RV camping near Andover, Ohio offers options beyond traditional state parks with several family-friendly campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the glaciated Allegheny Plateau with elevations between 900-1100 feet, creating varied terrain for campers. Winter temperatures drop below 20°F, making most campgrounds seasonal with operating seasons typically running from May through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing ponds with catch-and-release options. At Kenisee's Grand River Campground, a seasonal camper notes, "Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids, duck race, Christmas in July and many other activities." Families can spend entire days fishing without leaving the campground.
Mini golf courses: Several campgrounds offer on-site mini golf for family entertainment. A visitor to Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake commented, "We enjoyed their beautiful put-put course and ice cream stand." These courses provide entertainment when not exploring nearby attractions.
Swimming options: Campgrounds typically offer swimming areas separate from fishing ponds. A reviewer at Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground shared, "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms as a major plus at area campgrounds. One reviewer at Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake noted, "The campground is clean with plenty of open space and trails. The staff was wonderful." Well-maintained facilities enhance the camping experience.
Weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds offer structured weekend activities. A visitor to Kenisee's Grand River Campground stated, "It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for families." Scheduled activities often include bingo nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations.
Proximity to local attractions: Campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring regional highlights. As one camper at Kool Lakes Family RV Park explained, "We stayed here 28th-30th of August. It's been my kids favorite so far this yr, probably mine as well." The location provides access to wineries and Lake Erie beaches.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close completely during winter months. A reviewer at RV Village Camping Resort mentioned, "Overall a great campground. The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos." However, these amenities are typically available only from May through October.
Site differences: Water and electric sites may offer more privacy than full hookup locations. One camper noted, "We really liked the back-in sites with water and electric hookups because they were larger and more private and wooded."
Varying internet reliability: Cell service varies by carrier and location. A camper at Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake advised, "Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for noise levels: Some campgrounds have higher noise levels during peak times. A visitor to RV Village Camping Resort observed, "The daily sites are a bit tight which lends to noisy evenings past quiet hours. We had to get creative making white noise for our toddler to sleep."
Check pool availability: Swimming pools are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but operational status can vary. One reviewer at Presque Isle Passage RV Park commented, "They do have a pool but that's it."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. A camper noted, "Nicely done cabins," highlighting that many parks offer cabin rentals alongside traditional sites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling expectations: Many campgrounds have gravel sites requiring adjustment. A reviewer observed, "Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. Good FHUs."
Big rig accessibility: Several parks accommodate larger RVs but with varying degrees of space. One camper commented, "Sites are not level and are close to each other. They do have a pool but that's it."
Off-season options: While most campgrounds close for winter, some remain open with limited services. Fall camping often provides more availability with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at popular attractions near Andover.
