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Scioto Grove Metro Park's five backpacking campsites provide free tent-only camping for pets and their owners along the scenic Scioto River. All sites feature fire rings with provided firewood and dual tent pads, offering primitive camping options with nearby drinking water and toilet facilities. Sites must be reserved in advance online, with availability limited to weekends only during warm months. The reservation system fills quickly, particularly for site 5 which offers more privacy and direct river access. Jackson Lake Park accommodates pets at their tent and RV sites, plus pet-friendly cabin options for those seeking more comfort. Most campgrounds in the region maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes and proper waste disposal.
Several hiking trails throughout the area welcome leashed dogs, with Scioto Grove's REI trail providing an excellent opportunity for beginner backpackers to test gear while bringing their pets along. The trail creates a loop of moderate difficulty that includes a rope bridge crossing over a creek, though it can become slippery during rain. Bathrooms at some facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness, with Jackson Lake Park visitors noting inconsistent maintenance during busy holiday weekends. Most campgrounds provide dedicated pet waste stations to maintain cleanliness. Sites farther from playground areas tend to offer more privacy for camping with pets, though the trade-off may be longer walks to facilities. For larger dogs or multiple pets, selecting spacious sites becomes particularly important as some camping spots in the region have limited room for multiple tents and pet gear.
"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."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"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."
from $40 - $139 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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
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
Camping options near Lockbourne, Ohio extend beyond the familiar Scioto Grove Metro Park to include several other well-maintained sites within a 50-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and moderately cold winters. Camping season typically runs April through October, with some year-round facilities available during milder winter periods.
Hiking trails with water features: The REI trail at Scioto-Grove Metro Park includes a rope bridge crossing that campers particularly enjoy. "The bridge was a lot of fun but I did slip on it in the rain as it was hard to get traction on the wood," notes one camper who recommends extra caution during wet weather.
Beach swimming and lake activities: Pine Lake at Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers a small beach area for swimming and recreation. "Pine lake is a beautiful little spot to fish, rent a paddle boat, or just relax. There is also a pretty spacious beach area," according to a recent visitor, making it suitable for families with children.
Lakefront camping: Several sites at Alum Creek provide direct water access. "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 a camper about potential site selection challenges when rain is forecast.
Backpacking close to Columbus: For beginner backpackers looking for dog-friendly campgrounds near Lockbourne, Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides accessible options. "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," shares a camper who appreciated the provided firewood and campfire ring.
Spacious primitive sites: The primitive section at A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers larger sites for those needing extra room. "This site is probably the biggest in the primitive section. It is right next to the entrance road (and dumping station), which is a bummer, but the size of the site made it totally worth it," explains one camper about site #9, noting its proximity to flush toilets.
Privacy between campsites: Alum Creek State Park Campground stands out for site separation. "Space and Privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year. Each camping space is separated by trees and brush. And there is plenty of room!" reports a regular visitor who appreciates the natural buffers between sites.
Reservation timing: For pet-friendly camping near Lockbourne, plan well ahead. Weekend slots fill quickly, especially at popular locations. "Only 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!" notes a camper about Scioto Grove's limited availability.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are pit latrines. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned about this. However...these are some of the dirtiest I've experienced. The bathrooms are also very narrow and perhaps most importantly, they are not lit," reports a visitor to Tar Hollow State Park, recommending headlamps for nighttime bathroom visits.
Weather considerations: Several campgrounds experience drainage issues. "When we stayed the weekend before, we decided that we wanted to camp on site #9. This site is probably the biggest in the primitive section," mentions one camper about A.W. Marion State Park, highlighting the importance of selecting elevated sites during rainy periods.
Entertainment options: Jackson Lake Park offers numerous activities beyond typical camping. "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade," shares a visitor who found plenty to keep children occupied during their stay.
Noise levels: Consider campsite placement carefully if traveling with children who sleep early. "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)," reports a family who camped at Alum Creek, noting how wildlife encounters added to their experience.
Site selection for tent camping: Pay attention to terrain for family tent setups. "Tar Hollow is nice and quiet. The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. The path around the hill allows for great drainage; a huge help if you're camping in rainy weather," explains a camper who appreciated this feature during wet conditions.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at most campgrounds. "We appreciated the full hook-ups and pull through site. The staff came through every morning to pick up the trash. But, the water hook ups were accessible through a hole/pipe and we had to 'fish' down to connect our hose," notes a visitor to Jackson Lake Park, highlighting both conveniences and challenges.
Level sites: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "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," shares a camper at A.W. Marion about site 45, recommending it for RVers seeking flat parking without excessive leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lockbourne, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lockbourne, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lockbourne, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Lockbourne, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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