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Lock 30 earns praise of Ohio Magazine, ranking systems
By D.A. WILKINSON
LISBON
Columbiana County officials have organized a new group to promote local travel and tourism.
But meet Karen Anesi, who runs Lock 30 Woodlands RV Resort and who has been bringing in tourists for years.
The Youngstown native now lives in Durango, Colo., and commutes to and from the campground.
The campground takes its name from the number of the nearby lock on the Sandy & Beaver Canal, which operated in the early 1800’s and eventually closed because of the growth of railroads.
The 68-acre campground was recently lauded by Ohio Magazine for what has been called “glamping” — a cross between glamour and camping.
Anesi calls her campgrounds a “boutique” operation with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and a garden where people can pick dill to add flavor to their meals. Campers are parked so everyone can see the creek, she said.
The resort is open from April through October, and it has all the amenities, including a pool, clubhouse, water and electric, and a boccie court. Events include a dog show and a talk on wildlife cooking.
Anesi’s husband and children also work at the site.
Anesi said that she has drawn people from Chicago, New York, Ontario and Florida, but the average camper comes from within a two-hour drive.
Ken Weimer, a retired airline worker, and his wife live in nearby Columbiana but stay at the campsite in the warmer months.
“It’s the best place we ever went,” he said.
Best Parks in America has ranked Anesi’s park in the top 60 in the nation.
Woodall’s, another ranking system, said Lock 30 is the highest rated in the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
There’s also an old firetruck on the grounds that’s not there for fires. Anesi said it’s used for small parades they have at the grounds for the kids Saturday mornings.