Near Kilbourne, Ohio, campers can explore the natural landscapes around the Alum Creek Reservoir. The area sits at approximately 850-950 feet elevation with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and moderate rainfall. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups across several state parks and private campgrounds that operate primarily from April through October.
What to do
Fishing and water sports: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing in the lake with exceptional opportunities. "There is a campground beach and boat launch. Lots of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups," notes Jill B.
Mountain biking: The region offers trails specifically designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. "There is a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," Catherine mentions about Alum Creek, while Mohican State Park is known for its extensive trail system.
Family activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley offers structured recreation for children. "Lots for kids of all ages. We swam in the lake and pools. We watched them feed the fish at the lake in the morning, that was such a fun experience," says Traci F.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature interconnected trail systems. At Delaware State Park, "There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," according to Maddy B.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Delaware State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout. "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," Maddy B. reports. Another camper, Ashley R., shares, "The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site."
Water access: Campers appreciate direct water access at certain sites. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," advises Katelyn P. about Alum Creek State Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Very well run park. Great facilities," Greg W. comments about Alum Creek, while at Mohican Adventures, a camper notes the "amazing indoor pool and shower houses."
Weekend activities: Organized events enhance the camping experience. At Buck Creek, one visitor shared, "Camp host on lot 71 were great at keeping the activities going. Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak season. Delaware State Park has limited availability for premium sites, with one camper noting, "From what I've been told you might be able to get into one [lakefront site] if you book the whole season a year in advance."
Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. At Mohican Adventures Campground, "The primitive sites are literally carved out of the side of a hill. The site we chose was on a plateau overlooking the lake," explains Melissa P.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. "We did not swim due to it being in the 60s and rainy during most of our stay but we did go look at the beach it was very clean and appears well cared for," reports Ashley R. about Delaware State Park.
Connectivity: Cell service varies by location and carrier. At Delaware State Park, "Att works good here, verizon not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizon gets a little better," according to Joe I.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Buck Creek State Park Campground provides multiple swimming areas. "There are two swimming beaches, the public one and one in the campground. The campground one is smaller a short hike to get to it," explains Leon H.
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. At Buck Creek, one camper mentions, "There is a path to the playground which the occasional kid will run down into your campsite by accident."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer structured learning activities. At Rustic Knolls Campground, families can enjoy "a swimming pond with inflatable attractions" and organized events throughout the season.
Safety considerations: Camping pods at Delaware State Park provide a secure environment for children. "The grounds are very clean and tidy. The rangers drive through a few times a day to patrol the grounds," Ashley R. observed.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at state parks. At Mohican State Park Campground, "There are 212 sites that have 50 amp electric. The campground also has yurts for rent (May through October) that are furnished with beds, table and chairs," according to a detailed review.
Site layout: RV campers should research specific site dimensions. At Cardinal Center Campground, a reviewer notes, "Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel," highlighting the importance of understanding the terrain.
Winter camping concerns: For off-season RV camping, check which facilities remain operational. "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," advises an experienced camper about Mohican State Park.
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer relatively flat spaces for RVs. "Our space was nice and level," notes a camper at Buck Creek, while another visitor to Cardinal Center appreciated their "level site."
