Camping near Sunbury, Ohio offers access to multiple water activities including paddling, boating, and fishing across several local reservoirs. The area sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation with temperate summer conditions that typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the region maintain operations from April through October with limited winter facilities.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Mt. Gilead State Park Campground offers a challenging course that includes unique features. "This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" notes Sarah G., who discovered the course during an evening walk.
Shooting sports: Cardinal Center Campground provides extensive shooting facilities. "They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached... They have a nice fishing pond, cabins and game room. Definitely a nice family place. Also a shooting range if that is something you like," mentions Andrea F.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds are available throughout the camping areas. At Berkshire Campgrounds, campers appreciate "a beautiful fishing pond with well groomed trails. Dogs are allowed off leash on the trails," according to Pete D.
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds feature walking paths through wooded areas. "This is a huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond," explains a reviewer at Berkshire Campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Delaware State Park Campground receives high marks for site separation. "What I liked most about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," notes Maddy B. Another camper, Ashley R., adds that "Delaware has been our favorite campground since we found it. The staff is always very friendly and helpful."
Clean facilities: Cross Creek Camping Resort maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Nice quiet campground. Very clean. Conveniently located to Columbus. Lots of seasonal campers," reports Tom O. Another visitor commented, "Sites are pretty close together and mostly permanent, but it's in a good location and decent amenities."
Pool and recreational options: Many Sunbury area campgrounds offer swimming and activities. One camper at the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday noted it's "hugely spaced out camp with ample space to each site and great amenities for kids & dogs. Immaculate and well run."
Quiet atmosphere: Several sites offer peaceful settings away from urban noise. Julie R. describes Mt. Gilead State Park as a "nice campground that's very well maintained... The camp has nice trails, a fishing lake and disc golf course along with other activities."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Some sites experience drainage issues during rain. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one visitor warns, "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather." Another noted, "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."
Site layout variations: Campground design differs significantly across the area. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them," explains Katelyn P. about Alum Creek. Mt. Gilead campers should note that "a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in," according to Shannon G.
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at popular campgrounds. Cross Creek Camping Resort gets particularly busy: "Super crowded on a summer weekend. All size rvs and also tent campers. Easy to find," reports one camper.
Seasonal limitations: Most facilities have reduced winter operations. Tree Haven Campground operates "May 1 to November 1" according to their season information, while other campgrounds may offer limited winter amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple parks offer dedicated play areas for children. One visitor to Alum Creek State Park Campground described it as a "neat park with playground and fishing... It does have good fishing and a playground, and it is a good place for a cookout. They have bathrooms and a water fountain."
Water activities: Delaware State Park Campground provides swimming options for hot summer days. "We did not swim due to it being in the 60s and rainy during most of our stay but we did go look at the beach it was very clean and appears well cared for," shares Ashley R.
Special events: Many campgrounds host themed weekends. At Sunbury/Columbus North KOA, Jennifer K. shared, "They had so many activities through the whole Christmas in July weekend, including seeing Santa! Even though we were there on a rainy/70-80 degree weekend, we still struggled to keep the kids at our site as they were constantly out and about having fun."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must," shares Jenny C. about her stay at Alum Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs and rig size. At Tree Haven Campground, one RVer explained, "Only gray water hook up available," which is important information for planning longer stays.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. At the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA, Gary G. advises, "There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
Connectivity considerations: Wi-Fi 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 KOA.
Utility hookups: Confirm what connections are available before booking. "We love that electric is included and was helpful for plugging in fans during the hot night," notes a camper at Alum Creek, while sites at Cross Creek offer "full hook-up (sewer, water, 50/30 AMP)."
