The Groveport area in central Ohio features multiple camping options within a 30-mile radius. Established campgrounds like Jackson Lake Park and A.W. Marion State Park provide developed sites for both tent and RV camping, while Scioto Grove Metro Park offers backpacking-style primitive sites along a hiking trail. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with some locations like Jackson Lake Park also providing cabin rentals for those seeking a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with most locations offering at least basic facilities like drinking water and toilets. A visitor noted, "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit." Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with most open from spring through fall but closed during winter months. The camping season typically runs from April through October, though specific opening and closing dates differ by location. Reservations are recommended at most sites, especially during summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds can reach capacity.
Several campgrounds in the area feature access to water recreation, with fishing opportunities at locations like Jackson Lake Park and A.W. Marion State Park. The proximity to Columbus makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for city residents seeking nearby outdoor experiences. According to reviews, campers appreciate the variety of activities available, particularly for families with children. As one camper reported about Jackson Lake Park, "Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade." While some locations offer more amenities and organized activities, others like Scioto Grove provide a more natural experience with sites situated along the Scioto River. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, making these campgrounds suitable for those needing to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.
$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."
"October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$28 - $29 / night
"Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend."
"There is a short walk to a comfort station and the shower house is just a few more steps. Both were kept clean even in this busy park."
$60 / night
"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."
"Not a sightseeing destination, but very convenient place to stop for the night if you’re on a road trip doing a lot of driving. Safe neighborhood with a kroger right down the street."
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.
ScoutWas a cool view at the top where the space is.
Close to hocking hills and Logan, right off 33 so it was easy to find
ScoutI'll start by saying I have a cattle dog and a lab. Both have a bit of anxiety but are otherwise well trained and medicated (after much consideration with vets behaviorist and trainers).
Campsite is clean, accessible, and accommodating.
This is my complaint:
Before making our reservation the dogs had been doing extremely well on their walks. Little to no reactivity for weeks. Still, I did my best to find a “more remote” site that still had electric.
I understood there may be some traffic, but I severely under estimated how much. I found the map and video tour very misleading and difficult to read.
We ended up very close to the main entrance and right next to the highest traffic road in the whole camp site. The dogs were very stressed and barked at every car that went by. We made every effort to reduce this with our training techniques including keeping them on short leashes in hand to redirect, and leaving the site entirely during prime check in hours.
The campsite staff asked if they would settle the first night and I had every reason to think they would after the first night, based on experience, but they did not. There was no other communication about the issue or trying to find a resolution. I acknowledge I probably could have been more proactive myself, but I had read the relevant materials and did what research I could ahead of time. Since I had not heard anything I believed we were within expectations.
Upon leaving we were approached by a member of the campsite staff that told us we were not welcome back, and the dogs should have stayed home, that they had numerous complaints through out our stay and we had been a nuisance to everyone due to excessive noise (I'm paraphrasing). I was apologetic as I was under the impression it was being managed well enough since we had not heard anything.
When we got home I sent a note to the management to let them know I found the conversation with the staff member to be unprofessional and unhelpful. I offered a few ways they could make things more comfortable for everyone. I had a neutral tone and was focused on solutions and preventing another circumstance like this for them. Their response was about the same as the staff member and actually I had violated several policies I was unaware of and had not seen until their mention in this email.
I say all of this to say, based on my experience, they expect dogs to be practically silent and extremely obedient. Also, if you are bringing dogs that need any kind of special accommodation to stay relaxed, I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and ensuring you have what you need at your site and have understood the policies and map (etc) correctly.
The staff will not be proactive about offering solutions or communicating potential conflicts early which could prevent your visit from being as quiet and relaxing as you may have liked.
TravelerThis was our first time here and we loved it!! We did get rained on a little but we knew that. Seems like this was the last fall weekend before winter.
Checked in at 3pm and got our pass to our site. The drive through is gorgeous, can be very dark at night just a heads up. Very quiet with decent amount of space between campsites. We tent camped and everyone else around us had trailers. If you enjoy the cul-de-sac style this is where you want to be.
The showers and bathrooms were extremely well taken care of!! There’s huge trees around which provides great privacy from trail hikers as well. There was a huge playground with swings, disc golf course, putt putt and a dog park all around the entrance area. There was a shop at the entrance as well but we didn’t purchase anything.
Campground was only 12 minutes from the nearest store and gas. We didn’t have enough light to explore but we will definitely on our next stay.
Scout2nd time here, this time we booked for 10 days we liked it so much, very conveniently located for us. We would like to see more planned activities on weekends.
TravelerBig property with every site type. Complete with KOA amenities. EV chargers on-site. Bathrooms were excellent individually separated rooms with showers and toilets. We were escorted to our site upon arrival. Very poor Verizon coverage but the Wi-Fi on site worked fine. Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park.
ScoutWhile we are not horsemen, my husband and I so enjoyed our stay at this remote and picturesque campground. The property reflects great pride and financial investment: nicely-appointed and immaculate bathroom facilities; well-spaced campsites; classy equine stalls; and accommodating service second to none. Highly recommended!
ScoutG&P is exceptionally well maintained with 31 sites of varying sizes. Owner is extremely welcoming and prices are good. Front and rear Porto bathrooms for use.
Camping sites near Groveport, Ohio range from primitive backpacking spots to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. The area sits within central Ohio's till plains region with elevations averaging 800-900 feet above sea level, creating generally level camping terrain with occasional gentle hills. Weather conditions typically include warm summers with average July temperatures around 85°F and mild spring and fall camping seasons.
Explore disc golf courses: Jackson Lake Park offers a full disc golf course alongside its camping facilities. A visitor mentioned, "There is a 'lake' (more of a large pond) on the property, with fishing, and large inflatables to play on in the summer. There is also a disc golf course."
Hike riverside trails: Scioto Grove Metro Park provides primitive backpacking sites along walking paths. A camper shared, "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit."
Test backpacking gear: Scioto Grove Metro Park's backpacking trail offers a low-commitment backpacking experience. According to a reviewer, "Nice park. You can reserve spaces to backpack along the rei water trail and stay the night to test gear. Not huge, no crazy obstacles but great for last minute trips close to the city."
Cross unique bridges: The Scioto Grove trail system includes distinctive features for hikers. One camper noted, "Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore. Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons."
Quiet weekday camping: A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers peaceful off-season experiences. A camper reported, "A cold but sunny weekend in February at site #32. No other campers there for the weekend, but a lot of foot traffic... You register on your own in the winter and it's walk-ins only at this time."
Family-oriented activities: Jackson Lake Park caters to families with various recreation options. One camper noted, "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in."
Lakeside views: A.W. Marion State Park provides water views from select sites. A visitor mentioned, "Site 45...The camper pad was very level and the site was huge. It had a great view of the lake. I'm not so sure you'd be able to see it once the leaves are back this spring."
Private, spacious sites: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. A reviewer shared, "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campground restroom quality differs significantly throughout the area. At A.W. Marion, a camper noted, "I would give it a higher rating but there are no showers, concrete floored, hole in the ground 'outhouses' (one men's, one woman's) by the playground and port-a-johns at the other end of the campground."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance planning. At Scioto Grove, "They only do it for a short season and in that season two weekend a month to avoid over use."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Groveport, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Groveport, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Groveport, OH and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Groveport, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Groveport, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Groveport, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Groveport, OH.
What parks are near Groveport, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Groveport, OH that allow camping, notably Alum Creek Lake and Deer Creek Lake.
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