Cabin camping near Alexandria, Ohio offers overnight options within central Ohio's rolling hills and forested areas with elevations averaging 1,000-1,100 feet. Many facilities remain open year-round despite the region's seasonal temperature variations from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Water access drives many camping decisions with several sites positioned near lakes or streams.
What to do
Water activities at Alum Creek State Park: The campground includes a designated beach area within walking distance from campsites. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," notes Jenny C.
Shooting sports at Cardinal Center: This facility combines camping with comprehensive shooting facilities including archery, pistol, and rifle ranges. A camper explains, "Nice campground with it's own archery, pistol, and rifle range that you need to travel to, but not too far away... we ended up making our own [fire ring] with big rocks."
Mountain biking trails: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers dedicated mountain biking paths for various skill levels. "There's a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," reports Catherine, while another camper notes that the park has "Lots of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area."
Lake fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds with catch-and-release policies. "We have a nice fishing pond, stocked with fish" mentions a Cardinal Center reviewer, while another notes "awesome place, great fishing" about Alum Creek.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Delaware State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots with natural buffers. One camper shared, "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground."
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize themed weekends and regular events. A visitor to Lazy River at Granville noted, "We spent a weekend here with two other families (9 kids total) and had a wonderful time! The kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek."
Clean shower facilities: Most cabin locations maintain well-kept bathroom buildings. "The bathrooms were super nice and very clean. My family enjoyed themselves at this campground a lot," remarked a visitor to a local KOA, while another mentioned "Clean bathrooms and heated showers."
Seasonal variety: Different campgrounds excel in different seasons. "We went camping early October in tents. It was cold but it was so much fun," explained a Delaware State Park visitor, while summer visitors appreciate water features and spring campers note wildflower viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, particularly during summer months. "The sites are close, but not unreasonably close. Good mix of pull through and back in and is big rig friendly. Plenty to do for the kids. Pool looks nice, was not open yet for the season," reports a May visitor to Cross Creek Camping Resort.
Cabin amenities vary widely: From basic shelter to fully equipped units. "Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel. They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table," notes a Cardinal Center Campground visitor.
Health code restrictions: Many cabins prohibit indoor cooking. A camper explained, "Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin."
Storm preparedness: Several campgrounds have designated storm shelters. "I also noticed that they had a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas," notes a Delaware State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities for easier supervision. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, "They also have a playground for the kids. They also have themed-event weekends, which are really fun!"
Bathroom accessibility: Choose cabins near restroom facilities when camping with children. "The bathrooms were a serious hike. Not good with kids," cautioned one Hocking Hills camper, highlighting the importance of location planning.
Activity planning: Most family campgrounds offer scheduled children's events. "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff! Will deliver wood to site & had lots of amenities," reports a Jackson Lake Park visitor.
Rainy day options: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday provides indoor entertainment options. "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain... And they let all the tent dwellers use the game room to relax in and ride out the worst of the storm."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some cabins and RV sites require leveling equipment. A visitor to Dillon State Park Campground noted, "Many sites are not level. Many sites have NO shade. Only Electric available at each site."
Utility hookup locations: Position varies between campgrounds. "The new section (sites numbers in the 200s) have hook ups at the front of the sites so you may have to buy longer hoses," advises a Lazy River at Granville visitor.
Traffic flow consideration: Choose sites away from main roads for quieter stays. "Lots of traffic both vehicles and people on foot. Sites are spaced fairly well but fully open to each other," notes a Jackson Lake Park visitor about higher-traffic areas.
Seasonal site availability: Many year-round locations limit services in winter. "From what I've been told you might be able to get into one if you book the whole season a year in advance," advises an Alum Creek visitor regarding premium lakefront sites.
