Best Campgrounds near Howard, OH
The rolling hills of central Ohio surrounding Howard feature a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and water-oriented recreation areas. Kokosing Valley Camp & Canoe operates directly in Howard, offering tent and RV sites with electric hookups from May through mid-October. Within a 30-minute drive, the Mohican region provides several additional camping options, including Mohican State Park Campground in Loudonville with year-round availability and accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabins. The area's campgrounds typically feature wooded settings near rivers and lakes, with many sites offering water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Most campgrounds in the Howard area require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though Mohican State Park and Pleasant Hill Lake Park remain open year-round. Winter camping requires preparation for potentially muddy conditions and freezing temperatures. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and spotty reception in more remote areas. As one camper noted about Mohican State Park, "It's not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there are a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
Water recreation forms the centerpiece of camping experiences near Howard. The Kokosing and Mohican Rivers provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, and tubing, with several campgrounds offering canoe and kayak rentals or river access. Campers frequently mention the quality of hiking trails throughout the region, particularly at Mohican State Park where well-maintained paths connect directly to many campsites. Sites along waterways tend to fill quickly during summer months. Visitors appreciate the mix of natural settings and amenities, with one reviewer noting, "The forest is beautiful and trails well maintained." Campgrounds vary in privacy levels, with some offering spacious, shaded sites while others feature more open layouts with limited separation between neighbors.
