Between the Ohio River and Lake Erie, Ohio centers around the lively capital of Columbus in the United States’ Midwest. It shares its borders with Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan, and the Appalachian Mountains extend across the southeast region of the state.
Nomadic peoples have passed through the Ohio Valley since around 13000 BC, with the Adena culture settling here around 1000 BC. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the French arrived and established fur trading posts before the British took over control following the French and Indian War.
Ohio’s terrain ranges from glaciated till plains to the Allegheny Plateau, with rugged forests and picturesque bodies of water that offer plenty of recreational pursuits. The state’s humid continental climate makes it an ideal place to rent an RV, particularly during the hot summer months when Ohio RV campgrounds come to life.
RV Camping in Ohio
For many campers, Columbus is the first port of call in Ohio and home to the Ohio Statehouse and the riverfront Center of Science and Industry. There are plenty of RV parks near Columbus where you can bunk down for the night, including around 35 full-hookup sites at the Alton RV Park and the Korbel North Campground at the Ohio Expo Center.
Alternatively, head north to the beautifully maintained Cross Creek Camping Resort, which is just a stone’s throw from the Columbus Zoo and Ohio State University. To the east of the city is the Buckeye Lake/Columbus East KOA, an award-winning Ohio RV campground that includes a few unique facilities, such as a gem mine and a giant chessboard. Columbus campgrounds get particularly busy during the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show, which takes place just south of the city each October.
A 90-minute drive to the northeast of Columbus, you’ll find the Berlin RV Park & Campground, an RV park in the heart of Amish Country. Aside from full-hookup RV sites, there’s also free Wi-Fi and a herb garden where you can pick fresh seasonings. Nearby is the Evergreen Park RV Resort, which features luxurious amenities like heated shower floors, waterfall hot tubs, and an exercise room.
Continue driving north, and you’ll end up in Cleveland, which lies along the shores of Lake Erie. The Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA is a family-friendly option just south of the city and offers a range of full-hookup sites plus a seasonal swimming pool. Alternatively, you can drive southwest to Cincinnati along the banks of the Ohio River and bunk down at the well-equipped Hidden Valley RV Park. Just 30 miles from the city center is the Olive Branch Campground, a family-owned and operated RV park near Caesar Creek State Park.
Partway between Columbus and Pittsburgh is Salt Fork State Park, which sprawls across more than 17,000 acres around Salt Fork Lake. Its big-rig-friendly campground includes several full hookups and complimentary access to a boat ramp and dock.
In the far north of the state is Lighthouse Point, a popular RV park in Sandusky near the famous Cedar Point amusement park. It’s the self-proclaimed “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” with miles of Lake Erie shoreline right outside your front door.
Whether you want to discover the cultural attractions of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati or explore the rural landscapes of Amish Country, book a camper rental in Ohio and start planning your adventure to the Buckeye State.
