The Alum Creek Lake area in Ohio features a mix of state park and private campgrounds catering to different camping preferences. Alum Creek State Park Campground provides wooded sites with electric hookups for tent and RV campers, while Cross Creek Camping Resort offers full-hookup options including cabins. Delaware State Park Campground, located north of Alum Creek Lake, adds to the regional camping inventory with year-round availability. Most developed campgrounds in this region maintain reasonable proximity to Columbus, making them popular weekend destinations for city residents seeking outdoor recreation with lakeside access.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when waterfront activities draw larger crowds. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, though some campgrounds like Delaware State Park and Cardinal Center remain open year-round. Most sites offer electric hookups with 30 or 50-amp service, while primitive tent camping is available at select locations. Winter camping is limited but possible at year-round facilities, though water services may be restricted during freezing temperatures. One camper noted, "Alum Creek State Park is a beautiful park and great campground just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbus and minutes away from attractions such as the Columbus Zoo."
Visitors consistently highlight the wooded privacy between campsites at Alum Creek State Park, with several reviewers mentioning the ample space and natural screening. The park's proximity to the lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming, while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. For those seeking more amenities, private campgrounds like Cross Creek Camping Resort feature swimming pools, playgrounds and organized activities on weekends. Many campers appreciate the balance of natural settings with convenient access to urban amenities. "Large, private sites, good electric service, reasonable distance to Columbus. Lake is beautiful," shared one visitor about Alum Creek State Park. The region's mix of state park and private facilities ensures options for both rustic camping experiences and more developed resort-style stays.
$23 - $70 / night
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
$39 - $40 / night
"Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"
"This is another of our favorite Ohio State Parks. The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. "
$35 - $95 / night
"We stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy."
"Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, Ohio is a very nice campground with friendly staff and lots of amenities!"
$38 / night
"There is a small lake that you can walk around. They also have a path through the woods where you can let the dogs run if you choose to."
"This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."
"Great walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice. Well....I guess we did! We are now in a search for a Diesel pusher to go full-time!"
"Conveniently located to Columbus. Lots of seasonal campers. Only gray water hook up available."
$47 - $53 / night
"Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel. They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table."
"from our garden as we had way too much for just us and asked the welcome center to tell people to help themselves to what ever they wanted. we then toured the campgroundand found the stocked fishing lake"
"The campground is tucked away in a suburb of Columbus next to a soybean field, very quiet area. Only a 15-20 minute drive into town to go shopping if need be."
"At least three ponds all fairly nice with ducks and geese hanging around. There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
$60 / night
$37 - $50 / night
"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
"The "Camp Host" came around a few times a day to ensure trash was picked up and needs were met. Site 8 has full hookups and a concrete parking pad."
$15 - $38 / night
"Walking path and playground are adjacent to the campground. There is a nice swimming pool at the south end of the village park. Campers get a discounted admission."
"The well kept campground is part of a city park that consists of a some nice walking trails, baseball fields, sand volleyball and a pool/splash park (for a small fee)."
Scouti have been going to Wally World Riverside Resort for the past 15 years always a great time ,clean camp ground well maintained .On the week end they have activities for the children and movies on Saturday most of the time on the week end it can get busy.
ScoutPastime Campground is a nice base to explore the Columbus area. The well kept campground is part of a city park that consists of a some nice walking trails, baseball fields, sand volleyball and a pool/splash park (for a small fee). The town offers restaurants and is within walking distance. Overall a good stay.
ScoutIf you ever find yourself in Ohio wanting to camp don’t chose Tomorrow Stars Resorts we pulled in on Thursday afternoon a little after 2 pm everything was fine. We got up (today) Friday and had a knock on our door the host said we needed to move our camper over because we’re not in the right spot and we’re on the other site. We said we couldn’t move it over due to the tree (as pictured) if we moved in “designated” spot our slide out would be completely in the tree he said I’ll cut the tree. Left never came back. My brother and grandmother came to visit wasn’t there for maybe 5 mins and the manager/ owner came knocking and said we need to move our vehicle because he can’t rent out the other site because he’s parked on it. Then he started complaining about us moving our camper over we said the host said he’d cut the tree and he never came back. He then decided to be a smart aleck and we gave it right back and he told us to leave so we said give us a refund to which he responded “I’ll think about it” so we said okay well get our lawyer. He drove away and we started packing up and he came back waited for Greg (my husband) to walk to the back of the camper and he said we’re taking pictures just so you know and I said good I’m glad and my brother yelled we already got ours then he said he was going to charge us for the other site that my brothers car was on I hollered at Greg to tell him and the guy took off. We started talking to the people who just pulled in behind us they agreed with us and the man said “I’m banned from here because I got into it with them so my wife had to book it we’re only staying bc there’s no other places available.” So there’s clarification it’s not just us. We packed up went to the office and Greg tried to ask if he was going to charge us for the other spot or refund us our money he told Greg he’s not going to talk to him to leave and that the sheriffs on the way and Greg said “good I’m glad he is” the guy then got in Greg’s face and started yelling at him so Greg walked out and we left.
GuideStayed over 4th of July. Place was packed. We only stayed two days but had to pay for three. We knew this going in, and I don't blame them for requiring a 3 day stay on holidays because they're just packed; and if you only booked two days , they would lose out on a day because nobody's going to take just one day. Was worth the extra $. As to the park, it is very nice. Clean, mowed and trimmed. Great roads. There are quite a few full timers and several that rent the same slots continously and stay only part time. Access is controlled by a gate and if you arrive after 10pm you'll have to park outside in overflow and walk to your camper. We did not find this to be a problem. Narrow driveway in and out of park, RVs can't pass each other so giving way is a must. Back 40 has many sites and is very popular with the locals Several are only elect and water, quite a few appear to be full hookup, but not sure how many are permanently rented. All Rigs in the park when we stayed were well kept up - no junk ones. Internet was overwhelmed while we were there due to too many users. However we had great 5G Verizon service. Owners and staff were great. Only 2 showers in each gender. They are a bit dated but generally clean and very usable. We really enjoyed our stay and would book again should we return. We didn't have time for investigating local sites, but the Muesum of the US Air Force is a one hr drive and VERY worth the trip. It will take you 6 or 7 hrs to see it all. Highly recommend this park.
