Delaware Lake in central Ohio offers campgrounds ranging from full-hookup RV sites to tent camping and cabin rentals. Delaware State Park Campground stands out with over 200 electric sites arranged in a spoke-and-wheel layout, providing spacious areas for both RVs and tents. The park offers year-round camping with concrete pads, shaded sites, and newly renovated facilities. Other campground options in the region include Cross Creek Camping Resort, Alum Creek State Park, and Cardinal Center Campground, all within a 20-mile radius. These camping areas accommodate tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, with some offering glamping or yurt options.
Access to Delaware Lake campgrounds varies seasonally, with some limitations in the winter months when only select sites remain open. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature paved roads suitable for larger vehicles, though tent campers may find fewer dedicated non-electric sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront camping areas frequently reach capacity, particularly on weekends. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters. Campground amenities typically include drinking water, showers, and dump stations, though availability may be reduced in off-season months. As one camper noted, "During the winter only a select amount of sites are available. This place fills up fast during the summer months."
Delaware State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious sites and recreational opportunities. The park offers multiple outdoor activities including hiking trails, fishing, boating, and a disc golf course. Several campground loops feature wooded sites providing natural privacy between camping areas. Campers particularly appreciate the park's beach, marina, and well-maintained facilities. Reviews frequently mention family-friendly amenities and the park's convenient location near Columbus while still providing a natural setting. "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. Sites are roomy and we like the wooded feel," commented one visitor. Most campgrounds in the area maintain quiet hours and regular ranger patrols contribute to a peaceful camping environment.
$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."
$39 - $40 / night
"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. "
$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."
"Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, Ohio is a very nice campground with friendly staff and lots of amenities!"
$37 - $50 / night
"This is one of the smaller campgrounds in the Ohio State Parks system but it’s a little hidden gem."
"The "Camp Host" came around a few times a day to ensure trash was picked up and needs were met. Site 8 has full hookups and a concrete parking pad."
$47 - $53 / night
"Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel. They have an indoor pool, stocked fishing pond, and an indoor clubhouse with a pool table."
"from our garden as we had way too much for just us and asked the welcome center to tell people to help themselves to what ever they wanted. we then toured the campgroundand found the stocked fishing lake"
$38 / night
"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."
"This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."
"The campground is tucked away in a suburb of Columbus next to a soybean field, very quiet area. Only a 15-20 minute drive into town to go shopping if need be."
"At least three ponds all fairly nice with ducks and geese hanging around. There's a few sites are unlevel so you may need to use your levelers and maybe some blocks, we did."
$25 - $35 / night
"Sites are around a manicured field but with a high “pollinators maze” in the middle that creates too privacy and sound barrier. Only outhouses but they were very clean."
"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!"
"Conveniently located to Columbus. Lots of seasonal campers. Only gray water hook up available."
Scouti have been going to Wally World Riverside Resort for the past 15 years always a great time ,clean camp ground well maintained .On the week end they have activities for the children and movies on Saturday most of the time on the week end it can get busy.
ScoutPastime 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.
ScoutIf 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.
GuideStayed 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.
ScoutCaves is great campground. However they do not honor dyrt reservations. Had to pay at the campground. Sent email to dyrt, no reply. They owe me 400 dollars, and I have not heard back. Dyrt, if you honor, I will update this review- until then, DO NOT USE!!!
RangerWe return to Mohican wilderness a few times each year and love the sites we choose right on the river.
Most sites here are wide open field sites and would not suite our style of camping.
Bathrooms are typically clean.
ScoutThe cops pulled in and said we wasn't allowed to drink
ScoutEasy to make reservation, easy to check in and very friendly staff
ScoutWe were traveling home and needed a place to stay for the night and hoped for full hookup. Looked up and found this place and another that was reportedly 3x the number of sites who was having a big hog roast that evening. This was the largest campground we stayed at during our 2 week trip and our first RV trip generally. The spaces were close (tight) and thankfully we had a small class C. Many seemed to be permanent with full builds of patios and covers. Firepits at each site were old tire rims. Quiet hours are late (11 PM) and we are not late people. Probably fine if you want to spend time engaging with everyone around you, you sleep well and have good sound dampening in your rig. For the occasional overnight to just get home or to the next place, take this place for what it is, a place for long term campers ideally with kids. Was a good learning opportunity to avoid such places in the future.
