Cabins near Alum Creek Lake offer camping accommodations within central Ohio's mixed forest terrain, typically at elevations of 840-900 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s, making it ideal for cabin stays from April through October. Most cabin facilities remain operational from spring through fall, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Delaware State Park Campground provides easy access to fishing spots along the lake. "We did go look at the 'beach' but opted not to swim. Our time was spent at the near by Dawes Arboretum and Newark's Earthworks (mounds)," notes a visitor at Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA, highlighting alternative attractions in the region.
Trail exploration: Several cabin locations connect to hiking and biking trails for convenient outdoor recreation. "There is a trail down the back of the campground that goes down to a place for boats to dock on the lake," explains a visitor at Delaware State Park Campground, noting the convenient water access.
Shooting sports: For those interested in target practice, Cardinal Center Campground offers extensive shooting facilities near their cabin accommodations. "It is the largest shooting center (clays, skeet, pistol, rifle, archery) in the state," reports a camper, adding that "there are a lot of activities available: indoor swimming pool, recreation room, entertainment center, fishing pond, biking, walking, playground, basketball, horseshoes and corn hole."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing between cabins varies significantly between properties. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "each camping space is separated by trees and brush. And there is plenty of room!" This natural separation creates a more secluded cabin experience compared to some private resorts.
Indoor facilities: Many visitors appreciate cabin options during inclement weather or cooler seasons. One camper at Cardinal Center Campground notes they have "an indoor pool, stocked fishing lake, biking, walking, playground, basketball, horseshoes and corn hole," making it suitable for cabin stays during various weather conditions.
Family-oriented activities: The organized recreation available at cabin locations appeals to families. A visitor to Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday remarked it has "TONS of amenities and activities. Super friendly, knowledgeable staff. The campground is tucked away in a suburb of Columbus next to a soybean field, very quiet area."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary between cabin providers. "Delaware has been our favorite campground since we found it. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. The grounds are very clean and tidy," notes a visitor, highlighting consistent maintenance standards during operational seasons.
Limited amenities at some locations: Cabin accommodations range from basic to fully equipped. "Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location," with some requiring guests to bring their own bedding and cooking equipment while others provide more complete setups.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential during peak seasons at Mohican State Park Campground, which offers "nice heated pool and many activities in the area. Hiking, canoeing, biking, etc." The popularity of these cabin facilities means they often book weeks or months in advance during summer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for cabins near play areas for convenient family camping. "The playground was in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one," reports a visitor at Delaware State Park Campground, noting the convenient facilities.
Pool facilities: Several cabin providers maintain swimming pools for family recreation. A camper at Lazy River at Granville shared "the kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek," highlighting multiple water recreation options.
Organized activities: Many cabin locations offer scheduled events for family participation. "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," explains a Lazy River visitor, adding that during a thunderstorm "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 dimensions: Cabin areas typically accommodate associated vehicles with varying space limitations. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, a visitor noted the "large back-in and pull-thru sites" available near cabin areas.
Full hookup availability: Some properties offer both cabin rentals and full-service RV sites. "There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday," mentions a visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground about the varied accommodations.
Storm shelters: Safety features vary between cabin locations. At Delaware State Park, a visitor noticed "they had a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas," an important consideration during severe weather events.
