Discover Canal Winchester & Central Ohio
Outdoor Adventures
Slate Run Metro Park
Just a short drive from Jackson Lake, Slate Run Metro Park offers more than 1,700 acres of rolling woods, wetlands, and prairie. Wander the wooded trails, stroll the wetland boardwalk to spot herons and waterfowl, or cast a line in the park’s ponds for an easy afternoon outdoors.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
Located near Carroll, Chestnut Ridge is a local favorite for its hilly, forested trails. Climb the ridge trail to an overlook with views stretching all the way to the Columbus skyline on a clear day, then explore the quiet woods and wetland boardwalk below.
Hocking Hills State Park
Make a day trip to one of Ohio’s most iconic destinations. About an hour southeast of the campground, Hocking Hills is home to dramatic sandstone cliffs, recess caves, and waterfalls. Don’t miss Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls — each offering unforgettable scenery for hikers of every skill level.
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
Pair your Hocking Hills hike with a paddle down the Hocking River. Canoe and kayak rentals make it easy to spend a relaxing few hours floating past forested hillsides — no gear of your own required.
Buckeye Lake State Park
One of Ohio’s oldest and largest inland lakes, Buckeye Lake is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
A.W. Marion State Park
Just outside Circleville, A.W. Marion State Park surrounds peaceful Hargus Lake — a quiet, electric-motor-only lake known for good fishing. A trail loops the entire shoreline, making it a great spot for an easy hike or finding your own fishing spot.
Family Fun & Rainy Days
Slate Run Living Historical Farm
Step back in time at this working 1880s farm, where costumed interpreters tend to heritage animals, crops, and daily chores just as Ohio farm families did more than a century ago. Kids love meeting the pigs, sheep, horses, and chickens — and admission is free.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular zoos in the country, home to thousands of animals from around the world. Plan a full day to explore the habitats, aquarium, and family attractions.
COSI
Located in downtown Columbus, COSI is an award-winning, hands-on science center packed with interactive exhibits, live shows, and a planetarium — a perfect rainy-day adventure for curious kids and adults.
Canal Winchester Branch Library
When the weather turns, the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Canal Winchester Branch is a great free escape, with kids’ programs, books and movies, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable spaces to read or work.
Local Eats & Drinks
Historic Downtown Canal Winchester
Explore the charming brick streets of downtown Canal Winchester, with locally owned shops, restaurants, and ice cream. Visit during the warmer months for the farmers market and community events, and stop by the historic Bergstresser Covered Bridge.
Loose Rail Brewing
Located in downtown Canal Winchester, Loose Rail Brewing is a cozy neighborhood taproom serving house-brewed craft beers in a restored historic building.
BrewDog Canal Winchester
BrewDog’s large brewery and taproom in Canal Winchester features a wide lineup of craft beers on tap, a full food menu, and a spacious patio — a fun, lively spot to unwind with family and friends.
Slate Run Vineyard
Just minutes from the campground, this family-owned vineyard produces wines from grapes grown right on the property. Enjoy a tasting or a glass on the patio overlooking the vines.
Rhonemus Cellars
A short drive to Lancaster, Rhonemus Cellars pairs locally made wines with a relaxed setting for dining and golf — a great choice for an afternoon outing.
Weekends Off
Ohio State Game Days
Experience the energy of a Buckeyes game day in Columbus. From football Saturdays at Ohio Stadium to basketball and hockey, there’s nothing quite like cheering on Ohio State with more than 100,000 fans.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Held every October in nearby Circleville, the Pumpkin Show is one of Ohio’s oldest and largest festivals — featuring giant pumpkins, parades, live entertainment, and plenty of pumpkin treats, from pie to pumpkin donuts.
German Village & the Short North
Spend a day exploring two of Columbus’s most beloved neighborhoods. Wander the brick streets and historic homes of German Village, then head to the Short North Arts District for galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Ohio State Fair
Every summer, the Ohio State Fair brings rides, concerts, livestock shows, and classic fair food to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus — a can’t-miss tradition for long-term and seasonal guests.
Everyday Essentials
Groceries & Pharmacy
Stock up for your stay at Kroger on Gender Road or Meijer near Diley Road in Canal Winchester — both offer full grocery selections and in-store pharmacies, plus everyday household and camping supplies.
Mount Carmel Diley Ridge Medical Center
Located in Canal Winchester, Diley Ridge Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency care along with imaging, lab services, and specialty care — peace of mind close to the campground.
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Canal Winchester Branch
A great home base for remote workers and long-term guests, with free Wi-Fi, quiet study and meeting rooms, printing, and a full calendar of programs for kids and adults.
Downtown Canal Winchester
Handle everyday errands close by — downtown Canal Winchester has a post office, banks, local restaurants, and shops, all just a short drive from the campground.