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Best Campgrounds near Canal Winchester, OH

794 Reviews

State parks and recreation areas surround Canal Winchester, Ohio, providing a variety of camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. Jackson Lake Park, located directly in Canal Winchester, offers 199 sites with full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. Alum Creek State Park Campground to the north provides lakeside camping with spacious, wooded sites that campers frequently praise for their privacy and natural setting. Hocking Hills State Park, approximately 45 minutes southeast, represents one of the region's most popular destinations with its distinctive geological features, hiking trails, and diverse camping options. A.W. Marion State Park in nearby Circleville offers a smaller, more intimate camping experience around Hargus Lake.

Reservations are essential during peak season from May through October, particularly for weekend stays. As one camper noted, "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular." Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with most closing or reducing services between November and March. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to Columbus and spotty reception in more remote areas like Hocking Hills. Weather conditions can change rapidly in central Ohio, with summer thunderstorms common and spring bringing potential flooding at some low-lying campsites. Accessibility also varies, with some parks offering paved sites while others feature more primitive conditions.

Lakeside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Canal Winchester area. Alum Creek State Park features "excellent fishing, plenty of undeveloped shoreline to explore from kayaks, canoes or paddle boards and a very large beach," according to one reviewer. Families appreciate the playgrounds and organized activities at several parks, with one visitor to A.W. Marion noting they "had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some visitors reporting road noise at certain Alum Creek sites while others praise the quieter atmosphere at Delaware State Park. Fall camping is particularly popular for the colorful foliage, with one camper mentioning, "We were there as the leaves were changing and it was great!"

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Best Camping Sites Near Canal Winchester, Ohio (105)

    1. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    15 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."

    "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "

    2. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 837-2656

    $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."

    3. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    31 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."

    4. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "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."

    5. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 949-1078

    "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."

    6. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA

    12 Reviews
    Heath, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 928-0706

    "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."

    7. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Columbus, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 646-3976

    $60 / night

    8. Alder Farm

    1 Review
    Lockbourne, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 414-2029

    $30 / night

    9. Tree Haven Campground

    7 Reviews
    New Albany, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 965-3469

    "They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."

    "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!"

    10. Campbell Cove Camping

    17 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Canal Winchester, OH

325 Photos of 105 Canal Winchester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Canal Winchester, OH

794 Reviews of 105 Canal Winchester Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Delaware State Park Campground

    Great peaceful campground

    This is our second time coming here really enjoy this place it's typically more of a quiet relaxed camp there is a playground in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one. Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Nice park but some traffic noise

    Spent three nights here while we were visiting friends in Lewis Center. We stayed in F09 and it was a great spot. Lots of protection on both sides so it was very secluded. And close to the shower house. Only reason I didn’t give this five stars was there was still quite a bit of traffic noise around the park that you could hear. Some nice hiking trails as well. Campsite was nice and level. Showers were super clean and awesome water pressure.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Mt Gilead State Park Campground

    Small, quiet campground

    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. however, a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in. The full hook up side the sites are really tight together. The electric only sits are spread out a little more. Some have decent shade while others have none at all. Our site was really nice and had space for a tent or you could hang from a hammock. Great camp store, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking paths and small lake.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buck Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet park with level spaces

    This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn’t super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    A Very Pleasant and Quiet Campground

    This campground is clean and we'll maintained. They have a pool, and activities on the weekends. Must sure have a tree and grass with fire pits and a table.

  • 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.

Guide to Canal Winchester

Camping near Canal Winchester, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

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, "Excellent location for hiking and water sports," highlighting the park's versatility.
  • Disc Golf: If you enjoy disc golf, check out Buck Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," making it a great spot for various activities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Mohican State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers clean and sanitary," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the ample space at sites like Delaware State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Some sites were bigger than others but all had plenty of space and a lot of tree shade."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like John Bryan State Park Campground are noted for being family-friendly. A camper shared, "It was a great experience, we will most definitely be back!"

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Some campgrounds have sites that are quite close together. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots were pretty darn close together for a state park."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "The sites were very sloped and the RV sites were pretty close together."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Alum Creek State Park Campground, where amenities like a pool can keep kids entertained. One reviewer said, "They had a pool which people seemed to enjoy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan hikes or nature walks. A family at Mohican State Park Campground enjoyed the trails, stating, "The pool is nice in the summer and the people working at check-in are so nice."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids, like comfortable sleeping gear. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "Good hiking all around and the lake is beautiful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Before booking, check if the sites are level. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "The site was nice because you only have one other site next to you."
  • Be Aware of Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."
  • Utilize Local Resources: Make use of nearby towns for supplies. A camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The lodge is close enough to go get food too."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are Canal Winchester camping spots from Columbus, Ohio?

Most camping options near Canal Winchester are within a 20-30 minute drive of Columbus. Alum Creek State Park Campground is approximately 25 minutes northeast of Columbus and offers beautiful wooded sites with lake access. For those looking for a closer option, Jackson Lake Park is only about 15-20 minutes from downtown Columbus. This convenient proximity makes these campgrounds popular weekend getaways for Columbus residents looking to enjoy nature without traveling far from the city.

Are there full hookup RV camping options near Canal Winchester?

Cross Creek Camping Resort offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, though sites are somewhat close together. The pull-through sites accommodate larger RVs but may require some leveling. Another option is Hocking River RV Park, which provides full hookup spots for big rigs (including 43' fifth wheels), though some maneuvering may be required. The park features fire rings positioned along the river, adding a scenic touch to your stay.

Where can I find campgrounds in Canal Winchester, Ohio?

The Canal Winchester area offers several camping options within a short drive. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provides both drive-in and walk-in access with amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. For a newer camping experience, Campbell Cove Camping offers excellent full hookups and newly constructed restrooms throughout the grounds, plus it's conveniently located near Hocking Hills attractions. If you're looking for seasonal options, Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers weekend camping, though it's closed during winter months.

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