Camping cabins near Lockbourne, Ohio provide convenient lodging options within central Ohio, located at approximately 750 feet elevation in a region characterized by gently rolling terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters that can drop below freezing, affecting cabin availability and amenities. Most rental cabins maintain accessibility year-round with heating systems for cooler months.
What to do
Swimming at designated beaches: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers both a public beach and a smaller campground beach. "The campground one is smaller a short hike to get to it. Both are ok, but nothing impressive," notes one camper, while another mentions that "We also used the camper beach but to the left of it to launch our kayaks."
Kayaking on local lakes: Campbell Cove Camping provides direct lake access for water activities. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," shares a visitor. The campground sits directly on Lake Logan with rental options available nearby.
Miniature golf and arcade games: Jackson Lake Park features recreational facilities beyond standard camping. "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," reports one camper. Additional facilities include a small lake with inflatables for summer play.
Hiking through forest trails: Tar Hollow State Park offers access to multiple trail systems. "Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake. Nature center & lots of activities near the camp store," explains a reviewer, though they caution, "Trails are not marked well. Thankfully we were not doing a backpacking trip."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Delaware State Park Campground earns praise for site layout and privacy. "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," one camper reports. The pod-style campground design creates separation between sites.
Clean, modern facilities: Cross Creek Camping Resort maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Clean and pretty well maintained park. We don't use all the extra amenities like pool etc, but there seemed to be a lot to choose from for kids. Small dog park," notes a visitor. The resort-style campground includes full hookup sites.
Family-oriented activities: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA schedules regular weekend events for families. "Wonderful family friendly place!" shares one camper. Another appreciates the cabin design noting, "The KOA was what one expects of the KOA lots of features and not very secluded. The Kabins were lovely."
Waterfront camping options: Multiple campgrounds offer lake-view sites. At Campbell Cove Camping, a camper reports, "We stayed at site 61 and the lake view is perfect. Bring your hammock because there are plenty of trees!" These waterfront sites typically cost more but provide direct access to water activities.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality of restrooms differs significantly between campgrounds. Jackson Lake Park received criticism with one visitor noting, "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever!! Their was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms."
Limited cell service in some locations: Tar Hollow State Park Campground has minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!" mentions a camper. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site terrain varies significantly: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain. At Tar Hollow's North Ridge campground, "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes. 106 wasn't too bad. I would guess 105 is probably the most level site in the campground."
Cabin booking requirements: Most rental cabins require advance reservation, particularly during summer and fall color seasons. Many parks require minimum stays of 2-3 nights during peak periods and holiday weekends. Prepare for additional cleaning fees ranging from $25-50 depending on cabin size.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific amenities: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers family-friendly features. "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 and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares one family.
Consider cabin locations carefully: When booking cabin accommodations with children, proximity to bathrooms matters. One visitor at Buckeye Lake KOA noted, "She didn't get to use the Family Shower as you have to get the key from the store. Shower time was usually before bed time with two little ones as they would get dirty playing during the day."
Check for scheduled activities: Several campgrounds host regular programming for children. At Buck Creek State Park, "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."
Plan for weather contingencies: Ohio weather can change quickly, especially during spring and fall. Pack extra clothing layers, rain gear, and indoor activities. Several cabins provide basic shelter but limited indoor recreation space during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies by campground: Many RV sites require additional leveling. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, one RVer noted, "Our pull through site was on the (inner) road, so lots of golf carts, cars and campers passing by. All pull through sites are on the road side. The site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground."
Reserve full hookup sites early: Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers limited full-service sites that book quickly. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious. There is a general store on site with firewood, propane, food items, gifts, camping gear, (hitch pins even, I lost mine)," advises an RVer.
Water access points vary: Not all campgrounds offer convenient water filling stations. One camper at Delaware State Park reported, "The only negative was the lack of a central fresh water fill station. Spigots are dispersed throughout the camp, which means sitting in the road for as long as it takes to fill your tank."
Winter camping availability: Several parks including Buck Creek and Delaware State Park remain open year-round for RVers with appropriate cold weather equipment. Delaware State Park maintains plowed roads during winter months, though water spigots may be winterized during freezing weather.
