Delaware State Park Campground offers more than just yurts for visitors seeking glamping in Mount Gilead, Ohio. The park spans over 2,000 acres and features sites with diverse terrain options including all-grass, mixed grass and woods, and fully wooded areas. Central Ohio's camping season generally runs April through October with peak summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F, though Delaware State Park remains open year-round for outdoor recreation.
What to Do
Swimming options: At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, visitors can enjoy both beach and lake swimming. "The beach lake is great. New shower houses by the beach. Great staff. Very friendly and helpful," notes Karrie Kat W. The park also features WhoaZone water activities during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: The stocked pond at Cardinal Center Campground offers convenient catch-and-release fishing. "They have a nice fishing pond, cabins and game room. Will go back at some point," shares Andrea F. Many campgrounds provide morning or evening fishing access.
Outdoor sports: Cardinal Center Campground features a complete shooting sports complex. "It is the largest shooting center (clays, skeet, pistol, rifle, archery) in the state," explains JOHN T. The facility includes indoor recreation options as well, making it suitable for variable weather conditions.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Delaware State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its site spacing. "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," says Maddy B. The campground's pod layout contributes to this separation.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "The sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel. 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," explains Marshall P. Multiple shower houses are placed throughout camping loops.
Storm safety: Delaware State Park Campground has installed protective infrastructure. "I also noticed that they had a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas," adds Marshall P. This feature provides peace of mind during severe weather events.
What You Should Know
Cell service varies: Coverage differs significantly between carriers at many area campgrounds. At Mohican State Park Campground, "No cell service with Verizon at this park," reports Andrea F. Pack alternative communication options if needed.
Site terrain: Many campgrounds in this region feature uneven terrain. About Mohican Adventures, one camper notes, "The only complaint is that the sites are not flat." Request specific site recommendations when booking if this is a concern.
Seasonal changes: Water access may change throughout the year. "There is potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open. The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," explains one Mohican State Park visitor during off-season camping.
Tips for Camping with Families
Multi-section playgrounds: Rustic Knolls Campground offers numerous play areas. "Restrooms are all over for convenience. Swimming pond and fishing pond," reports Kris K. This arrangement allows children of different ages to find appropriate activities.
Bike-friendly paths: Several campgrounds feature dedicated cycling routes. At Pleasant Hill, one visitor mentions, "The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids." These pathways provide safe recreation away from vehicle traffic.
Seasonal entertainment: Look for scheduled activities during peak seasons. "Pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost," shares Jill B. about Alum Creek State Park Campground, highlighting food events that enhance family experiences.
Tips from RVers
Pod-style campground advantages: The layout at Alum Creek State Park Campground provides easy access to facilities. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush," explains Catherine. RVs of various sizes can accommodate in these arrangements.
Weather preparation: Several campgrounds in the Mount Gilead area have drainage challenges. About Alum Creek, one camper advises, "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather." Request higher elevation sites during rainy seasons.
Winter camping options: Delaware State Park maintains year-round operations with appropriate winter accommodations. "The park is open year-round and great for outdoor activities," notes one reviewer, though winter campers should prepare for reduced services and limited water access.
