Cabin accommodations near Mansfield, Ohio range from primitive to luxurious across several campgrounds. The region sits in the foothills of the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 1,000-1,400 feet. Cabins in this area typically fill quickly during peak summer months when temperatures average 70-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Mohican State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks through hemlock forests. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with trees throughout the park," notes one visitor.
Kayak the river: Mohican Wilderness provides river access for water activities. According to a visitor, "We go every year and do the 20 mile kayaking trip, such a nice little spot along the river & the best way to kick off summer!"
Visit historic sites: The Ohio State Reformatory, filming location for Shawshank Redemption, is located near several camping areas. "In close proximity to the Ohio State reformatory, shooting location of Shawshank redemption," mentions a reviewer about the surrounding area.
What campers like
Large riverfront sites: Spacious camping areas allow room to spread out. "The spaces down by the river are large and relatively flat so easy to find a tent space. Most have electric and water," notes a camper at Toodik Family Campground.
Indoor swimming options: Several locations offer indoor pools for all-weather recreation. "The indoor pool and shower houses were amazing. The sites seemed a little small so it might feel crowded during peak season," reports a camper at Mohican Adventures.
Primitive camping areas: Malabar Farm State Park Campground provides more rustic options away from crowds. "Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground," explains one visitor.
What you should know
Off-season benefits: Winter camping offers a different experience with fewer crowds. "Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year. This particular park has potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," reports a visitor at Mohican State Park.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "No cell service with Verizon at this park," notes one camper about Mohican State Park.
Reservation windows: For holiday weekends, plan months ahead. "Only downfall is trying to find an open spot for reservations. Place is booked most of the time. If you're planning a holiday weekend you need to book 6 months in advance," advises a camper at Findley State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground offers water recreation and structured programming. "Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking," shares a visitor.
Playground access: Multiple play areas keep children entertained. "Super super big place as far as campsites go and quantity. They do have a suspension bridge which is pretty cool, some trails to hike on and Camp spots right on the river which is pretty cool."
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds feature organized activities. "There was nice and many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground," one camper observed at Findley State Park.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: Not all sites are level or easily accessible. "The sites of this place are spread out over a lot of acreage. We stayed at the bottom of the hill along the river. The spaces down by the river are large and relatively flat," notes a visitor to Toodik Family Campground.
Full hookup availability: KOA Campground Shelby offers complete utility connections. "Great weekend at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA. Nice large pull through sites. And nice and clean shower house," reports one camper.
Seasonal considerations: Weather affects site conditions. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns a camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground.
