Camping opportunities near Grove City, Ohio include established campgrounds with varied amenities and primitive options within reasonable driving distance. Scioto Grove Metro Park offers backpacking sites along the Scioto River with tent pads and fire rings, providing an accessible option for overnight stays close to the city. Other nearby facilities include Alum Creek State Park Campground and Jackson Lake Park, which accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals. The Grove City area offers diverse campgrounds featuring electric hookups, shower facilities, and water access, while more rustic options exist for those seeking a simpler camping experience.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most camping areas, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Scioto Grove Metro Park's backpacking sites operate on a limited schedule, with availability primarily on weekends during the warmer months. Several campgrounds have seasonal closures from late fall through early spring, and water availability may be restricted during colder periods. Weather considerations include occasional flooding near riverside camping areas and severe thunderstorms during summer months. According to one visitor, "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."
The camping landscape surrounding Grove City varies from full-service RV parks to more natural settings that appeal to tent campers seeking quieter experiences. Alton RV Park provides convenient access to urban amenities, while places like Jackson Lake Park offer water recreation opportunities with a swimming area and fishing. Campers consistently mention the convenience of having campgrounds relatively close to Columbus while still providing a sense of getting away. A reviewer noted about Scioto Grove Metro Park: "Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore." Sites with water access tend to be most popular, particularly those offering swimming options during summer months.
"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."
$28 - $29 / 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."
$21 - $25 / 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."
"October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "
"Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City."
"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."
"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."
$60 / night
$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."
"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."
$29 - $46 / 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."
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.
ScoutWas a cool view at the top where the space is.
Close to hocking hills and Logan, right off 33 so it was easy to find
ScoutI'll start by saying I have a cattle dog and a lab. Both have a bit of anxiety but are otherwise well trained and medicated (after much consideration with vets behaviorist and trainers).
Campsite is clean, accessible, and accommodating.
This is my complaint:
Before making our reservation the dogs had been doing extremely well on their walks. Little to no reactivity for weeks. Still, I did my best to find a “more remote” site that still had electric.
I understood there may be some traffic, but I severely under estimated how much. I found the map and video tour very misleading and difficult to read.
We ended up very close to the main entrance and right next to the highest traffic road in the whole camp site. The dogs were very stressed and barked at every car that went by. We made every effort to reduce this with our training techniques including keeping them on short leashes in hand to redirect, and leaving the site entirely during prime check in hours.
The campsite staff asked if they would settle the first night and I had every reason to think they would after the first night, based on experience, but they did not. There was no other communication about the issue or trying to find a resolution. I acknowledge I probably could have been more proactive myself, but I had read the relevant materials and did what research I could ahead of time. Since I had not heard anything I believed we were within expectations.
Upon leaving we were approached by a member of the campsite staff that told us we were not welcome back, and the dogs should have stayed home, that they had numerous complaints through out our stay and we had been a nuisance to everyone due to excessive noise (I'm paraphrasing). I was apologetic as I was under the impression it was being managed well enough since we had not heard anything.
When we got home I sent a note to the management to let them know I found the conversation with the staff member to be unprofessional and unhelpful. I offered a few ways they could make things more comfortable for everyone. I had a neutral tone and was focused on solutions and preventing another circumstance like this for them. Their response was about the same as the staff member and actually I had violated several policies I was unaware of and had not seen until their mention in this email.
I say all of this to say, based on my experience, they expect dogs to be practically silent and extremely obedient. Also, if you are bringing dogs that need any kind of special accommodation to stay relaxed, I HIGHLY recommend calling ahead and ensuring you have what you need at your site and have understood the policies and map (etc) correctly.
The staff will not be proactive about offering solutions or communicating potential conflicts early which could prevent your visit from being as quiet and relaxing as you may have liked.
TravelerThis was our first time here and we loved it!! We did get rained on a little but we knew that. Seems like this was the last fall weekend before winter.
Checked in at 3pm and got our pass to our site. The drive through is gorgeous, can be very dark at night just a heads up. Very quiet with decent amount of space between campsites. We tent camped and everyone else around us had trailers. If you enjoy the cul-de-sac style this is where you want to be.
The showers and bathrooms were extremely well taken care of!! There’s huge trees around which provides great privacy from trail hikers as well. There was a huge playground with swings, disc golf course, putt putt and a dog park all around the entrance area. There was a shop at the entrance as well but we didn’t purchase anything.
Campground was only 12 minutes from the nearest store and gas. We didn’t have enough light to explore but we will definitely on our next stay.
Scout2nd time here, this time we booked for 10 days we liked it so much, very conveniently located for us. We would like to see more planned activities on weekends.
