Campgrounds around Malvern, Ohio sit within the rolling Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio, approximately 70 miles south of Cleveland. The area features small lakes, wooded terrain, and elevations between 950-1,100 feet above sea level. Camping options range from basic sites with electric-only service to full-hookup RV campgrounds with lake access, with most facilities operating from April through October due to the region's seasonal climate patterns.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Atwood Lake County Campground provides easy reservoir access for fishing enthusiasts. A camper noted, "My parents Camp at this campground seasonally, we have come to know many people we call friends, they have a grate playground for kids and fishing pond."
Amish Country exploration: Berlin RV Park & Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Ohio's Amish communities. "Spent the weekend here while visiting Amish country in Ohio. For the most part it is just a place to park your camper in a big open area while visiting the area," reports one camper, adding that the "restroom/shower facilities are excellent."
Water recreation: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers extensive water activities. "Tons of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," writes one visitor. Lake activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming with inflatables.
Hiking access: Countryside Campground connects to local trails and water access. A camper explains, "The Buckeye ebail connects to the footpath down to the reservoir. All and all it was a fun spot to enjoy some car camping with the family."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at many Malvern area campgrounds. At Berlin RV Park & Campground, one reviewer emphasized, "SPOTLESS bathrooms and I mean SPOTLESS. Lots to do for kids: Sand Volleyball, basketball court, tetherball, corn hole area and playground."
Large tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the generous spaces at certain campgrounds. At Countryside Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The 9 tent sites are very large and spacious. It is mostly an established Rv Park. The community was very kind. Showers were clean and spacious."
Indoor amenities: Evergreen Park RV Resort receives high marks for its year-round facilities. "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," explained one winter camper.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront settings. A camper at Countryside Campground remarked, "There is a nice path through the woods down to the reservoir, where you can fish and kayak. Everyone we met were pleasant and welcoming, from the Staff, Owner's and Seasonal Campers."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Malvern operate between April and October. Countryside Campground specifically runs "May 1 to October 30," while others like Whispering Hills Jellystone RV Park operate "Apr 15 - Oct 31."
Site variations: RV campgrounds in the Malvern area differ significantly in site spacing and privacy. At Scenic Hills RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day. Friendly and helpful staff. Free firewood. Very clean and well kept park."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approaches. Regarding Austin Lake RV Park, a camper advised, "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine."
Additional fees: Activities often carry extra charges. One visitor to Austin Lake noted, "TONS of stuff to do here...Is a little pricy but not as bad as other places like it I have been to. No phone service at all, no matter the carrier."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly rv campgrounds near Malvern feature various recreational facilities. At Whispering Hills Jellystone RV Park, a reviewer highlighted, "Great activities including mini golf, pool, jumping pad and frisbee golf. Cabins and RV spots available and the staff is friendly, grounds are clean and nicely kept."
Kid-focused amenities: Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground offers family-oriented facilities. A family camper shared, "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake. In the evening, we bought some firewood from the campground owners for our bonfire."
Educational opportunities: Evergreen Park RV Resort's location provides cultural experiences. "The campground is right in the middle of Amish Country so there's plenty of beautiful scenery, lots of shopping, wonderful roadside produce and cheese stands and other tourist hotspots so you won't be bored," noted one visitor.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds. At Countryside Campground, a family mentioned, "Playground was a hit for our 8yr and under kids. A nice short walk takes you to Mogadore reservoir. Staff had crafts and pumpkin decorating for kids also and were helpful and friendly."
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RV campers should note varying hookup placements. At Scenic Hills RV Park, a camper observed, "The one and only issue is that water and electricity is located in the rear area of RV, while sewer connections are toward the front. I personally used 50' of water line and 30' of sewer line."
Leveling requirements: Some Malvern area rv campgrounds require preparation for uneven sites. At Chestnut Ridge Park, one RVer noted, "Despite the fact that it's not our normal kind of camping, in the woods, it was very comfortable. It does not feel crowded, sites were grassy and all utilities worked well."
Site spacing considerations: RV parks vary in site proximity. At Countryside Campground, an RVer advised, "We spent a long weekend in a pull thru site. The pull thru sites were a tad small but nice and long. Even with the sites close together it was quiet and peaceful."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. For Austin Lake, a reviewer recommended, "Reserve early for Holiday Weekends as it fills up. Lots of seasonals."
