Jackson Lake Park accommodates pets throughout its 199 campsites with options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping experiences near Lithopolis, Ohio. Campers may bring leashed pets to all accommodation types, including the park's rental cabins which require an additional pet fee. The campground features pull-through sites with full hookups including electric, sewer, and water connections. While some campers note the bathrooms can be inconsistently maintained, the park offers numerous recreational amenities including a swimming lake with inflatable water features, disc golf course, and arcade room that make it popular with families. Picnic tables and fire rings are standard at most sites, though site quality varies with some offering more space and shade than others.
Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides free backpacking campsites where pets are welcome on leash while hiking the trail system. The five reservable primitive sites each include tent pads, fire rings, and provided firewood, with campers required to pack in all other supplies as the sites are accessible only by hiking in. Sites book quickly, particularly on weekends during the camping season which runs spring through fall. The REI River Trail offers excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs, featuring a rope bridge crossing over a creek that provides interesting terrain for both pets and owners. The park's riverside location creates a peaceful setting despite being relatively close to Columbus, making it ideal for weekend getaways with pets or for testing new backpacking gear on shorter trails.
$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."
$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."
$23 - $70 / night
"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."
"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."
$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."
$60 / night
"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."
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
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.
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
Several camping options exist within a 20-mile radius of Lithopolis, Ohio, providing accommodations for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. This rural area east of Columbus features a mix of forest, lakes, and rivers with elevations ranging from 850-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, making it ideal for camping from April through October.
Hike nature trails with pets: The Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers backpacking opportunities with its REI River Trail featuring a unique rope bridge crossing. "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," notes Zach.
Fish at local lakes: Many campgrounds provide fishing access, particularly at Campbell Cove Camping which sits directly on Lake Logan. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," shares Ann H., making it perfect for anglers looking for early morning or evening fishing.
Play outdoor games: Several campgrounds feature recreational amenities beyond natural attractions. "The campground has a nice clean lake, nature room, bike rentals, paddle boat rentals, putt putt golf course and a movie stand," reports Renée C. about Tar Hollow State Park, giving campers alternative activities during downtime.
Primitive camping sites: For those seeking a more rustic experience, A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides quality primitive sites. "This was our second weekend in a row at this campground. While we were here the weekend before, we decided that we wanted to camp on site #9. This site is probably the biggest in the primitive section," explains Cassandra C.
Easy access to Columbus: Many campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for exploring both nature and urban attractions. "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," reports Karen K., highlighting its strategic location.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the upkeep: "Great campground had a blast in the area," notes Bambi K., with others mentioning the quality of shower facilities compared to other area campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly camping near Lithopolis requires advance booking. "Need to reserve online, books up very fast. 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," advises Anna S. about Scioto-Grove Metro Park.
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly. "The sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," Catherine explains about Alum Creek State Park Campground, contrasting with the more densely packed sites at other locations.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts campsite conditions. "Site 45... The camper pad was very level and the site was huge. It had a great view of the lake. I'm not so sure you'd be able to see it once the leaves are back this spring," notes Shannon G. about A.W. Marion State Park, highlighting how seasonal foliage affects views.
Check playground quality: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers multiple child-friendly amenities. "The KOA was what one expects of the KOA lots of features and not very secluded. Pool, mini golf, bounce house, playground. Variety of site types available," according to Robert S.
Look for water features: Kids enjoy swimming options during summer months. "Nice little campground near the lake. Great attentive staff and amenities. Pool, mini golf, bounce house, playground," shares Robert S. about Buckeye Lake KOA, noting the multiple entertainment options available.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while maintaining outdoor access. "The little cabins you can rent out are awesome! They have bunk beds in them and are just enough to have shelter to sleep in and then spend the day outside," reports Emily M. about Buckeye Lake KOA.
Site levelness matters: Hocking Hills State Park Campground receives mixed reviews on site quality. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious. There is a general store on site with firewood, propane, food items, gifts, camping gear, (hitch pins even, I lost mine)," advises Meghan H., highlighting the importance of checking site descriptions.
Check hookup accessibility: Campbell Cove Camping offers full hookup sites, but access can be tricky. "The sites weren't very spacious but there's lots of trees nearby and an easy walk to get to Old Man's Cave. We enjoyed swimming in the pool," notes Elana C. about Hocking Hills State Park.
Expect varied site spacing: RV sites range from spacious to compact. "Very nice campground with amazing things to do. Just going and seeing and playing under the waterfall is fun. They have days of fun things to do here," shares Elisha B. about Hocking Hills, emphasizing the trade-off between site size and amenity access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lithopolis, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lithopolis, 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 Lithopolis, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Lithopolis, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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