Cabin rentals near Columbus, Ohio provide overnight options in woodland settings about 20-30 miles from the city center. Most cabins sit within established campgrounds that offer a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The Central Ohio region features rolling hills with elevations between 800-1,100 feet and typically experiences warm, humid summers with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 60s.
What to do
Lakeside activities: 15 minutes from campsite. Delaware State Park Campground offers water recreation on its 1,300-acre reservoir. "We launched our kayaks and had a great time paddling around the lake. Be aware that there is no horsepower limits for boats on the lake and weekends are very popular for anglers in high-powered bass boats. The northern portion of the lake is a 'no wake zone' which makes for a more pleasant paddling environment," shares a visitor.
Hiking trails: Multiple difficulty levels. Hocking Hills State Park Campground features scenic trails connecting to major attractions. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious. There is a general store on site with firewood, propane, food items, gifts, camping gear, (hitch pins even, I lost mine)," notes a camper. Though farther from Columbus, the park's waterfall hikes make it worth the drive.
Fishing opportunities: Catch and release. Cardinal Center Campground maintains a stocked fishing pond. "We toured the campground and found the stocked fishing lake (catch and release) the indoor swimming pool. The camp also has some very nice cabins," reports one visitor. The center also features shooting ranges for those interested in target practice.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Delaware State Park gets high marks for site layout. "This is probably our favourite state park we have been to thus far. The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," notes a camper. The campground arranges sites in a "spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle" providing more space between neighbors.
Indoor amenities for poor weather: Cross Creek Camping Resort offers facilities that function year-round. "Nice and pretty well maintained park. We don't use all the extra amenities like pool etc, but there seemed to be a lot to choose from for kids. Small dog park. Normal size lots for an RV park," shares one visitor who appreciated the options during less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Year-round accessibility: Buck Creek State Park Campground provides camping options regardless of season. "Nice medium size campground. Must reserve online as they are still doing everything virtual. Camp spots were decently sized but no cover between camp spots and little shade," reports a camper during an October stay. The park maintains bathroom facilities throughout the year.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Columbus-area cabins require advance booking. At Lazy River at Granville, "The park fills up fast. Go early," advises a frequent visitor. Particularly during summer weekends, sites can book months in advance.
Seasonal operation differences: Jackson Lake Park has varied facilities depending on time of year. "I was upset the pool was not open since there was no post about it being closed and the website says it would be open the weekend of Memorial Day," notes one visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming amenity availability before arrival.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility maintenance differs widely between parks. "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever! There was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms," reports a camper at Jackson Lake Park. Always check recent reviews for current conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Themed weekends: Plan around events. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA organizes special activities throughout the camping season. "We went camping early October in tents. It was cold but it was so much fun," shares a visitor about a Halloween weekend. "Halloween weekend #3 was so much fun!" notes another camper about the festive atmosphere.
Playground proximity: Consider site location. Buck Creek State Park offers family-friendly layouts. "We loved our campsite 41 which I found is next to impossible to get! But it has shade almost all day and it only has a camper on one side plus is close to the bathroom. There is a path to the playground which the occasional kid will run down into your campsite by accident," advises a parent.
Rainy day options: Have backup plans. Alum Creek State Park Campground provides sheltered activities when weather turns. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," reports a family that found ways to enjoy their stay despite variable conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Not all cabin and RV sites are created equal. "Our site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground. Many full time units here beautiful patios and decor. Staff is nice and friendly," notes an RV camper at Cross Creek Camping Resort.
Hookup location considerations: Pay attention to utility placement when booking. "The new section (sites numbers in the 200s) have hook ups at the front of the sites so you may have to buy longer hoses," advises an experienced camper at Lazy River at Granville.
Sanitation facilities: Dump station quality varies significantly. "Our site had full hook-ups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night," reports a Cardinal Center Campground visitor, noting the value of having sewer connections directly at the site rather than using communal facilities.
