RV camping near Pickerington, Ohio offers diverse options within a 30-mile radius of this central Ohio community. The region features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet and experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the high 80s. Cell reception remains strong throughout most campgrounds in the area, though coverage may vary in more secluded spots during severe weather.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Jackson Lake Park features a stocked lake where families can spend hours catching various species. As one visitor noted, "There is a 'lake' (more of a large pond) on the property, with fishing, and large inflatables to play on in the summer. There is also a disc golf course."
Kayaking and boating: Kokosing River Campground provides access to calm waters perfect for paddling. According to a camper, "Kayaking on the lake is great. Camp staff very friendly and helpful." The lake attracts numerous waterfowl, adding birdwatching opportunities to water activities.
Disc golf course: Several parks in the region maintain well-kept courses for disc golf enthusiasts. Bring your own discs or rent them at select locations. The course at Jackson Lake Park winds through wooded areas and open fields, providing varied terrain for players of different skill levels.
Local exploration: Small towns surrounding Pickerington offer antique shopping and local dining options. As one camper mentioned, "The nearby town Lithopolis is cute, with some local coffee and dining, as well as antique shops."
What Campers Like
Clean shower facilities: Hocking River RV Park maintains well-kept restroom buildings. One camper shared, "Electric hookup only. Shower and restroom facility provided very clean and orderly campsite also very clean."
Riverfront camping: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along water. A visitor to Hocking River RV Park commented, "So beautiful! Perfect right on the river... decent shower houses... peaceful little campground." Another added, "The river is small and is perfect to have a fire right next to."
Family-friendly amenities: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday provides extensive activities for children. According to a camper, "Kids aged 3-13 all had a blast in the heated pool, on the jump pad and on the zip line swing!" Another visitor noted, "Lots for the kids to do here. Multiple playgrounds. At least three ponds all fairly nice with ducks and geese hanging around."
Reliable Wi-Fi: Unlike many rural campgrounds, some parks in this region offer strong internet connections. A camper at Sunbury/Columbus North KOA reported, "Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5G) seems good throughout the entire park. Best Wi-Fi I've ever had at a campground. They have Wi-Fi repeater towers everywhere you look."
What You Should Know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the Pickerington area close during winter months. Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday operates from May 1 to November 1, while other parks may have different seasonal schedules.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit near major roadways. A visitor to Hocking River RV Park cautioned, "Right on the river, which is interesting, but it's also right alongside State Route 33, so you hear freeway traffic constantly. Trucks and motorcycles woke me up all night."
Varying site privacy: Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort and other parks offer different levels of seclusion between campsites. A camper noted, "We decided to stay here last minute. Read the reviews and went for it. 45' Prevost w/toad. Pull through we were assigned had very low hanging tree limbs. I called the office and asked if we could use space 41 instead."
Bathroom access challenges: Facilities may be distant from some campsites. A Jackson Lake Park visitor explained, "My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation. They were VERY far from the camp area (the one in the arcade room was close but it was closed after 11pm)."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation options: Lakeview RV Park features a swimming lake with additional water activities. A camper reported, "Nice quiet campground! Owners are awesome! Nice level site we were on. Small swimming lake! Canoe rental and jet pack 'skiing'."
Kid-friendly activities: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday schedules regular events for children. One visitor mentioned, "They had so many activities through the whole Christmas in July weekend, including seeing Santa!"
Arcade options: Jackson Lake Park maintains gaming areas for rainy days. A reviewer noted, "Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade."
Plan for bathroom limitations: Some parks have limited facilities that may become overwhelmed during busy weekends. A camper at Hocking River RV Park observed, "Flush toilets, which worked fine Friday and Saturday, but all of the women's toilets were clogged by Sunday morning."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many parks require leveling equipment. A visitor to Sunbury/Columbus North KOA noted, "There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
Easy access stops: Several parks cater to overnight travelers. A Lakeview RV Park visitor shared, "Staff is very friendly and we got a nice pull through site for a quick stop over my way to upper Michigan. There's a really nice pond and has water activities if you stay longer. Easy in/out."
Hookup considerations: Alton RV Park provides reliable services but enforces strict rules. A camper cautioned, "This is a small, maybe 35 sites, clean well maintained campground. The owners have rules and they DO enforce 'em. (They will guide you to your spot and likely oversee your parking and check set up.)"
Water connection challenges: Some parks have unusual utility setups. A Jackson Lake Park camper mentioned, "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash. But, the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose."
