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Best Campgrounds near Columbus, OH

680 Reviews

Campgrounds near Columbus, Ohio range from state parks with full amenities to rustic sites at metro parks within short driving distance of the city. Alum Creek State Park Campground, located northeast of downtown, provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with electric hookups, showers, and water access. Other developed campgrounds include Delaware State Park, which offers year-round camping with tent and RV sites plus cabins and yurts. Scioto Grove Metro Park provides free primitive tent camping for backpackers seeking a more secluded experience, while Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center serves primarily as an urban camping option with full hookups for those attending events in the city.

Most campgrounds in the Columbus area require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Tree Haven Campground operates seasonally from May through November, typical for many private campgrounds in the region. "We found this campground on the Dyrt app. No one from campground ever returned my calls. I called the Expo center and a lady answered all of my questions. Over 300 sites, first come basis," noted one visitor about Korbel Campgrounds. Weather conditions remain mild through most of the camping season, though spring rain can create muddy conditions. Winter camping options are limited, with Delaware State Park being one of the few year-round facilities. Many campgrounds close completely or reduce services during winter months.

Campers seeking backpacking experiences have praised the REI trail at Scioto Grove Metro Park. 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." Private RV parks like Tree Haven Campground and Alton RV Park receive mixed reviews, with some visitors appreciating their proximity to Columbus attractions while others mention restrictive rules. Jackson Lake Park offers nearly 200 sites with tent, RV, cabin and glamping options southeast of the city. The region includes several state parks within a 30-60 minute drive that provide more natural settings, including Hocking Hills State Park, which features popular hiking trails and cabin rentals alongside traditional campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, Ohio (90)

    1. Alum Creek State Park Campground

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

    "Alum Creek State Park is just under 40 minutes from Columbus. It makes a great weekend getaway from the city. The campground offers some spots next to the water which have a wonderful view."

    "Alum Creek State Park is a beautiful park and great campground just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbus and minutes away from attractions such as the Columbus Zoo."

    2. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

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

    "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City."

    "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."

    3. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center

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

    $60 / night

    4. Cross Creek Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 549-2267

    $35 - $95 / night

    "We stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy."

    "Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, Ohio is a very nice campground with friendly staff and lots of amenities!"

    5. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $21 - $25 / night

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

    "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. Plenty of flat  space."

    6. Tree Haven Campground

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

    "Conveniently located to Columbus. Lots of seasonal campers. Only gray water hook up available."

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

    7. Alton RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Galloway, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 878-9127

    "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."

    8. Delaware State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Radnor, OH
    29 miles
    Website

    "Great state park to camp in to get away but still be near Columbus and some great things to do in central Ohio."

    "This state park spans over 2,000 acres and is just north of the cute Ohio town of Delaware. "

    9. Jackson Lake Park

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

    $40 - $139 / night

    "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.

    We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site."

    "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."

    10. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    45 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "Best state park in Ohio for sure! 2 1/2 hour drive from Cincinnati, 1 1/2 hour drive from Columbus, and 3 hour drive from Cleveland."

    "It has a ton of different terrains, it's easily accessible from Columbus, OH, and has great hiking opportunities. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Columbus, OH

272 Photos of 90 Columbus Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Columbus, OH

680 Reviews of 90 Columbus 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.

  • 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.

  • Jenny C.
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Family Fun For Everyone!

    We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons). We love that electric is included and was helpful for plugging in fans during the hot night.

Guide to Columbus

Camping near Columbus, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic hikes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by," making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "Excellent location for hiking Hocking Hills area," highlighting the park's diverse activities.
  • Disc Golf: If you’re into disc golf, check out Delaware State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "They put in a putt-putt course recently, had disc golf," which adds a fun twist to your camping trip.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Caesar Creek State Park Campground stated, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at Buck Creek State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more," emphasizing the ample space for activities.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Mohican State Park Campground is noted for its family-friendly vibe. A camper said, "The pool is nice in the summer and the people working at check-in and at the camp store are so nice," making it a welcoming spot for families.

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for John Bryan State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together," so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hope State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A camper noted, "The latrines smell for a good distance," so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Raccoons can be a nuisance at certain campgrounds. One camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out," so secure your food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities. Delaware State Park Campground offers a beach area and playgrounds, making it great for kids. A visitor said, "Each section has its own playground for the kids."
  • Bring a Cart for Gear: If you're camping at Hocking Hills State Park Campground, consider bringing a cart for your gear. One camper advised, "I highly recommend some sort of cart for your gear," especially for the walk-in sites.
  • Check for Events: Look for campgrounds that host events. Alum Creek State Park Campground had a trivia night and a pancake breakfast, which can be fun for the whole family.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to choose level sites for your RV. A review for Alum Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites have level pads," which is a plus for RV camping.
  • Check Water Availability: Some campgrounds may have limited water access. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, "The flush toilets are closed for the season," so plan accordingly.
  • Use GPS for Directions: When heading to Caesar Creek State Park Campground, ensure your GPS is set for the campground, as it can be tricky to find. One camper advised, "Make sure your GPS is set for the campground and not the park."

Camping near Columbus, Ohio, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Columbus, Ohio for tent camping?

For excellent tent camping near Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park Campground stands out as a premier destination just 1.5 hours from the city. With diverse terrain and extensive hiking trails, it's perfect for tent campers seeking natural beauty. Another great option is A.W. Marion State Park Campground, which offers peaceful non-electric sites ideal for tent camping. The wooded sites provide plenty of shade during summer months, and the 5-mile trail around Hargus Lake offers scenic recreation. Both parks provide a true outdoor experience while remaining relatively close to Columbus, making them perfect for weekend getaways.

What campgrounds near Columbus, Ohio offer swimming pools or lake access?

For lake access near Columbus, Alum Creek State Park Campground offers beautiful lakefront sites with water views just under 40 minutes from the city. The park features ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in its scenic lake. Delaware State Park Campground also provides lake access across its 2,000-acre property just north of Columbus. For those preferring swimming pools, Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday offers pool access along with numerous family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent option for campers who want recreational water activities without the natural lake experience.

Are there any free camping options near Columbus, Ohio?

Free camping options are limited near Columbus, but Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers free camping on weekends. Note that this free camping is seasonal and not available during winter months. Finding true dispersed camping in Ohio can be challenging, as most public lands require permits or fees. Another budget-friendly approach is to look for primitive camping areas in state forests that sometimes offer low-cost alternatives. Always verify current policies before planning your trip, as regulations for free camping areas can change seasonally or annually.

What are the closest camping sites to downtown Columbus?

The closest camping option to downtown Columbus is Alum Creek State Park Campground, located just under 40 minutes from the city center. This campground offers a quick escape from urban life while providing easy access to Columbus attractions like the Columbus Zoo. Another nearby option is Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center, which offers convenient drive-in camping with city access. For families wanting amenities while staying close to Columbus, Grins & Pickin's CampFarm provides a unique camping experience within easy driving distance of the city's amenities and attractions.

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