D
Douglas R.
Scout
ScoutPastime Campground
Pastime camping
This is a decent campground with basic (water / electric) sites with gravel pads. Information states that they have WiFi, but we are unable to find the network.
Camping near Pickerington, OH
119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Pickerington (119)
1. A.W. Marion State Park Campground
"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)."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. 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 Availability3. Jackson Lake Park
"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."
from $40 - $139 / night
Check Availability4. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA
"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."
5. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability6. Scioto-Grove Metro Park
"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."
7. Korbel Campgrounds at Ohio Expo Center
from $60 / night
Check Availability8. Tree Haven Campground
"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."
9. Deer Creek State Park Campground
"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."
"My favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability10. Lazy River at Granville
"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 ("
Drive Time
- 16 min from Columbus, OH
- 57 min from Springfield, OH
- 1 hr 14 min from Mansfield, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Pickerington, OH
323 Photos of 119 Pickerington Campgrounds
Jess N.
Jackson Lake Park
Zach
Scioto-Grove Metro Park
Shannon G.
A.W. Marion State Park Campground
Libby W.
Lazy River at Granville
Patty C.
Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe
Bruce K.
Cross Creek Camping Resort
Jenny C.
Alum Creek State Park Campground
Chris W.
Big Sycamore Family Campground
The Dyrt
Hocking River RV Park
LISA R.
Campbell Cove Camping
The Dyrt
Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds
jennifer K.
Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday
Recent Reviews near Pickerington, OH
786 Reviews of 119 Pickerington Campgrounds
Jeff A.
Travelerhawking hills state park campground
Hawking Hills Campground
Great - close to hiking trails at Hawking Hills state park!
Tara R.
RangerTar Hollow State Park Campground
Our favorite one!
It’s just beautiful there. Great for bikes. Good camp store, putt putt, bike rentals, camper beach. Easy access to fishing. And there a playground surrounded by a little stream of water that is so cool. New bathrooms are spectacular. Also has family showers.
- Tara R.Ranger
Deer 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.
- Tara R.Ranger
Burr Oak State Park Campground
Small
Not our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
- KKera F.Traveler
Cross Creek Camping Resort
ALUM CREEK CAMPGROUND
My family loves staying here!
Courtnee H.TravelerHilltop Resorts and Campgrounds
Ok
The campground was well maintained and it did offer some fun activities for the kids (pillow trampoline, basketball court, mini golf). We stayed in the RV section and although the sites are grassy, we prefer more trees and bigger sites for shade and privacy. This is more of an RV park feel that we prefer. However, it was within close driving proximity to Hocking Hills State Park, which was our reason for booking. So it did the job!
- 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.
Guide to Pickerington
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring