Camping in the spring before everything is in full swing brings me a lot of happiness. I enjoy the quiet campground, small crowds and the availability of camp sites to pick from. Choosing to come to Mount Gilead State Park Campground during the beginning of the season had some big advantages. Mount Gilead State Park offers so many adventures and activities for its size, that you can return again and again for family fun.
Check in and set-up
Check in: We had to use self check in because the store was not open for the camping season yet. It is very easy to check in using this system. You find your site, set up your camper and then go to the store fill out the check in form and drop payment into a slot in the door. Viola, your all checked in!
We chose to have a full hook up site (site 10) even though the water had not been turned on. All the sites at Mt. Gilead State Park have a picnic table and fire ring. Site 10 was amazing and offered springtime views of the lake, we could hear the spring peepers peeping! Since we came when there were not a lot of campers we had the opportunity to drive through and choose the perfect site.
MORE ABOUT SITES TO CHOOSE FROM:
Mount Gilead State Park Campground has 58 campsites, 22 full hook up and 36 electric. Full hook up sites are cement pads, it’s very nice having the pad to get the camping unit situated on, you may need to do a little leveling but not a lot. The electric sites have rock pads and these sites are located in a grove of beautiful trees. Make sure to check before you book in the electric area for your unit size to insure it will fit into the site, some of them looked a bit small and slide outs could pose a problem.
Mount Gilead State Park Amenities and Activities
Mount Gilead State Park Campground had some MAJOR renovations in the past year. There are brand new bathrooms that are self contained private units with a shower, toilet and sink. I found these stalls to be spacious and have great advantages for families with small children. This park offers a new dump station and potable water filling station. Everything is looking new and spruced up making Mount Gilead State Park a camping destination for you to put on your must visit list.
Fishing
Make sure to check out the brand new dam and spillway, where the lake has been refilled and is newly restocked with game fish. We saw quite a few people fishing while we were camping there. They have constructed a canoe/kayak launch in the upper end of the lake and it is handicap friendly! (I was very impressed with this)
Hiking
Hiking here is wonderful. The trails are well marked and they give you a real sense of being in the woods. There is a map of all the trails at the trail head by the picnic shelter where you will park.
- Big Oak Trail, 0.4 mile
- Bridle Trail, 1.5 miles
- Lake View Trail, 1.7 miles
- Spring Trail, 0.3 mile
- Whetstone Loop, 0.8 mile
- Whetstone Trail, 0.8 mile
Our favorite trail is the Lake View Trail. This takes you over the dam, bridges and along the beautiful shore line of Mt. Gilead Lake. This trail is beautiful year round, with wildlife and birds throughout the hike. We do back country hiking and this is a great location to train for trips or trail running. **One thing to note, these trails can be muddy if there has been a lot of rain. **
Things to Do in Mount Gilead and the Surrounding Area
The motto of Morrow County is Love Life, Live Rural! When you come to Mount Gilead State Park Campground, you are coming for the slow and lovely things of rural living. While it is right off of US 71, you won’t feel the busy while your here.
8 Sisters Bakery
Just down the road from the Mount Gilead State Park campground you will find the 8 Sisters Bakery. They are serving up delicious Amish Style baked goods and great coffee for you to imbibe in. If you don’t like cooking while your camping, they also have a great menu to choose from. We always come here to get some of this fabulousness to take back to camp.
8 Sisters Bakery Location:
Monday – Friday: 5 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Saturday: 6 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Sunday: CLOSED
Splatter Park (Paint Ball and Air Soft)
We have teenagers and they love this kind of thing! The younger two boys would love to go here on our next trip to the area. SplatterPark caters to the recreational player and will put you on a team any Saturday or Sunday to get into the paintball action. You can go alone or with family and friends, no matter your pary size they will accomodate you. What to wear? Go dressed like you are going hiking and they will take care of the rest.
Mid Ohio Ballon Adventures:
Admittedly, we are Gleason Family Adventure, but I am a bit afraid of heights! As I researched the area, I found this awesome experience waiting for the true adventurer at heart. Maybe someday the family will get me up in a hot air balloon, if so, it will make a great YouTube video!
This is a once in a life time opportunity you can take while camping at Mount Gilead State Park, I think it would make a great story to talk about while sitting at the campfire. If you go on one of the flights, please leave us a comment and tell us what you think about it!
Contact Info:
Mid-Ohio Ballon Adventures
Mount Gilead, Ohio
419-560-7535 or email: gary@midohioballon.com
Camping here is a wonderful time of relaxation and adventure. There is plenty to see and do. We will definitely be returning here in the future! Where is your next Ohio State Park adventure going to be?
Location of Mount Gilead State Park
4119 State Route 95
Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
