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Mount Gilead
Overview
Mount Gilead State Park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Ohio. Located in Morrow County, this state park is characterized by its rolling hills and scenic woodlands. It covers a modest 184 acres, making it feel intimate and easy to navigate compared to larger state parks. The park serves as a small but mighty oasis for those who appreciate a slower pace of life. Travelers often choose this location for its serene lake views and the quiet atmosphere that allows for genuine relaxation away from the noise of the highway.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just east of the village of Mount Gilead, the park is conveniently accessible from Interstate 71. The surrounding landscape features lush forests and two small lakes created by damming a tributary of the Olentangy River. The proximity to state routes makes it an easy detour for travelers exploring the Buckeye State. This centrally located destination provides a lush, green canopy that provides plenty of shade for RVers during the warm summer months while offering a stunning display of color during the autumn season.
Amenities & Park Features
The park accommodates a variety of camping styles with several full hookup RV sites, as well as electric-only options. Guests have access to modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. A dump station is conveniently located on-site for those in electric-only sites. For recreation, the park features a playground, horseshoe pits, and a disc golf course. The level, paved pads found in many sections of the campground make setup simple for those traveling in larger motorhomes or fifth wheels.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the miles of hiking trails that wind through the mature hardwood forest. Fishing is a popular pastime on the lakes, which are stocked with bass and bluegill. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the historic downtown Mount Gilead or visit the local farmers' markets. The park also serves as a great home base for exploring the unique shops and bakeries found throughout the neighboring Ohio Amish Country, providing a diverse mix of nature and culture.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for families and couples who prefer a rustic, nature-focused experience over a commercial resort atmosphere. It is particularly well-suited for RVers who enjoy the sounds of the woods rather than organized activities. It is perfect for birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts looking to capture the local wildlife. Because of its quiet environment and manageable size, it is also highly recommended for those looking for a peaceful weekend getaway or a calm overnight stop while traveling through central Ohio.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Luke (MC Flyer952)
It's not the prettiest park in the state, but it's still damn cool.
AL Keefus
Okay dude straight up I'll be honest here I can't really recommend stopping by this park. Like It's extremely muddy almost all the time. Like sticky deep mud that is real hard to navigate through if you're not properly prepared to do so. If you have boots or something it's fine but I really don't like hiking in waterproof boots. It's such a pain in the neck and I mean it's muddy to the point that my dogs can't even walk across the mud. I can't stand it like maybe after a drought come by and visit but if it rained at all you're going to be a mess when you leave here. Like I don't know man If I was driving a four-wheeler through here or like a dirt bike or something that would be a different story this would be awesome but you can't bring vehicles in here lol You definitely can't dress casually you will ruin a pair of shoes if you come in here You're probably going to leave a mess I just recommend going somewhere else. Like I said it'd be different if you could bring in like ATVs or something but this is pretty much walking only and it's just extremely frustrating sometimes especially if you have dogs. It's an okay park but the mud gets overwhelming sometimes. Just know that if you're going to bring a dog here you're either going to have to take a lot of detours to avoid the mud or you're going to have to have something set up in your car so they don't make a mess when they get back into your vehicle.
Thirteendays
There are a lot of amenities here, basketball court, volleyball, playgrounds, camping, and a nature center. There are several trails, none of them are very long. The trails are well marked with maps at intersections. It’s not the prettiest state park in Ohio, but reservoir/dam area is really nice.
Darren Price
Great park. Wish we'd had time to explore more. Played disc golf, did a little hiking. Muddy in spots, but overall not bad. Pretty, the new dam is cool. Hope to make it back here!
Steve Lehner
I drove through the park to see the eclipse campers. There was definitely excitement in the air. This is one of my favorite state parks. The campground can be very busy at times. I like to fish and kayak the lake. Fall colors are beautiful here.