Deer Creek State Park Campground
Big a lot of wooded spots
Good family camping ground. Most sites are wooded, kids fishing pond. Good playground. Nice shower rooms. Free putt putt and good camp store.
89 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and private campgrounds surround Lewis Center, Ohio, providing a range of camping experiences within a short drive of Columbus. Alum Creek State Park Campground, located directly in Lewis Center, serves as the area's primary camping destination with spacious, wooded sites that offer privacy between campers. Delaware State Park Campground, just 15-20 minutes north, provides a quieter alternative with a "spoke and wheel" layout featuring centrally located bathhouses. Both parks feature reservoirs with beaches, boating opportunities, and hiking trails. Cross Creek Camping Resort and Tree Haven Campground offer private alternatives with full hookup options for RVers. Accommodation types range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads, cabins, and even yurts at Delaware State Park.
Reservations are essential for weekend camping, particularly during summer months and fall color season when Ohio state parks reach capacity. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though Delaware State Park remains open year-round. Campsites at Alum Creek may experience flooding or dampness in spring, especially those closer to the water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with Verizon coverage noted as particularly strong at Delaware State Park. As one camper observed, "Ohio State Park campgrounds have spacious sites with trees or other foliage between campsites, creating privacy and a feeling of being apart from other campers."
Water recreation forms the centerpiece of camping experiences near Lewis Center. Alum Creek Lake features "excellent fishing, plenty of undeveloped shoreline to explore from kayaks, canoes or paddle boards, and a very large beach," according to visitor reviews. Delaware Lake offers similar amenities but with notably fewer crowds. Noise levels vary significantly between parks, with some Alum Creek sites experiencing road noise from nearby highways. Delaware State Park receives consistent praise for its quieter atmosphere despite being only 10 miles away. Dog-friendly amenities are common, with Alum Creek offering a dedicated dog park with lake access. Families appreciate the numerous playgrounds, disc golf courses, and organized activities available at most parks, though weekday visits typically provide a more peaceful experience.
"First off we have to say that Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever stayed in."
"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."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing to us is how few people seem to know it exists!"
"This is another of our favorite Ohio State Parks. The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. "
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."
"Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, Ohio is a very nice campground with friendly staff and lots of amenities!"
from $35 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
"This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."
from $38 / 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."
"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."
"At least three ponds all fairly nice with ducks and geese hanging around. There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
"Walking path and playground are adjacent to the campground. There is a nice swimming pool at the south end of the village park. Campers get a discounted admission."
"The well kept campground is part of a city park that consists of a some nice walking trails, baseball fields, sand volleyball and a pool/splash park (for a small fee)."
from $15 - $38 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
Check Availability"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
"The "Camp Host" came around a few times a day to ensure trash was picked up and needs were met. Site 8 has full hookups and a concrete parking pad."
from $37 - $50 / night
Check Availability











Good family camping ground. Most sites are wooded, kids fishing pond. Good playground. Nice shower rooms. Free putt putt and good camp store.
My family loves staying here!
Pastime Campground is a nice base to explore the Columbus area. The well kept campground is part of a city park that consists of a some nice walking trails, baseball fields, sand volleyball and a pool/splash park (for a small fee). The town offers restaurants and is within walking distance. Overall a good stay.
If you ever find yourself in Ohio wanting to camp don’t chose Tomorrow Stars Resorts we pulled in on Thursday afternoon a little after 2 pm everything was fine. We got up (today) Friday and had a knock on our door the host said we needed to move our camper over because we’re not in the right spot and we’re on the other site. We said we couldn’t move it over due to the tree (as pictured) if we moved in “designated” spot our slide out would be completely in the tree he said I’ll cut the tree. Left never came back. My brother and grandmother came to visit wasn’t there for maybe 5 mins and the manager/ owner came knocking and said we need to move our vehicle because he can’t rent out the other site because he’s parked on it. Then he started complaining about us moving our camper over we said the host said he’d cut the tree and he never came back. He then decided to be a smart aleck and we gave it right back and he told us to leave so we said give us a refund to which he responded “I’ll think about it” so we said okay well get our lawyer. He drove away and we started packing up and he came back waited for Greg (my husband) to walk to the back of the camper and he said we’re taking pictures just so you know and I said good I’m glad and my brother yelled we already got ours then he said he was going to charge us for the other site that my brothers car was on I hollered at Greg to tell him and the guy took off. We started talking to the people who just pulled in behind us they agreed with us and the man said “I’m banned from here because I got into it with them so my wife had to book it we’re only staying bc there’s no other places available.” So there’s clarification it’s not just us. We packed up went to the office and Greg tried to ask if he was going to charge us for the other spot or refund us our money he told Greg he’s not going to talk to him to leave and that the sheriffs on the way and Greg said “good I’m glad he is” the guy then got in Greg’s face and started yelling at him so Greg walked out and we left.
