Atwood Lake Park Campground and the surrounding area offer camping opportunities within Ohio's rural northeastern region near Magnolia. The area sits in the Tuscarawas River valley at approximately 950 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Winter temperatures average 28°F while summer averages reach 82°F, with most campgrounds in the region operating between April and October.
What to do
Kayaking on Berlin Lake: Launch from Mill Creek Camping's waterfront sites for easy lake access. "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!!" notes Leslie C. about nearby Atwood Lake Park Campground.
Fishing from your site: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing. "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," according to Fred R. at Atwood Lake.
Horseback riding: For glamping near Magnolia that includes equestrian activities, check out Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch. "Took the family there and loved it. It's clean and quiet. Took the kids on the horse ride and they loved it. All staff were very friendly," says Bradley B.
What campers like
Waterfront accommodations: The lakeside sites provide direct water access. "We could leave our camper, take the boat over to the beach and drop off the grandkids and me the Nana for swimming at the beach dock. Good fishing, clean clean clean," writes Susan S. about West Branch State Park Campground.
Private facilities at glamping sites: Luxury accommodations near Magnolia offer better amenities than standard sites. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days. The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers," mentions Alisa G. at West Branch.
Indoor amenities for off-season glamping: Some resorts offer year-round access. "We camped here the second weekend in December and had the park mostly to ourselves. The game room was nice as well as the indoor pool. The park is in Amish areas so there is plenty of shopping to do," says Andrea F. about Evergreen Park RV Resort.
What you should know
Site layout variations: Some campgrounds have better separation between sites than others. "Location, location, location! Grab a lake front spot and just hang out there! The park is in excellent condition and the facilities are just as clean and comfortable," advises Lisa S. at West Branch State Park.
Water quality differences: Be prepared for varying water conditions. "The water smelled horrible, and both the shower head and faucet were caked with scum. My kids begged not to have to take a shower because of the smell," reports Hali R. about Clay's Resort Jellystone Park.
Seasonal crowds: Many campgrounds become busy in peak summer months. "There are a lot of things to do, lot of room to roam around and great campsites. Beach clean shower and restroom houses, big lake," shares David B. about Atwood Lake Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "We have never experienced so much fun all in one place, from the clean swimming lake, to ziplining, to rv camping, and well kept bath houses," comments Ashley S. about Woods Tall Timber Resort.
Beach access considerations: Not all beaches are equally maintained. "Biggest downfalls were the construction, small sites and bath houses being spread out. Not great when it rains, grounds flood quickly," warns Jason S. about Atwood Lake Park.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious families can use free sites. "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants," explains Whiskey B. about Rivers Edge Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Be prepared with leveling blocks at some campgrounds. "On first impression we were not impressed with this park. Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches," shares Andrea F. about West Branch State Park.
Full hookup availability: For luxury glamping near Magnolia, check for full utilities. "Very nice and clean campground. I only negative for me was the campsites are very close to each other," notes Doug K. about Evergreen Park RV Resort.
Off-season considerations: Some RV parks offer winter camping options. "The indoor pool is great for enjoying a swim even in January and the bathrooms and showers are spotless and very private. They also have very nice apartments or duplexes available if you're not into camping," explains Bob R. about Evergreen Park.
