Alum Creek State Park Campground and Delaware State Park Campground provide diverse camping options just minutes from Dublin, Ohio. Located in central Ohio's rolling terrain, this area features multiple reservoirs with elevations ranging from 850-950 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs April through October with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime and 60-65°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple fishing spots along the reservoir. "Great fishing and a playground, and it is a good place for a cookout. They have bathrooms and a water fountain," notes Sarah W. Some waterfront sites even allow direct water access.
Hiking trails: The parks surrounding Dublin offer varied terrain for hiking. At Delaware State Park Campground, "There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," according to Maddy B. The Lakeview Trail is particularly popular for those with dogs who enjoy water access.
Disc golf: Several parks in the area feature dedicated disc golf courses. Buck Creek State Park has an 18-hole course available year-round. The courses typically require no reservation and are accessible to all skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campgrounds near Dublin often feature sites with good separation. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush," notes Catherine about Alum Creek. This provides a more secluded experience despite proximity to urban areas.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Buck Creek State Park Campground, "Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them," reports Lisa M. Most campgrounds feature modern shower facilities and flush toilets.
Organized activities: Many campers appreciate scheduled events. "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost," shares Jill B. about Alum Creek. Seasonal programming often includes nature walks, craft sessions, and holiday-themed weekends.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal amenities or conditions. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," cautions Katelyn P. about Alum Creek. Higher-elevation sites typically drain better after rain.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. At Cardinal Center Campground, "most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (ie lakefront) are always taken," according to one camper.
Off-season advantages: For those seeking quieter glamping in Dublin, Ohio, consider spring or fall visits. "We went camping early October in tents. It was cold but it was so much fun," reports Maddy B. about Delaware State Park. Shoulder seasons offer reduced crowds and often more site availability.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Family-friendly swimming areas provide supervised recreation. At Indian Lake State Park Campground, "There is a camper beach area, swimming pool and boat launch within the campground," notes Andrea F. Most beaches have designated swimming hours and some require a small fee.
Playground access: Children need activity options beyond water recreation. "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water," says Jenny C. about Alum Creek. Consider sites near playgrounds for convenience but not so close that noise becomes an issue.
Pet-friendly options: Many families travel with pets. "A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups," mentions Jill B. about Alum Creek's dedicated pet area. Check specific park rules regarding leash requirements and designated pet swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites near Dublin offer varying levels of service. At Jackson Lake Park, "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash," notes Chris C. However, water connections sometimes require special attention: "the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose."
Site leveling: Preparation for unlevel sites saves setup time. "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit," reports Shannon G. about Indian Lake State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Winter camping options: Some parks offer year-round glamping near Dublin, Ohio. Cardinal Center Campground provides winter access with indoor amenities. "They have a nice indoor pool and shower rooms attached. Also we typically shower in our camper, but since we were winterized we took advantage of the nice clean shower house," shares Andrea F.
