren't lower than normal. Might be better off putting in further down near Circleville or Chillicothe to be on the safe side. Hopefully you have someone dropping you off since leaving a vehicle behind would not be a good idea or even legal in most locations on the Scioto.

[@ChristianOutdoorLife]

Hey Jason, big fan of your videos. Been watching for awhile now. Did you guys eat at the BW3's in Chillicothe? Also, would love to talk to you about a backpacking trip to Isle Royale on Lake Superior. I live in SE Michigan. Just let me know if any interest.

[@ChristianOutdoorLife]

I meant Circleville not Chillicothe. LOL

[@jasonwish-]

Yes we ate at the Circleville one. I would love to backpack island royale the problem is my farming season coincides with the optimal backpacking season there. What dates were you thinking? Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@ChristianOutdoorLife]

@@jasonwish- Thanks for responding quickly. I completely understand about the farming especially living in SE MI. I haven't even thought about dates yet. I have a couple demanding businesses and its hard for me to get away as well at times. What is the best way to communicate with you that is not social media. I don't want to pass personal info through KZbin. That way I can tell you a little more about myself and see if a backlacking trip might work out. I have messenger but not Facebook (LOL), my wife does so maybe that might be an option. Just let me know.

[@jasonwish-]

I’m on messenger

[@jasonwish-]

Keep me in the loop about this trip, I am interested.

[@rickparrett7636]

How hard was it loading the kayaks from canal park? I’m just wondering if you could drive down to the bank

[@jasonwish-]

We were new to the area, and since that wasn’t our originally planned takeout, we had drug our kayaks up to the shelter and parking area before I walked to get my truck. But I think I recall that there was a driveway all the way down to the water. It may have had a gate I can’t remember it’s been so many years ago.

[@GettingEpicVSG]

What camera this looks great!

[@jasonwish-]

I use a Cannon G7X Mark 3, its a great little compact camera but not water proof, I've ruined two over the years, better off with a gopro 10 for water activites.

[@GettingEpicVSG]

Thanks Jason! I picked up a Hook 10.5 this week and prob paid way to much for it. Took it out yesterday and it was smooth. I wanna get a few accessories the i’ll be golden. Thanks again!

[@jasonwish-]

@@GettingEpicVSG I've been pretty happy with my Hook 10.5, I really like the open cargo area in the back for my backpack and put a few plugs in the holes to keep it drier. Also, I attached a stretchy mesh under the front for keeping things up off the floor.

[@GettingEpicVSG]

@@jasonwish- I have 2 pelican cases, I figured i would strap them to the back and I would be totally smooth for water protection. Maybe a small wet bag out front and a small cooler behind the seat. Took the kayak out on a river this past weekend the seat could use a bit more padding but it was smooth sailing. Can't wait to get the all clear from the heart doctor to start doing overnights again.

[@jasonwish-]

@@GettingEpicVSG sounds like you're about good to go! Kayak camping is the best!

[@gearheadhuff7853]

What type of filter do you use for drinking the water?

[@jasonwish-]

I use two different filters, the sawyer squeeze and the Katadine be free. I use the squeeze most often because it fits right onto a smart water bottle to drink directly from it or you can use the squeeze bag to filter into a clean bottle. The flow rate is decent but not as fast as the be free. It has its own built-in filter on the cap And has a very fast flow rate but can clog more easily. I would recommend checking out Darwin on the trail review of those two filters if you want to see more in-depth comparison.

[@gearheadhuff7853]

Thank you, been years but wanting to get into kayak camping, hiking and your channel had inspired me. I am also from Ohio.

[@monmixer]

People also ask Is Scioto County water safe to drink? For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

[@robertuffman3041]

i am totally interested in the seat for the canoe

[@jasonwish-]

I will find out what kind it is and get back to ya.

[@jasonwish-]

That is just a cheap Amazon camping chair called the Geezo Ultralight Camping Chair.

[@robertuffman3041]

@@jasonwish- ty

[@atlas-x5717]

Paddle the edge upstream come on guys Lol

[@jasonwish-]

That would have taken hours! We would have had to walk most of it and that section has some quicker water.

[@atlas-x5717]

Jason Wish - Wishwell Farms Gotcha !

[@tomvogler82]

Can you offer any suggestions for camping, along the river, if we take the same route as you? Thank you

[@jasonwish-]

Yes, I would recommend three areas: 1. there are supposed to be some nice sites along the Scioto Grove Trail a little further down from where we spent our first night on river right. 2. where the Big Walnut Creek joins the Scioto on river left. 3. where we spent night two about a half mile past where big walnut flows in on river right just before the big bend in the river.

[@tomvogler82]

Thank you. We’re from wheeling, wv and usually kayak camp on the youghiogheny river in pa. Looking for new rivers.

[@jasonwish-]

thomas vogler I don’t know if I’d recommend that river. Check out the Kokosing River in Mount Vernon Ohio and the Clarion River in PA.

[@tomvogler82]

Do you have any videos on those trips?

[@jasonwish-]

We have a video on the Clarion River in PA and on the Mad River here in Ohio, The Au Sable river in Michigan and the Edisto river in South Carolina.

[@squidninja1]

Do you know the legality of kayak camping in Ohio? I am trying to plan a trip for the summer but I can't find any good resources on where it's legal to make campsites.

[@jasonwish-]

You’re right there is no good resources online anywhere. Obviously you are allowed to camp in any campground along rivers that have a private campground or if the river flows through national forest or wilderness areas dispersed camping is allowed there. This is where things get a little foggy, and every state is different but when it comes to Ohio camping you’re usually going to be OK as long as you are not on someone’s private property. Sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer. In many states including Ohio I believe the state owns the River and riverbank to the high watermark so there’s often good camping in that area when water levels are normal or low. When we go kayaking in Ohio we just stealth camp discreetly and leave no trace and if you do those things most generally you’ll be fine.

[@MattsFishinMission]

I was watching this video, and I was surprised that you found the suspension bridge. I just posted a short of me running across that! I want to see some fishing next time fellas!!! stretch

[@jasonwish-]

Awsome! Yeah, that was the only cold fresh water the entire time, lol...some good campfire fish would have been good!

[@adamyost1302]

Why couldn't you paddle back upstream to the truck? The current doesn't look nearly strong enough to prevent that

[@jasonwish-]

There were a few very swift currents on some narrow bends in the river that the video did not show...it would have been nearly impossible with the overgrown banks to get around them.

[@adamyost1302]

@@jasonwish- I gotcha. I'm a solo kayaker no matter what so I always have to go upstream first as far as I can or want, then back down, fearing if I start downstream I'll reach a point where I can't get back up. I'll only go downstream first on the Ohio river since the current has almost no effect at normal levels

[@jasonwish-]

@@adamyost1302 wow, that sounds a little rough! I have never done that, but I have considered it just for the challenge and workout. I always have a friend or family get me on solo trips or arrange a shuttle. A few times I have even dropped my kayak off upstream and hidden it, parked downstream, then hiked back to my kayak. Here is one of those here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnWVqmOimNZ_qbs

[@robertstates6538]

Can you imagine what Lewis and Clark went through ?​@@jasonwish-

[@donmibay3022]

Is this legal? because it looks funner n hell!

[@jasonwish-]

Absolutely, people kayak the entire Scioto river all the time.

[@0714will]

I-23 (snicker)

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah I know, forgot to edit that, lol