Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, is a National Historic Landmark and former prison, best known as the primary filming location for The Shawshank Redemption, and it is the setting for the Inkcarceration music and tattoo festival. Festival camping is at the Richland County Fairgrounds, about four miles away, with a complimentary shuttle, while the Green and Orange Lots handle festival parking. An Access Center just inside the Reformatory Road entrance covers wristbands and questions for fans who need accessible viewing.
Before you go
- Official site
- inkcarceration.com
- Next festival here
- Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Jul 16 to 18, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- The campground sits about four miles from the festival grounds, connected by a complimentary shuttle.
- Overnight parking is not allowed in the Green or Orange Lots.
- Accessible parking in the Red Lot requires a government issued placard or plate.
- Distances between parking, camping and the stages can be long.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Historic former prison, Shawshank Redemption filming site · Camping at Richland County Fairgrounds, four miles out · Green and Orange Lots for festival parking.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · InkcarcerationThere are two parking lots near the festival grounds, the Green Lot and the Orange Lot, with weekend or single day passes covering all vehicles, including motorcycles. Overnight parking is prohibited, and advance pass buyers get a vehicle Hang Tag with directions mailed ahead of the event; extra day-of parking is sold in the Orange Lot for a daily fee, cash or card accepted.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · InkcarcerationAn Access Center with trained staff sits just inside the Reformatory Road entrance, handing out wristbands for the viewing platforms and answering questions. The festival also provides an Access Lane at the gate, accessible points of service at food, merch and customer service locations, elevated viewing platforms at the main stages, and accessible restrooms, both within the Reformatory and as portable units.
Festival-specific · InkcarcerationEntry to the designated pre-paid Accessible Parking lot, in the Red Lot, requires a government issued accessible parking plate or placard. Distances between the parking lots, camping and the festival stages can be long.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (inkcarceration.com).
Camping
Festival-specific · InkcarcerationFestival camping is at the Richland County Fairgrounds, about four miles from the festival grounds. Campers get four nights, indoor restrooms and complimentary indoor showers, a General Store for supplies, a complimentary in and out shuttle during festival hours, and 24 hour security and medical services, though electricity and water hookups are not included unless specified for RV sites.
Recently at Ohio State Reformatory
In This Moment at Louder Than Life 2026
From the venue · Oct 10, 2026
Jessie Murph at And Beyond 2026
From the venue · Oct 8, 2026
Poppy at Inkcarceration 2026
From the venue · Oct 6, 2026
Quick answers
Can I camp at Inkcarceration?
Yes, at the Richland County Fairgrounds, about four miles from the festival grounds, with a complimentary shuttle connecting the two.
Where do I park at Inkcarceration?
In the Green Lot or the Orange Lot near the festival grounds. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Is Inkcarceration accessible?
Yes. There's an Access Center inside the main entrance, an Access Lane at the gate, elevated viewing platforms, and accessible restrooms.
Do I need a placard for accessible parking?
Yes. The pre-paid Accessible Parking lot in the Red Lot requires a government issued accessible parking plate or placard.
Was the Ohio State Reformatory really used in The Shawshank Redemption?
Yes. It was the primary filming location for the 1994 film.
Does camping at Inkcarceration include electricity?
Not unless specified for an RV site. Standard camping passes do not include electricity or water hookups.
A little history
The Ohio State Reformatory is a National Historic Landmark, a former prison best known as the primary filming location for the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. It remains an active historic site, and its setting plays a central role in the Inkcarceration festival experience.