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Best Campgrounds near Chillicothe, OH

572 Reviews

Chillicothe, Ohio serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds offering diverse accommodation options. Scioto Trail State Park Campground, located within city limits, provides tent and RV camping with amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and trash disposal. Sun Valley Campground and Walnut Creek Campground and Resort expand the options with cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Within a short drive, campers can access Tar Hollow State Park and Hocking Hills State Park, both offering more extensive trail systems and varied terrain. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though amenities and services may be limited during winter months.

Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. Many campgrounds feature both reservable and non-reservable sites, with the latter filling quickly on weekends. Water and electric hookups are common at established sites, while primitive camping areas typically offer vault toilets and communal water sources. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with coverage becoming increasingly spotty in more remote areas like Zaleski State Forest. The terrain ranges from relatively flat campgrounds to more challenging hilly areas in the state forests. A visitor noted that "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio" with pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage enhancing the experience.

Campers consistently rate water access as a significant factor in site selection, with lakefront campgrounds receiving higher ratings. Paint Creek State Park Campground and A.W. Marion State Park Campground both feature lake access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the mix of outdoor activities available, including hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. The proximity of campgrounds to natural features like caves and rock formations in Hocking Hills draws many visitors, though this can lead to crowding during peak seasons. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers seeking more solitude might prefer the less-visited Tar Hollow State Park or Lake Hope State Park, where one reviewer described it as "the unsung hero of Logan county" with fewer crowds than nearby popular destinations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chillicothe, Ohio (94)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    25 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    2. Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Adelphi, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 887-4818

    $4 - $27 / night

    "The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. "

    "The drive there was a very interesting tour of trump flags Amish buggies and more. Would come back if I was stranded in Ohio, but overall great pit stop for cleaning up on a long journey."

    3. Scioto Trail State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Waverly, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 663-2125

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."

    "Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."

    4. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $21 - $25 / night

    "They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."

    "Marion State Park on this particular weekend because it's relatively close to home (Columbus area)."

    5. Sun Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chillicothe, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 775-3490

    "We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it.  It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there.  Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "

    6. Paint Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paint Creek Lake, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 981-7061

    "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."

    "An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."

    7. Pike Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Latham, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 493-2212

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park

    Campground Review:

    We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."

    "The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."

    8. Walnut Creek Campground and Resort

    2 Reviews
    Chillicothe, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 774-1203

    "Nice scenic drive to campground only 7 miles off of Hwy 35. No"

    "Has fishing, kayaking, golf cart trails, volleyball set up, basketball court, swimming pool and super nice cabins."

    9. Trackside Camping

    2 Reviews
    Waverly, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 701-2908

    $35 / night

    10. Waters Edge Canoe Livery

    1 Review
    Chillicothe, OH
    3 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Chillicothe, OH

231 Photos of 94 Chillicothe Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chillicothe, OH

572 Reviews of 94 Chillicothe Campgrounds

  • Alex A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Baileys Trail Tent Camping

    Peaceful Stay

    Wonderful little location. We drove for about 3 hours to get from where we are. Nice wide open space surrounded by woods. There were other campers but very friendly and had plenty of space to ourselves. Very nice bathroom/shower compared to what we expected. Will visit again.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Campbell Cove Camping

    Nice campground

    We stayed at site 63 , on the water. Big site, water view and plenty of space. The road across the lake has an uphill section and people like to race up it. Trucks, motorcycles and cars. Really loud. I know the campground doesn’t control the road, so it’s just a note about the noise. The site is amazing, and I would come back.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.

  • Reb S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Horrible

    Really disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.

    Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.

  • L
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Zaleski State Forest

    Nice get away

    Trails are nice and kept well, campsites are clean and well maintained. at each backpacking camp (3 in total) there is water and a toilet (nothing to wipe with) water is definitely well water tastes meh better off bringing a filter just in case. I will say there is some noise pollution from cars and planes near campsite 1. We ended up meeting our guide kitty friend at camp 1- most likely dumped which sucks but very friendly. tried bringing him home but he didn’t follow us. Besides Kitty and 2 other groups i saw no one else was here which was nice especially during a holiday weekend. NO SERVICE PLAN ACCORDING make sure you have a map especially to get out of the park!!!! PS if someone sees kitty please say hi :)

Guide to Chillicothe

Camping near Chillicothe, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "The sites have level pads... The park is very neat and clean," highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
  • Disc Golf and Trails: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers disc golf and shaded trails. One reviewer noted, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," which makes it a great spot for outdoor activities.

What campers like:

  • Family-friendly Atmosphere: Campers at Sandy Springs Campground rave about the family-oriented activities. One parent said, "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"
  • Scenic Views: Many visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A camper at Sandy Springs Campground remarked, "Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Deer Creek State Park Campground stated, "The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!"

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at John Bryan State Park Campground noted, "The sites are very close together," which might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like A.W. Marion State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds during weekends, especially at popular spots like Buck Creek State Park Campground. One camper shared, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect, but it was so rowdy we left early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. A family at Sandy Springs Campground enjoyed, "Planned fun activities! And they had things for the adults as well."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites. A camper at Burr Oak State Park Campground mentioned, "The site was a good size, but not secluded."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "Good hiking all around and the lake is beautiful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground said, "Our particular rv site was an electric only site but water was just across the street."
  • Be Aware of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Buck Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Fireworks and loud music were played all night long."
  • Plan Your Arrival: Arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground advised, "Plan to take a hike if you can and go early to beat the crowds."

Camping near Chillicothe, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Chillicothe, Ohio?

The Chillicothe area offers several excellent camping options. Tar Hollow State Park Campground is known for its secluded tent sites that provide an immersive nature experience. The North Ridge campsite is particularly popular for those seeking solitude. Another top choice is Scioto Trail State Park Campground, conveniently located near Chillicothe with reservable sites, water access, and toilet facilities. For those willing to venture slightly further, Paint Creek and Pike Lake State Parks also offer quality camping experiences within a reasonable drive. The region's campgrounds are particularly beautiful during autumn when the foliage transforms the landscape.

What is the cost of camping in Chillicothe, Ohio?

Camping costs near Chillicothe vary by facility type and amenities. At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, sites typically range from $25-35 per night depending on whether you choose electric or non-electric options. Paint Creek State Park Campground offers competitive rates for both tent and RV camping, with prices generally falling between $20-30 nightly. Ohio state parks maintain relatively consistent pricing, with primitive sites being the most affordable option at around $15-20 per night. Private campgrounds like Walnut Creek and Sun Valley typically charge higher rates ($30-50) but offer additional amenities. Most campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays and may have different seasonal pricing structures.

Are there private campgrounds near Chillicothe for RV camping?

Yes, several private campgrounds near Chillicothe cater specifically to RV campers. Hocking River RV Park offers pull-through spots that can accommodate large rigs up to 43 feet, though some maneuvering may be required. The park features riverside fire rings and basic bathroom facilities. Waters Edge Canoe Livery is another option with drive-in access, water, and toilet facilities for RV campers. Walnut Creek Campground and Resort provides full RV hookups and is big-rig friendly. Most private RV parks in the area offer reservable sites, and many remain open year-round with amenities like water, electric, and dump stations.

Is tent camping available near Chillicothe?

Yes, tent camping is readily available near Chillicothe. Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers weekend tent camping opportunities, though it's closed during winter months. For a more secluded tent experience, Lake Hope State Park Campground provides a quieter alternative to more crowded parks in the region. The park features beautiful surroundings and is less congested than nearby alternatives. Additionally, Walnut Creek Campground and Pike Lake State Park offer tent sites within driving distance of Chillicothe. Most tent sites in the area include basic amenities like fire rings and access to restroom facilities.

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