Tara R.
Ranger
RangerDeer 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.
Camping near Milford Center, OH
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and recreational areas within an hour of Milford Center, Ohio provide a range of camping experiences from full-service RV sites to more rustic tent camping. Delaware State Park, located about 20 miles northeast, features spacious sites arranged in a distinctive "pod" layout with central bathhouses and good separation between campsites. Alum Creek State Park, approximately 25 miles east, offers wooded sites with varying degrees of privacy and access to a large reservoir. Both parks accommodate tent and RV camping, with some locations offering cabins and yurts for those seeking alternative accommodations. Smaller campgrounds like Pastime Campground in Plain City provide more intimate settings with fewer amenities but convenient access to local communities.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season when occupancy rates peak. As one camper noted, "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular," making advance planning crucial. Most state park campgrounds offer electric hookups, with limited full-hookup sites available at select locations. Cell service varies but tends to be reliable near larger campgrounds, with Verizon coverage reported as good at Delaware State Park. Weather considerations include potential flooding at lakeside sites during spring rains, and summer heat that makes shaded sites particularly desirable. Many campgrounds close shower facilities during winter months while maintaining year-round access to basic camping areas.
Lake access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities available at most state parks. Delaware State Park receives particular praise for its uncrowded atmosphere despite proximity to Columbus. According to one visitor, "Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing is how few people seem to know it exists!" Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned at John Bryan State Park. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds and even within the same facility. Campers consistently mention the quality of Ohio's state park system, with one noting, "Ohio State Park campgrounds are some of the best we've ever stayed in," highlighting the spacious sites and natural buffers between campsites that characterize many of the region's public camping areas.
Best Campgrounds near Milford Center (86)
1. Alum Creek State Park Campground
"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."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Buck Creek State Park Campground
"A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."
"I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability3. Delaware State Park Campground
"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 Availability4. Pastime Campground
"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 Availability5. Cross Creek Camping Resort
"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 Availability6. John Bryan State Park Campground
"The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails. It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway. The trails are easy, so for all levels. Nice camping for families. "
"Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."
from $27 - $37 / night
Check Availability7. Indian Lake State Park Campground
"This Ohio State Park is in a small quaint town. Good sites, nice beach + a real swimming pool. Many places for fishing from shore OR launching your boat !"
"The campground was nearly empty so that was nice but the surrounding area was very crowded. There was nearly no area on the lake that didn’t have houses. The campground was clean and well maintained."
from $29 - $52 / night
Check Availability8. Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort
from $55 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Kiser Lake State Park Campground
"I may be biased, with it being close to home, but they have a lot for the kids to do. Beach, volleyball net, playground. Plenty of water locations. For me the bathrooms are unusable."
"This park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn’t allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach , 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability10. Zane Shawnee Caverns & Southwind Park
Drive Time
- 31 min from Springfield, OH
- 37 min from Columbus, OH
- 53 min from Dayton, OH
- 1 hr 20 min from Mansfield, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Milford Center, OH
187 Photos of 86 Milford Center Campgrounds
Chase H.
Zane Shawnee Caverns & Southwind Park
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Buck Creek State Park Campground
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Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort
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Cross Creek Camping Resort
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Alum Creek State Park Campground
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Delaware State Park Campground
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Kiser Lake State Park Campground
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Indian Lake State Park Campground
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Cardinal Center Campground
Recent Reviews near Milford Center, OH
512 Reviews of 86 Milford Center Campgrounds
- CClarence C.
ScoutWapakoneta KOA
Nice for an overnight stay
It's a nice campground, convenient to the Interstate, but the sites are very close together, so you'd better be on good terms with your neighbor. Having cable and a cafe that delivers to your site is a real plus, but the wifi if iffy.
- KKera F.
TravelerCross Creek Camping Resort
ALUM CREEK CAMPGROUND
My family loves staying here!
- NNameScout
Pastime Campground
Very nice campground
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.
- BBrittney W.Scout
Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort
Staff was beyond rude and continued to harass us!