TravelerBig property with every site type. Complete with KOA amenities. EV chargers on-site. Bathrooms were excellent individually separated rooms with showers and toilets. We were escorted to our site upon arrival. Very poor Verizon coverage but the Wi-Fi on site worked fine. Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park.
ScoutWhile we are not horsemen, my husband and I so enjoyed our stay at this remote and picturesque campground. The property reflects great pride and financial investment: nicely-appointed and immaculate bathroom facilities; well-spaced campsites; classy equine stalls; and accommodating service second to none. Highly recommended!
ScoutG&P is exceptionally well maintained with 31 sites of varying sizes. Owner is extremely welcoming and prices are good. Front and rear Porto bathrooms for use.
Camping options near Grove City, Ohio range from backpacking sites along riverbanks to established campgrounds with full hookups. Located in central Ohio with elevations around 850-900 feet, the area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons bring variable conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Fishing opportunities: At A.W. Marion State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing in the adjacent lake. "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," notes Karen K.
Mountain biking trails: Nearby Alum Creek State Park Campground offers mountain biking options for active campers. One reviewer mentions, "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. There is also some mountain bike trails."
Water recreation: Many campgrounds near Grove City feature swimming areas. At Jackson Lake Park, "The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in," writes one camper. The park includes a swimming pond and recreation facilities approximately 25 minutes from Grove City.
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate campgrounds with well-separated sites. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, a reviewer noted, "From the activities for the kids to the nice spacious sites. We were there for the Halloween weekend and it was amazing."
Quick backpacking options: For overnight backpackers, Scioto-Grove Metro Park provides accessible sites with basic amenities. "Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided. Some have log seating and some do not," explains Susan G.
Proximity to Columbus: Many campers value the convenience of camping near urban amenities. According to Neal C., "Nice park. You can reserve spaces to backpack along the rei water trail and stay the night to test gear. Not huge, no crazy obstacles but great for last minute trips close to the city."
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, weekend-themed events are particularly busy, with one reviewer noting, "They also have themed-event weekends, which are really fun! It's on the pricey side, but worth it in my opinion."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds limit operations during colder months. A.W. Marion State Park Campground operates seasonally from early April through late October, while water availability may be restricted at some campgrounds during winter.
Facility conditions vary: Bathroom and shower facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Jackson Lake Park, some reviewers noted cleanliness issues: "The bathrooms were the most disgusting thing ever! Their was actually a sign that said ecoli was found in one of the bathrooms."
Look for swimming options: Children often enjoy water activities during summer camping trips. At Jackson Lake Park, one camper shared, "I was pretty impressed with the park. Lots of fun for kids with the swimming pond and arcade."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or during uncertain weather, cabins provide comfort. "I stayed at this campground because they hosted a wedding I attended. I chose to stay in a cabin, which was pretty pricy for what it was," notes a Jackson Lake Park visitor.
Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds host regular family-friendly events. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost."
Site levelness matters: Several RV campers mention challenges with uneven sites. At Cross Creek Camping Resort, a reviewer observed, "The site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground."
Full hookup availability: For extended stays, knowing which campgrounds offer complete services is crucial. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one camper noted, "There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric."
Seasonal RV considerations: Many campgrounds near Grove City have seasonal campers who occupy prime locations. According to one Alum Creek visitor, "The prices here are reasonable, however 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 (ie lakefront) are always taken."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Grove City, Ohio?
The Grove City area offers several camping options within reasonable driving distance. John Bryan State Park Campground provides access to hiking trails and includes a frisbee golf course, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It's situated near Yellow Springs and features family-friendly amenities including a children's playground. Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers more secluded camping with its North Ridge tent-only site that provides a genuine immersion in nature. Other options include Delaware State Park, A.W. Marion State Park, and for those seeking RV accommodations, Cross Creek Camping Resort provides full hookup sites.
Are there tent camping sites near Grove City?
Yes, several tent camping options exist near Grove City. Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers backpacking sites right in Grove City with trails and a creek featuring a rope bridge that's perfect for exploration. The park provides a more secluded tent camping experience despite being close to Columbus. For traditional tent camping, Alum Creek State Park Campground is nearby with partially shaded sites in a wooded setting. The campground accommodates tent campers with basic facilities and access to hiking trails and lake activities. Both locations offer natural surroundings while remaining accessible to Grove City residents and visitors.
Which campgrounds near Grove City are currently open?
Seasonal operation varies among campgrounds near Grove City. Hocking Hills State Park Campground remains one of the most popular year-round destinations, offering camping throughout the seasons with access to the park's renowned caves and trails. Hocking River RV Park provides extended-season camping for RVers with pull-through spots. Be aware that Scioto-Grove Metro Park only offers weekend camping and closes during winter months. For current operational status, it's always best to check official websites or call directly, as opening dates and seasonal closures can change based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules.
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