146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Malvern, Ohio centers around several lake-based recreation areas in eastern Ohio's rolling countryside. The region features a mix of established campgrounds, RV parks, and cabin rentals, with Atwood Lake Park Campground serving as one of the area's premier destinations. Located about 15 miles south of Malvern, Atwood Lake offers extensive water recreation opportunities alongside camping facilities managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Pride Valley Campground in Malvern provides closer accommodations with basic amenities for both tent and RV campers, while Woods Tall Timber Resort in New Philadelphia offers a highly-rated experience with full hookups and recreational facilities.
Most campgrounds in the Malvern area operate seasonally from May through October, with a few facilities like Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday remaining open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and less crowding. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, particularly for lakeside sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas. Fire restrictions are uncommon but can be implemented during particularly dry periods in late summer.
The camping experience varies significantly between facilities in the area. According to reviews, Atwood Lake Park Campground underwent extensive renovations beginning in 2017, with one visitor noting, "The campsites are nicely spaced though if you're in the inner loop, you'll be looking right into your neighbor's site." The campground features full hookup sites on level concrete pads, modern bathhouses, and direct lake access. West Branch State Park Campground, located about 40 miles north, offers a more natural setting with "many trees that provide separation between sites" and "several short hiking trails." Tent campers should research carefully, as some reviewers indicate certain facilities primarily cater to RVs with limited accommodations for tent camping.
"The Atwood Lake Campground is a true gem in a beautiful area of eastern Ohio!"
"The lake and forest trails surround this area. The restroom and showers are brand new and are spacious and clean! The fellow campers were friendly."
"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. We would come back here!"
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **
This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."
"Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"
from $30 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside."
"You are close together and no privacy like they have at other ohio state parks. I was able to snag a site on the water same day. Bathhouse is dated but clean and stocked."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"Lots of playgrounds and you can access the lake for swimming and fishing from just about anywhere. The sites are well spaced and feel private, until you get closer to the lake."
"The people next to us parked their boat right behind their site. We even seen a doe and 2 fawn right here at our site!"
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Ohio has a lot of great campgrounds/resorts and this one is one of the best!"
"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."
"It's been raining and our step out is into mud. To be expected in the area during the winter. If it isn't snow covered, it's muddy. They have a little pizza shop and are right by Gilford Lake."
"This was another way for us to social distance as COVID-19 was still an issue. I also took photos of the camping bathrooms as each KOA does it a little differently."
GuideAbsolutely a great spot for large private heavily wooded sites! Only primitive non electric site for roof top campers is C5! Others are park and walk or to small to open up and be comfy. Great cabins and yurts! Clean bathrooms and showers. Everything here is done online from reservation to buying wood and so Ice so prepare for that.
GuideFamily run campground that's been around for 45 years. Small place. Mostly seasonal campers. They have a few walk up tent sights. RTT campers will have to take a back in sight but they will not charge you extra unless you plug into electric. 1 swimming pond, 3 great bass fishing ponds. Nice camp store. Bathrooms are clean.
ScoutAfter a bad experience two years ago I thought I'd give this campground another chance- what a mistake. My reservation was for one night and it was so peaceful I extended another night, peaceful it was not. The loud music began and I called the office for someone to come silence them. After half an hour I called back and was told there wasn't anyone to respond. I then told the girl(Lindy or Lindsey) to refund me for the night I was going to pull out. She wanted to charge me$53 for a cancellation fee on a$49 charge. The call got ugly and I ended up calling the rangers myself since she was incapable of making the call. I will never come back here again.
ScoutWhen we arrived, we checked in at the camp office. The ladies there were very kind. The roads through the campground are wide enough for two-way traffic and nicely paved.
This is a beautiful, heavily treed campground. Even on Memorial Day weekend with lots of people, the park was very peaceful. The sounds of birds permeate the air round the clock. Chipmunks run amok. They’re just so cute.
We booked site 56 for our 39’ fifth wheel. As soon as we pulled up, we knew there was no way we’d fit even though the reservation site said it would accommodate a 40’ rig. The camp hosts happened to be passing by as we were surveying the site. They were very helpful redirecting us to a nearby site that would be more suitable. FYI, sites 55 and 56 have deep culverts on either side. One wrong turn and you’re going to have a problem. The majority of sites along our road were just wide enough to keep the tires out of the dirt, but not wide enough for the stairs to land on asphalt. If you have a motorhome or other wide-bodied rig, like an Alliance Paradigm, I would recommend choosing one of the sites on the loop around the playground. Those are better suited for newer big rigs.
TIP…the line at the dump station is long on the holiday weekends. Plan accordingly.
GuideNice and quiet. Friendly staff. Beautiful campground.
