Several pet-friendly campgrounds surround Alexandria, Ohio, with accommodations ranging from tent sites to RV hookups and rental cabins. Lazy River at Granville earns high marks for family camping with dogs, offering spacious sites where pets are welcome throughout most of the property. Tree Haven Campground provides a quieter alternative with clean facilities and walking trails perfect for daily dog exercise. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA accommodates pets with designated areas for relief and cleanup stations. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring dogs to remain on leads no longer than 6 feet except in designated off-leash areas. Several seasonal campers note that weekend activities at these parks often include pet-friendly events, though noise concerns exist as some reviewers mention barking dogs disrupting quiet hours.
The surrounding area features additional options for exercising dogs, with Alum Creek State Park Campground providing access to wooded walking paths and water access points. Cross Creek Camping Resort and Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday both permit pets with similar policies requiring proof of vaccinations and proper waste disposal. When camping with dogs in this region, campers should be prepared for varying summer temperatures that can affect pets, particularly on paved surfaces during midday hours. Local veterinary services are available in nearby Granville and Westerville for emergency situations. Most campgrounds maintain supplies of firewood on-site, which eliminates the need to transport wood that might harbor pests harmful to the local ecosystem or pets that might investigate fallen branches.
$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."
"Always something for family and dog to do."
"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 ("
"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."
"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!"
"They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."
$35 - $95 / night
"We stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy."
"Small dog park. Normal size lots for an RV park. Super crowded on a summer weekend. All size rvs and also tent campers. Easy to find."
$24 - $160 / night
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
$39 - $40 / night
"Lots of hiking trails, stocked fishing pond for kids, disc golf, dog park and the lake itself.
Site 187 this trip.""It’s close to home, but more importantly it has great trails and wooded sites. Winter camping has several sections of the park closed, only 1 shower house open and no camp hosts or camp store."
$38 / night
"This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."
"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."
$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."
"Rustic is down a gravel road, well off the beaten path, and a little more remote than the boondocks. Frank, the owner, and his team are great."
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.
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
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.
Camping options near Alexandria, Ohio extend across varied terrain with elevations between 800-1100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during camping season, which runs primarily from April through October. Winter camping is available at select locations but requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Fishing access points: Alum Creek State Park Campground provides multiple shoreline fishing opportunities with stocked waters. "We had a good site in loop M... Neat park with playground and fishing," reports Thomas M., while Sarah W. adds it's "a good place for a cookout. They have bathrooms and a water fountain."
Swimming options: Cross Creek Camping Resort maintains a pool that's typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The pool looks nice, was not open yet for the season," notes Dave B. Malcolm adds: "Overall, good place to stay if you are looking for an RV park with amenities in this area. Clean and pretty well maintained park."
Walking trails: Tree Haven Campground offers wooded paths suitable for nature walks. "They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool," writes Tina M. Another camper notes "This is a beautiful, clean campground and it's very peaceful here."
Shooting sports: Cardinal Center Campground features extensive shooting facilities. "We then went over to the shooting center and tried our luck with some silliolet and metal targets on the pistol range. They also have trap and skeet available," shares George J. Another visitor mentions it's "the largest shooting center (clays, skeet, pistol, rifle, archery) in the state."
Spacious sites: Alum Creek State Park Campground gets high marks for site layout. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush," according to Catherine. Sandy O. agrees: "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."
Pet-friendly amenities: Beyond standard leash policies, several campgrounds offer dedicated pet features. At Alum Creek, Jill B. points out they have "a great dog park with lake entrance for the pups." At Berkshire Campgrounds, one visitor shares: "This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring... Our favorite part was the off leash dog trails that were a perfect place to let the pup run."
Clean facilities: Rustic Knolls Campground maintains well-kept bath facilities. "The campgrounds are well maintained. I have stayed there several times, and I plan on going back," reports Kris K. Another visitor notes the grounds are "very nice and beautiful place. Well maintained. Hot shower, toilets, pond to swim."
Weather considerations: Summer storms can impact camping experiences. At Lazy River at Granville, one visitor recounts: "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... And they let all the tent dwellers use the game room to relax in and ride out the worst of the storm."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. Sites with lake access or premium features book quickly. As one Alum Creek visitor notes: "All the choice sites (i.e., lakefront) are always taken. From what I've been told you might be able to get into one if you book the whole season a year in advance."
Site conditions: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday has varying site levels. One camper advises: "There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did. Areas in the back woods are quite nice and very treed."
Activity planning: Lazy River at Granville offers extensive recreation options. "This is a small, family owned campground that is perfect for families with kids of all ages! Beautiful creek that runs along side some nice deep sites! Two pools, tons of activities!" reports Libby W.
Swimming facilities: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA provides family-focused water features. "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," writes Emily M., who adds "The bathrooms were super nice and very clean."
Seasonal events: Cardinal Center Campground holds special weekend activities. Kelly L. reports: "We went the weekend it was Fall fest. Plenty of activities for the kids! Trick or treat, glow parade, decorate your own pumpkin, etc!" The campground also features "a small pond stocked with fish that has gazebo overlooking the pond."
Hookup access: Tree Haven Campground offers partial services for RVs. Catherine mentions: "Lots of full-time residents, great private campground. It's an RV resort, so sites are right next to each other, but the grounds and facilities are clean and well-kept."
Campsite selection: Cross Creek Camping Resort has varied site types. "Sites are pretty close together and mostly permanent, but it's in a good location and decent amenities," notes Dan M. Brenda M. adds: "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."
Connectivity options: At Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, WiFi access is a standout feature. "Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5G) seems good throughout the entire park. Best Wi-Fi I've ever had at a campground. They have Wi-Fi repeater towers everywhere you look," shares Gary G., who also notes "T-Mobile signal was good, got plenty of TV channels out of Columbus."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Alexandria, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Alexandria, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 101 dog-friendly camping locations near Alexandria, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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