ScoutCaves is great campground. However they do not honor dyrt reservations. Had to pay at the campground. Sent email to dyrt, no reply. They owe me 400 dollars, and I have not heard back. Dyrt, if you honor, I will update this review- until then, DO NOT USE!!!
RangerWe return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
ScoutThe cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink
ScoutEasy to make reservation, easy to check in and very friendly staff
TravelerMy favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities.
Camping in Alum Creek Lake offers varied campsite experiences across 3,400 acres of woodland terrain. Most camping facilities range between 850-950 feet in elevation, creating subtle terrain variations throughout the region. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, making shoulder season camping more comfortable with daytime temperatures between 60-80°F in spring and fall.
Disc golf course access: Mt Gilead State Park Campground, located 30 miles north of Alum Creek, features a challenging disc golf course with unique elements. "This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!" notes Sarah G., highlighting the distinctive design that sets it apart from typical courses.
Fishing opportunities: Berkshire Campgrounds provides private lake access for anglers seeking alternatives to the main Alum Creek reservoir. According to James C., "This campground has it all. Full hookups and great activities for all. There is a small lake that you can walk around." The stocked pond offers year-round fishing in a more controlled environment.
Off-leash dog trails: Several campgrounds feature dedicated pet spaces beyond standard pet-friendly policies. Jess from Berkshire Campgrounds states, "Our favorite part was the off leash dog trails that were a perfect place to let the pup run. We have struggled at some parks where the pet areas are very restrictive."
Privacy between sites: Delaware State Park Campground receives consistent praise for site separation. Maddy B. notes, "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy." This layout creates a more secluded feeling despite being in a developed campground.
Clean shower facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained restroom facilities at Delaware. "The bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," according to Maddy B., who camped there in early October. Mt Gilead campers also praise their "indoor facilities" as a welcome upgrade.
Weekend activities: Cross Creek Camping Resort organizes regular scheduled events throughout camping season. Lauri C. shares, "We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing. From the activities for the kids to the nice spacious sites." These programmed activities help fill downtime between lake visits.
Seasonal restrictions: Water services often shut down during winter months at year-round campgrounds. At Korbel Campgrounds, "Nov 1 - Apr 1, no water is available," according to their seasonal information. Plan accordingly if camping outside peak season.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require leveling equipment. At Tree Haven Campground, Mark G. found it "Great for a first RV experience" but notes site variations that may require adjustments.
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds near Alum Creek Lake. Ashley R. advises about Delaware State Park Campground: "This summer my family has went to many campgrounds and by far Delaware has been our favorite. The site we were on was set back in the woods."
Playground access: Alum Creek State Park Campground provides multiple play areas for children of different ages. Sarah W. explains, "It does have good fishing and a playground, and it is a good place for a cookout. They have bathrooms and a water fountain."
Swimming options: Jenny C. recommends Alum Creek's dedicated beach: "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."
Pancake breakfasts: Weekend morning activities can help structure family camping trips. Jill B. shares, "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost."
Full hookup availability: Cardinal Center Campground offers complete utility connections with both 30 and 50 amp service. George J. recommends, "Our site had full hook-ups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night." This pricing is competitive for the amenities provided.
Weather contingency options: Indoor facilities provide backup recreation during rain. Cardinal Center includes "an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table," according to Renee L., useful for unexpected weather changes common in Ohio.
Site selection strategy: Catherine from Alum Creek State Park Campground advises, "The prices here are reasonable, however most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken."
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of camping are available at Alum Creek State Park?
Alum Creek State Park Campground offers traditional tent camping and RV sites with electric hookups. The campground is spacious with partially shaded sites set among wooded areas. Many sites provide privacy with trees and foliage between campsites. The park is well-equipped for both tent campers and RVers, though it has limited dump station facilities for its size. For those seeking alternative camping experiences near Alum Creek Lake, Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers weekend camping options during the warmer months.
Which campsites are considered the best at Alum Creek State Park?
The most desirable sites at Alum Creek State Park Campground are generally those offering partial shade and privacy from neighboring campers. Many campers prefer sites tucked among the trees that still provide enough clearing for comfortable setup. While specific site numbers aren't consistently mentioned as favorites, the campground is noted for its spacious layout that creates a feeling of being apart from other campers. For comparison, Delaware State Park Campground nearby offers a similar quality experience with less crowding and a spoke-and-wheel layout with roomy, wooded sites.
Where can I find a map of Alum Creek State Park?
Maps of Alum Creek State Park are available at the park office and campground check-in stations. You can also download official park maps from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website prior to your visit. For interactive mapping on your mobile device, The Dyrt app offers campground maps and location details. If you're looking for detailed navigation of the park's features, Cross Creek Camping Resort and A.W. Marion State Park Campground visitors often recommend picking up physical maps at park entrances for the most reliable navigation around Ohio state parks.
Are cabins available for rent at Alum Creek State Park?
Alum Creek State Park does not offer cabin rentals within the campground. For cabin accommodations in the region, visitors might consider Mohican State Park Campground, which provides cabin options along with clean facilities about an hour away. Alternatively, Malabar Farm State Park Campground offers a unique historical experience with accommodations in a conservation-focused setting. Both parks provide more developed lodging options than what's available at Alum Creek.
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