135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Shelby, Ohio provide campers with diverse settings for outdoor recreation in north-central Ohio. The area features established campgrounds with varying amenities, including the KOA Campground Shelby with full hookup sites, cabins, and tent camping areas. Several state parks are within driving distance, including Charles Mill Lake Park Campground and Mohican State Park, offering primitive tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this region are located in wooded settings with access to lakes or rivers for fishing, paddling, and swimming activities.
Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from April through October, though some state parks like Charles Mill Lake and Mohican State Park remain open year-round. The majority of campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Electric sites are common at most campgrounds, but full hookups with water and sewer connections are more limited. Access roads are generally well-maintained and suitable for larger RVs at facilities like Shelby KOA and Freedom Valley. Weather considerations include spring rainfall that can create muddy conditions and chilly fall nights that require proper gear. As one visitor noted, "Alum Creek is just beautiful, nice sites, most of them are at least partially shaded, lots of woods, hiking trails, the lake, it is what I think of when I think of State Park campground camping in Ohio."
The camping experience in this region is characterized by wooded environments with recreational water access. Many campers highlight the quality of facilities and natural surroundings at places like Mohican State Park, where visitors can tube down the river and walk back to their campsites. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere and activities available at established campgrounds. The proximity to Mansfield and other towns means supplies are readily available if needed. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, camp stores, and organized activities. A camper described Findley State Park as "a quiet, wooded retreat with all the amenities. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are offered on Findley Lake, as well as a small, uncrowded public beach." Developed campgrounds typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers, while some also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
"Great weekend at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA. Great activities all day Saturday. Nice large pull through sites. And nice and clean shower house."
"In summer some rv spots are located in direct sun- no shade... they have a lot to do with pools, store, ice cream."
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
"The tent sites (short walk from parking lot) and one car per tent site. Our site was not the traditional walk up/park camp site. It was a nice change of pace. More space and great neighbors. "
from $27 - $220 / night
Check Availability"There is a beach side and a lake side both are nice. We have stayed on both. There is a lake with a boat launch near by a playground and beach for families to swim."
"Beautiful lake with lakeside sites. Wooden and peaceful. Bathrooms could be better. They were working on part of the grounds and the improvements are very promising.."
"Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."
"Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."
from $29 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
"The "Camp Host" came around a few times a day to ensure trash was picked up and needs were met. Site 8 has full hookups and a concrete parking pad."
from $37 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Swimming Pool and trails to ride the golf cart. Activities on the weekends."
"They also offered several bathroom locations and a shower house which were sufficiently clean. Definitely would recommend."
"If you like canoeing, kayaking, rafting, high ropes courses, mini golfing, go carting, hiking, swimming (indoor pool and in a lake), fishing, and paddle boating, then you will LOVE this place!!"
"Positives: Lots are spacious
- Lots of activities: WhoaZone, boating, fishing, horseback riding, near Mohican Adventures for rafting, hiking
- Quiet and with friendly staff and seasonal campers
- Large"
"The bike/walking paths for kids/adults is a great addition for campers with young kids. The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Pool, trails, indoor and outdoor showers, toilets, water hookup. Each area has its specific flavor: RV seasonals, campers, cabins, bunkhouse and tent area. Someone is always throwing a party."
from $20 - $220 / night
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ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideThis is the cleanest park we've ever used! The bathroom is tidy; the showers are roomy and convenient to use. There is a nice playground for younger kids as well as a pickleball court and basketball court for teens and adults. There also is a pleasant hiking trail. We stayed in Site 42, a concrete site, which was fantastic for my spouse's mobility issues. The sites are not super spaced apart, but, with the graduated elevation, we didn't feel smashed together. We visited Amish Country to absorb the beautiful fall scenery, to shop at local stores, and to relax by a campfire in the evening . The campground was perfect for us. If you're seeking a wilderness adventure , this park is not for you .
ScoutCould not ask for a better site. Absolutely beautiful setting. A nice small lake for fishing, and a perfect shallow stream for kids to play in, running right by the sites. The pool house and facilities are spotlessly clean. On top of that, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We even needed a jumpstart for our truck when we were towing the camper out on a rainy Monday morning and someone came around to help. 100% will come back and 100% would recommend to anyone.
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
TravelerWe arrived in the evening after reserving our spot earlier. We selected a non-electric site that as near the entrance and despite a surprising number of campers on a Wednesday, it was quiet and peaceful.
Very well maintained and a visible presence of security and maintenance personnel who were friendly and helpful.
