Delaware Lake spans approximately 2,000 acres in central Ohio with a maximum depth of 40 feet. The surrounding campgrounds feature mostly level terrain with mixed hardwood forest coverage. Winter camping options remain open at Delaware State Park with heated facilities, while summer water temperatures typically reach 75°F by late June.
What to do
Water recreation access points: Delaware Lake offers multiple boat launches and a marina with watercraft rentals. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to water activities. "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," notes Jill B.
Hiking trail connections: Several trail systems connect across the Delaware Lake region with varying difficulty levels. The Mohican State Park Campground offers "a nice suspension bridge" and "camp spots right on the river which is pretty cool," according to Katie Jo B. For backpackers, John H. adds: "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple shoreline access points and specialized fishing areas surround Delaware Lake. "The camp sites in the middle tend to be more like your normal site with grass and fire rings. They do have a small pond stocked with fish that has gazebo overlooking the pond," explains Kelly L. about Cardinal Center Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the natural separation between camping areas. At Delaware State Park Campground, "the best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," according to Maddy B. who adds that "the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground."
Year-round accessibility: Several campgrounds in the region maintain winter operations with reduced services. Andrea F. notes about Mohican State Park: "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."
Quiet atmosphere: The Delaware Lake area provides peaceful camping environments, particularly during weekdays. George J. from Cardinal Center Campground shares: "Our site had ful hook-ups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night. All of the people next to us were very nice and everyone respected each other's sites."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Delaware Lake area experiences seasonal storms requiring proper preparation. Jan B. from Alum Creek notes: "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 and so maybe it was just a fluke."
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. Marshall P. explains about Delaware State Park: "Located near the town of Delaware, you aren't too far off the beaten path and we even had decent service with Verizon." However, at Mohican State Park, Andrea F. reports: "No cell service with Verizon at this park."
Reservation timing: Popular glamping options at Delaware Lake book quickly, especially waterfront sites. Catherine from Alum Creek State Park explains: "The prices here are reasonable, however 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites based on access to play areas for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley, Traci F. shares: "We camped here in 2019 and fell in love. It's a great campground with so much to do. Lots for kids of all ages. We had plans on going into town for activities but there was so much to do we spent most of the time in the campground."
Beach facilities: Family-friendly swimming areas provide alternatives to Delaware Lake glamping. Jamie L. mentions that Indian Lake has a "sand beach for swimming (even a separate doggy beach!) or a new in-ground pool. Primitive to full hook-up sites available as well as 'boat-camping' sites."
Educational activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programs for children. L W. from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park notes: "Even in April there was tons of planned events for the kids. Our favorites were crafts and the train ride. They had a pizza party at night and gave our family an entire box."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for proper RV setup. Shannon G. explains about Indian Lake State Park Campground: "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit. The fire ring was nice but our picnic table was beat up."
Electric service options: Check amperage availability before booking glamping or RV sites near Delaware Lake. At Cardinal Center, George J. notes their site had "ful hook-ups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night."
Storm shelter access: Several campgrounds provide emergency facilities for RV campers. Marshall P. observed at Delaware State Park: "I also noticed that they had a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas."
