The Carrollton area sits in eastern Ohio where deciduous forests meet rolling hills at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. Camping options near Carrollton include both lakeside and wooded settings with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities though many campgrounds close from November through April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jefferson Lake State Park Campground provides accessible fishing areas around its small lake. As one camper noted, "Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek. But be sure to pack a picnic and relax and enjoy!"
Water recreation: Woods Tall Timber Resort features a swimming lake with recreational facilities. A visitor shared, "We have never experienced so much fun all in one place, from the clean swimming lake, to ziplining, to rv camping, and well kept bath houses."
Hiking trails: Guilford Lake State Park Campground offers trail access around the lake. A reviewer mentioned, "Hiking to the nature trail involves a bit of 'along the road' on the way there, which was a little uncomfortable, but it was a good time."
Boating access: Tappan Lake Park Campground provides boating opportunities on its large lake. One visitor simply stated, "Great place to camp clean lake and fun to just hang out at the camper."
What campers like
Concrete pads: Atwood Lake Park Campground features updated camping areas with level concrete pads. A reviewer remarked, "Located right in a lake it's great for relaxing and watching the sailboats go by. The site have large concrete pads with full hookups."
Lake views: Lakeside camping spots are particularly valued. One camper at Atwood Lake Park Campground wrote, "The H campground loops are full hookups, some right on the water. Electric, and primitive sites too. Pets welcome on a leash, a beach and hiking also."
Clean facilities: The newer bathroom facilities receive positive mentions. A visitor to Woods Tall Timber Resort praised, "WTTR is our families favorite place to be during camping season in Ohio. It has everything you can imagine, it's safe and CLEAN!"
Swimming areas: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers swimming with added attractions. As one camper noted, "TONS of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Reserve early for Holiday Weekends as it fills up. Lots of seasonals. Inflatable slides and such in the lake."
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have significant variation in site quality. A visitor to Jefferson Lake State Park Campground warned, "You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped."
Limited cell service: Mobile coverage can be poor or nonexistent in certain areas. A camper at Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins reported, "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier. Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in."
Site spacing concerns: Guilford Lake State Park Campground has limited privacy between sites. A camper observed, "It's crowded; this is a tiny campground. Zero privacy (I was awakened by a guy snoring 2 campsites over)."
Additional fees: Some activities may require extra payment. A visitor to Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins noted, "Austin lake offers plenty of fun with the lake. Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Atwood Lake Park Campground, a camper shared, "My kids and I have been coming to Atwood for the last 10 years. We look forward to it every summer. The people are friendly and there is always something to do!!"
Swimming options: Water activities provide entertainment for children. A visitor to Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins explained, "They loved the lake and everything there was to do on it. Kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides. Name they had a blast!!"
Beach facilities: Some campgrounds have dedicated beach areas with amenities. A camper at Guilford Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "They have a playground, a basketball court, and their own beach for the campers. Along with several docks to fish from and launch your kayak."
Seasonal considerations: Family-oriented programming varies by season. A reviewer at Tappan Lake Park Campground reported, "We stayed in area 5. Awesome place. It was late October so most things were closed. We'll definitely be back in 2024."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: The best places to camp near Carrollton for RVs often have specific sections with full hookups. A reviewer at Pride Valley Campground noted, "Nice small campground.. relaxing, great wooded views .. lake for swimming. Has full hook ups (W/E/S). Sights are pretty level, are newer so gravel still settling."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A camper at Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins advised, "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K."
Seasonal availability: Many RV sites close during winter months. At Tappan Lake Park Campground, a visitor described, "We stayed in area 5. Awesome place. It was late October so most things were closed."
Hookup details: Power and water connections vary between campgrounds. A camper at Jefferson Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal. We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot."
