119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lazy River at Granville's expansive camping area welcomes pets throughout its grounds, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and pet-friendly cabins for travelers with dogs. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA also accommodates pets with designated areas and amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Most campgrounds in the region maintain standard leash policies, requiring dogs to be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside the camping unit. LA-Z Acres Campground provides full-service hookups for RV campers with pets, while maintaining clean grounds that make walking dogs convenient. Alum Creek State Park Campground features lakefront sites where pets can enjoy water access during warmer months. Dogs barking through the night can sometimes be an issue at busier campgrounds, especially during peak season when sites fill quickly.
Dog-friendly hiking paths surround many Heath area campgrounds, with Hocking Hills State Park Campground offering extensive trail systems suitable for leashed pets. Water activities for dogs are available at Buckeye Lake, though swimming areas may have seasonal restrictions. Most campgrounds provide designated pet waste stations and require owners to clean up after their animals. The sites at Lazy River Campground feature creek access where dogs can cool off during summer camping trips. Many seasonal campers develop close relationships with neighboring pet owners, creating a community atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other's animals. Wildlife encounters require vigilance when camping with pets, as squirrels and other small animals may provoke barking or pulling on leashes. Veterinary services are available in nearby Granville and Buckeye Lake for emergency situations.
"Then outside is the picnic table. Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin. "
"Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
from $24 - $160 / night
Check Availability"Always something for family and dog to do."
"There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("
"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."
"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."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability"This walk in camp ground was located just minutes from Old Man’s Cave. It’s a family friendly and pet friendly camp ground. Our stay was quiet and relaxing."
"There are trails all over the park. Can be a bit busy during the warmer months. The park is pet friendly and has a nice nature center before you hike down to Old Man’s Cave."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"It's has a site right behind it, but has a nice size green space for an ez-up. The pad was a nice length and held our small camper and truck with room to spare."
"There was also a path directly from our site that led to one of the hiking trails. Yay for us and our easy access; however, it also welcomed people to cut through your site."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A little further back in the campground to be close to the shower house that was open. Then found out that comfort station next to us was open - nice!"
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
from $27 - $220 / night
Check Availability"Not far from I-70, near the river, quiet and clean… almost too quiet."
"Doesn’t make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late."
from $48 - $75 / night
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TravelerOnly 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.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutWe 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.
GuideAlum 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.
Scoutgreat state park campground. There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost. There is a campground beach and boat launch. Lost of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups. tmThere is also some mountain bike trails. Plenty to do for everyone.
TravelerAlum Creek is just beautiful, nice sites, most of them are at least partially shaded, lots of woods, hiking trails, the lake, it is what I think of when I think of State Park campground camping in Ohio. There are a couple problems. 1. Only ONE little dump station. This is a big campground, so if you're leaving Sunday, you better get up at the crack of dawn to get to the station, otherwise be prepared to wait in a long long line of RV's. We by-passed the long line and stopped at a different State Park campground on the way home and paid 10.00 to use their dump station. 2. They never answer their phone at the campground office. I mean NEVER. If you have a question you will just have to deal with the reserveamerica people who really know nothing other than what they read on the campground website. So basically you know as much as they do. It's maddening. We will go back, but it's a 2 hour drive so it won't be anytime soon.
ScoutIn addition to having a pretty lake, lovely campsites that are spread apart nicely, clean facilities, lots of shade, boat ramps, etc.. this park is unique for it's Dog Park facility.
2 large fenced in field areas. One for small dogs, and one for large. There is enough room for several games of dog frisbee to happen at once. Then, there are 2 large fenced in areas for lake access. Balls, dog doo bags, trash bins.. all there. Lots of shade, water fountains, and plenty of running room. I can't rave about this park enough!
The only downside is there is poison ivy lacing the trail from the campsite down to the water, and the Dog Park portion is about 2 miles from the campsites.
Alum Creek State Park
Campground details
ScoutBeautiful park. There is a camper’s beach and a dog park
LegendWe have never had a bad site at Delaware, rowdy neighbors on occasion but the park itself and the site are great. Lots of hiking trails, stocked fishing pond for kids, disc golf, dog park and the lake itself.
Site 187 this trip.
Camping opportunities near Heath, Ohio center around several waterways including Buckeye Lake, Alum Creek Reservoir, and the Licking River. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 800-1,100 feet above sea level, with predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with occasional humidity making evening campfires comfortable from May through October.
Fishing opportunities: The small ponds at National Road Campground provide a convenient fishing spot where licenses aren't required. "Nice little campground near the lake. Great attentive staff and amenities. Pool, mini golf, bounce house, playground. Variety of site types available," notes Robert S.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems surround the Heath area with varying difficulty levels. "There is a nice walking trail back through the woods," mentions Mark G. about Tree Haven Campground. The trails connect to larger networks, allowing day trips with varying terrain.
Water recreation: From late May through September, most local lakes maintain water temperatures between 70-78°F. "We ended up next to the entrance road, which is a bummer, but the size of the site made it totally worth it," writes Cassandra C. about camping at A.W. Marion State Park Campground, which offers lake access and water activities.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Beautiful creek that runs along side some nice deep sites! Two pools, tons of activities! Staff is wonderful," reports Libby W. about Lazy River at Granville, where sites along the water tend to book earliest.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high on camper priorities. "Bathrooms very clean. Loved the free games. Cabin was very clean and had comfortable beds," notes Jean A. about Wolfie's Campground. Most facilities receive regular cleaning throughout the day during peak season.
Family activities: Organized events keep younger campers engaged. "Tons of stuff for kids, they had a blast! Great atmosphere, friendly staff! Will deliver wood to site & had lots of amenities," shares Bob H. regarding his stay at Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA.
Seasonal conditions: Campsites can flood during spring rains. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns Katelyn P. about Alum Creek State Park Campground. The terrain drains quickly after storms, but low-lying sites remain susceptible.
Reservation patterns: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Heath book fully on summer weekends. "The park fills up fast. Go early," advises Michael J. about Lazy River at Granville. Some campgrounds maintain first-come, first-served sites even on busy weekends.
Quiet hours: Enforcement varies between campgrounds. "One cute little ponds are at the center of the campground and there is a little store onsite, although it is mostly closed during the off-season," explains Darla in her review of National Road Campground, noting the generally peaceful atmosphere.
Easy hiking options: Children can handle shorter trails near campsites. "We spent a weekend here with two other families (9 kids total) and had a wonderful time! The kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek," shares Amanda D. about her stay at Lazy River at Granville.
Weather contingencies: Have indoor activities prepared. "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain," continues Amanda D., describing how they turned a potential camping disaster into a memorable experience.
Reserve early: Family-friendly sites with playground proximity fill first. "My family and I had a great time at this park. Lots for the kids to do with the pool, playground, gaga ball court, activities, etc..." reports Ryan H. about Lazy River at Granville, highlighting the range of activities available.
Entrance challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "The only challenge is you don't want to meet a rig going out while you're coming in. We are a 38 foot class A and met a 36' 5th wheel on the curve at the entrance. We literally passed with less than an inch between us," warns Steve E. about Wolfie's Campground.
Leveling issues: Bring additional leveling blocks. "Pull-thru site #18 was very unleveled from front-to-back; hitch was on ground and rear stabilizers were fully extended with blocks underneath," reports Napunani about National Road Campground, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.
Water access: Some hookups require extended hoses. "The new section (sites numbers in the 200s) have hook ups at the front of the sites so you may have to buy longer hoses," advises Ryan H. about his experience at Lazy River at Granville, noting an important detail for RV setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Heath, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Heath, OH is Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Heath, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 119 dog-friendly camping locations near Heath, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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