Westerville, Ohio camping includes state parks and private campgrounds set in the rolling woodlands of central Ohio. Most sites sit at elevations between 800-950 feet in a region with four distinct seasons. Summer camping temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, making water access a priority for many campers.
What to do
Water recreation: Delaware State Park Campground offers multiple access points to Delaware Lake with designated swimming beaches and boat launches. "The beach inside the campground is small, the main beach for Alum Creek State Park is just a short drive away," notes Catherine at Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Trail systems range from beginner-friendly to challenging. "There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," reports Maddy B. about Delaware State Park. For mountain bike enthusiasts, Mohican State Park Campground features dedicated mountain bike trails with "nice heated pool and many activities in the area. Hiking, canoeing, biking, etc." according to Wesley S.
Fishing opportunities: Most campgrounds provide lake or pond access for anglers. "The sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns Katelyn P. about waterfront sites.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roominess of sites in Westerville-area campgrounds. At Delaware State Park Campground, "the sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel," says Marshall P. Sandy O. agrees about another park: "Space and privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year."
Shower facilities: Clean bathhouses rank high with campers. Buck Creek features "showers with nice warm water" according to Amanda P. Another camper noted, "Bathrooms were clean but not spotless and in need of a little repair."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events, especially on summer weekends. "They had a movie every night and you could buy root beer floats for $1!" according to Melissa M. at Buck Creek State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While Delaware State Park and Dillon State Park maintain year-round operations, others like Rustic Knolls operate April 15 to October 15. "Every Thanksgiving spent in our camper was so nice and relaxing. Camping in the off season is our favorite time of year," notes Andrea F.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer weekends, advance booking is essential. "Most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (lake front) are always taken," warns Catherine about certain lake-view spots.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Westerville, Ohio provides a comfortable middle ground between tenting and cabins. Cardinal Center Campground features accommodations including "nice cabins" near the indoor pool according to Andrea F. These permanent structures typically include beds, electricity and protection from weather.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "There is a playground in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one," notes Joe I. about Delaware State Park, making it ideal for families with children.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds feature swimming areas, but quality varies. At Jackson Lake Park, "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," reports Ashley R.
Wildlife viewing: Many children enjoy animal encounters during camping trips. "My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site," says another Ashley R. review about Delaware State Park. Andrea H. reports that at Dillon State Park "the deer are plentiful and beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Check campground maps for elevation changes. At Buck Creek, "the sites are clean and level for the most part. I recommend taking one on the outside of the loop - near the trees," advises Jason M.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at many state parks. At Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA, sites offer full amenities. "Clean and well maintained sites. We arrived after the office closed, but there was a packet waiting for us at the night check-in site," shares Eric H.
Site spacing considerations: RV site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. "The 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV's) with good separation between sites," notes Nancy W. about Delaware State Park.
