Seasonal camping options surround Pataskala, Ohio within a 30-mile radius, with many locations operating from May through October. The area features multiple lakes, rivers, and forested terrain typically at elevations between 800-1100 feet. Winter camping options are limited, with most parks closing after fall.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Lazy River at Granville offers swimming pools, splash pads, and creek access for all ages. A visitor notes, "Beautiful creek that runs along side some nice deep sites! Two pools, tons of activities!" This family-owned campground provides water-based recreation throughout the summer season.
Biking on paved trails: River Trail Crossing connects directly to the B&O Trail, a paved bike and walking path. A camper mentioned, "Bike trail access right from the campground. Great area to visit, we will return." Located near Butler, the campground provides easy access to cycling opportunities.
Fishing options: Kokosing River Campground at Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area offers lake fishing with waterfront campsites. A review states, "Beautiful lake, nice and quiet. Lots of waterfowl." The campground attracts families who return annually during summer months.
Disc golf: Jackson Lake Park features an on-site disc golf course, alongside their swimming pond and arcade. Though some facilities need updating, campers appreciate the recreational diversity, with one noting, "My wife and I spent Labor Day weekend here as it was close to Columbus and allowed family to come spend a night or two."
What campers like
Clean, private sites: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday receives praise for spacious sites with privacy. One camper shared, "There was a large amount of space available at each campsite so we never felt like we were on top of our neighbors and had some privacy." The campground operates from May through November.
Proximity to Columbus: Multiple campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Columbus while staying in natural settings. A Jackson Lake Park visitor mentioned, "Overall, the park buildings and roads could use some repair/updates... The park is a nice getaway and the people and families we met were outstanding."
Riverside locations: Hocking River RV Park offers sites directly alongside the Hocking River. A camper explained, "This small and cost effective campground is so awesome! The river is small and is perfect to have a fire right next to. We also just went up the highway a little to a rafting rental place called murrys landing to raft down the river."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Lazy River at Granville specifically caters to families with children of multiple ages. One visitor explained, "We spent a weekend here with two other families (9 kids total) and had a wonderful time! The kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Jackson Lake Park receives mixed reviews about facilities, with one camper noting, "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) and the bathrooms they did have only typically had one working stall."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds near Pataskala experience noise from nearby roads or rail lines. A visitor at Hocking River RV Park commented, "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."
Wi-Fi availability: Internet access varies by location, but some parks invest in quality connectivity. A Sunbury KOA visitor 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."
Management styles differ: Alton RV Park in Galloway enforces strict rules about site usage and setup. A camper explained, "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.) as a result it is quiet, grass all in good shape, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Lazy River at Granville provides multiple play areas and scheduled events. A visitor shared, "My family and I had a great time at this park. Lots for the kids to do with the pool, playground, gaga ball court, activities, etc."
Storm shelter access: During severe weather, some campgrounds offer indoor spaces for tent campers. A Lazy River visitor noted, "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights... And they let all the tent dwellers use the game room to relax in and ride out the worst of the storm."
Water recreation options: Campgrounds with swimming areas provide relief during hot summer days. At Jackson Lake Park, "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in," according to one family's experience.
Site selection considerations: For families seeking quieter spaces, request sites away from high-traffic amenities. A Jackson Lake camper advised, "We booked last minute on a holiday weekend... I wasn't happy with our spot but again that's my own fault. I would definitely book ahead and look at the map to find a good spot. Some are very close to neighbors. Others are really nice."
Tips from RVers
Site types: Lakeview RV Park offers convenient pull-through sites. A visitor reported, "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."
Utility locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility placement. A camper at Jackson Lake Park 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."
Seasonal timing: The best rv campgrounds near Pataskala, Ohio typically operate from April through October. River Trail Crossing specifically operates "May 1 to October 16" according to their seasonal schedule.
Leveling requirements: Not all sites at rv campgrounds around Pataskala are perfectly level. A Sunbury KOA visitor noted, "There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