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.
- d
dan H.
GuideBack 40 Campground
Great park.
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.
- AAndy B.Ranger
John Bryan State Park Campground
Meh
Our area was hilly and near impossible to find a flat spot for the tents. Sites were so close together that it was honestly interesting to figure out who’s fire pit was whose.
Pit toilets and regular flush ones available.
Not much to write home about
- JJoe B.Scout
Pastime Campground
Drinking on the grounds
The cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink
- KKrystle S.Scout
Scioto-Grove Metro Park
Amazing, Friendly
Easy to make reservation, easy to check in and very friendly staff
Guide to Milford Center
Ohio state parks within an hour of Milford Center range from 800 to 1,000 feet in elevation, with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Camping options include tent-only areas, electric sites, and select cabins, with most campgrounds providing access to reservoirs or lakes. Water levels at many sites fluctuate seasonally, affecting both fishing conditions and campsite selection.
What to do
Disc golf at Buck Creek State Park: The park features a full course popular with campers. "One of my favorites in this area, great rv spots and even better tent/non electric spots... easy walk to fish or to campers beach... my sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes," notes Buck B.
Kayaking at Kiser Lake State Park: The lake permits no motorized boats, creating ideal paddling conditions. "We really enjoy Kiser Lake... we had a great time kayaking there. The lake was calm and everyone was very respectful of us in our kayaks," says Mandi B. The marina rents canoes and kayaks at reasonable rates.
Hiking at John Bryan State Park: Located near Yellow Springs, this park connects to several trail systems. "Absolutely love it here. So mainly beautiful trails and springs. Great camping areas too," writes Renée C. The park serves as access point to Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Clifton Gorge.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds near Milford Center offer generous site dimensions. "...the 'pod' layout of the campground made for large campsites (some sites are over 90 feet in length and well suited for large RV's) with good separation between sites," notes Nancy W. about Delaware State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Vegetation buffers provide seclusion at select campgrounds. "This is what I liked most about this campground—each camping space is separated by trees and brush. And there is plenty of room!" reports Sandy O. about Alum Creek State Park.
Dedicated swimming areas: Separate beach access for campers reduces crowding. "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," shares Jenny C. Many campgrounds maintain both public and campground-specific swimming locations.
What you should know
Seasonal bathroom availability: Winter camping requires preparation for limited facilities. "There is no running water- no showers and smelly pit toilets. There is one spigot for drinking water," warns Megan M. about winter conditions at one park.
Site reservations essential: Book well ahead for weekend stays, especially April through October. "Most sites are booked by seasonal campers who pay for the whole season and leave their RV/set-ups in one place the whole season, so all the choice sites (lakefront) are always taken," explains Catherine about Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Weather impact on sites: Spring rains affect campsite conditions substantially. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," advises Katelyn P. Sites near water require particular attention during wet periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities for convenience. "There is a path to the playground which the occasional kid will run down into your campsite by accident," notes Melissa M. about Buck Creek State Park Campground.
Weekend programming: Many parks offer scheduled activities for children. "They have activities on the weekends. Must sure have a tree and grass with fire pits and a table," reports James D. about Cross Creek Camping Resort. Some campgrounds feature themed weekends with organized games.
Swimming options: Parks often provide multiple water recreation choices. "There is a camper 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," shares Jill B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment at certain campgrounds. "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit," warns Shannon G. about Indian Lake State Park Campground.
Electric hookup variety: Confirm amperage before booking a campsite near Milford Center, Ohio. "All sites are W/E. All the new gravel sites and half the grass ones have 50/30/20A electric, the rest are 30/20A," reports Ron G. about Pastime Campground.
Site proximity concerns: Some RV parks feature close spacing between units. "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," cautions Erik M. Consider campground layout when selecting sites for larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Milford Center, OH?
Which is the most popular campground near Milford Center, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Milford Center, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.
What parks are near Milford Center, OH?
What parks are near Milford Center, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Milford Center, OH that allow camping, notably Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir and Delaware Lake.
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