Campers near Mount Vernon, Ohio can access a variety of outdoor experiences within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in the gently rolling hills of central Ohio, with the Kokosing River providing water recreation opportunities. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operations from April through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to Do
Hiking trails and waterfalls: Mohican State Park Campground offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. One visitor noted, "Lots of hiking trails and waterfalls. Free hike-in camping available here too."
Water recreation opportunities: Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground provides multiple water-based activities just 25 miles from Mount Vernon. "The lake is an all sport lake so there is fishing, tubing, jet skis and kayaking. The marina has boat rentals available," explains a camper.
Shooting sports: Cardinal Center Campground features dedicated shooting facilities within the campground property. A visitor commented, "We have visited the Cardinal Center several times for shooting and waterfowl events but did camp there for the first time over Thanksgiving. They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached."
Fishing access: At Kokosing River Campground, the water access provides fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice, small, shaded, well maintained campground. Wasn't crowded when we visited in Sep. but I can imagine when it's full it's a little crowded. Beautiful lake, nice a quiet. Lots of waterfowl."
What Campers Like
Private camping areas: Delaware State Park Campground provides secluded sites that maintain privacy even during busier times. A camper shared, "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."
Clean facilities: Rustic Knolls Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite its rural setting. "The camp sights are well maintained. I have stayed there several times, and I plan on going back. Swimming pond and fishing pond. Restrooms are all over for convenience," noted one visitor.
Free primitive sites: For budget-conscious visitors seeking glamping alternatives near Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mohican offers no-cost options. "There are 10 free camp sites for backpackers in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites. There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails, first come first serve, no reservations."
Off-grid experiences: River Trail Crossing provides waterfront sites with reduced connectivity for those seeking to disconnect. "We had a riverfront spot for 4 nights, enjoyed our stay. 30amp, but the AC was still effective on a couple hot days. Bike trail access right from the campground."
What You Should Know
Winter access limitations: While luxury glamping near Mount Vernon, Ohio remains available year-round at some locations, many campgrounds have seasonal restrictions. As one Mohican State Park visitor noted, "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."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Mohican State Park mentioned, "No cell service with Verizon at this park," while at Delaware State Park, another camper noted, "Located near the town of Delaware, you aren't too far off the beaten path and we even had decent service with Verizon."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. For primitive sites, a visitor to Mohican shared, "There are 10 free Park and Pack primitive camp sites in Mohican, each is about a mile hike in, no vehicles can reach these sites... first come first serve, no reservations."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water play options: Alum Creek State Park Campground features both a campground beach and public swimming areas. "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 and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)."
Playground accessibility: Cardinal Center provides multiple recreation options beyond traditional camping. "Lots of amenities: indoor swimming pool, stocked lake (catch & release), corn hole, bouncy pad, basketball court & playground."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer structured weekend events. As one Alum Creek visitor noted, "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bring binoculars for nature watching, especially in spring and fall. A Mohican visitor shared, "We love this park! Lots of hiking! Even saw a bald eagle this trip."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground, the newer sections offer more amenities but less shade. A camper advised, "The new F sites have concrete pads and plenty of space. Only lacking in mature trees to offer shade. The shower house there is new and clean, offers a laundry facility, but lacks ventilation."
Seasonal site considerations: RVers should check which sections remain open in off-season months. One visitor noted, "First come first serve in the winter. One heated bathroom with a shower is open in the winter."
Hookup availability: While glamping options close to Mount Vernon, Ohio often include full utilities, traditional campsites vary. At Mohican, "There are 4 on the mountain bike trail and 6 on the horse trails," which lack hookups, while at Pleasant Hill, a visitor noted "we will opt for full hook up since those sites look brand new."
Site leveling needs: Not all sites are equally level. One Cardinal visitor observed, "Level site, partially shaded in afternoon," while others noted gravel sites requiring more setup time.
