Camping spots near Centerburg, Ohio offer a mix of private and state-operated facilities within Ohio's farmland landscape. The region sits approximately 1,100 feet above sea level with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to mid-80s during summer months. Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October with limited winter availability requiring advance reservations.
What to do
Shooting sports and archery: Cardinal Center Campground offers a comprehensive shooting facility with pistol, rifle, trap and skeet options. "The camp also has some very nice cabins, no restrooms in the cabin but they are very close to the public restrooms and shower house. We then went over to the shooting center and tried our luck with some silliolet and metal targets on the pistol range," notes George J.
Fishing with children: The stocked ponds at multiple campgrounds provide easy access fishing opportunities. At Cardinal Center Campground, "They have a nice fishing pond, stocked with fish that has gazebo overlooking the pond," reports Kelly L. The catch-and-release policy ensures sustainable fishing for all campers.
Hiking through wooded trails: Mt Gilead State Park Campground features maintained paths through mixed hardwood forests. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking trails very well maintained (only saw 3 pieces of trash while hiking, we picked up the garbage)." Some trails connect to form longer routes allowing hikers to customize their experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. At Delaware State Park Campground, "the best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," according to Maddy B. The pod layout creates a sense of seclusion even during busy periods.
Clean shower facilities: Berkshire Campgrounds maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Very clean, staff very nice... Water pressure excellent. Electric well within standard," notes Pete D. Most campgrounds in the area offer shower houses with regular maintenance schedules.
Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds cater specifically to pet owners. At Berkshire Campgrounds, one camper praised, "This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring... Our favorite part was the off leash dog trails that were a perfect place to let the pup run. We have struggled at some parks where the pet areas are very restrictive."
What you should know
Campsite flooding concerns: Some campsites can become waterlogged following heavy rains. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, a reviewer warned, "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm and so maybe it was just a fluke."
Reservation competition: Securing weekend spots requires advance planning. "This is the proper listing for the campground. The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush... the prices here are reasonable, however most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken," explains Catherine.
Variable site quality: Not all sites offer the same experience within the same campground. Sites may vary significantly in size, shade coverage, and proximity to facilities. "All different kinds of campsites and the people at the camp office will be more than willing to help you out. They have sites that are all grass, sites with grass and woods and sites that are all woods," notes Joshua E.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for children: Many local campgrounds provide water recreation. At Rustic Knolls Campground, there's a "Nice swimming pond with inflatable attractions. Well stocked camp store. Lots of activities for the whole family," according to John M.
Kid-friendly activities: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday features extensive recreation options. "Great, family friendly campground. Clean, organized campground, with TONS of amenities and activities. The campground is tucked away in a suburb of Columbus next to a soybean field, very quiet area," says Nichole G.
Playground availability: Most campgrounds include playground equipment. "Nice peaceful park. Spacious sites, clean restrooms. Great space for the kids to get it and play," mentions Lauri C. regarding Delaware State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, "Our pull through site was on the (inner) road, so lots of golf carts, cars and campers passing by. All pull through sites are on the road side. The site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground," shares Brenda M.
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," reports Gary G. about the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday.
Full hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer limited full-service sites. A visitor to Mt Gilead State Park Campground noted, "Some of the sites are close together, especially in the site with full hookups, but not too bad. We were in sight #9 that is close to the neighbors, but it had a large area in back with a fire pit."
