Maybe your family has enjoyed camping for years or maybe, in the light of social distancing and canceled activities, you’re looking for a way to get out of the house with your family and do something new and adventurous that doesn’t include small enclosed spaces or frequently-touched surfaces.
For our family, it’s a mix of both. With two young kids in tow, we are revisiting our pre-kid love for camping and looking for the best places near Columbus to escape to. While this list is not exhaustive, I’ve done the research and am sharing campgrounds you may want to visit with your family too. Hey, maybe we’ll see you there! I’m the one with two ornery kids with loud shrieks chasing bubbles (okay, maybe that’s a lot of us.)
Campgrounds Near Columbus, Ohio
Mohican Adventures
Distance from downtown Columbus: 1hr 21 min
Family Features: Aerial Park, Adventure Golf, Go Karts, River Trips, Swimming Pool
Camping Options: Primitive and electric, Tent and RV hook up, Cabin rentals
Reservations: https://www.mohicanadventures.com/reservations/
Delaware State Park
Distance from downtown Columbus: 40 min
Family Features: Fishing, Hiking, Beach, Boat rental
Camping Options: Primitive and Electric, Tent and RV hook up
Reservations: https://reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/
Kokosing Valley
Distance from downtown Columbus: 1 hr, 7 min
Family Features: Driving range, Swimming pool, Putt-Putt, River activities
Camping Options: Electric, Tent and RV (no sewage hook up)
Reservations: https://kokosingvalley.com/contact-us/
Lazy River at Granville
Distance from downtown Columbus: 44 min
Family Features: Zipline, Challenge course, BMX track, Mini-golf, Gem mine, Pool and sprayground
Camping Options: Primitive and electric, Tent and RV hook up
Reservations: https://properties.camping.com/lazy-river-at-granville/reservations?return_url=www.lazyriveratgranville.com&ordersourceid=10
KOA Buckeye Lake
Distance from downtown Columbus: 35 min
Family Features: Mini-golf, bike rentals, Gem mine, Jumping pillow, Games, Truck and wagon rides
Camping Options: Primitive and electric, Tent and RV hook up, Cabin rentals
Reservations: https://koa.com/campgrounds/buckeye-lake/
KOA Sunbury
Distance from downtown Columbus: 37 min
Family Features: Petting zoo, Pool and splash pad, Pedal boats, Gem mine, Zip line, Slip and Slide, Giant Games
Camping Options: Primitive and electric, Tent and RV hook up, Cabin rentals
Reservations :https://koa.com/campgrounds/sunbury/
*Currently VERY booked for all weekends of 2020 camping season
Camp Jellystone Mt. Gilead
Distance from downtown Columbus:51 min
Family Features: Pool and waterslide, Hiking, Lake with water toys, Paddleboat, Gem mine, Fishing
Camping Options: Primitive and electric, Tent and RV hook up, Cabin rentals
Reservations: https://beta.campspot.com/columbusjellystone
If you want to travel an hour further, here’s a great option!
If you are looking to disconnect from technology and focus on family time, this is the spot for you. There are 38 cabins that are individually placed on a spot of land in a wooded setting on 58 private acres. It’s not tent camping so you do have amenities like a shower so it’s a nice option for those that don’t want to completely rough it.
Your cabin will be close to others, but completely separate. The cabins are tiny but are stocked with all you need. You can even bring a dog and they have items like dog bowls for you. Another bonus is the cabins are new and clean!! The large window at the end of the cabin near the bed offers a picturesque view and have blinds that you can lower so the early morning sun doesn’t wake you. Each cabin has a fire pit area, chairs around and a table if you want to eat outside.
There are two great state parks nearby that are worth visiting: Beaver Creek State Park and Guilford Lake State Park
If you are looking for a great dinner option, check out Pondi’s. The restaurant has been open for more than 100 years and has a large menu.
If you’re headed out to camp with your family this summer or fall, make sure to check out these tips from fellow Columbus Mom on Camping with Kids! And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see you at the campfire!
If glamping is more your thing, here’s a list for you: Ohio Glamping Guide
