Camping near Deer Creek Lake

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Deer Creek Lake. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Deer Creek Lake. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Deer Creek Lake and user-submitted reviews.

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Best Camping Sites Near Deer Creek Lake (87)

    1. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    18 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. Deer Creek Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Mount Sterling, OH
    7 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."

    3. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    38 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. Paint Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paint Creek Lake, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 981-7061

    "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."

    "An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."

    5. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    19 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. Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Adelphi, OH
    30 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."

    8. 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."

    9. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    "Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."

    10. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

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Recent Reviews near Deer Creek Lake

747 Reviews of 87 Deer Creek Lake Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • 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 Deer Creek Lake

Camping near Deer Creek Lake, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Deer Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great place to ride a bike, or hike or just go for a walk." The park has well-maintained paths that are perfect for all skill levels.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Buck Creek State Park Campground is a great spot. A visitor noted, "Beautiful on the lake," highlighting the fishing opportunities available.
  • Water Activities: At Rocky Fork State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming. One camper shared, "Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming," making it a fun destination for water lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. A review for Deer Creek State Park Campground stated, "The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape!"
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites at A.W. Marion State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The site itself is big - it’s got a lot of room for tents, an ez-up and plenty of space for chairs."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities available at Long's Retreat Family Resort. A reviewer said, "So much fun for the whole family," highlighting the various attractions for kids.

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during weekends at Buck Creek State Park Campground. One camper noted, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect," so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pike Lake State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There is no lake. There is a murky pond that you can swim in," so manage your expectations.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons at John Bryan State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: For a quieter experience, consider Scioto Trail State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The tent-only area is separate," making it a peaceful spot for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out the playgrounds and sports facilities at A.W. Marion State Park Campground. One camper said, "The children’s play area was very nice - my kids loved playing on the equipment."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for downtime. A visitor at Rocky Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "Very nice grounds, lots of paved pathways for bike riding," which can keep kids entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site at Pike Lake State Park Campground. One RV owner noted, "Some sites too small for our 20’ trailer and truck."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider visiting during the week at Rocky Fork State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The campground was extremely busy on the weekends."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a dump station as we were leaving the park," which can save you time on your trip.

Camping near Deer Creek Lake, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Deer Creek Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Deer Creek Lake is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.

What parks are near Deer Creek Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Deer Creek Lake that allow camping, notably Paint Creek Lake and Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir.