Camping vacations gain popularity in time of high gas prices, inflation

PERRYSVILLE — With gas prices soaring past $5 a gallon and accompanying inflation, many people are opting for camping as a cheaper vacation option.

According to Harvest Hosts, 51% of travelers are planning to book campgrounds this summer.

Louis Andres, a park naturalist with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, saw an uptick in campers even sooner.

"The last two years, we've seen a dramatic increase in the number of campers," he said. "COVID affected us differently than a lot of other businesses. People chose outdoor activities as opposed to indoor activities."

Adria Bergeron is the director of marketing and communications for MWCD. 

"It (attendance) continues to rise with the variables that come into play," she said. "We are very busy."

MWCD has eight campgrounds, including Pleasant Hill in Perrysville and Charles Mill in Mifflin.

Andres, whose home base is Pleasant Hill, said camping offers a number of advantages.

Camping allows people to enjoy nature

"The appeal is you're out by yourself," he said. "You can take your family unit and go outside."

Campers can enjoy a day at the beach, hiking, kayaking or even horseback riding at Pleasant Hill.

Mike Gerard helped open the horse camp there in 2009. 

"It used to be a ball diamond. It had a picnic area," he said. "It's the only equine campground in Ohio next to a lake. The whole setting is so different from what you find in most horse camps."

On a recent afternoon, five horses were tied out on high lines. One of them munched on straw.

In addition, trails at the horse camp connect to Malabar Farm State Park.

Dan Stevens, of Mansfield, is retired. He has had a camper at Pleasant Hill for six years.

"We're 40 minutes from home. If we have to go back, it's easy," Stevens said. "It's kind of relaxing through the week, especially. It's still convenient for people to go to work."

Stevens enjoyed some quiet time before campers arrived for the weekend. He was making shredded chicken and barbecued meatballs in a crock pot.

"We're having a little get-together," he said.

Some campers don't mind longer drives

At least two people interviewed by the News Journal made fairly long trips to get to their campers.

Quinton Mulligan, his wife and two daughters made the drive from Oak Harbor, some two hours and 15 minutes away.

"We've been coming since 2018," Mulligan said. "In this state, this is one of the closer ones (campgrounds)."

Still, Mulligan estimated it would cost $200 in gas "just to come down and back."

"We try to stay at least three days. The price of gas sucks," he said.

Mulligan said once his family arrives at Pleasant Hill, they don't have to drive anymore, which he appreciates given the long drive home.

"The kids love it," he said. "You can walk to the beach."

Peggy Costic makes the trip from Medina. She said she and her husband drive a diesel truck.

"It costs over $100 to come just on weekends," Costic said. "I give up an awful lot to come here almost every weekend. I don't get any manicures."

The Costics are seasonal campers, so they don't have to pay each time they visit.

Of the 400 campsites at Pleasant Hill, half are seasonal.

Costic is a fan of the horse camp. She is often accompanied by her Havenese, José, whom she calls the camp mascot.

José does not like other dogs, but he loves being on horseback.

"He will jump onto my horse and ride with me," Costic said.

Andres said campers at Pleasant Hill can enjoy the various programs, music and the beach for no extra cost.

"We're kind of a one-stop trip," the park naturalist said.

Wi-Fi is available, and phone chargers can be found on the porch of the main office building.

"That's where the kids gather," Andres said.

Campers want comforts of home

It's what campers expect.

"People want to have the same amenities when they're camping that they do at home," Andres said.

He added Pleasant Hill takes reservations up to 350 days ahead of time for camping and boats.

People looking for a first-class visit can opt for the deluxe log cabins, which are in their third season at Pleasant Hill. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

The six- and eight-person cabins all have an outdoor hot tub, Dish TV, an outdoor deck and campfire furniture, among other amenities.

"They're just as popular as ever," Andres said.

Only two of the MWCD campgrounds, including Pleasant Hill, have the WhoaZone, an inflatable obstacle course set up in the lake. Seasonal campers get a discount.

"I have never made it through without falling off. It is challenging, but it's a blast," manager Todd Brown said. "Kids like it, but it's not just for them."

Charles Mill offers laid-back environment

All campgrounds have their own personalities. Charles Mill Lake Park is a little more laid back.

"The environment tends to be slower-paced. It's a great place to come and unwind with your family and just enjoy the great outdoors," Bergeron said. "We see a lot of families and a wide range of demographics."

In keeping with the laid-back environment, the horsepower limit at Charles Mill is 10.

In addition, Charles Mill is the only property in the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District that has a pool. There is one at Eagle Point.

The park accepts online reservations up to 340 days in advance.

There are several parks in the Richland-Ashland County area. Take the time to find the right one for you.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill

More fun in the area

Here are some other campgrounds in the Richland-Ashland County Area:

• Mohican Adventures Campground & Cabins, 3058 Ohio 3, Loudonville, 419-994-2267.

• Clearfork Marina & Campground, 7471 Ohio 97, Mansfield, 419-884-6277.

• Shelby/Mansfield KOA Resort, 6787 Baker Road, No. 47, Shelby, 888-562-5607.