Looking for recommendation in OH

[Starmasterman]

Hi,

We're considering spending a week or more camping in Ohio. For us, we like camping near something we want to see, or a place where there is something we want to do. We tend to use the campsite as "base camp" for our touristy trips around about. As far as stuff we like to do, we like historical sites, especially reconstructed towns (such as Hale Farm, already been there), museums, good scenic hikes, scenic railroads, and the like. Our preference for camping tends to be state parks and we look for wooded sites with 30 amp electric. Water hookup nice, but not necessary. Decent bathhouse with hot showers.

Looking for recommendations from someone that lives there (or near there) as far as:

1. What section of state we should be focusing on. We are currently looking at Dayton area and parks in that vicinity.

2. What particular parks in OH you'd recommend.

3. Going along with your recommendation, what attractions in the area you'd recommend.

Thanks for any recommendations!

Steve

[eo19]

I would recommend Findley State Park in Wellington, Ohio. I have camped there since I was a little child. No electric or water hook-ups. The park is clean, hot showers, good fishing and nice hiking/bike trails. If you enjoy amusement parks Cedar Point is a little over an hour away. Generally we just stay at the campgrounds.

[Cincymouse]

Hi,

Buck Creek State park is really nice.  It's in Springfield Ohio, between Dayton and Columbus.  About 45mins -60 mins to each.  Nice central location.  

In Dayton you have Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  It's really nice and FREE!
About 45-50 mins south of there is Kings Island Amusement Park.  In Columbus you have the Columbus zoo.  It is very nice.  If you have children, then there is COSI in Columbus.  It's a science museum with alot of hands on stuff.

http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/buckck.htm

There is a really nice lake there with hiking trails.  A nice campers beach.
Very clean and modern restrooms.  Electric hook up, but no water hookups.  
None of the Ohio State parks have water hookup.  You can reserve a campsite from the website that I posted at the top of this message.

If you want a really nice private campground that has Electric and Water hookups then I would Recommend Cross Creek Resort in Columbus.  It's in the Northwest part of Columbus.  http://www.alumcreek.com/ccr/index.htm
It's right across from Alum Creek State park, so you have the hiking trails and lake.  But with Cross Creek Resort, you also get the Pool, Laundry room, Game Room for the kids, and weekend entertainment like hay rides, etc.

I have been to both campgounds several times and like to go to both.  They are on our list for going to again this year.   We usually stay a 4-5 days at Cross Creek in the summer.  

I'm in Cincinnati....feel free to email me if you have questions on these or other campgrounds.  I'll try to help.

[gravy]

I don't live in that area,but this might help some- //www.tldirectory.com

[angelsmom10]

In SW Ohio, you have Paramount Kings Island, and a really nice CG is Cedarbrook... we have camped there several times and really enjoy it.. it is located almost 1/2 way between Cincinnati and Dayton, so you would have both options...
 
http://www.cedarbrookcampground.com/
 
Also, you may want to go to www.glpuc.org  is a another camping group for people from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin... Ohio have 5 outings a year located 1 each in SW, NW, SE, NE, and Central areas... their first one is coming up May 5-7 in NE and the second is in SE Ohio-Salt Fork SP June 2-4... they have a fairly large turnout and everyone is great there.. June already has 7 trailers (22 people).. they have a potluck on Saturday which there is fantastic food served..

[billyk]

Hi
I good place is in very southern ohio, a state park on jackson lake, jackson state park, your not far from the original bob evans who do a incredible FREE farmfest every year, portsmouth is a hour or so away and I recommend the ribber for bbq, the people are great , the towns quant , theres also a old town shopping area, never made it myslef but my wife loved in.
-Bill

We're considering spending a week or more camping in Ohio. For us, we like camping near something we want to see, or a place where there is something we want to do. We tend to use the campsite as "base camp" for our touristy trips around about. As far as stuff we like to do, we like historical sites, especially reconstructed towns (such as Hale Farm, already been there), museums, good scenic hikes, scenic railroads, and the like. Our preference for camping tends to be state parks and we look for wooded sites with 30 amp electric. Water hookup nice, but not necessary. Decent bathhouse with hot showers.

Looking for recommendations from someone that lives there (or near there) as far as:

1. What section of state we should be focusing on. We are currently looking at Dayton area and parks in that vicinity.

2. What particular parks in OH you'd recommend.

3. Going along with your recommendation, what attractions in the area you'd recommend.

Thanks for any recommendations!

Steve[/QUOTE]

[angelsmom10]

Just south of Dayton is Cedarbrook CG (in Lebanon, OH)... it is privately owned and is really nice... it is not far from Paramount Kings Island or the Beach Waterpark, (also within driving distance to downtown Cincinnati, for Reds game, Newport Aquarium and many other things in the area.... east of Cincinnati is East Fork SP, which is very nice...
 
You may also want to go to www.glpuc.org and ask over there....

[campingfam6]

Hocking Hills State Park!  Many places to hike or walk and BEAUTIFUL scenery...natural waterfalls and such.  My whole family ages 1-35 enjoyed this place!

[Kelly]

I second Hocking Hills.  We loved the area.  

We didn't stay at the State Park and I think most of the group is still kicking themselves for that little error in judgment ... and that was almost 3 years ago!!

[jeezy]

I honestly have no experience with state parks near Dayton, but there are a couple between Dayton and Cincinnati.  Here is a map of the state parks.  

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/facilitiesmaps/ohiocamping/tabid/497/Default.aspx

I'd second the recommendation for Kings Island.  It's a bit of a pricey day out, but it's a fun place.  

If you are staying near Dayton and are interested in history, especially military history, you have to check out the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  It is the official museum of the AF and is quite impressive.  It was one of my favorite excursions growing up and now I can't wait until my own boys are old enough to get it.  

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/

[kacee]

Just wanted to chime in on Hocking Hills. My husband and I went to college in nearby Athens and have been to Hocking Hills many, many times. There are also a few nearby state parks we like, Burr Oak and Lake Hope. We also used to camp at Salt Fork State Park ... also scenic, not like Hocking Hills, however there is a restored village not far from there. I think it is called Roscoe Village. We used to live in Cleveland and hiked at Findlay lots, but for camping it was too swampy and full of mosquitoes for us. Plus we had a pesky coyote at our campsite once! Another WONDERFUL restored village is in northwest Ohio: Sauder Village. They have their own campground. Squeaky clean but it's only real purpose is to stay there while visiting the village. Hope this helps, have fun!
Kacee

[He Ruide]

Steve,
Please Please Please don't go to Hocking Hills... as we are trying to keep that one of Ohio's best kept secrets  
:S

However, here some pictures of the park and should you decide not to go there - please don't complain to any of us that have recommend it highly.

Happy camping

Ruide