Camping options near Milford Center, Ohio span across several counties with sites positioned on or near various reservoirs and lakes. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet with mild summers averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, with several offering year-round options for campers seeking off-season adventures.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Buck Creek State Park Campground features multiple trail options for hikers of various abilities. "Our site was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean," notes one visitor who enjoyed the park during Labor Day weekend. The trails connect to various parts of the park, making them accessible from most campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Delaware State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access with multiple boat launches. According to Joshua E., "There is even a trail down the back of the campground that goes down to a place for boats to dock on the lake." Fishing is particularly good in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
Shooting sports: Cardinal Center Campground offers a unique amenity with its shooting facilities. A visitor shares, "We went over to the shooting center and tried our luck with some silliolet and metal targets on the pistol range. They also have trap and skeet available." This campground provides a specialized recreational option not commonly found at other sites.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the privacy at Delaware State Park Campground. As Maddy B. explains, "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy." Sites are arranged in a spoke-and-wheel layout with bathhouses centrally located, creating efficient access while maintaining separation between campsites.
Clean facilities: Alum Creek State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities that campers appreciate. Greg W. noted it was a "very well run park. Great facilities," while another visitor mentioned the "sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails." The campground offers a small beach within the property and a larger public beach a short drive away.
Family-friendly activities: Jackson Lake Park provides numerous recreational options. One camper shared, "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must." The park includes a swimming area with inflatables during summer months and a disc golf course.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. At Indian Lake State Park Campground, choice lakefront sites are often reserved well ahead. According to one camper, "Most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites are always taken."
Weather considerations: The area experiences occasional severe weather, particularly during spring and summer months. At Indian Lake, a reviewer noted: "We have visited Indian Lake since I was a child, now we our kids there. Roomy sites, plenty of shade." However, another camper at a different site mentioned, "We suffered a pretty severe thunderstorm while we were tent camping, it looked like a tsunami coming in."
Bathroom availability: Bathroom access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Jackson Lake Park, a visitor reported, "My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation. They were VERY far from the camp area and the bathroom they did have only typically had one working stall." Check campground maps before booking to confirm proximity to facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for kids: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers two swimming areas. According to Leon H., "There are two swimming beaches, the public one and one in the campground. The campground one is smaller a short hike to get to it." These swimming areas provide safe spaces for children to cool off during hot summer days.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds within walking distance of campsites. Melissa M. from Buck Creek notes, "There is a path to the playground which the occasional kid will run down into your campsite by accident." Most playgrounds are centrally located and visible from multiple campsites.
Planned activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley organizes regular events for children. A visitor shared, "Even in April there was tons of planned events for the kids. Our favorites were crafts and the train ride. They had a pizza party at night and gave our family an entire box." The campground also features paddle boats shaped like ducks and swans that children particularly enjoy.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Buck Creek offers relatively level sites for easy RV setup. Lisa M. notes, "Our space was nice and level. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles." The campground provides full hookups at select sites with 50-amp service.
Hookup options: Wapakoneta KOA provides various site types for RVers. Ryan W. explained, "Had a back-in, water/electric spot that was roomy as we were on an end. Wood deck, picnic table, and fire ring included." The campground is located close to I-75, making it convenient for travelers passing through the area.
Site spacing considerations: At Wapakoneta KOA, one camper noted, "The actual sites are very small. Not much room to fit the trailer and vehicle. Basically the site is as wide as your awning." For larger rigs, requesting end sites or premium locations may provide additional space for slide-outs and outdoor living areas.
