Galena, Ohio camping areas surround the Alum Creek Reservoir with elevations ranging from 885 to 940 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Campgrounds remain open from April through October, with electric sites available at most established locations for heating and cooling during seasonal extremes.
What to Do
Fishing access points: Kokosing River Campground offers lake fishing with abundant waterfowl. "Nice, small, shaded, well maintained campground... Beautiful lake, nice and quiet. Lots of waterfowl," notes camper Shelly S. The area provides both shoreline and boat-based fishing opportunities.
Mountain biking trails: Alum Creek State Park Campground maintains dedicated mountain bike trails throughout the recreation area. According to a reviewer, "There is a camp beach and boat launch. Lost of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area... There is also some mountain bike trails. Plenty to do for everyone."
Archery practice: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley provides archery instruction about 30 miles from Galena. "We camped here in 2019 and fell in love... The kids had the best time at archery. We watched them feed the fish at the lake in the morning, that was such a fun experience," writes Traci F. The guided archery sessions operate during summer months.
Wildlife observation: Delaware State Park features hunting areas for pheasants and other wildlife viewing opportunities. "What I liked most about this park is that there hunting areas... Has wouldful hunting areas," mentions Michael P. The park maintains multiple wildlife management zones accessible to campers.
What Campers Like
Natural seclusion: Delaware State Park Campground provides wooded sites that create privacy between camping areas. "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. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," explains Maddy B.
Weekend breakfast events: Certain campgrounds organize special meal services on weekends. As one camper at Alum Creek explains, "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost."
Clean restroom facilities: Buck Creek State Park Campground maintains well-kept shower facilities. "Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them," notes Lisa M. Most campgrounds in the region provide flush toilets and hot showers, with varying cleanliness levels.
Yurt accommodations: Multiple locations near Galena, Ohio offer yurt camping options with built-in amenities. Delaware State Park features yurts available from May through October that come "furnished with beds, table and chairs, a cooler, ceiling fan, outdoor charcoal grill and a picnic table with canopy."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require online booking even for in-person arrivals. As one camper noted about Buck Creek, "Nice medium size campground. Must reserve online as they are still doing everything virtual."
Seasonal flooding concerns: Certain waterfront sites experience flooding during heavy rain periods. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns Katelyn P. about Alum Creek.
Site selection strategy: Mohican State Park Campground offers primitive camping options away from main camping areas. "I am reviewing the primitive campground in the Hemlock Gorge. It is right alongside the river and at the bottom of the gorge. I always try to go to the end of the long campground where I feel it is quieter," advises Marci P.
Cell service variability: Reception varies significantly across campgrounds. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes one Mohican visitor, while at other locations service improves at night: "Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better."
Tips for Camping with Families
Accessible playground areas: Rustic Knolls Campground provides family-friendly environments with minimal development. "Second time at this campground. We enjoy our stays. Peaceful and great for kids. Kayaking on the lake is great," writes Mark B. Most family campgrounds maintain playground equipment near central facilities.
Water recreation options: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers multiple water activities for children. According to Matt T., "I love the buckeye lake koa. Great cabins and amazing fishing." The nearby Buckeye Lake provides additional swimming and boating opportunities.
Movie nights: Several campgrounds organize evening entertainment for families. One Buck Creek visitor reports, "Camp host on I think lot 71 or there about were great at keeping the activities going. Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!! And the kids loved it."
Campground beach access: Many locations maintain private beaches separate from public access points. "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," notes Jenny C. at Alum Creek. These beaches typically offer gentler slopes and controlled access.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Cardinal Center Campground accommodates larger rigs with pull-through sites. "This is a very nice, easy access CG with wide, spacious, and level pull through and back-in gravel sites," notes JOHN T. Most developed campgrounds can handle RVs up to 40 feet.
Full hookup availability: Utility connections vary between campgrounds and specific loops. "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50/30 AMP), Level site, Partially shaded in afternoon," reports Beth R. about Cardinal Center. Many sites offer only electric hookups, with water and dump stations centrally located.
Winter camping preparedness: Some yurt camping options near Galena, Ohio remain open during colder months with limited services. "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."
