117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Gambier, Ohio include a mix of established campgrounds with river access and family-friendly amenities. The area features several developed facilities like Kokosing Valley Camp & Canoe located along the Kokosing River, which offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and seasonal access. Rustic Knolls Campground provides a more secluded experience with well-maintained facilities including fishing and swimming ponds. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tents and RVs, while several also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Seasonal operation varies significantly across the region's campgrounds, with many facilities operating from April or May through October. The Caves Campground provides RV-specific camping with electric and water hookups, while Mohican Wilderness offers riverside campsites popular for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing activities. One camper noted, "Quiet family campground with many amenities. Perfect river location for kayaking or tubing. Fantastic fishing." Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly at Mohican Wilderness where some campers appreciate the digital disconnect. Road access is generally good throughout the area, with most campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads.
River access represents a significant draw for camping in this region. Campsites along the Kokosing and Mohican Rivers provide opportunities for water recreation and fishing. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, with one visitor stating, "Bathrooms are all over for convenience" at Rustic Knolls Campground. The campgrounds near Gambier typically feature clean restrooms and showers, with several offering swimming areas, either in pools or natural ponds. Family-friendly activities are common, including miniature golf, game rooms, and hiking trails. During summer holidays and weekends, the more popular campgrounds can fill quickly, particularly those with waterfront sites. While some locations permit alcohol, others like The Caves Campground have restrictions, so campers should check specific rules before arriving.
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
"The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors. "
from $27 - $220 / night
Check Availability"They also offered several bathroom locations and a shower house which were sufficiently clean. Definitely would recommend."
"If you like canoeing, kayaking, rafting, high ropes courses, mini golfing, go carting, hiking, swimming (indoor pool and in a lake), fishing, and paddle boating, then you will LOVE this place!!"
"We come back to MW each year and try to get the same sites (323-322) as they are very private with access to the water while still being super close to the store and walkable to the bathrooms:showers."
"They are full of amenities like: horse back riding, shooting sports, canoeing, playground, swimming lake, putt putt and more."
from $25 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Perfect river location for kayaking or tubing. Fantastic fishing."
"We set up camp here and ride the kokosing gap trail into mt vernon and back. They keep the bathhouses very clean and the water is hot. Would love to go back once the apocalypse is over."
"Rustic is down a gravel road, well off the beaten path, and a little more remote than the boondocks. Frank, the owner, and his team are great."
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
"The "Camp Host" came around a few times a day to ensure trash was picked up and needs were met. Site 8 has full hookups and a concrete parking pad."
from $37 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I probably wouldn't select site 20 again, as it is close to the pool and the basketball court, alot of youth noise, but understand."
"There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("
"Met with the host, very nice campground with electric and water - not full hookup, but there was a septic drain accessible near the site. Will definitely stay again!"
from $54 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
"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."
from $27 / night
Check Availability
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
RangerThis campground has a lot to do for kids. It on the Mohican River for tubing or kayaking. They have a swimming pool, playground, putt putt, climbing wall, and recreation room. There were plenty of showers that were cleaned daily. Nice laundry facilities and camp store. The bad part is the sites are too close. Your fire ring is a few feet from your neighbor.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
TravelerTight
LegendMy husband and I had an overnight stay here on our way to Indy. Sites were level and easy to navigate, with fire rings and picnic tables. Lots of trees and trails. Though the majestic pines were tall, they offered little for privacy. Bathrooms were clean and showers were free. However, the touchless feature made showering difficult as you have to stand directly in front of the sensor to keep the water running which means you must bear the cold water until it heats up. Neither of us had an enjoyable shower experience. Playground for the kiddos and a volleyball court. All around a nice stay.
RangerThis campground is huge. Great for biking. Nice lake for fishing, boating and kayaking. There is a campers beach in campground. Many sites have water access. Small fishing pond. Very nice camp store. Big, wooded sites.
ScoutThis is a decent campground with basic (water / electric) sites with gravel pads. Information states that they have WiFi, but we are unable to find the network.
Camping near Gambier, Ohio concentrates around the Kokosing and Mohican Rivers, with sites ranging from primitive to full hookup. The area sits within Knox County at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, experiencing humid summers with average highs in the 80s and cold winters that typically close many campgrounds from late October through April. Most campsites receive moderate tree cover, creating partial shade during summer months.
Hiking trails: Mohican State Park Campground features several miles of scenic paths. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with trees throughout the park," notes one visitor who rated the park as their favorite of 2019.
Horseback riding: At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, equestrians can access dedicated horse trails. "We went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails," shares a camper who appreciated the campground's diverse offerings.
Disc golf: Mt Gilead State Park Campground offers a challenging disc golf course for visitors. "We took a night walk with headlamps and found the disc golf course. This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" writes one reviewer who enjoyed this unique feature.
River access: Campsites along waterways remain particularly popular. "Our site was a little muddy and a little smaller than other sites but overall we were very happy with the campground," notes a tent camper who stayed at a primitive riverfront site at Mohican Wilderness.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas provide relief during summer heat. At Rustic Knolls Campground, "The camp sights are well maintained. Swimming pond and fishing pond. Restrooms are all over for convenience," according to a repeat visitor who plans to return.
Off-grid experience: Limited connectivity appeals to some campers. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," mentions a visitor about Mohican State Park Campground, who considers camping in the off-season their favorite time despite the technology limitations.
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in site density. At Mohican Adventures, one visitor notes: "We camped here off season and had the place to ourselves. We had a pull through site which was gravel. The sites seemed a little small so it might feel crowded during peak season."
Weather impacts: Rain can create challenges for tent campers in particular. One visitor to Lazy River at Granville mentioned how during a thunderstorm, "they let all the tent dwellers use the game room to relax in and ride out the worst of the storm."
Seasonal limitations: Many campsites near Gambier operate seasonally. The Caves Campground runs a compact RV-focused operation with 10 sites featuring electric and water hookups but no showers. One visitor noted: "Pulled up right to the site- directions well marked. Met with the host, very nice campground with electric and water - not full hookup, but there was a septic drain accessible near the site."
Creek play: Natural water features provide entertainment. At Lazy River at Granville, a camper with nine children among their group reported: "The kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek."
Activity variety: Some campgrounds offer structured programming. "Lots of activities for the whole family. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing on the river. Swimming in the pond. Game room and miniature golf. Trails to hike. Lots of summer activities scheduled for the year," writes a visitor to Mohican Wilderness.
Bike-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated paths for cycling. Pleasant Hill Lake Park received praise for its "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."
Site selection: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers various camping areas with different amenities. "We have stayed mostly in area E and the new F side of the campground. The new F sites have concrete pads and plenty of space. Only lacking in mature trees to offer shade," advises a long-time visitor.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional setup work. At Mt Gilead State Park, a camper noted: "Our pad was pretty level and not hard to back into with a small camper. However, a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in."
Hookup placement: Plan for potential setup complications. When staying at Lazy River at Granville, one RVer pointed out that "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Gambier, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gambier, OH is Mohican State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What parks are near Gambier, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Gambier, OH that allow camping, notably Dillon Lake and Alum Creek Lake.
Keep Exploring
