Best Cabin Camping near Malvern, OH

This was a Fall camping experience in a cabin as we knew it would be cold in the evenings.  We also had a non-camper with us so this was a nice compromise.  We had a cozy cabin with 2 bathrooms.  We also had a small kitchen where we could cook when we didn't want to cook over the fire.  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. You will notice that the bathroom is unisex.  It is a single bathroom (toilet and shower).  This is in the center of the campground.  The bathroom photos below are not of the cabin. 

The cabin you see here is the Deluxe. "Deluxe Cabin(More than two Bathrooms), Patio Deluxe Cabin(w/ Bathroom)- Evergreen KL8-9-10 Perfect for large family or two couples with two queen bedrooms, sleeping loft, 1 1/2 baths, kitchenette, 3 tvs located in quiet corner with shade trees. Sorry, Not Pet Friendly! Linens are included in all seasons except Winter. Please bring pool towels." Taken from Reservation Email. 

For 2 nights it totaled $153.00 which is a good price compared to other cabins we were looking at within the region.  We could have had others camping in the tent section of the campground so it is an easy way to have a mixed crowd for a camping outing. 

I did type in some information into the Special Requests within my reservation booking online, as I had a question about who had to pick up the key as a friend lived closer.  No one responded and I had to call them. 

Cabins Check in is at 3PM and Check out is at 12 PM

We were able to buy firewood from the KOA camp office. They bring it to your campsite and we were able to grill hotdogs and other food items on our camp fire.  Do read the general information closely and look at number 15 for a free scoop of ice cream. 

https://www.whitehousefruitfarm.com/donuts  We did a donut run and explored the farm for our outing for the day. 

We also spent the day checking out a local mill https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/places/mill-creek-park/lantermans-mill/

Each campsite in on a leveled cement pad and comes with a fire ring a picnic table. There is plenty of room around your site and you don't feel crowded. Most sites offer nice tree coverage for shade. The restrooms and showers are very clean and well taken care of. There is also a laundry facility and sink outside each one for washing dishes and water fountains throughout the park. There is a nice beachfront for swimming and then a dock that be reached from outside the park. A beautiful lake for kayaking or boating. The store has most camping needs in it and once a week they host an ice cream social. Has a very nice playground and a sand volleyball court. There are some hiking trails, but nothing extensive.

Make reservations! (6 months in advance).  Waterside sites fill up quickly! Check in is very easy as you pass the camp store on your way in. All campsites have a fire ring and picnic table.  West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites. We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite. 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. Washers and dryers are also at the shower house. There is an outside sink to wash up dishes. Bring your boat or kayak. There are many inlets to explore or fish. There is a small beach at the campground but a larger one on the other side of the lake. There is a boat launch at the campground.  There are playgrounds for the children. An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend. There is a newer dog park near the intersection of Rock Spring  and Esworthy roads. There are many scenic hiking trails at West Branch. Bridal trails are located on Esworthy Rd. West Branch is our favorite campground and we make sure to visit every year.

General: 50-site (all but six with electric hookups) campground plus two yurts and three cabins. Two sites are handicap accessible. 

Site Quality: The sites have gravel pads (except the handicap-accessible ones which were paved). The sites were completely covered with leaves when we were there which made it challenging to determine where the actual (narrow) pad was. Sites appeared to be level. A fire ring and wooden picnic table complete the site. 

Bathhouse: A little dated but clean. Two of the stall doors did not latch properly. Didn't use the shower so cannot comment but there was a sign indicating it took a while for the water to warm up.

Activities/Amenities: There is a small camper store, laundry, and a playground. In season, there is lake swimming and a boat dock. There is a fishing area, mini-golf and disc golf, and several short hiking trails. Unfortunately, since we arrived late afternoon and had to depart early the following day (and were camping off-season), we could not take advantage of any of these things. What we lose in activities, we gain in a quieter camping experience with fewer crowds, which is generally preferable for us!

Saltfork is located about 45 minutes from my house, and makes for the perfect overnight trip. 

There are tons of things to do, and lots of space in which to do them. My favorites includes hiking trails, and the lakeside dog park. 

I stay in the primitive camping, it allows for more privacy and quiet. Although it also means you are relegated to the pit toilets. I personally don't mind them, but I know some campers will make the drive to the nicer shower house in the RV heavy side of the park. 

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, the fire rings in the primitive section need some work, as the grates are very old and small.

This is a large state park offering electric only sites

The sites are set amounts the forest and there are several loops to choose from. Loop F is pet friendly. All sites are within walking distance to amenities 

Amenities are quite run down but functional 

Wildlife is beautiful and its a short ~10min drive to the beach area of Raccoon Creek lake. 

Two (2) dump station spots and fresh water taps location throughout the park 

NOTE: Many sites are not level, you will require blocks/timber to level out campers. Tent campers should choose their site using the photos on the state park site. 

All sites have a paved car space.

The Atwood Lake Campground is a true gem in a beautiful area of eastern Ohio! We’ve visited the Atwood region many times in the past but have never camped - but after this visit we’ll be back for sure. The campground is relatively new, with the campground area being completely revamped beginning in 2017. There are two overnight camping areas with seasonal sites in a separate section; we stayed in “Camp H” which is the newest area. There is a huge bathhouse with two sets of men’s and women’s restrooms and shower facilities along with a very nice laundry area. Adjoining the bathhouse area is a beautiful pavilion and children’s playground - all of which overlooks Atwood Lake. The campsites are nicely spaced though if you’re in the inner loop as we were or even some of the outer ring sites you’ll be looking right into your neighbor’s site. All sites are FHU on level concrete pads and include a metal picnic table and fire ring. If needed there are two very well equipped dump stations if you prefer to use them instead of the sewer connection at your site. Many sites are on cul de sacs directly on the lake with docks and fishing areas adjacent to the campsites. Lots of hiking trails, paved bike paths, a swimming beach and restaurant are in a nearby area. We loved the campground and will return soon!