94 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alum Creek State Park Campground accepts pets at all camping options including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Jackson Lake Park, A.W. Marion State Park, and Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA also welcome pets with varied amenities. Most campgrounds provide standard features like fire rings and picnic tables alongside pet-friendly policies, though specific pet limits vary by location. Bathrooms at Jackson Lake Park received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, with some campers noting concerns. The campgrounds typically enforce leash requirements throughout the property, with designated areas for pet exercise and waste disposal.
Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a unique backpacking experience for dog owners seeking primitive camping near Pickerington, with five reservable sites along the river trail. This free camping destination provides tent pads, fire rings, and complimentary firewood at each site, making it ideal for testing new gear with your pet. The trails remain relatively uncrowded, especially at sites further from main park areas. Campers note that Site 5 offers exceptional privacy along the riverfront. The location balances wilderness experience with proximity to Columbus, though reservations fill quickly due to limited availability. Dogs barking all night occasionally disrupt quiet hours at some area campgrounds, particularly at Buckeye Lake KOA according to visitor experiences.
"It's has a site right behind it, but has a nice size green space for an ez-up. The pad was a nice length and held our small camper and truck with room to spare."
"There was also a path directly from our site that led to one of the hiking trails. Yay for us and our easy access; however, it also welcomed people to cut through your site."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 ("
"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"
"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."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Pet friendly camping near Pickerington, Ohio offers varied terrain within 20 miles of Columbus. Located in central Ohio's Fairfield County, the area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 840 to 1,050 feet and a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms requiring proper tent stakes and rain gear.
Fishing opportunities: A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides access to the 145-acre Hargus Lake where campers can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," notes Catherine, who visited Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Explore the 5-mile loop trail at A.W. Marion State Park that accommodates both hikers and mountain bikers. "AW Marion is near 23 and easy access to the highway to get to Columbus. Plenty of space and shade in non-electrical campsite for a hot summer day," according to Karen K.
Backpacking experience: Test new gear on the REI backpacking trail at Scioto Grove Metro Park, which features free backpacking sites with tent pads and fire rings. "Great for trying out backpacking gear setup. Free reserve ahead weekend backpacking campsites. All sites have 2 tent pads, a fire ring and firewood provided," writes Susan G.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large sites with good separation between neighbors. "...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. And there is plenty of room!" shares Sandy O.
Pet-friendly amenities: Dog owners particularly enjoy Alum Creek State Park Campground which features a dedicated dog park with lake access. "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," reports Jill B.
Water activities: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. "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 must," says Jenny C. about her experience at Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and accessibility of restrooms differ between campgrounds. "A.W. Marion is nice and quiet. It's fairly small, and some of the spots looked challenging to back into, including the one I chose. The bathrooms seemed clean," reports Aaron S. at A.W. Marion State Park Campground.
Weather considerations: Central Ohio experiences sudden weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "We had a good site in loop M. The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen," notes Thomas M. about Alum Creek State Park.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "Reservations only, most sites are level and spacious. There is a general store on site with firewood, propane, food items, gifts, camping gear," explains Meghan H. from Hocking Hills State Park.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with dedicated amenities for children. "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!" writes Libby W. about Lazy River at Granville.
Rainy day activities: Many local campgrounds offer indoor options for inclement weather. "We spent a weekend here with two other families (9 kids total) and had a wonderful time! The kids loved the swimming pools and splash pads, the awesome play ground and lots of playing in the creek," shares Amanda D. about Lazy River at Granville.
Campground events: Check for scheduled activities when booking your stay. "We went with a group of 12 couples and 23 kids. There was something for everyone. At the top of our list of favorites!" reports Ann L. about her experience at Lazy River at Granville.
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer full or partial hookups for RVs. "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 must and we even got close to wildlife (aka some pesky raccoons). We love that electric is included and was helpful for plugging in fans during the hot night," explains Jenny C. about Jackson Lake Park.
Site selection: Consider your parking needs when booking. "My wife and I spent a month out there in a fifth wheel to see if we like the lifestyle. Very nice pool(clean). Great walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice," shares Mark G. about his experience at Tree Haven Campground.
Off-season options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round or have extended seasons. "Clean and well maintained sites. We arrived after the office closed, but there was a packet waiting for us at the night check-in site. Overall a nice place to rest for the night," notes Eric H. about his stay at Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pickerington, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pickerington, OH is A.W. Marion State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pickerington, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 94 dog-friendly camping locations near Pickerington, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
