Central Ohio's landscape surrounding Carroll hosts several established campgrounds ranging from basic to well-equipped facilities. Jackson Lake Park, located within 10 miles of Carroll, provides 199 campsites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, while A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but a natural setting. The region includes additional options like Geneva Hills Camp and Event Center with glamping and yurt opportunities, and several state parks within a short drive that support various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV locations.
Most campgrounds in the Carroll area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with A.W. Marion State Park open from early April to late October and Campbell Cove Camping available from May 1 to October 15. Electric hookups are common at developed campgrounds, though primitive tent-only areas exist at locations like Scioto-Grove Metro Park. Bathroom facilities vary significantly across locations, with some offering only vault toilets while others provide full shower facilities. A recent review noted: "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever! There was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms."
Campers report high satisfaction with water features at many of the area's campgrounds. Jackson Lake Park offers a swimming area and recreational lake activities that appeal to families with children. "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in," wrote one visitor. Hiking trails are available at several locations, particularly at A.W. Marion State Park where a 5-mile trail circles Hargus Lake. Campground size varies considerably throughout the region, with some offering a more intimate experience while others like Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provide a larger, more developed camping environment. Many campgrounds in the area balance proximity to Columbus with a natural retreat setting, making them popular weekend destinations for city residents.
$25 - $40 / 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."
"October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "
$20 - $70 / 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."
$40 - $139 / night
"As a moto camper, we really lucked out with a flat plot and didn’t have anyone in the spots next to us. My #1 complaint was the bathroom situation."
"Easy access to sites. Staff could take a lesson in hospitality and giving directions on park."
"Then outside is the picnic table. Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin. "
"Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."
$23 - $70 / night
"Happened to be next to the park host. No choice of where to locate my large tent. Showers/bathrooms were OK--older facilities. "
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
"This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."
"Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."
"No driving your vehicle any further than the bottom of the hill. Great location, very beautiful. Spacious in between 5 campgrounds and right next to the Scioto River."
"Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park - didn’t see a single person. Nice tent pads, campfire ring, and provided wood."
"River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice."
"Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds."
$35 - $600 / night
"It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp."
$25 - $45 / night
"Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite."
"Nice little campground right down the road from Lake Logan. Convenient to shopping nearby(Walmart and Kroger) About 10 miles from the caves and trails. Right off the highway. Good cheap firewood."
ScoutTHIS IS AN RV CAMP. They have tent sites but they are just squares of gravel/wood. Our site was placed just feet from the ROAD you turn off of to enter the campground. Ridiculous and incredibly overpriced for what you get.
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutStayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
GuideIts free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
TravelerHad a great experience. Plenty ofntrail and water for my dog to play on and all the amenities we clean and functioning . Great experience and well priced .
TravelerNice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend
TravelerRelatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.
NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.
Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.
ScoutWe had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.
The topography around Carroll, Ohio features gently rolling hills and wooded areas with elevations ranging between 800-1,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with camping typically most comfortable during spring and fall when temperatures average between 50-75°F. The area's limestone and sandstone geology creates unique water features found at many local campgrounds.
Hiking trails year-round: The 5-mile trail at A.W. Marion State Park Campground circles Hargus Lake and remains accessible during winter months. "A cold but sunny weekend in February at site #32. No other campers there for the weekend, but a lot of foot traffic," notes one visitor who appreciated the off-season solitude.
Water activities for all ages: Jackson Lake Park offers a swimming pond with inflatables during summer months plus fishing opportunities. A camper mentioned that "My wife and I spent Labor Day weekend here as it was close to Columbus and allowed family to come spend a night or two."
Mountain biking access: Several campgrounds connect to dedicated biking trails, particularly around Alum Creek State Park Campground. "There is a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," notes one reviewer who enjoyed combining camping with trail riding.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campers note the variation in bathroom quality across locations. At Campbell Cove Camping, visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities: "The bathroom facilities were some of the nicest and cleanest we've experienced."
Spacious, private sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush," reports a camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground, mentioning the natural separation between camping areas.
Proximity to Columbus: Many campsites serve as weekend retreats for urban residents. "AW Marion is near 23 and easy access to the highway to get to Columbus. Plenty of space and shade in not electrical campsite for a hot summer day," explains one reviewer who appreciated the convenient location.
Seasonal operations vary by location: While most campgrounds operate April through October, specific opening dates differ. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime," notes a camper about Scioto-Grove Metro Park, which has more limited availability than other area campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious," mentions a visitor to Hocking Hills State Park Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite natural settings. A Big Sycamore Family Campground visitor noted: "The only downside is that it is close to a highway so at night you can hear the traffic."
Playground access: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers multiple child-friendly amenities. "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff," reports one family, noting the campground's focus on activities for younger visitors.
Water features for children: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas designed with families in mind. At Campbell Cove Camping, "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carroll, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carroll, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Carroll, OH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Carroll, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carroll, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carroll, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Carroll, OH.
What parks are near Carroll, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Carroll, OH that allow camping, notably Alum Creek Lake and Deer Creek Lake.
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