ScoutNo reservations needed. There is always primitive space available. With a good bit of full hookups available aswell. Pool, sauna, hot tub, picnic tables, scheduled entertainment throughout the summer. Always a blast
ScoutThe site is full hook-up. 30/50 amp. This site is partial tree covered and at the end of the loop. Shower house very short walk across the road. Trash dumpster across the street. This is a short site 23 foot max for RV. Has a double pad with concrete Picknick table area. Best spot on C loop.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
ScoutLike this place it is close to home easy to get in and out pulling a camper the activity were not opened yet but when they are I bet it is a great place
Campers visiting Malvern, Ohio find themselves in the foothills of Appalachia where elevations range from 950 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. The area sits at the northern edge of Ohio's Appalachian Plateau with small streams feeding into larger waterways like Atwood Lake. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures typically ranging from 20-40°F from December through February.
Fishing opportunities: Atwood Lake offers good fishing conditions for multiple species. One visitor at Atwood Lake Park Campground mentioned, "Good fishing. Nice to see sailboats on the lake. All new camping spots with full hookup." The lake supports bass, crappie, and catfish populations.
Water recreation: The lakes near Malvern provide various water activities beyond swimming. At Mill Creek Camping, visitors enjoy "numerous fishing and open swimming opportunities (basically anywhere you want along the water)" with "very clean fire rings and running water bathrooms."
Hiking options: Short trails exist throughout the area's parks. West Branch State Park offers "several short hiking trails" with terrain suitable for all skill levels. Many trails connect camping areas to lake access points, with most being under three miles in length.
Full hookup sites: Many campgrounds in the region have recently added full hookup capabilities. One camper at Atwood Lake Park Campground noted, "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 hiking also."
Lakefront camping: Direct water access is highly valued by visitors to Guilford Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer shared that "While our site wasn't lakefront, many of the sites are right on the water... we're really looking forward to returning with more time to stay so that we can take advantage of the kayak and paddle boat rentals."
Family amenities: Several campgrounds feature activities specifically for families. At Canton/East Sparta KOA Holiday, guests appreciate the "Horseback riding on site" and one family mentioned, "This is our favorite KOA! I have 4 kids and return at least 1x per year. Great family owned KOA."
Site spacing varies: Privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds. At West Branch State Park Campground, sites offer good separation with "many trees that provide separation between sites," while at Pride Valley Campground, a visitor noted sites are "pretty level, are newer so gravel still settling."
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies widely across campgrounds. At Guilford Lake, "Bathhouse is dated but clean and stocked," while West Branch offers "clean individual showers" that receive positive reviews.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. One camper at West Branch advised, "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" This is especially true for holiday weekends from May through September.
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming areas for children. At Atwood Lake, there's a "Nice beach area with toys for the kids and adults," while another family mentioned, "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!!"
Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA "Has activities for all ages. The general store has an ice cream shop and food," according to visitors. Some campgrounds also offer scheduled activities on summer weekends.
Space for bikes and scooters: Several campgrounds have paved roads ideal for kids' wheeled activities. As one Atwood Lake visitor shared, "Kids love the playgrounds and being able to bike or scoot all around. Shower house's are superb."
Site leveling needs: Be prepared with leveling equipment. At West Branch, one RVer reported, "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."
Access to lake activities: Many RV sites offer convenient water access. At Woods Tall Timber Resort, an RVer shared, "Such a beauty, even with a large RV we were accommodated. Lots of fun activities, and the trees are tall!" Some locations allow you to launch directly from your site.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced amenities. The Salem-Lisbon KOA is available for "Nice All Year Around Camping" with one winter visitor noting, "The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Malvern, Ohio?
The Malvern area offers several excellent camping options. Atwood Lake Park Campground stands out with its beautiful landscapes, lakeside sites, and clean facilities. The campground features newly renovated restrooms and showers, with scenic forest trails surrounding the area. Another great option is Pride Valley Campground, which provides drive-in sites with amenities including water and toilets. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the nearby Towpath Trail Peace Park offers primitive camping with charming roadside sites that are perfect for a quick getaway within easy distance of Canton.
Can I rent an RV in Malvern, Ohio for camping?
While there aren't RV rental facilities directly in Malvern, nearby options exist. Kool Lakes Family RV Park in the Northeast Ohio area offers affordable sites perfect for RVs, with a gravel road system connecting numerous camping spots. Alternatively, Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday - Bear Creek Ranch provides RV-friendly accommodations and may have rental information. For RV rentals, check with dealerships in larger nearby cities like Canton or Akron, or explore online RV rental marketplaces that deliver to your chosen campground.
What camping is available near Malvern, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Malvern, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Malvern, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Malvern, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malvern, OH is Atwood Lake Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malvern, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Malvern, OH.
What parks are near Malvern, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Malvern, OH that allow camping, notably Michael J Kirwan Lake and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
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