Outdoor Adventures: Camping in North Central Ohio

Calling All Campers! You don't have to travel far to fall asleep under the stars, watch the sun set across the lake or roast marshmallows over a campfire. Here are some of the area's best camping destinations:

Photo Courtesy of Mohican Adventures

1. Mohican Adventures, Loudonville

Set in one of Ohio's most notable state parks, Mohican offers campsites for tents, RVs and campers. There are also cabins available.

Surrounded by the scenic Mohican-Memorial State Forest, the park houses more than 800 campsites. The park's numerous activities means your family will never be bored--there's something for everyone! Canoe or kayak down the river, go fishing in the pond or the lake, or head to the indoor swimming pool and hot tub. You can also follow the hiking and biking trails leading into the forest or towards downtown Loudonville. The campground also has a mini golf course, sand volleyball and basketball courts, go-kart track, and three playgrounds.  

Free modern shower houses are available for all campers.

Photo Courtesy of Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

2. Charles Mill Lake Park, Ashland

Charles Mill is a 2,000 acre park with campsites for tents and RVs. The park offers two campgrounds with scenic wooded and waterfront sites. 

The lake was formed in 1936 when the Charles Mill Dam was built on the Black Fork Creek. It has a surface area of 1350 acres and is great for sailing, boating and fishing. Hunting is permitted in designated areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Amenities at Charles Mill include a public swimming beach, a full-size basketball court, a swimming pool, a 9 hole Frisbee golf course, a hiking trail, playgrounds, a bocce ball court and a shuffleboard court. 

3. Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas

Malabar's fifteen primitive campsites have access to drinking water and handicap-accessible restrooms. The sites also have hitching posts for equestrian campers. If primitive camping isn't your style, reserve a room at the B&B style hostel. 

While smaller than other campsites in the area, Malabar Farm State Park has lots to offer its visitors. The 900-acre farm maintains the charm of its former days as the residence of Louis Bromfield, a Pulitzer-prize winning author and conservationist, who purchased the farm in 1939. Visitors can still tour Bromfield's home and observe the farm in action. The park also features hiking trails, a quaint restaurant, and numerous exhibits the whole family can enjoy. For more information on Malabar Farm, click here.

Photo Courtesy of Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

4. Pleasant Hill Lake Park, Perrysville

Pleasant Hill is every water lover's paradise. The grounds surround an 850-acre lake perfect for jet-skiing, water-skiing and boating. Primitive, RV and equestrian campsites are available as well as cabins. Campers have access to modern restrooms and hot showers. 

Amenities at Pleasant Hill include the swimming beach, game courts, hiking and equine trails, a playground, picnic shelters, and the Pleasant Hill Marina. Hunting and fishing are permitted in certain areas.

Note: All campgrounds listed above include a picnic table and fire ring at each site.

Photo Courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources

5. Mohican State Park, Loudonville

Different than Mohican Adventures, Mohican State Park also has primitive campsites, RV hookup sites and camper cabins. There are also two bedroom family cabins and cozy lodge rooms available. Campers at the state park have easy access to the hiking trails, mountain biking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and swimming pool.