Camping sites near Marion, Ohio offer diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation within central Ohio's rolling countryside. The area's topography features gently sloping terrain with elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage toward the nearby Scioto River watershed. Marion County experiences four distinct seasons with summer high temperatures averaging in the mid-80s°F, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the low 20s°F.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Mt. Gilead State Park Campground offers a challenging disc golf course that extends through wooded areas. "We took a night walk with headlamps and found the disc golf course. This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" reports Sarah G.
Hunting opportunities: Delaware State Park Campground provides designated areas for hunting various game. "What I liked most about this park is that there hunting areas," notes Michael P., while also mentioning it has "Great pheasant hunting."
Paddle boating: Families enjoy water activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Columbus where boating is a major draw. "The lake is a hit so much that we never go to the pool. Having free, unlimited access to pedal boats and other boats is a huge treat," writes Bill T., highlighting the value of included water activities.
Archery practice: Cardinal Center Campground combines camping with target sports including archery ranges. "This campground is near Columbus, OH. We go there every summer to camp with our trap/skeet/sporting clay shooting team," explains Christi L., noting it's also full of "trees for tent campers, hammock hangers and tree climbing."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Mt Gilead State Park Campground offers more secluded camping spots with natural separation. "Our site had a deck right behind the camping pad because the site has a descent slope. The fire pit was down the slope which was cool being out of site from walkers," Bobby C. explains about his experience.
Pod-style camping layout: Delaware State Park features a distinct organization that campers appreciate. "The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel," writes Marshall P.
Clean, private shower facilities: Some campgrounds offer individual shower rooms rather than communal facilities. "The showers were nice, you get your own shower room which was quite large. Restrooms were nice also," notes Jana H. about her stay at Mt. Gilead State Park Campground.
Organized weekend activities: Cross Creek Camping Resort hosts themed weekends for added entertainment. "We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing," shares Lauri C., while another camper mentions "They also have themed-event weekends, which are really fun!"
What you should know
Campground flooding concerns: Wet weather can affect camping conditions in the area. "Delaware State Park maintains a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas," Marshall P. mentions, highlighting safety preparations for severe weather.
Winter camping limitations: While some campgrounds remain open year-round, services vary seasonally. At Cardinal Center Campground, "We camped here off season and really enjoyed it. Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool," notes Renee L.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs between locations and carriers. "Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better," reports Joe I. about Delaware State Park. At Cross Creek, another camper noted "Cell phone reception was very good. WIFI was not too good."
Weekend crowding: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Super crowded on a summer weekend. All size rvs and also tent campers," explains Malcolm about Cross Creek Camping Resort. Reservations are essential particularly for holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: Some sites specifically cater to children's sense of adventure. Ashley R. shares about Delaware State Park: "The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site."
Playground access: Alum Creek State Park Campground features play areas throughout the property. "Great Get-Away! Nice campground that's very well maintained... The camp has nice trails, a fishing lake and disc golf course along with other activities," Julie R. notes.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies between locations. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley, "We swam in the lake and pools. We loved the paddle boat ducks and swans. The kids had the best time at archery," explains Traci F., highlighting multiple activity options.
Morning fish feeding: Unique experiences create lasting memories for children. "We watched them feed the fish at the lake in the morning, that was such a fun experience. I've never seen that many fish that big up close," describes Traci F. about Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Alum Creek State Park Campground can present difficulties after rain. "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm," explains Jan B.
Full hookup availability: Cross Creek Camping Resort offers complete services for self-contained units. "Good mix of pull through and back in and is big rig friendly," reports Dave B., though noting sites are "close, but not unreasonably close."
Long RV pad locations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV's) with good separation between sites," explains a visitor to Delaware State Park.
Easy access from highways: Cardinal Center Campground provides convenient overnight options. A visitor notes it offers "wide, spacious, and level pull through and back-in gravel sites," and serves as "a great base camp to visit the area."
