Mt Gilead State Park Campground offers camping options year-round in central Ohio, 6 miles north of Chesterville. The area features rolling hills with elevations between 900-1100 feet, with spring and fall bringing moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping remains available with reduced services, though temperatures typically drop below freezing December through February.
What to do
Disc golf course: Mt Gilead State Park features a challenging disc golf course that extends through wooded terrain. "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!" notes Sarah G. at Mt Gilead State Park Campground.
Fishing: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds with catch-and-release policies. "They have a nice fishing pond, stocked fishing lake (catch & release), corn hole, bouncy pad, basketball court & playground," reports Beth R. about Cardinal Center Campground.
Archery and shooting: Cardinal Center Campground provides specialized facilities for target sports. "We then went over to the shooting center and tried our luck with some silliolet and metal targets on the pistol range. They also have trap and skeet available," explains George J. at Cardinal Center Campground.
What campers like
Private sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are full of trees for tent campers, hammock hangers and tree climbing. Game room, indoor pool and fishing. Clean baths ALWAYS," writes Christi L. about Cardinal Center Campground.
Indoor amenities: When weather turns unfavorable, access to indoor facilities becomes valuable. "They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table. The sites next to us were empty but the way it was set up, the site next to us would have had an rv angled right behind us," reports Renee L. about Cardinal Center.
Winter facilities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Chesterville often provide winter camping options. "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," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited staff midweek: Staffing can be reduced during weekdays, affecting services. "One huge problem I had was the lack of midweek staff. As it turned out they were going to seal the asphalt the next day so I moved on and did not spend as much time as I wanted to," explains Bret J. about Mt Gilead State Park.
Cell reception varies: Network coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park Campground.
Seasonal closures: Facilities change with seasons at pet-friendly camping sites near Chesterville. "The store was closed due to Covid-19 but restrooms and showers were open," reports Julie R. from Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Site angles: RV site design varies between campgrounds. "However, a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in," observes Shannon G. about Mt Gilead State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Family-oriented campgrounds provide water recreation. "We swam in the lake and pools. We loved the paddle boat ducks and swans. The kids had the best time at archery," shares Traci F. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley.
Planned activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout their stay. "Even in April there was tons of planned events for the kids. Our favorites were crafts and the train ride. They had a pizza party at night and gave our family an entire box," writes L W. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Varied terrain: Be prepared for uneven ground at some sites. "Our site was a concrete pad and our grassy area was on a hill. It is dog friendly and the shower house was clean," notes Renee L. about Mt Gilead State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should research specific site sizes before booking. "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 to back in," advises Shannon G. from Mt Gilead State Park.
Hookup access: Consider seasonal variations in utility availability. "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50/30 AMP). Level site. Partially shaded in afternoon," reports Beth R. about Cardinal Center Campground.
Dump station access: Winter campers should verify which facilities remain operational. "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," explains Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.
