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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Columbus, OH

681 Reviews

Alum Creek State Park Campground welcomes pets across its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Campers with dogs have access to full-hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. The campground features fire rings, picnic tables, and showers while maintaining pet-friendly policies throughout the facility. Cross Creek Camping Resort and Hocking Hills State Park Campground also accommodate pets with similar amenities plus reservation options. Pet owners must keep their animals leashed at all times in public areas. Sites at most Columbus-area campgrounds include designated pet waste stations and specific pet exercise areas. The unlocked female restroom at Korbel Campgrounds can be unclean at times according to visitor feedback. Campground data and reviews near Columbus, Ohio is regularly updated on The Dyrt.

Tree Haven Campground's walking trail through wooded areas provides excellent exercise opportunities for dogs. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the region enforce quiet hours that include managing excessive barking. Free firewood is available at Scioto Grove Metro Park's backpacking sites where pets are permitted. The REI backpacking trail offers short hiking distances ideal for testing gear while camping with dogs. Pet owners should note that some Columbus-area campgrounds have specific seasonal restrictions – Tree Haven operates from May 1 to November 1, while Korbel East Campground has no water available November through March. The sites at Scioto Grove book quickly and include convenient tent pads, but camping is limited to Fridays and Saturdays only and ends during winter months.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Columbus, Ohio (69)

    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."

    "Small dog park. Normal size lots for an RV park. Super crowded on a summer weekend. All size rvs and also tent campers. Easy to find."

    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

    "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!"

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

    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. 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."

    9. 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. "

    10. Berkshire Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Galena, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 965-2321

    $38 / night

    "This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."

    "There is a small lake that you can walk around. They also have a path through the woods where you can let the dogs run if you choose to."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Columbus, OH

115 Photos of 69 Columbus Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Columbus, OH

681 Reviews of 69 Columbus Campgrounds

  • O
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Amazing State Park!

    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. This park has plenty of trails for all types of people, my favorite is conkles hollows, so I highly recommend that!

  • Grace D.
    May. 8, 2019

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Peaceful, quiet, and scenic.

    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.

  • Cassandra C.
    Aug. 24, 2020

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Small and friendly

    We chose A.W. Marion State Park on this particular weekend because it's relatively close to home (Columbus area). While I had come here to hike the 5 mile trail around Hargus Lake in the past, it was our first visit to the campground. 

    We reserved site #4 in the non-electric section. Unfortunately #4 isn't the best site in the campground - it was very small and wide - one of our 3 small tents ended up right next to the car. But we made it work and really enjoyed our stay. It was right across from the porta johns, so that's something of which to be aware. It's right next to #3 (obviously), which is not available for reserving because it's the extra site that remains available if someone has an issue with their existing reservation. Regardless of these little issues, we had a great time. This primitive section of the campground is really nice overall, and far away from the noisy RVs. The hosts were super nice, as were the other people camping. The distance from Columbus makes it a quick and easy weekend trip.

  • Marshall P.
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park close to Columbus Ohio

    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.

    The campground has good sized sites and is wooded throughout with clean bath houses, well maintained roads, and easy access for big rigs.

    There is also a very nice dog park in the park including dog beaches with lake access for your pups to swim.

    We love this campground and the beautiful lake and appreciate the easy access to local attractions, shopping, and more.

  • Brady R.
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Fave Midwest State Park

    I get asked "where should we go camping or hiking in the Midwest?" Hocking Hills State Park is always my go-to answer. 

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

    This particular campground is amazing because it's located nicely to many hiking trails but far away that you aren't overly crowded so you still get the feeling that you're in nature.

    I've been here a ton growing up in the horse campground area, but most recently was there for tent camping. We were surrounded mostly by RVs, but we fit in quite nicely into our site. 

    The sites were nicely spaced out and the hiking trails were all nearby.

  • Joaquim P.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    Can only stay there on Fridays and Saturdays

    Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I’m sure it’s pretty and all, but it’s hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio! Oh well, rest stops always work for car camping.

  • Gary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2018

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    The dog’s favorite campground!

    This was the only park we’ve gone to this uear with both a large dog park AND a fenced in dog beach! Folks were friendly at the dog park with bunches of chairs set around like a conversation pit. Lots of water and dog tennis balls were available.

    The dog beach was fenced so your dog can be off leash. There is even a fenced in area out in the water to keep the pooches from swimming across the Lake chasing geese.

    The campground itself was quite nice and spacious. Some of the most private camping sites I’ve seen in Ohio. Shower facilities we a bit above average mad seemed to be looked after at least once a day (we were there in the off season).

    IMHO, one of the nicest campgrounds in the state.

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2020

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    Very nice resort

    We stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy. Our pull through site was on the (inner) road, so lots of golf carts, cars and campers passing by. All pull through sites are on the road side. The site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground. Many full time units here beautiful patios and decor. Staff is nice and friendly. Trash pickup isn’t offered and the walk to dumpster would be excessive for unfit or handicapped. We would stay again. Amenities are clean, as described and dog Park is immaculate but small.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Splish, splash

    Lots of room! Privacy, some sites have accommodations for several tents as well as full hook up for campers. Some are adjacent to the playground There are tons of things to do: Miniature golf Disc golf BMX trails Small dog park Golf course Horse camp

Guide to Columbus

If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, there are plenty of options for pets-allowed camping near Columbus, Ohio. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Columbus

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

  • Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers hiking trails where you can take your dog for a scenic walk along the river.
  • At Jackson Lake Park, you can enjoy fishing and swimming while your pet enjoys the outdoors.
  • Tree Haven Campground hosts potlucks and holiday events, making it a great place for socializing with other pet owners.

Dog owners appreciate the welcoming atmosphere

  • Deer Creek Camping Resort is known for its friendly staff and community vibe, making it easy to meet fellow campers and their pets.
  • Berkshire Campgrounds features well-groomed trails where dogs can run off-leash, providing a fun experience for both you and your pet.
  • Pastime Campground offers a quiet location with friendly campers, ensuring a pleasant stay for you and your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Columbus, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Columbus, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Columbus, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Columbus, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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