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Kera F.
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TravelerCross Creek Camping Resort
ALUM CREEK CAMPGROUND
My family loves staying here!
Camping near Shelby, OH
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Shelby (134)
1. KOA Campground Shelby
"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."
2. Mohican State Park Campground
"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 Availability3. Charles Mill Lake Park Campground
"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.."
4. Findley State Park Campground
"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 Availability5. KOA Kampgrounds of America
6. Mt Gilead State Park Campground
"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 Availability7. Indian Trail Campground
"Swimming Pool and trails to ride the golf cart. Activities on the weekends."
8. Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground
"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 Availability9. Freedom Valley
"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
Check Availability10. Mohican Adventures Campground and Cabins
"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!!"
Drive Time
- 14 min from Mansfield, OH
- 52 min from Sandusky, OH
- 1 hr 9 min from Akron, OH
- 1 hr 11 min from Columbus, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Shelby, OH
209 Photos of 134 Shelby Campgrounds
Patrick R.
Freedom Valley
Danielle T.
Charles Mill Lake Park Campground
Traci F.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Dogwood Valley
Bob M.
River Trail Crossing
Jana H.
Mt Gilead State Park Campground
Twin
Claremar Twin Lakes Camping Resort
Steve A.
Gotta Getaway RV Park
Steve A.
Gotta Getaway RV Park
Shari G.
Mohican State Park Campground
Shelly S.
Kokosing River Campground — Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area
Candi G.
Butler-Mohican KOA
Gabrielle K.
Mohican Memorial State Forest Park and Pack Site 1
Recent Reviews near Shelby, OH
676 Reviews of 134 Shelby Campgrounds
- E
Ethan T.TravelerTall Timbers Campground
Compact, bathhouses underwhelming
Campground is well labeled and maintained. Sites are very very close together but this was expected. The bathhouses were extremely disappointing considering there are no full hookups and the price to stay here at a “resort.” They were both full of spider webs, had very dingy fixtures, and did not live up to the rest of the camp.
Jeff H.
ScoutWally World
great place along the Mohican river lots of close activities to do .
i have been going to Wally World Riverside Resort for the past 15 years always a great time ,clean camp ground well maintained .On the week end they have activities for the children and movies on Saturday most of the time on the week end it can get busy.
Robert G.
GuideAmerican Wilderness Campground
Money Grubbers
Made a reservation. Canceled since wife had to go into hospital due to an emergency. No flexibility in the 7-day prior window. State parks and others have all been decent to us over this. We paid 3 days for a reservation we never used but canceled 2 days out. The park did not fill up so they took our money over a gotcha clause even after I begged the manager for her understanding. Under the circumstances, I was hoping they would compromise and take only the first night, but they are in it mainly for your money, I'm afraid.
Justin C.ScoutAmerican Wilderness Campground
Just beautiful
fantastic place to camp with family and friends! There is always something fun and exciting to do, whether you're fishing, swimming, hiking, relaxing around the campfire, or enjoying the many activities throughout the campground. The atmosphere is welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and it's a great place to make lasting memories.
Ravi G.ScoutThe Caves Campground
Dyrt didn't pay for reservation, no refund
Caves is great campground. However they do not honor dyrt reservations. Had to pay at the campground. Sent email to dyrt, no reply. They owe me 400 dollars, and I have not heard back. Dyrt, if you honor, I will update this review- until then, DO NOT USE!!!
Michael M.GuideEast Harbor State Park Campground
Easy layover
Just staying here one night before moving on. We snagged one of the full hookup sites, B131. It has a nice open grassy area, picnic table, and Firepit with some mature trees, providing plenty of shade for this site. Although lots of campers on top of each other, being an end site gave us more room and privacy. We walked a trail along the water, to the beach. It was a nice well-maintained trail, and only a little over a mile to get to the beach.
- AAndy B.
RangerMohican Wilderness
Return campers
We return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
- Marsha S.Traveler
East Harbor State Park Campground
Really Nice State Park!
The campground is very nice with clean facilities, activities and nice sites (especially in areas A and B). If you are there in June, expect Mayflies. No big deal, just be prepared. My only negative is the beach could have been a bit cleaner.
Guide to Shelby
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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?
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?
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?
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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