Best Campgrounds near Grove City, OH

Camping opportunities near Grove City, Ohio include established campgrounds with varied amenities and primitive options within reasonable driving distance. Scioto Grove Metro Park offers backpacking sites along the Scioto River with tent pads and fire rings, providing an accessible option for overnight stays close to the city. Other nearby facilities include Alum Creek State Park Campground and Jackson Lake Park, which accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, shower facilities, and water access, while more rustic options exist for those seeking a simpler camping experience.

Reservations are strongly recommended for most camping areas, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Scioto Grove Metro Park's backpacking sites operate on a limited schedule, with availability primarily on weekends during the warmer months. Several campgrounds have seasonal closures from late fall through early spring, and water availability may be restricted during colder periods. Weather considerations include occasional flooding near riverside camping areas and severe thunderstorms during summer months. According to one visitor, "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, besides that they're totally primitive."

The camping landscape surrounding Grove City varies from full-service RV parks to more natural settings that appeal to tent campers seeking quieter experiences. Alton RV Park provides convenient access to urban amenities, while places like Jackson Lake Park offer water recreation opportunities with a swimming area and fishing. Campers consistently mention the convenience of having campgrounds relatively close to Columbus while still providing a sense of getting away. A reviewer noted about Scioto Grove Metro Park: "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore." Sites with water access tend to be most popular, particularly those offering swimming options during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Grove City, Ohio (92)

    1. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    26 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."

    2. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    19 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. "

    3. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    Grove City, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 949-1078

    "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City."

    "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."

    4. Alton RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Galloway, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 878-9127

    "Not a sightseeing destination, but very convenient place to stop for the night if you’re on a road trip doing a lot of driving. Safe neighborhood with a kroger right down the street."

    5. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center

    5 Reviews
    Columbus, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 646-3976

    $60 / night

    6. Jackson Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Lithopolis, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 837-2656

    $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."

    7. Alder Farm

    1 Review
    Lockbourne, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 414-2029

    $30 / night

    8. Deer Creek Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Mount Sterling, OH
    15 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."

    9. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    41 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."

    10. Cross Creek Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 549-2267

    $35 - $95 / night

    "We stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy."

    "Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, Ohio is a very nice campground with friendly staff and lots of amenities!"

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Recent Reviews near Grove City, OH

691 Reviews of 92 Grove City Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Delaware State Park Campground

    Great peaceful campground

    This is our second time coming here really enjoy this place it's typically more of a quiet relaxed camp there is a playground in each of the 4 sections for kids to play with a remodel shower house at each one. Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better.

  • 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.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Mt Gilead State Park Campground

    Small, quiet campground

    We like this small campground, it works well for us. Our pad was pretty level and not hard to back into with a small camper. however, a lot of the pads are at 90° angles instead of 45° so it can be harder for a larger camper back in. The full hook up side the sites are really tight together. The electric only sits are spread out a little more. Some have decent shade while others have none at all. Our site was really nice and had space for a tent or you could hang from a hammock. Great camp store, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking paths and small lake.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 Grove City

Camping near Grove City, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic hikes to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in the area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hocking Hills State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful area with great hikes and views close by,” making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Alum Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, “The sites have level pads. The park is very neat and clean,” highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
  • Disc Golf: If you’re into disc golf, check out Delaware State Park Campground, which features a course. One reviewer noted, “They put in a putt-putt course recently, had disc golf,” making it a fun spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Caesar Creek State Park Campground stated, “The showers are clean and the staff is friendly,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites were far enough apart for some privacy,” which is great for those who enjoy a little solitude.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like John Bryan State Park Campground are known for being family-friendly. One visitor said, “It was a great experience, we will most definitely be back!” highlighting the welcoming environment.

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Some campgrounds have sites that are quite close together. A reviewer at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, “Not a lot of privacy, but still great,” so be prepared for some neighborly interactions.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “The flush toilets are closed for the season,” so check ahead for what’s available during your visit.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some sites. One camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, “The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out,” so keep your food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Delaware State Park Campground that have playgrounds and activities for kids. A visitor said, “Each section has its own playground for the kids,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Crowds: Weekends can get busy. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground noted, “The sites were good sized...but it was busy,” so consider going during the week for a quieter experience.
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep the kids engaged. One family at Hocking Hills State Park Campground enjoyed the peaceful trails, saying, “The trails were peaceful and unique,” perfect for family hikes.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The full hookup sites are a bit smaller,” so plan accordingly.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground noted, “The sites were very sloped,” so check the terrain before booking.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, “It was busy & loud...but it’s still great for a night visit,” so be prepared for some noise.

Camping near Grove City, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Grove City, Ohio?

The Grove City area offers several camping options within reasonable driving distance. John Bryan State Park Campground provides access to hiking trails and includes a frisbee golf course, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It's situated near Yellow Springs and features family-friendly amenities including a children's playground. Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers more secluded camping with its North Ridge tent-only site that provides a genuine immersion in nature. Other options include Delaware State Park, A.W. Marion State Park, and for those seeking RV accommodations, Cross Creek Camping Resort provides full hookup sites.

Are there tent camping sites near Grove City?

Yes, several tent camping options exist near Grove City. Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers backpacking sites right in Grove City with trails and a creek featuring a rope bridge that's perfect for exploration. The park provides a more secluded tent camping experience despite being close to Columbus. For traditional tent camping, Alum Creek State Park Campground is nearby with partially shaded sites in a wooded setting. The campground accommodates tent campers with basic facilities and access to hiking trails and lake activities. Both locations offer natural surroundings while remaining accessible to Grove City residents and visitors.

Which campgrounds near Grove City are currently open?

Seasonal operation varies among campgrounds near Grove City. Hocking Hills State Park Campground remains one of the most popular year-round destinations, offering camping throughout the seasons with access to the park's renowned caves and trails. Hocking River RV Park provides extended-season camping for RVers with pull-through spots. Be aware that Scioto-Grove Metro Park only offers weekend camping and closes during winter months. For current operational status, it's always best to check official websites or call directly, as opening dates and seasonal closures can change based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.