Dillon State Park Campground provides year-round access to cabins located 10 miles west of Zanesville in a heavily forested area. The park sits within 2,000+ acres of outdoor recreation space with no road noise from nearby route 146. Camping options range from basic tent sites to premium cabins with private sleeping areas that accommodate families and groups of various sizes.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Mohican State Park Campground, visitors can explore numerous interconnected paths. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls," notes Andrea F., who rated this park as her "favorite Park of 2019." The trails offer varying difficulty levels for different experience levels.
Fishing opportunities: Rustic Knolls Campground features stocked ponds for anglers. "Very nice and beautiful place. Well maintained. Hot shower, toilets, pond to swim," reports Ender U., who paid just $15 for one tent for one night. The campground provides both swimming and fishing ponds.
Boating and water recreation: Water activities remain popular at many area campgrounds. "Dillon Lake State Park is located about 10 miles west of Zanesville, OH in a heavily forested area," explains Brian B., adding that "there is reasonable space between the sites to allow for some privacy and to allow you to spread out."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Delaware State Park Campground receives high marks for site separation. "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," says Maddy B., who visited in early October. The 'pod' layout creates spacious campsites with good separation.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary by location. "Shower houses weren't amazing but well maintained," reports MaKenzie J. about Dillon State Park, describing it as a "large campground but very quiet." Regular maintenance keeps most facilities in serviceable condition.
Family-friendly atmosphere: National Road Campground offers multiple amenities for families. "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff! Will deliver wood to site & had lots of amenities," shares Bob H. Many campgrounds feature playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Not all sites provide level ground. "Many sites are not level. Many sites have NO shade," reports Gary O. about Dillon State Park. Similarly, at Buckeye Lake KOA, some campers note muddy conditions during rainy periods.
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate with different amenities available at different times. "We actually stayed at the lodge and it was lovely. We would hike around during the day and swim inside as it was before spring," explains Kenpocentaur K. about Burr Oak State Park Campground. Winter camping requires additional preparation.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "The addition of several full hook up sites!" exclaims Sandy O. about Alum Creek State Park, adding that "while the beach inside the campground is small, the main beach for Alum Creek State Park is just a short drive away."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: For inclement weather, Cardinal Center Campground provides alternatives to outdoor activities. "They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached," notes Andrea F., who visited during Thanksgiving. The campground also features "a nice fishing pond, cabins and game room."
Beach access: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares Jenny C. about Alum Creek State Park. Check water quality reports, particularly during hot summer months.
Yurt camping: Near Newark, Ohio, yurt accommodations provide a comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping. Delaware State Park offers yurts available May through October that come furnished with beds, tables, chairs, a cooler, ceiling fan, outdoor charcoal grill and a picnic table with canopy.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups vary widely across campgrounds. "All RV sites have 50A/30A electric. Limited sites have full hook-up," explains Brian B. about Dillon State Park. Call ahead to confirm specific site capabilities.
Site spacing concerns: RV site proximity differs between campgrounds. "RV sites were very close together. Site required minimal leveling," reports Linda B., who found Dillon State Park overrated compared to reviews she had read. Consider requesting specific site areas when making reservations.
Seasonal winterizing: For off-season visits, prepare accordingly. "The water at the full hook up sites are turned off," advises Andrea F. about winter camping at Mohican State Park, though "potable water on by the dump station and the dump station is open."