Delaware Lake camping areas feature a mix of electric and non-electric sites with some campsites arranged in unique wheel-like layouts. The central Ohio region surrounding the lake has multiple camping options within a 20-mile radius, offering different levels of amenities and privacy. Many campgrounds maintain year-round availability, though winter camping typically has limited site options.
Disc golf course access: Delaware State Park Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides a recreational option beyond typical camping activities. "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 blast and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons)," notes a visitor to Alum Creek State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Most campgrounds around Delaware Lake offer fishing access, with some featuring stocked ponds for reliable catches. "There is a small pond stocked with fish that has gazebo overlooking the pond," mentions a camper at Cardinal Center Campground. The fishing areas accommodate different experience levels and typically operate on catch-and-release principles.
Trail systems: Walking paths connect many Delaware Lake camping areas, with some campgrounds featuring dedicated nature trails. "They have a path through the woods where you can let the dogs run if you choose to," reports a visitor to Berkshire Campgrounds. Most trails form interconnected loops, allowing campers to choose routes of varying lengths.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at certain campgrounds. "This is probably our favourite state park we have been to thus far. The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy," notes a visitor to Delaware State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings rank high in camper satisfaction. "The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen," counters one review of Alum Creek State Park, indicating facility quality varies between campgrounds. Most campground bathhouses feature individual shower rooms with changing areas.
Playground access: Multiple play areas for children appear across Delaware Lake camping options. "There was a huge playground with swings, disc golf course, putt putt and a dog park all around the entrance area," reports a camper at Delaware State Park. Most playgrounds remain accessible throughout the camping season.
Reservation requirements: Securing spots in advance becomes essential during peak summer months. "This place fills up fast during the summer months," notes one camper about the Delaware Lake area. Some campgrounds maintain first-come, first-served sites for last-minute arrivals, though these fill quickly on weekends.
Site levelness: Some camping areas require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "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 visitor to Alum Creek State Park. Campers should pack leveling blocks for potentially uneven terrain.
Seasonal limitations: Weather impacts both campground operations and activity options. "It's been really helpful to all the camp sites around Columbus Ohio for me," notes one camper at Grins & Pickin's CampFarm, which operates April through November. Most campgrounds reduce services during off-season months, with fewer staff and limited facility access.
Entertainment options: Family-focused campgrounds provide structured activities during peak season. "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost," mentions a visitor to Alum Creek State Park. These scheduled events typically occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Swimming access: Water recreation remains popular for family campers. "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," adds another Alum Creek camper. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards and post specific operational hours.
Nature exploration: Wooded areas allow children to experience natural surroundings. "The site we were on was set back in the woods. My daughter had tons of fun exploring the woods connected to our site," shares a visitor to Delaware State Park. Many campgrounds provide junior ranger programs or nature scavenger hunt materials at registration offices.
Hookup availability: RV campers should verify utility connections before booking. "Our site had full hookups 50 amp service with sewer and water picnic table and fire ring for $44 a night," notes a camper at Tree Haven Campground. Most full-hookup sites cost between $40-50 per night, while electric-only sites average $30-35.
Site dimensions: Larger rigs require careful site selection. "Delaware has been our favorite campground since we found it. The staff is always very friendly and helpful," mentions a regular camper. Many campgrounds post maximum RV lengths for each site on reservation platforms.
Parking surfaces: Site construction varies across campgrounds. "The outside sites are mostly gravel with not every site having a fire ring. We ended up making our own with big rocks," reports a visitor to Cardinal Center Campground. Gravel pads may become rutted after heavy rain, while paved sites typically cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Delaware Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Delaware Lake is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 80 reviews.
What parks are near Delaware Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Delaware Lake that allow camping, notably Alum Creek Lake and Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir.
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