The Mohican region offers diverse camping terrain ranging from 800-1,200 feet elevation across its forests and river valleys. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity. Yurt accommodations near Butler, Ohio provide climate-controlled shelter year-round, with most facilities closing seasonal operations between November and April.
What to do
River activities: Paddle the Mohican: Easy water access at Mohican Reservation Campground & Canoeing where canoe rental and shuttle service are available. "There is a nice lodge with a restaurant for people just looking to escape from the 'city life' for a bit. Also campgrounds for sleeping outdoors with nature. Can go canoeing on the nearby river with canoe rental available and shuttle pickup at the end of your journey back to where you started," notes Terry R.
Hiking: Explore free backcountry sites: Trek to one of 10 free primitive sites at Park and Pack Campsite 3 — Mohican-Memorial State Forest. "First off this campsite was the hardest for us to find but it is the easiest to get to in terms of walking. You need to be in the same area but instead look over by the pavilion you will see the trail campsite marker for #4 campsite marked," explains Kenpocentaur K.
Biking: Access paved trails: River Trail Crossing connects directly to the B&O bike trail. "There is a paved bike/walking trail behind the campground - B&O trail. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. They do have 2 dumpsites available," writes Brian E.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Mohican State Park Campground remains open year-round with services even in cold months. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off. No cell service with Verizon at this park," shares Andrea F.
Yurt amenities: Heated yurts at Charles Mill Lake Park Campground provide comfortable lake view accommodations. "There is a beach side and a lake side both are nice. We have stayed on both. There is a lake with a boat launch near by a playground and beach for families to swim. Kid friendly activities available while we were there," according to Katelyn P.
Quiet water access: River sites offer peaceful surroundings for tent campers. "River Trail Crossing is privately owned, small campground (which we like) but nice and quiet. Sites located on the river are water and electric. The river was only about knee to hip deep. Most family's floated with tubes and saw some kayaks," reports Brian E.
What you should know
Primitive yurt camping: For a rustic Butler, Ohio yurt camping experience, be prepared for varying amenities. "This campground is all non electric. We did run our generator during that day but kept it off at night so we didn't disturb other campers. Only 15 sites and most are very sloped but we had site 3 and it was okay," reports Andrea F. about Malabar Farm State Park Campground.
Registration requirements: Free sites require proper registration. "Do register before you do the long walk out here (depends on which way you do the loop). You don't want to do illegal camping at the Park and Pack sites as they do keep an eye out for it. They also want folks to call it in to discourage bad behaviors," warns Kenpocentaur K.
Winter closures: Most campgrounds close between November and April. "Mohican Adventures Campground and Cabins operates April 1 through October 31, while Mohican Reservation is open April through November. Butler-Mohican KOA runs from May 2 until October 24," according to seasonal schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Mohican State Park has accessible sites for first-timers. "As far as tent camping goes, it does not get any easier than this. Everything is clean and well organized. Perfect for first time campers," writes Jenny K.
Kid-friendly activities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park offers organized recreation. "Fun times during Covid-19 on Memorial Day Weekend. The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids. The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun," reports Tina D.
Enclosed pool option: For hot days, covered swimming is available. "The staff is friendly and the indoor pool and shower houses were amazing. The sites seemed a little small so it might feel crowded during peak season," notes Renee L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully at Pleasant Hill. "We recently stayed 2 nights on site 304 which was electric only by choice and when we return we will opt for full hook up since those sites look brand new. The lots are spacious, but low energy because of the amount of seasonal campers at this campground. Really large property so having a golf cart is almost a necessity," advises Korinne K.
Riverfront hookups: Water/electric options available. "We had a riverfront spot for 4 nights, enjoyed our stay. 30amp, but the AC was still effective on a couple hot days. Bike trail access right from the campground. Golf nearby, Amish shops, canoeing," reports Bob M.
Winter utilities: Check available services in cold months. "This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off. No cell service with Verizon at this park," advises Andrea F.