Stayed over 4th of July. Place was packed. We only stayed two days but had to pay for three. We knew this going in, and I don't blame them for requiring a 3 day stay on holidays because they're just packed; and if you only booked two days , they would lose out on a day because nobody's going to take just one day. Was worth the extra $. As to the park, it is very nice. Clean, mowed and trimmed. Great roads. There are quite a few full timers and several that rent the same slots continously and stay only part time. Access is controlled by a gate and if you arrive after 10pm you'll have to park outside in overflow and walk to your camper. We did not find this to be a problem. Narrow driveway in and out of park, RVs can't pass each other so giving way is a must. Back 40 has many sites and is very popular with the locals Several are only elect and water, quite a few appear to be full hookup, but not sure how many are permanently rented. All Rigs in the park when we stayed were well kept up - no junk ones. Internet was overwhelmed while we were there due to too many users. However we had great 5G Verizon service. Owners and staff were great. Only 2 showers in each gender. They are a bit dated but generally clean and very usable. We really enjoyed our stay and would book again should we return. We didn't have time for investigating local sites, but the Muesum of the US Air Force is a one hr drive and VERY worth the trip. It will take you 6 or 7 hrs to see it all. Highly recommend this park.
Caves is great campground. However they do not honor dyrt reservations. Had to pay at the campground. Sent email to dyrt, no reply. They owe me 400 dollars, and I have not heard back. Dyrt, if you honor, I will update this review- until then, DO NOT USE!!!
We return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
The cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink
Easy to make reservation, easy to check in and very friendly staff
Camping sites near Lewis Center, Ohio range from developed state parks to quiet private resorts within 30 miles of Columbus. The region sits in the Till Plains with elevations around 900 feet, characterized by moderate midwestern weather patterns. Winter camping remains available at select locations, with Delaware State Park offering year-round access but limited water service from November through March.
Fishing opportunities: Delaware State Park has a fishing lake with boat docking available via a trail at the back of the campground. "There is a nice walking trail and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," notes a visitor to Delaware State Park Campground.
Water activities: Sites at Alum Creek State Park Campground provide easy access to water recreation. "We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must," according to a camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails wind through the parks and campgrounds in the area. At Tree Haven Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Great little campground with a nice walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice."
Sporting activities: Several campgrounds offer disc golf courses. A visitor to Mount Gilead State Park Campground noted: "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!"
Site privacy: Campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of privacy. At Delaware State Park Campground, a camper appreciated that "all the sites have privacy" and described the bathroom facilities as "the best I've seen at a campground."
Campground layouts: The design of camping areas affects the overall experience. One visitor to Delaware State Park noted, "The campground is setup in a nice layout with each of the separate sections having a spoke and wheel layout with a bathhouse in the middle. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel."
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly features are popular at campgrounds in the area. A camper at Tree Haven Campground appreciated the "beautiful, clean campground" that's "very peaceful" with a "nice walking trail" that's "pet friendly."
Weekend activities: Organized events add value to camping experiences. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, a visitor shared: "We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing. What a great campground. From the activities for the kids to the nice spacious sites."
Weather considerations: Campsite conditions vary by season and weather. At Alum Creek, "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns one camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor to Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday noted the campground was "great, family friendly" and "clean, organized with TONS of amenities and activities," making it popular and often requiring advance booking.
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies by campground. At Pastime Campground, a visitor cautioned, "The sites are very skinny and you are packed really tight together. You can't even put your awning all the way out without hitting the camper next to you."
Off-season limitations: Services change seasonally. At Korbel Campgrounds, a visitor noted that "from November 1 - April 1, no water is available," so campers need to bring their own during colder months.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Mount Gilead State Park Campground mentioned the park has "great camp store, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking paths and small lake."
Swimming options: Pools and beaches offer water recreation for families. A camper at Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday enjoyed "the heated pool, the jump pad and the zip line swing" noting that children "aged 3-13 all had a blast."
Activity planning: Themed weekends provide additional entertainment. At Cardinal Center Campground, a visitor recommended: "We went the weekend it was Fall fest. Plenty of activities for the kids! Trick or treat, glow parade, decorate your own pumpkin, etc!"
Space for exploration: Wooded sites give children areas to play safely. A visitor to Delaware State Park shared: "The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site."
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary by campground. A visitor to Cardinal Center Campground appreciated their "site had full hook-ups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night."
Leveling needs: Some sites require additional equipment for leveling. At Berkshire Campgrounds, one RVer noted they found "gravel pads, our site was off 2". Water pressure excellent. Electric well within standard."
Site selection: Choosing the right site impacts comfort. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, an RVer observed: "Good mix of pull through and back in and is big rig friendly. Plenty to do for the kids. Pool looks nice, was not open yet for the season."
Internet connectivity: Access to technology varies by location. At Cardinal Center Campground, a visitor reported, "The WiFi was great as was cell phone reception. We would definitely stay here again."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lewis Center, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewis Center, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.
What parks are near Lewis Center, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Lewis Center, OH that allow camping, notably Alum Creek Lake and Delaware Lake.
Keep Exploring