75 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alum Creek State Park Campground's spacious sites with tree and brush separation offer campers privacy while accommodating pets. Full hookup sites are available in loops B and E with reasonable electric service. The park maintains pet-friendly policies requiring dogs to be leashed in camping areas. Cross Creek Camping Resort, Cardinal Center Campground, and Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday also welcome pets with designated areas for exercise. Sites throughout the region vary in size and privacy level, with some waterfront options allowing direct access to Alum Creek Lake. Campers report bathrooms and shower facilities are generally well-maintained with good water pressure. Some camping paths run through certain sites, which should be considered when booking.
The surrounding area features numerous trails suitable for hiking with leashed dogs, including mountain biking paths that can be shared with pets. Alum Creek State Park provides lake access with a small beach within the campground and a larger public beach a short drive away. Most campgrounds in the region offer firewood for purchase and fire rings at individual sites. Weather considerations include potential flooding during heavy rain periods, so selecting elevated sites is advisable when camping with pets. Sites at Mount Gilead State Park Campground remain open year-round, while Sunbury/Columbus North KOA operates seasonally from May through November. The campground's proximity to Columbus (approximately 40 minutes) makes it convenient for weekend trips, with nearby Polaris Parkway offering emergency veterinary services and pet supply options if needed.
"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"Lots of hiking trails, stocked fishing pond for kids, disc golf, dog park and the lake itself.
Site 187 this trip.""It’s close to home, but more importantly it has great trails and wooded sites. Winter camping has several sections of the park closed, only 1 shower house open and no camp hosts or camp store."
from $39 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Site 29 - this was a nice site in tall pine trees and colors all around. The pad was gravel and pretty level. We had trees in our site that could be used for hammocks as well."
"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
from $37 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel. They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table."
"from our garden as we had way too much for just us and asked the welcome center to tell people to help themselves to what ever they wanted. we then toured the campgroundand found the stocked fishing lake"
from $47 - $53 / night
Check Availability"The campground is tucked away in a suburb of Columbus next to a soybean field, very quiet area. Only a 15-20 minute drive into town to go shopping if need be."
"This is a hugely spaced out camp with ample space to each site and great amenities for kids & dogs. Immaculate and well run. Late check in was easy, requests were honored."
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Sites are around a manicured field but with a high “pollinators maze” in the middle that creates too privacy and sound barrier. Only outhouses but they were very clean."
from $25 - $35 / 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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Campgrounds near Kilbourne, Ohio offer a diverse range of options for outdoor enthusiasts within the gently rolling hills of central Ohio. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler spring and fall camping seasons. Several campgrounds in this region feature access to Alum Creek Lake, a 3,387-acre reservoir that serves as a central recreational feature for campers seeking water activities.
Fishing opportunities: At Mt Gilead State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a stocked fishing lake within walking distance of campsites. "The park is nice for fishing and hiking and there are spots for the kids to play," notes one visitor who appreciated the variety of activities.
Outdoor recreation: Cardinal Center Campground offers unique activities beyond standard camping. "We toured the campground and found the stocked fishing lake (catch and release) the indoor swimming pool. We then went over to the shooting center and tried our luck with silhouette and metal targets on the pistol range. They also have trap and skeet available," shares a camper who extended their stay.
Disc golf course: Mt Gilead State Park features an unusual disc golf course layout. One visitor mentioned, "We took a night walk with headlamps and found the disc golf course. This was laid out to be a crazy course and included repelling ropes!"
Nature trails: Many campgrounds maintain walking paths for exploring the natural surroundings. "Plenty to do for the kids. Pool looks nice, was not open yet for the season. Good mix of pull through and back in and is big rig friendly," notes a camper at Cross Creek Camping Resort.
Privacy between sites: Alum Creek State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout. "We had a good site in loop M. The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen," mentions one visitor, highlighting that while amenities vary in quality, the campsite itself was satisfactory.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathhouses and recreational amenities rate highly among campers. "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 pleasure and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," shares a family who enjoyed the shoreline access.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds often host special events throughout the camping season. A visitor to Cross Creek Camping Resort shared, "What a great campground. From the activities for the kids to the nice spacious sites. We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing."
Quiet atmosphere: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Kilbourne provide peaceful settings away from urban noise. "This park isn't all that big but it was nice. Surprised that the showers were open during COVID. The showers were nice, you get your own shower room which was quite large," notes a tent camper at Mt Gilead.
Site elevation considerations: Some campsites experience drainage issues during heavy rain. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," cautions a visitor to Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary among campgrounds. Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday operates seasonally. "Been pretty peaceful Tues/Weds. The only real noise has been them power washing the now closed pool for the season. But I guess they have to do maintenance when they have to do it," notes a late-season visitor.
Weekend popularity: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Kilbourne experience higher occupancy on weekends. "This is a RV resort close to a lake with a lot of seasonal campers. It is busy on the weekend but was very quiet during the week," reports a visitor to Cross Creek Camping Resort.
Reservation recommendations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The prices here are reasonable, however 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," explains a camper at Alum Creek.
Kid-friendly amenities: Grins & Pickin's CampFarm offers a unique camping environment. "Property was well maintained and host was super friendly! Sites are around a manicured field but with a high 'pollinators maze' in the middle that creates privacy and sound barrier. Only outhouses but they were very clean. Lots of families there and could tell they were having fun," reports a visitor.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools for family enjoyment. "Very well kept campground with TONS of staff always circulating around and eager to help with anything you need. Kids aged 3-13 all had a blast in the heated pool, on the jump pad and on the zip line swing!" shares an enthusiastic family at Sunbury/Columbus North KOA.
Activity scheduling: Organized events provide entertainment for young campers. "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost. There is a campground beach and boat launch," notes a visitor appreciating the scheduled activities.
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife safely. "We enjoyed our stay here. The store was well stocked but could have a little more selection of drinks, produce, meats. Upside, a local farmers market came on Saturday morning with fresh veggies," mentions a camper appreciating the weekend market.
Hookup availability: Various levels of services are available for RVs. "This campground is small with small sites. However some sites do have electricity and water. I think all have electric," notes an RVer at Mt Gilead State Park Campground.
Site leveling needs: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5G) seems good throughout the entire park. Best Wi-Fi I've ever had at a campground. They have Wi-Fi repeater towers everywhere you look. T-Mobile signal was good, got plenty of TV channels out of Columbus," shares a technical-minded camper.
Big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "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," reports a visitor to Cross Creek.
Off-season considerations: Winter camping options are limited but available at certain locations. "Bathrooms are clean. Even have hand dryers in most of them. And baby changers. Didn't see any sewer pipes that had threads on the inside, so you may need a donut or at least a weight to hold your elbow into the sewer," advises an RVer sharing practical tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kilbourne, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kilbourne, 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 Kilbourne, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 75 dog-friendly camping locations near Kilbourne, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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