Atwood Lake Park and the surrounding area offer diverse camping options across the gently rolling hills of east-central Ohio, where elevations range between 950-1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and mild spring and fall conditions ideal for outdoor recreation. Yurt camping near Carrollton, Ohio has gained popularity in recent years with several campgrounds maintaining these circular tent structures as comfortable alternatives to traditional camping.
What to Do
Hiking and biking trails: Tappan Lake Park Campground features numerous trails for day hikes with scenic grade changes. "There are plenty of hiking trails at Tappan Lake Park. We stayed in area 5. Awesome place," notes Denise H., who visited in late October.
Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Camping provides excellent shoreline fishing access with designated areas throughout the property. "We were fortunate that our spot was right beside the lake and we could keep the boat docked there during our stay. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table," explains Renee G. from Mill Creek Camping.
Winter camping excursions: For those seeking year-round yurt camping near Carrollton, Salem-Lisbon KOA offers wintertime options. "This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!" shares Sienna L., who visited Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA during the off-season.
What Campers Like
Lakefront accommodations: The Atwood Lake Park Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District receives praise for its waterfront sites. "The drive into this place was beautiful. Didn't feel like you just drove through Canton (coming from the north). 1st impression was - wow it's newly updated and a beautiful well-maintained campground," notes Joe F. from Atwood Lake Park Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Dist.
Privacy between sites: Tomlinson Run State Park offers secluded tent camping areas. "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 40 Friday August 9th and Saturday August 10th. Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac," shares Dusty R. from Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: West Branch State Park maintains exceptionally clean shower facilities. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days. The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," explains Alisa G. who camps at West Branch regularly.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: For popular yurt and cabin options near Carrollton, book at least 6 months in advance. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly! Check in is very easy as you pass the camp store on your way in," advises Alisa G. from West Branch State Park Campground.
Site conditions: Mill Creek Camping receives mixed reviews about site levelness. "We used to camp here all the time. They had some issues that they fixed. They have changed the fire rings, which makes it harder to cook on. I understand why they changed them," mentions Lori C.
Weather preparation: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "When it rains, grounds flood quickly," warns Jason S. at Atwood Lake Park Campground, so bring extra tarps and waterproof footwear.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Woods Tall Timber Resort offers unique family activities beyond standard camping. "Beautiful resort with all of the amenities and a community of campers who watch out for all the kids like they're their own! Love Talo Timbers!" shares Lori C. from Woods Tall Timber Resort.
Beach access: Canton/East Sparta KOA provides a pool that's particularly appealing to families with children. "We camped here several times growing up. Staff were great and helpful. There was a lot of traffic at night but that's not their fault I suppose. But it's a fun campsite. Clean as always," reports Bradley B.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," notes a visitor to West Branch State Park, making rainy days more manageable with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for recently renovated sections at Tappan Lake Park for the most level concrete pads. "Section 5 is the bomb!! We stayed in the 5-520-531 section. Sites are new, clean, full hookups, with plenty of paved surfaces to park. Camper sites are level and the hookups are new and easy to use," advises Jim F.
Seasonal considerations: Some RV sites may have limited availability during off-peak months. "We've stayed twice in the off season. There is so much for families to do. We were upgraded to a pull through. The sites are a bit tight. It's been raining and our step out is into mud," reports Clean Slate D. from Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA.
Leveling challenges: Prepare adequate leveling blocks when camping at West Branch. "On first impression we were not impressed with this park. First the water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from whoever designed the park," explains Andrea F.
