Yurt camping near Columbus, Ohio offers camping options within a 45-60 minute drive radius. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,100 feet above sea level and experiences warm summers with occasional thunderstorms from June through August. Fall camping season typically extends through late October with average overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s by mid-autumn.
What to do
Hiking trails and water activities: At Delaware State Park Campground, guests can explore multiple interconnected hiking trails that accommodate various skill levels. "There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," notes Maddy B., who visited in early October.
Shooting sports and recreation: Cardinal Center Campground offers archery, pistol, and rifle ranges within a short drive of the main camping area. "We have visited the Cardinal Center several times for shooting and waterfowl events but did camp there for the first time over Thanksgiving. They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached," reports Andrea F.
Stargazing opportunities: Tar Hollow State Park offers minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. "If you're lucky and have no clouds, there is virtually no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way," explains one camper who enjoyed the secluded North Ridge camping area.
Nature and wildlife programming: Many parks organize seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities. Buck Creek's nature center conducts outdoor education programs throughout camping season, while Tar Hollow features ranger-led activities. "The naturalist conducts several activities. In past years we've been able to spend an hour or so at the nature rooms, and then let the kids go off with the naturalist on an hour+ guided hike down the creek," writes a visitor.
What campers like
Private camping sites: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers secluded sites separated by natural barriers. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails," writes Catherine. Another camper adds, "Space and privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year."
Well-maintained facilities: Tar Hollow State Park Campground receives praise for its clean grounds and peaceful setting. "The grounds were clean and fairly well maintained. There are shower facilities, potable water and vault toilets," notes Lisa S. The park maintains several types of camping areas including tent-only sections and more developed options.
Family-friendly amenities: Campers appreciate the additional activities beyond basic camping. "The park is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel," notes Marshall P. about Delaware State Park's thoughtful design.
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Columbus, Ohio has grown increasingly popular at several parks. Delaware State Park offers yurts with screened windows from May through October. As one visitor notes, "The campground also has yurts for rent that are furnished with beds, table and chairs, a cooler, ceiling fan, outdoor charcoal grill and a picnic table with canopy."
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: At Buck Creek State Park Campground, site location significantly impacts your experience. "I recommend taking one on the outside of the loop - near the trees," advises Jason M. Sites near bathrooms experience more foot traffic, while some tent-only areas require carrying gear uphill from parking areas.
Seasonal considerations: Parks like Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA operate seasonally from April through October, with limited services during shoulder seasons. Jackson Lake Park's swimming area may close for maintenance, as one visitor noted: "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."
Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance booking, especially for specialized accommodations like yurts. Ohio State Parks use an online reservation system, with many popular Columbus-area yurt camping options booking up 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Cell service limitations: Several parks have limited or no connectivity. "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!" notes Sydney about Tar Hollow. Delaware State Park offers better connectivity: "Located near the town of Delaware, you aren't too far off the beaten path and we even had decent service with Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Jackson Lake Park provides multiple recreation options for children. "Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," notes Jess N. The arcade room offers indoor activities during rainy weather, though it closes at 11pm.
Water recreation: Numerous parks feature swimming areas specifically for campers. "We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must," shares Jenny C. about Alum Creek. Buck Creek has both a public beach and a separate campground-only swimming area.
Organized activities: Many parks schedule family-oriented programs. "Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!! And the kids loved it," shares Melissa M. about Buck Creek's summer programming. Cardinal Center Campground offers additional facilities: "Game room, indoor pool and fishing. Clean baths ALWAYS," according to Christi L.
Cabin options for families new to camping: For those transitioning to Columbus-area yurt camping or tent camping, cabins provide an intermediate option. "The little cabins you can rent out are awesome! They have bunk beds in them and are just enough to have shelter to sleep in and then spend the day outside," notes Emily M. about Buckeye Lake's accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Delaware State Park offers 212 sites with 50-amp electric service. "The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel," shares Marshall P.
Leveling needs: Cardinal Center Campground earns praise for level sites. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash," notes Chris C., though some visitors mention water hookups can be challenging to access at certain sites.
RV size considerations: While many parks accommodate larger units, site selection becomes critical. Buck Creek State Park notes that "some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RVs," according to a visitor, with most offering electric hookups but requiring use of central water and dump stations.
