Several campgrounds surrounding Pickerington, Ohio offer varying accommodation options within an hour's drive. The region includes established campgrounds like Jackson Lake Park, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals about 15 miles south of Pickerington. Alum Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles north, features similar amenities with the addition of glamping options. A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers more primitive camping experiences with tent and RV sites available from early April through late October. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities.
Camping availability near Pickerington follows seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Full-service sites with water hookups typically close during winter months to prevent freezing. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer when many campgrounds reach capacity. Scioto Grove Metro Park offers backpacking sites with a more primitive experience but restricts camping to weekends only. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some providing full hookups while others offer more basic amenities. A camper reviewing Scioto Grove noted, "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided."
The camping experience around Pickerington ranges from family-oriented facilities to more secluded options. Jackson Lake Park receives mixed reviews for its amenities but is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere with a swimming area and arcade. Many campers mention the park's lake activities as highlights for families with children. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center provides convenient urban camping primarily for event attendees but offers little in terms of natural surroundings. For those seeking a more natural setting, several reviewers recommend Scioto Grove Metro Park's backpacking sites along the river trail, describing them as "a great site for new backpackers" with each site having "its own personality." Most campgrounds in the region permit pets and fires, though regulations vary by location and season.
$23 - $70 / night
"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."
$25 - $40 / 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."
"Marion State Park on this particular weekend because it's relatively close to home (Columbus area)."
$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."
"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."
$20 - $70 / 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."
"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."
$60 / night
"They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."
"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!"
"I probably wouldn't select site 20 again, as it is close to the pool and the basketball court, alot of youth noise, but understand."
"There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("
$39 - $52 / night
"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."
"There is a short walk to a comfort station and the shower house is just a few more steps. Both were kept clean even in this busy park."
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutStayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
GuideIts free so worth it but i would not stay here again. Its not too “dispersed” its more of a parking lot + atvs driving all day if your sensitive to noise. Oh its also raining ticks here. Stayed for one night.
ScoutGreat place to spend a night while traveling, easy on and off of interstate and sites are very spacious. Nice folks too!
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
TravelerHad a great experience. Plenty ofntrail and water for my dog to play on and all the amenities we clean and functioning . Great experience and well priced .
TravelerNice and quiet. Bathroom was locked. Only one other person here. 10/10 recommend
TravelerRelatively flat; during OHV off season, one of the roads is closed, I believe to Dorr Run. This trailhead is mainly for OHV riders so there is space for a vehicle and trailer.
NOTE: I think they close the toilets every winter.
Ground is covered in snow, so I would scout it in the summer. Several parking areas along the road.
ScoutWe had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.
Camping sites near Pickerington, Ohio range from primitive backpacking sites to full-service RV hookups, located within a 40-mile radius of town. The area sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in Ohio's glaciated region, creating rolling terrain with wooded areas surrounding several lakes and rivers. Winter camping options remain limited, with most water systems winterized from November through March.
Hiking trails and water activities: At Scioto Grove Metro Park, backpackers can access five reservable sites along the river trail. "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," notes Zach, who appreciated the primitive setup for gear testing.
Mountain biking opportunities: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers dedicated mountain biking trails near the camping areas. One camper mentioned, "There's a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity. There's a small beach within the campground, a bigger public beach a short drive away, hiking trails and campground events to enjoy."
Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access, with Jackson Lake Park offering a dedicated fishing pond. Matt T. described his experience at Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA: "Great cabins and amazing fishing," noting that the nearby lake provides good catches for anglers without requiring a boat.
Private, wooded sites: Many campers praise the natural separation between sites at Alum Creek State Park Campground. Sandy O. specifically noted the "Space and Privacy...the two things that bring me back to this campground year after year. We have never had a 'bad' campsite at the Alum Creek State Park Campground. Each camping space is separated by trees and brush."
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected complimentary services. At Tree Haven Campground, campers appreciate the cost-saving perks. One reviewer stated, "Laundry is free. Internet works well and is free. We'll be coming back to this park every year now."
Seasonal activities: Lazy River at Granville offers themed weekends throughout the camping season. Scott W. shared, "Always something for family and dog to do. It was a little chilly this weekend for Memorial Day weekend, so we did not use the pool, but the kids stayed entertained with all of the themed events that took place."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Campground bathrooms range from basic vault toilets to modern facilities. At A.W. Marion State Park Campground, Cassandra C. noted, "There are no showers in this campground of which I am aware, but the flush toilets and sinks are a nice change from pit toilets."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Scioto Grove Metro Park has limited availability as one camper explained: "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."
Urban camping options: For those attending events in Columbus, the Ohio Expo Center provides basic RV camping. Linda G. shared her experience: "Over 300 sites, first come basis. Full hookups. Park on grass site, level. We like this kind of basic camping as we have a motorhome and use our own facilities."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping cost near Pickerington?
Camping costs near Pickerington vary by amenities and location. Alum Creek State Park Campground offers economical state park rates with most sites partially shaded, ideal for budget-conscious campers. For free options, Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides weekend camping at no cost, though availability is seasonal and ends during winter months. Commercial campgrounds like Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA and Tree Haven Campground typically charge $30-50 per night for basic sites, while full-hookup RV sites can range from $45-75 nightly. Most public campgrounds offer discounted rates for Ohio residents, and many have additional fees for premium waterfront locations or extra vehicles.
What camping amenities are available at Pickerington campsites?
Campgrounds near Pickerington offer varied amenities. Tar Hollow State Park Campground features secluded tent-only sites with basic facilities including pit latrines, perfect for nature immersion. For more conveniences, Cross Creek Camping Resort provides pull-through sites ideal for RVs, though they're situated along roadways with moderate traffic from golf carts and vehicles. Many sites aren't perfectly level, so bring leveling blocks. Delaware State Park Campground offers shower facilities and water access, while Lazy River at Granville provides full hookups, water, and restroom facilities. Most campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, though laundry facilities are less common – only select campgrounds offer this amenity.
What are the best campgrounds near Pickerington, Ohio?
For outdoor enthusiasts near Pickerington, Hocking Hills State Park Campground is widely considered one of Ohio's most scenic camping destinations, offering numerous trails, caves, and natural features. The park provides various camping options, though staying away from main roads creates a more intimate experience. Closer to Pickerington, A.W. Marion State Park Campground offers a quieter alternative with lake access. For those seeking luxury camping, Campbell Cove Camping provides excellent full hookups near Hocking Hills attractions with modern restroom facilities throughout the grounds. Jackson Lake Park near Canal Winchester is another convenient option with reservable sites and water access.
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