Ohio is a fascinating state, especially for those interested in geographical landmarks and the great outdoors. Campbell Hill, the pinnacle of elevation in the Buckeye State, invites the curious and the adventurous to explore what it means to stand at Ohio’s highest elevation.
Located just up the road from Bellefontaine, Campbell Hill stands at an elevation of 1,549.09 feet above sea level. While not a mountain by any means when compared to the Rockies or the Appalachians, Campbell Hill holds its unique significance in the heart of Ohio. It represents the highest natural point in the state.
The hill is named after Charles D. Campbell, who owned the land in the early 20th century. In 1951 the peak became home to the Bellefontaine Air Force Station, where the 664th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was stationed, according to Robert Walker, who has been working on Campbell Hill for nearly 50 years.
Walker said the station brought an average of 60 to 70 airmen to Bellefontaine each year before closing in 1969, but many of them stayed in the area to raise their families. Today, it is the site of the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, a testament to its continued relevance in the local community.
Many of the original homes and offices from its Air Force days are still in use on campus as classrooms, offices, and even an Air Force museum honoring the 664th.
For those eager to experience the Peak of Ohio firsthand, Campbell Hill offers more than just the chance to say you’ve stood at the state’s highest elevation. The site is accessible to the public, with the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center allowing visitors to explore the peak. This accessibility provides a welcoming spirit, inviting all interested in appreciating this unique geographical feature.