Pet-friendly campground sites near Magnolia, Ohio offer diverse camping experiences within the rolling hills of eastern Ohio, situated approximately 950 feet above sea level. The region features a mix of wooded terrain and lakefront properties with seasonal considerations including humid summers averaging 80°F and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area operate primarily between April and October, though some offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday features on-site horseback riding trails that families particularly enjoy. "This is our favorite KOA! I have 4 kids and return at least 1x per year. Great family owned KOA. Horseback riding on site," notes Lisa D., highlighting the unique activity that sets this campground apart from others in the area.
Lake activities: The swimming lake at Woods Tall Timber Resort provides a clean, family-friendly environment for cooling off. According to Ashley S., "We have never experienced so much fun all in one place, from the clean swimming lake, to ziplining, to rv camping, and we'll kept bath houses." The lake maintains water quality standards that make it an excellent alternative to beach swimming areas that sometimes restrict pets.
Nature exploration: Towpath Trail Peace Park offers historically significant hiking opportunities along Ohio's canal system. "This might sound a little over-romantic, but for those who have ever dreamed about the great hiking pilgrimages in Europe, even the Appalachian trail here in the states, the towpath trail is Ohio's answer for historically-rooted hiking," explains Brannon M. about this primitive camping site that welcomes pets.
What campers like
Level, concrete camping pads: Andrea F. appreciates the well-designed sites at Atwood Lake Park, noting, "The site have large concrete pads with full hookups. They offer a nice laundry facility and also a small camp store. They have several hiking trails and a fire tower that's fun to climb." The park maintains over 500 sites with standardized amenities that accommodate a range of camping styles.
Private, wooded sites: Memory Park Campground offers secluded camping experiences with natural boundaries between sites. "We stayed in Cousins Cove. Everyone was raving about the newlyweds site so we walked over. That particular spot had a great fishing spot. Cousins Cove had plenty of shade and was close enough to the portable toilet that it wasn't inconvenient, but far enough to have to worry about smells or run off," reports Zac C. about this primitive camping location.
Resort amenities: Family-oriented activities extend beyond basic camping at Woods Tall Timber Resort. "WTTR is our families favorite place to be during camping season in Ohio. It has everything you can imagine, it's safe and CLEAN! We couldn't recommend a resort more than this one," shares Ashley S. The resort maintains strict cleanliness standards that appeal to campers with pets.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Pride Valley Campground, site selection significantly impacts experience quality. Jacci W. reports, "Nice small campground.. relaxing, great wooded views .. lake for swimming. Has full hook ups (W/E/S). Sights are pretty level, are newer so gravel still settling." However, other reviewers note facility maintenance concerns, suggesting requesting sites furthest from bathroom facilities.
Seasonal water quality: Lake conditions vary throughout the camping season, with algae becoming more common in late summer. Fred R. notes about Atwood Lake Park, "Nice to see sailboats on the lake. All new camping spots with full hookup. Grass is coming in nicely. Kids love the playgrounds and being able to bike or scoot all around. Shower house's are superb. Great fishing. Beach needs some attention."
Bathroom facility distribution: Campground layouts often place bathrooms centrally rather than distributed throughout. Scott H. observes at Pride Valley, "Bathroom facilities are poor and not well-maintained, but count as (barely) serviceable. Make sure to bring sandals so as not to step in the animal shit that covers the floors of the restrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Clay's Resort Jellystone Park offers structured swimming environments suitable for multiple age groups. "We decided to stay after plenty of referrals from friends and family. Pleasantly surprised with how clean everything was. The employees were also super kind. The lake was virtually algae free, and even during this pandemic, it didn't feel over crowded at any point," shares Chuck E. about this family-focused campground.
Kid-friendly programming: Scheduled activities provide entertainment options beyond standard outdoor recreation. Leslie C. shares about Atwood Lake Park, "My kids and I have been coming to Atwood for the last 10 years. We look forward to it every summer. The people are friendly and there is always something to do!!"
Campsite location considerations: Sites near recreation areas offer convenience but may experience higher noise levels. Joe F. advises, "Overall we had fun there and made best of it... Remember to put alcohol in cups. We did search out best spots here and they're at the tip of the peninsula. Largest lots I saw AND there right on the water!!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RVers should prepare for variable site conditions even at developed campgrounds. Chuck E. notes, "I stayed on site LV27. Great location, but not even close to level. Seemed to be the only site with this issue."
Hookup accessibility: Full-service sites may have different hookup placements requiring extended hoses or cables. Susan S. recommends Atwood Lake Park's H loop, saying, "The H campground loops are full hookups, some right on the water. Electric, and primitive sites too. Pets welcome on a leash, a beach and hikng also. Docks available 50' from out waterfront lot."
Off-season considerations: Campground maintenance schedules impact facility availability. Chelsea M. advises about Clay's Resort, "Highly recommend close proximity to bathrooms and showers. Spacious! Concrete slab with full hookup and straw instead of mud/grass. The bathrooms are very well cleaned and maintained."
