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.
$35 / 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."
$20 - $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."
$35 / 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 ("
$33 / 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."
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 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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