Mount Gilead State Park Campground offers concrete pads with electric hookups about 30 miles from Bucyrus. The campground sits on gently rolling terrain at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with most camping areas partially shaded under a mixed hardwood forest. Winter camping remains available year-round with limited services, though water access points are winterized from November through March.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Mount Gilead State Park Campground features an unusually challenging disc golf course that requires some navigation skills. "We took a night walk with headlamps and found the disc golf course. This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" notes Sarah G., highlighting the unique design elements.
Lake recreation options: Alum Creek State Park Campground provides multiple water access points for fishing and swimming with a small beach inside the campground boundaries. A camper reports, "There is a campground beach and boat launch. Lost of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups."
Paddleboat adventures: Families staying at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Columbus can access free watercraft on their lake. "Having free, unlimited access to pedal boats and other boats is a huge treat," writes Bill T., making this amenity particularly valuable for budget-conscious families looking to maximize included activities.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Walnut Grove Campground earns praise for its generously sized sites with good separation between neighbors. Staff receives consistently positive feedback for being "very kind and informed," according to RMR H., who specifically highlighted the campground's Halloween programming.
Themed weekend activities: KOA Campground Shelby schedules regular programming throughout the camping season. Dawn S. shares, "Great weekend at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA. Great activities all day Saturday. Nice large pull through sites. And nice and clean shower house."
Natural separation between sites: Many campers value the privacy found at area campgrounds. Sandy O. specifically notes about Alum Creek: "Each camping space is separated by trees and brush. And there is plenty of room! An added bonus is the addition of several full hook up sites!"
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley has become increasingly busy in recent years, with one reviewer noting "it is getting so crowded and overpriced." Sites at some campgrounds can be quite close, particularly in full hookup sections.
Additional activity fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for certain amenities beyond camping fees. "Bring a life jacket or you will get charged to use theirs in the lake, which is also a charge," warns Gin R. about Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley.
Site drainage concerns: After heavy rainfall, some campsites may experience drainage issues. One Alum Creek camper mentioned, "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Mount Gilead State Park provides a quieter family experience without extensive programming. Renee L. shares from personal experience: "My husband and I camped here last week without kids. We stayed at site 10. The campground was quiet and peaceful. Our kids would have been bored but if you're looking for quiet, this is a great place."
Swimming facilities: Sunset Springs RV Resort provides access to water recreation during summer months. The facilities are "clean and modern, and the grounds very nice," according to Dave K., though specific swimming options vary by location.
Family-friendly amenities: KOA Campground in Shelby offers multiple kid-focused attractions. Nick W. explains, "For the kids there are: activities, crafts, playground, jumping balloon, small zipline, lakes, heated swimming pool, ice cream. Everything a kid could want to do."
Tips from RVers
Pad types and hookups: Many area campgrounds offer concrete or gravel pads with varying hookup options. Julie R. notes about Mount Gilead, "There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday."
Seasonal sites availability: Catherine from Alum Creek observed, "Most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken."
Pull-through accessibility: Sunset Springs RV Resort has been upgrading their facilities for larger RVs. Dave K. mentioned, "work is underway to continuously improve the sites previously dominated by long term seasonals. new pull through are perfect for our 40 foot motorhome."
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