Best Campgrounds near Powell, OH
State parks and private campgrounds surround Powell, Ohio, providing diverse camping experiences within a 30-minute drive. Alum Creek State Park Campground, just 5 miles east of Powell, features wooded sites with electric hookups, showers, and access to a large reservoir for boating and swimming. Delaware State Park Campground, located 15 miles north, offers spacious sites in a pod-style layout with electric hookups and yurts available for rent. Private options include Cross Creek Camping Resort and Berkshire Campgrounds, which provide full hookup sites for RVs. The region primarily supports developed camping with amenities rather than dispersed options, with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads and rental cabins.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. As one camper noted, "Delaware State Park is a gem in the Ohio state park system. What is amazing is how few people seem to know it exists!" Most state parks in the area maintain paved campsites with 30-50 amp electrical service, though water and sewer connections are limited to private resorts. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with Verizon providing consistent coverage. Weather conditions are typical for central Ohio, with humid summers and occasional thunderstorms. Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions, particularly at waterfront sites which can flood during heavy rainfall periods.
Lakeside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with multiple reservoirs offering recreational opportunities. According to campers, Alum Creek features "spacious sites with trees or other foliage between campsites" though some mention road noise from nearby highways. Delaware State Park stands out for its quieter atmosphere and larger sites, with one visitor noting the campground "requires a long drive to get to it - but that makes it feel more 'out there.'" Weekday camping typically offers a more peaceful experience than weekends, when boat traffic and family activities increase. Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned in reviews. Most campgrounds feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing access, with disc golf courses available at several parks.
