Mt. Gilead State Park Campground

For Ohio locals seeking a delightful blend of peaceful nature and convenient amenities, Mt. Gilead State Park Campground stands out as a true gem. Often described as a "small & quiet park that’s packed with amenities," this central Ohio destination offers a welcoming environment for both seasoned campers and families looking to create lasting memories outdoors. If you appreciate clean facilities, varied recreational activities, and a friendly atmosphere, Mt. Gilead State Park Campground provides an ideal setting for your next Ohio adventure.

Mt. Gilead State Park Campground distinguishes itself by providing a well-maintained and accessible camping experience without the overwhelming scale of larger parks. It strikes a perfect balance, offering the solitude of a wooded setting combined with the comforts of modern conveniences like clean restrooms and full hookup sites. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with your RV, a tent camping trip, or a family outing with kids and pets, this park caters to a wide range of needs. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Mt. Gilead State Park Campground a highly recommended choice for Ohioans, covering its precise location and accessibility, the diverse services it offers, its key features and highlights, and essential contact information. Ultimately, we’ll explore why this friendly and well-equipped state park campground is particularly well-suited for residents across Ohio.

Mt. Gilead State Park Campground is conveniently located at 4119 OH-95, Mt Gilead, OH 43338, USA. This central Ohio location makes it easily accessible from major cities like Columbus (approximately an hour's drive) and Mansfield (around 30 minutes), offering a quick escape for many residents. The park is situated near the center of the state in Morrow County, providing a rural yet accessible setting.

Access to the campground is straightforward, primarily via State Route 95. The roads within the campground are designed to accommodate RVs and trailers, although some reviews indicate that "Some of the sites are very unlevel, so be sure to have plenty of stacks to level your camper." However, full hookup sites often feature concrete pads which can reduce leveling challenges. The park is open year-round, allowing for camping enjoyment across all seasons, though services may vary in the off-season. Its proximity to other regional attractions and towns like Mt. Gilead and Cardington allows for easy resupply runs or exploration beyond the park boundaries. The park's relatively small size contributes to its quiet charm, making navigation simple once inside.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers 59 campsites, including 22 full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) and 37 electric-only sites (with 30/50 amp service). Additionally, it provides 6 primitive sites and 2 cabins for rent. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with a grate. All sites are reservable.
• Clean Comfort Stations: Reviews consistently praise the "clean & well tended" bathrooms and showers. The comfort station features flush toilets and hot showers (with auto on/off features that "worked just fine"). Vault toilets are also available at one end of the electric loop.
• Potable Water & Dump Station: Drinking water is readily available within the campground, and a sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste, catering to both full hookup and electric-only campers.
• Recycling Program: A highly appreciated service is the availability of "recycle buckets." Reviewers noted this as a "simple yet brilliant idea" and suggest "ALL Ohio State Park Campgrounds should be doing this!!" highlighting the park's commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store offers supplies, food, and convenience items for campers.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted on all campsites, with a maximum of two domestic cats or dogs per site. Pets must always be on a leash and are not permitted in park buildings or the beach area.
• Accessible Features: The park offers ADA-accessible campsites and facilities, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. An ADA canoe/kayak launch is also provided.
• Staff Support: Reviewers noted "friendly staff" and a "great camp host" who takes "pride in his work," indicating good on-site support for campers.

• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite being packed with amenities, the park is described as "small & quiet," offering a peaceful environment ideal for relaxation and escaping daily noise.
• Excellent Hiking Trails: Mt. Gilead State Park boasts "great hiking trails," with 6.5 miles of trails, including a two-mile multipurpose trail for hikers and horseback riders. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, including beech-maple forests, and offer opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.
• Paddling Lake: The park features two small lakes, perfect for "kayaking" and canoeing, with an "easy in and out of the water with kayaks" launch. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake, ensuring a peaceful boating experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A "nice playground for the kids" is available, alongside other recreational options like a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, corn toss, a gaga ball pit, and disc golf.
• Wildlife and Nature Observation: The park is home to a variety of wildflowers, songbirds, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and other mammals, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography.
• Year-Round Activities: Beyond summer camping, the park offers seasonal activities like cross-country skiing and sledding in winter (conditions permitting), as well as ice fishing on the lakes.
• Small Park Charm: Reviewers appreciate that it's a "small camp ground, but nice," often described as "Ohio's best kept secret" by regulars, offering a more intimate experience than larger, busier state parks.
• Recycling Initiative: The presence of recycle buckets is a small but significant highlight for environmentally conscious campers, reflecting a forward-thinking approach by the park.

For reservations, current conditions, or any inquiries regarding Mt. Gilead State Park Campground, you can contact the park office directly or utilize the Ohio State Parks reservation system.

Mt. Gilead State Park Campground

Address: 4119 OH-95, Mt Gilead, OH 43338, USA

Park Office Phone: (419) 946-1961

Mobile Phone: +1 419-946-1961 (This appears to be the main park office number for general inquiries.)

Reservations: (866) 644-6727 or visit reserveohio.com.

It is always advisable to call the park office directly for the most up-to-date information on site availability, current park conditions (e.g., trail closures, lake conditions), and any specific regulations or alerts before planning your visit. The friendly staff and camp host mentioned in reviews are available to assist with your questions.

For Ohio locals, Mt. Gilead State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a well-rounded and accessible outdoor experience right in the heart of the state. Its central location ensures that many Ohio residents can reach it with ease, making it perfect for quick weekend getaways or longer family vacations without extensive travel.

The park's appeal for locals is multi-faceted. Its description as a "small & quiet park that’s packed with amenities" perfectly captures its charm. It provides the tranquility of nature – with "beautiful stand of second growth beech-maple forest" and "wildflowers" – while simultaneously offering the conveniences of modern camping, including full hookup sites, clean bathrooms with hot showers, and a camp store. This balance caters to diverse camping preferences, from those seeking a full RV setup to tent campers desiring well-maintained facilities.

Furthermore, the array of activities available directly within the park, from "great hiking trails" and a lake for "kayaking" and fishing, to a "nice playground for the kids" and various sports courts, ensures that families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will find something to enjoy. The positive feedback on staff friendliness and the innovative recycling program also highlights the park's commitment to visitor satisfaction and environmental stewardship, aligning with values many Ohioans hold. Even the note about "unlevel sites" is manageable for experienced campers and easily addressed with proper leveling equipment. Ultimately, Mt. Gilead State Park Campground is not just a place to camp; it's a beloved local asset that offers a consistently pleasant, accessible, and enriching outdoor escape for the people of Ohio, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a deeper appreciation for their state parks.