Alum Creek Lake spans 3,387 acres in central Ohio with a 4,630-acre state park surrounding it. The lake reaches depths of 60 feet and offers year-round camping options in hardwood forest terrain. Most campsites sit on elevated terrain that drains well during rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 85°F depending on season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The stocked fishing lake at Cardinal Center Campground provides catch-and-release fishing with a gazebo overlooking the water. As one camper noted, "Great fishing and a playground, and it is a good place for a cookout. They have bathrooms and a water fountain."
Trail exploration: Tree Haven Campground features extensive walking paths through wooded areas. "This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond. Our favorite part was the off leash dog trails that were a perfect place to let the pup run," shares a reviewer who appreciated the pet-friendly amenities.
Shooting sports: For campers interested in outdoor target practice, Cardinal Center Campground offers comprehensive shooting facilities. "They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached... Also a shooting range if that is something you like," mentions a visitor who stayed during Thanksgiving.
Water activities: Splash pads and swimming pools provide cooling options during summer months. At Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, "The pool and splash pad were well kept and very clean," according to a reviewer who found the campground well-maintained.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at dog friendly campgrounds near Alum Creek Lake. "Our site had a deck right behind the camping pad because the site has a descent slope. The fire pit was down the slope which was cool being out of site from walkers," notes a camper at Mt Gilead State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A camper at Pastime Campground reported, "Restrooms and showers were kept clean by city workers. The dump station was fine."
Family activities: Multiple dog-friendly Alum Creek area campgrounds offer recreational options for all ages. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares an Alum Creek State Park camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds provide peaceful surroundings away from urban noise. "We like this small campground, it works well for us. Our pad was pretty level and not hard to back into with a small camper," reports a visitor to Mt Gilead State Park.
What you should know
Site flooding concerns: During heavy rainfall, certain sites may experience water accumulation. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns one Alum Creek State Park camper.
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds limit availability to warmer months. Tree Haven Campground operates from "May 1 to November 1" according to their seasonal information, making advance planning necessary for spring through fall visits.
Site spacing variations: Some campgrounds feature tightly packed sites while others offer more seclusion. "The sites next to us were empty but the way it was set up, the site next to us would have had an rv angled right behind us," notes a Cardinal Center visitor regarding site layout.
Reservation recommendations: Popular dog-friendly campgrounds near Alum Creek fill quickly, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "From what I've been told you might be able to get into one if you book the whole season a year in advance," reports an Alum Creek State Park camper regarding waterfront sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children of different ages. At Berkshire Campgrounds, a visitor appreciated that "This campground has it all. Full hookups and great activities for all. There is a small lake that you can walk around."
Recreational options: Activities beyond traditional camping keep families engaged. At Cardinal Center Campground, "They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing lake (catch and release) the indoor swimming pool. The camp also has some very nice cabins."
Theme weekends: Several campgrounds host special event weekends with additional family activities. "We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing. Can't wait to go back," shares a Cross Creek Camping Resort visitor who participated in seasonal programming.
Safety considerations: Family campers should note campground-specific rules. "The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen. The check in building had a fire and we never saw any employees," reports one Alum Creek State Park camper about a specific experience.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites vary widely between campgrounds. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, a reviewer noted, "Good mix of pull through and back in and is big rig friendly. Plenty to do for the kids. Pool looks nice, was not open yet for the season."
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground. Many full time units here beautiful patios and decor," explains a Cross Creek visitor regarding site conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Water services may be limited during colder months. At Korbel Campgrounds, "Nov 1 - Apr 1, no water is available," making self-contained RVs necessary during winter visits.
WiFi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5G) seems good throughout the entire park. Best Wi-Fi I've ever had at a campground. They have Wi-Fi repeater towers everywhere you look," reports a KOA Holiday visitor about connectivity options.
