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Best Campgrounds near Circleville, OH

729 Reviews

Circleville, Ohio and the surrounding area features several developed campgrounds within a short drive of the city. A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides sites for tent and RV camping along with access to hiking trails and Hargus Lake. Within 30 miles, visitors can find additional options like Tar Hollow State Park Campground and Hocking Hills State Park Campground, which offer a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The region's camping areas range from basic sites with minimal amenities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from early April through October. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season when Hocking Hills attracts significant crowds. Primitive camping options like Scioto Grove Metro Park offer free tent camping but operate on a limited schedule. Winter camping is available at some locations like Paint Creek State Park, which maintains heated restrooms year-round. Cell service varies considerably across the region, with patchy coverage in more remote areas like Tar Hollow. According to one visitor, "There is no cell service. Enjoy the outdoors! You are off the grid!"

Campers consistently mention the scenic quality of the region, particularly at locations in the Hocking Hills area where hiking trails lead to unique geological formations. The region includes a mix of lakefront and wooded sites, with waterfront locations being particularly popular. While some campgrounds like A.W. Marion are described as "smaller but peaceful" by reviewers, others such as Alum Creek State Park offer extensive facilities but can become crowded during peak season. Proximity to attractions represents a significant consideration, with Campbell Cove Camping noted for being "near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills." Visitors should note that campground density varies; some locations feature closely spaced sites with limited privacy, while others provide more secluded settings for a more immersive natural experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Circleville, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Circleville, Ohio (102)

    1. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    4 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. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    24 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."

    3. Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Adelphi, OH
    18 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."

    4. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    14 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."

    5. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    18 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. Sun Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chillicothe, OH
    18 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. "

    7. Campbell Cove Camping

    17 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    26 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."

    8. Top O' The Caves Campground

    16 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."

    "There's a small pond for fishing and a church from the 1800s and all together a beautiful place to walk around. The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite!"

    9. Deer Creek Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Mount Sterling, OH
    19 miles

    "Not only one but was using 4 buckets at a time before dumping keeping in her camper before caught dumping behind camper and trying to fit it down a small hole where the honey pots go that you are suppose"

    "The lake was pretty. Watching the herons was relaxing.

    The people in our section were courteous. All seemed to obey the quiet hours."

    10. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    44 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Circleville, OH

269 Photos of 102 Circleville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Circleville, OH

729 Reviews of 102 Circleville Campgrounds

  • Shelby I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    A place to sleep

    Camp sites are very tightly packed together and feels like I'm in someone's backyard that is having trouble growing grass.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Circleville

Camping near Circleville, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several 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 noted, "The sites have level pads... The park is very neat and clean," which adds to the overall experience.
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, check out Buck Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer shared, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," highlighting the variety of activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at 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 remarked, "It was a great experience, we will most definitely be back!"

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, "Not a lot of privacy, but still great."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like A.W. Marion State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. One camper mentioned, "The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open."
  • 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 Delaware State Park Campground that have playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper said, "Each section has its own playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Crowds: Weekends can get busy, so consider going during the week. A visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground suggested, "Plan to take a hike if you can and go early to beat the crowds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the RV sites before booking. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground noted, "The electric only sites were priced at $33/night."
  • Be Aware of Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during holidays. One camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, "It was busy & loud... we left early."
  • Use GPS for Directions: Some campgrounds can be tricky to find. A visitor at Alum Creek State Park Campground advised, "Make sure your GPS is set for the campground and not the park."

Camping near Circleville, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV camping facilities are available in Circleville, Ohio?

RV campers near Circleville have several well-equipped options. Cross Creek Camping Resort offers pull-through sites for larger rigs, though sites can be somewhat close together with limited privacy. Full hookups are available, though some sites may not be perfectly level. Hocking River RV Park accommodates large rigs up to 43' with pull-through spots, though some maneuvering may be required. They feature unique fire rings positioned along the river and basic bath facilities. Other options include Alum Creek State Park Campground, which offers a beautiful wooded setting but has limited dump stations that can create delays during busy periods. Most RV parks in the area provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full hookups and Wi-Fi.

Are there tent camping sites specifically available around Circleville?

Yes, tent campers have several dedicated options near Circleville. Tar Hollow State Park Campground features a secluded north ridge campsite specifically for tent camping, offering a genuine immersive nature experience with pit latrines. Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides tent camping options, though it's only available for weekend stays and closes during winter months. Both parks offer the peaceful woodland setting tent campers typically seek. For those willing to drive a bit further, several other state parks in the region accommodate tent campers with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites to those with shower facilities. Remember that many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Are there family-friendly camping options available in Circleville?

Circleville and the surrounding area offer excellent family-friendly camping destinations. Campbell Cove Camping provides full hookups, modern restrooms, and convenient access to nearby attractions in the Hocking Hills region. Lake Hope State Park Campground is perfect for families seeking a less crowded experience, featuring a beautiful lake for swimming and boating, hiking trails, and spacious campsites in a serene forest setting. Families will also appreciate Zaleski State Forest, which offers primitive camping options and excellent hiking trails. Most family-oriented campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and scheduled activities during peak season. For the best family experience, consider reserving sites well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays.

Where are the best campgrounds near Circleville, Ohio?

Several excellent campgrounds are within driving distance of Circleville. A.W. Marion State Park Campground is the closest option, located just minutes away with scenic lakeside camping. For those willing to drive a bit further, Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers some of Ohio's most spectacular scenery with numerous hiking trails, caves, and natural features. The park provides various camping options and is consistently rated as one of Ohio's most scenic state parks. Other solid options include Paint Creek State Park and Deer Creek Camping Resort, both offering water recreation opportunities and standard campground amenities. Most locations near Circleville require reservations, especially during peak summer and fall seasons.

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