A very nice way to start our car camping trip.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
RangerGreat campground. My favorite is each loop has their own shower house! Nice playgrounds for kids. Nice private sites. Lots of woods and trails. Good lake for boating fishing and kayaking. Park is very clean and well maintained. They have a kids fishing pond! It’s also great for biking.
RangerThis campground has a lot to do for kids. It on the Mohican River for tubing or kayaking. They have a swimming pool, playground, putt putt, climbing wall, and recreation room. There were plenty of showers that were cleaned daily. Nice laundry facilities and camp store. The bad part is the sites are too close. Your fire ring is a few feet from your neighbor.
Rangerwe come back to MW a few times each year as the access to the river and quiet nature of the campground is great. The playground is nice, the store is clean and well stocked.
Camping sites near Shelby, Ohio offer a combination of woodland settings and water recreation from spring through fall. Overnight options include tent areas and full-hookup RV sites, with most campgrounds situated along rivers or lakes. Temperatures range from 50-75°F during the primary camping season, with more variable conditions during the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Canoe and kayak the Mohican River: At Mohican Adventures Campground and Cabins, visitors can access the seven-mile canoe trip directly from the campground. "We took advantage of their seven mile canoe trip which was rich with scenery and again, given the time we had chosen to go, we enjoyed much solitude on the river which took about 2.15 hours to traverse in our canoe," notes Jacob W.
Fish at multiple locations: Charles Mill Lake Park Campground offers both lakeside and beach side camping options with boating access. "Charles Mills Lake is a Great place for waterfront camping and if you like boating. The grounds are well maintained and the primitive sites are pretty well secluded," according to Ken P.
Disc golf course: Mt Gilead State Park Campground features an unusual disc golf course approximately 40 minutes from Shelby. "We took a night walk with headlamps and found the disc golf course. This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" reports Sarah G.
Swimming options: Indoor and outdoor swimming facilities are available at several campgrounds. "There is a beach side and a lake side both are nice. We have stayed on both. There is a lake with a boat launch near by a playground and beach for families to swim," writes Katelyn P. about Charles Mill Lake Park.
Privacy in primitive areas: Mohican State Park Campground offers more secluded options for those seeking quieter experiences. "I am reviewing the primitive campground in the Hemlock Gorge. It is right alongside the river and at the bottom of the gorge. I always try to go to the end of the long campground where I feel it is quieter," notes Marci P.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards for comfort. "The shower houses are clean as well as the grounds. The lake was high this weekend and the beach was a bit under water, but still fun," reports Tina D. about Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground.
Fall and winter options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round for off-season camping. "Another Thanksgiving spent in our camper and it was so nice and relaxing. There were more campers than expected this weekend. I guess everyone likes to social distance in their campers too," shares Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks connect campgrounds to natural features. "The hiking trails are great with a covered bridge, overlook and waterfalls. The sites are nice and large with lots of trees throughout the park," writes Andrea F. about Mohican State Park.
Seasonal variations: Water levels and accessibility change throughout the season. "Open and almost full on 5/30/20. We stopped for one night on our way from VT to CO. Tho they messed up and double booked our site (a really nice one on quieter waterfront side) we were able to get another waterfront one by marina," reports Monica F. about Charles Mill Lake Park Campground.
Site differences: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with varying levels of privacy and amenities. "We stayed on the Eaglepoint side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a KOA campground in Shelby, Ohio?
Yes, there is a KOA campground in Shelby, Ohio. The KOA Campground Shelby, also known as Shelby/Mansfield KOA, offers excellent amenities including spacious pull-through sites, clean shower facilities, and organized weekend activities for campers. The campground maintains high cleanliness standards and provides a welcoming environment for both RV and tent campers. This KOA is a popular choice for families looking for a well-maintained camping experience with planned recreational opportunities.
Where are the campgrounds near Shelby, Ohio?
Several campgrounds are located within a short drive of Shelby, Ohio. Malabar Farm State Park Campground in Lucas offers a unique camping experience at a historic working farm with organic gardens and conservation focus. Mohican State Park Campground provides clean facilities, hiking trails, and river tubing opportunities. Other nearby options include Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground and Toodik Family Campground, which features shaded sites, a pool, and proximity to the Ohio State Reformatory.
What is the closest campground to Shelby for weekend getaways?
The closest and most convenient campground for weekend getaways from Shelby is KOA Campground Shelby. This campground features large pull-through sites perfect for easy setup, clean shower facilities, and organized weekend activities that make it ideal for quick escapes. Another excellent option nearby is Charles Mill Lake Park Campground, located just outside Mansfield, offering water recreation opportunities and family-friendly amenities for weekend adventures.
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