Best Campgrounds near Circleville, OH

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.

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."

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

    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 Reviews near Circleville, OH

730 Reviews of 102 Circleville Campgrounds


  • Angie F.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground

    Picturesque Hocking HIlls retreat

    While 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!

  • 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.


Guide to Circleville

Camping spots near Circleville, Ohio sit within the gently rolling terrain of the Scioto River Valley, with elevations ranging from 700 to 900 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winters bringing occasional snowfall and temperatures in the 20s. While most campgrounds in the area close for winter, some like Jackson Lake Park maintain year-round operations with heated facilities.

What to Do

Disc golf fun: Jackson Lake Park offers an on-site disc golf course perfect for casual players. "There is a disc golf course. The nearby town Lithopolis is cute, with some local coffee and dining, as well as antique shops," notes Theresa P., who stayed in one of the park's cabins.

Lakeside activities: At Campbell Cove Camping, visitors can enjoy water recreation on Lake Logan. "We loved the location of Campbell Coves to Old Man's Cave and hiking trails. We do a family trip to the area every fall and this will be our go-to location," reports Angie J. The campground provides kayak rentals and lake access.

Hiking exploration: The Scioto Grove Metro Park trail system includes a unique rope bridge crossing. "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore," says Karen K., highlighting the family-friendly trail features.

What Campers Like

Peaceful lake access: Sun Valley Campground receives high marks for its tranquil setting. "This campground has a lot to offer with electric and water hookups for RVs with back-in and pull through sites. They have a dump station as well as an onsite bathroom/shower house," explains Andrew S., who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.

Free backpacking experience: Scioto Grove Metro Park offers no-cost tent sites for weekend backpackers. "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided. Some have log seating and some do not," explains Susan G., noting the convenient amenities despite the primitive setting.

Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings at Tar Hollow State Park provide opportunities for animal observation. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake," shares Renée C., though she cautions, "They also have a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population. Watch your steps."

What You Should Know

Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have poor or non-existent cell coverage. At Tar Hollow State Park, Sydney reports, "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up."

Bathroom conditions vary: Facility cleanliness differs significantly between campgrounds. At A.W. Marion State Park, Karen H. notes, "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: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium sites. "Need to reserve online, books up very fast. Got lucky and found an opening for site 5 which was right on river and away from the busier parts of park," shares Anna S. about Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Tips for Camping with Families

Look for kid-friendly amenities: Top O' The Caves Campground offers multiple recreation options. "It has mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids. It offers rustic cabins for those that dont tent camp or have a rv," recommends Kelli W., who enjoyed the variety of activities available.

Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer basic cabins as alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in one of the rustic cabins. With other family members bringing their RVs. The bathroom facilities were some of the nicest and cleanest we've experienced," reports Angie J. about Campbell Cove Camping.

Check for swimming areas: Water features make for popular family destinations. "The lake has a sand beach and designated swim area. It is blocked off from the rest of the lake by a wooden dock from which you are able to shallow dive (it's only seven or eight feet deep)," explains Jonathan W. about Tar Hollow State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, privacy between sites stands out as a benefit. "Space and Privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year. We have never had a 'bad' campsite at the Alum Creek State Park Campground. Each camping space is separated by trees and brush," shares Sandy O.

Check hookup availability: Utilities vary between campgrounds and specific sites. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash. But, the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose," Chris C. mentions about Jackson Lake Park.

Be prepared for weather impacts: Some sites have drainage issues during rainy periods. Jill B. warns about Alum Creek State Park Campground: "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm and so maybe it was just a fluke."

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.