Camping near Waverly, Ohio offers a mix of forested terrain with moderate elevation changes in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 42 inches, creating lush woodland environments ideal for spring and fall camping. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 600-900 feet, with temperature swings of 20-30 degrees common between day and night.
What to do
Hiking trails for all skill levels: Pike Lake State Park features multiple trail options including the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. "We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow," notes Leon H. about Pike Lake State Park.
Lake activities beyond horseback riding: The lakes at Pike Lake State Park provide alternatives to trail riding. "The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun," says a visitor. Another camper mentions: "We rented a peddle boat but there are canoes and kayaks as well... all in all a great time!"
Disc golf course: Great Seal State Park offers an outdoor course for disc golf enthusiasts. "There is an 18 hole disc golf course," notes a reviewer at Great Seal State Park. "Simple and safe... Fifteen reservable sites via online or phone. Equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers seem to use this park often."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Lake Vesuvius offers camping spots tucked within the forest. A camper at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius reports: "I LOVE camping here, unlike a lot of camp grounds they're actually within the woods so you feel like you're actually part of the forest and the nature." Another adds: "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides."
Access to extensive bridle trails: Equestrian camping near Waverly, Ohio connects directly to trail systems. At Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground, a rider commented: "The horseback riding is awesome, airplane rock has a view second to none. the box canyon with waterfall is gorgeous but seriously it was fantastic."
Fall foliage views: The changing leaves create memorable experiences. "We visited when the leaves were changing and it was absolutely gorgeous. Hiking was great," shares a Pike Lake visitor. Another camper adds: "It's a pretty winding road to get to the park."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many parks have minimal connectivity. A Zaleski State Forest visitor mentions: "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world."
Varying site sizes: Campgrounds have different accommodations for various equipment sizes. At Shawnee State Park Campground, one camper warned: "We were told that the site we'd been assigned was room enough for 52'. Our RV is only 34' so that would be more than enough. We got there and it was maybe 20-24" in length."
Water pressure issues: Check equipment specifications before setup. "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high," reports a Lake Vesuvius camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Pike Lake offers recreation areas specifically for children. "There is a small pond/lake that has a beach you can kayak or canoe and fish. There are two playgrounds, one in the campground and one right across the way," notes a reviewer at Pike Lake State Park.
Holiday events and activities: Some parks organize seasonal celebrations. At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, less than 90 minutes from Waverly, families can enjoy structured activities: "Lots of planned activities for the kids. Great greenhouse down the road for fun in the Fall."
Accessible fishing spots: Fishing opportunities exist even for those without boats. "There are plenty off of shore fishing spots right off the campgrounds trails. You can dock a boat off lake hope and enjoy a day on the water, or rent a kayak or canoe at the local beach area right down the road," reports a Zaleski visitor.
Tips from RVers
Reserve early for larger rigs: Limited large sites fill quickly at most campgrounds. "Not all the sites were as spacious as ours so be careful which one you choose. In fact, there was one so small, I'm not sure where a tent would go...maybe plan on sleeping in your vehicle?" advises Shannon G. about Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Pack water regulators: Some parks have inconsistent water pressure. "The water pressure was extremely high," notes a Lake Vesuvius camper. Water pressure regulators cost $10-15 and prevent damage to RV plumbing systems.
Check drainage before setup: Several campgrounds experience poor drainage during rainfall. "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing there sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," reports a Pike Lake visitor, highlighting the importance of selecting elevated sites when possible.
