Alum Creek State Park Campground features a fenced dog beach where pets can swim off-leash in designated areas. The park maintains separate fenced sections for small and large dogs, with tennis balls and water fountains available throughout the dog park. Most campsites at A.W. Marion State Park, Hocking Hills State Park, and Tar Hollow State Park accommodate pets with standard leash requirements. Campers report the dog park at Alum Creek is immaculately maintained with enough room for several games of dog frisbee to happen simultaneously. Full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and select cabins throughout these parks permit pets, though specific pet policies vary by accommodation type. The dog beach includes a fenced area extending into the water to prevent dogs from swimming across the lake chasing geese. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Circleville, Ohio.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with some parks offering dedicated off-leash dog trails. Berkshire Campgrounds allows dogs to run freely on designated trails, while most other parks require leashes on main pathways. Several campgrounds provide convenient waste stations and dog-specific amenities like washing areas. Local veterinary services are available in nearby towns, with the closest emergency animal hospitals located in Columbus, approximately 30 minutes from most Circleville-area campgrounds. Campers should be aware that summer weekends bring higher traffic to dog beaches and park facilities. The dog park at Alum Creek features two large fenced field areas plus lake access points, making it uniquely appealing for water-loving dogs, though it's located about two miles from the main campground.
$25 - $40 / night
"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."
$20 - $70 / night
"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."
$39 - $52 / night
"A lot of nearby activity, private and open sites, lake, beach, trails, marina, bikes, putt putt, dog park, playground, laundry, water close, electric at sites, many "comfort stations" "wash houses" so"
"Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend."
$27 - $75 / 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."
$40 - $139 / night
"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."
"Easy access to sites. Staff could take a lesson in hospitality and giving directions on park."
"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."
"Peaceful nice place, pets okay. I'd recommend it."
"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. "
"This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."
"Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."
"The tent site was decently secluded and near a nice small pond. The campground put on a free BBQ for all of the guests one of the nights! It was very good and well thought out."
"It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."
"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."
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.
LegendLots 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
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.
ScoutVery clean, well maintained. A lot of nearby activity, private and open sites, lake, beach, trails, marina, bikes, putt putt, dog park, playground, laundry, water close, electric at sites, many "comfort stations" "wash houses" so not far from one.
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
Located within central Ohio's rolling hills at approximately 700 feet elevation, the Circleville area features a mix of wooded ravines and open farmland that offers campers varied terrain for outdoor activities. Several campgrounds near Circleville maintain waterfront locations along lakes and reservoirs, where summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F. Tent sites and RV accommodations typically become fully booked on holiday weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hiking at multiple levels: Tar Hollow State Park Campground features trails ranging from beginner to advanced with some challenging elevation changes. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake," shares Renée C. The park includes a section of the Buckeye Trail for more serious hikers.
Mountain biking opportunities: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers dedicated mountain biking trails that attract cyclists from throughout central Ohio. "There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," notes Catherine. The trails feature varied terrain suitable for different skill levels, with most loops under 5 miles.
Paddle sports on multiple waterways: Both kayaking and canoeing are popular at Campbell Cove Camping, with boat rentals available directly at the campground. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," says Ann H. The protected cove offers calmer waters ideal for beginners, while more advanced paddlers can explore Lake Logan's 400 acres.
Private wooded sites: Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers secluded backpacking sites with significant tree cover. "Scioto Grove is great if you're looking to test out some new backpacking gear. There are 5 reservable sites along the river trail and they all have tent pads and a fire pit," explains Zach. These sites require a short hike from the parking area, enhancing their sense of seclusion.
Clean bathroom facilities: Jackson Lake Park maintains modern restroom buildings with regular maintenance. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash," notes Chris C. The campground features centrally located bathhouses throughout the property to minimize walking distances.
Proximity to Columbus: A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides camping options within a 30-minute drive of Columbus. "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," says Karen K. The campground's location makes it popular for weekend getaways for city residents.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Hocking Hills region have poor or non-existent cell reception. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up," advises Sydney. Download offline maps before arriving, as GPS navigation may become unavailable in certain areas.
Varied site conditions: Not all campsites offer level ground for tent setup. "Many of the campsites are situated on pretty intense slopes. 106 wasn't too bad. I would guess 105 is probably the most level site in the campground," reports Sydney about Tar Hollow's North Ridge campground. Check site descriptions carefully when reserving.
Weekend crowds: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. "The campsites are so close together, which you think would at least mean the bathrooms were close, but no, they were a serious hike. Not good with kids," shares Jenny K. Midweek visits typically offer more space and quieter conditions.
Kid-friendly activities: Jackson Lake Park features multiple recreation options beyond hiking. "Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade. As a moto camper, we really lucked out with a flat plot," says Jess N. The park maintains a game room with arcade games that remains open until 11 pm during summer months.
Primitive camping education: Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers an excellent introduction to backpacking for children. "The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers. It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working or going to be an issue," explains Kenpocentaur K. The trail includes a bridge crossing that kids typically enjoy.
Site selection for convenience: When camping with small children at Hocking Hills State Park Campground, carefully research bathroom proximity. "The sites were extremely close together and a racoon harassed us for a good part of the night. It was clean and pretty but just a little cramped," notes Laura C. Sites closer to restroom facilities minimize nighttime walks with children.
Hookup availability: Campbell Cove Camping offers full-service RV sites with electric, water and sewer connections. "We loved the location of Campbell Coves to Old Man's Cave and hiking trails. We do a family trip to the area every fall and this will be our go-to location," shares Angie J. The campground's proximity to Hocking Hills attractions makes it popular with RVers seeking convenience.
Level pads for setup: Sun Valley Campground provides well-maintained, level sites for RVs. "This is a beautiful campground, well maintained. We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it," reports Mary. The campground's pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs up to 40 feet, allowing for easier setup and departure.
Pet-friendly camping amenities: A.W. Marion State Park accommodates RVers with pets, offering spacious sites with room for pet enclosures. "A.W. Marion is nice and quiet. It's fairly small, and some of the spots looked challenging to back into, including the one I chose," notes Aaron S. Most RV sites include enough space for pet exercise areas adjacent to the camping pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Circleville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Circleville, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Circleville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Circleville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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