Alum Creek State Park Campground permits pets at all campsites with spacious, shaded lots providing natural privacy between neighbors. The campground features electric hookups at most sites with some full-hookup options, clean restrooms with hot showers, and maintained fire rings at each site. Cross Creek Camping Resort also welcomes pets with a dedicated dog park that remains meticulously maintained. Both campgrounds require pets to remain leashed when outside the vehicle or RV, with Alum Creek offering numerous hiking trails suitable for dog walking. Sites at these campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, though specific pet policies for cabins may vary. Many campsites include trees providing shade important for pets during hot summer months.
Well-maintained trails around Alum Creek Lake give pet owners plenty of exercise options with their dogs while camping. The lake provides water access points where pets can cool off, though swimming regulations vary by area. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies for pets as summer temperatures in Powell frequently exceed 85°F. Waste disposal stations are positioned throughout both campgrounds, with campers expected to clean up after their pets. Local reviews note the spacious sites at Alum Creek make it easier to manage pets without disturbing neighbors, while Cross Creek's amenities include a small but immaculate dog park. Nearby veterinary services can be found within a 10-15 minute drive in Delaware and Powell, making these campgrounds practical options for extended stays with pets.
$23 - $70 / night
"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."
$39 - $40 / night
"Lots of hiking trails, stocked fishing pond for kids, disc golf, dog park and the lake itself.
Site 187 this trip.""It’s close to home, but more importantly it has great trails and wooded sites. Winter camping has several sections of the park closed, only 1 shower house open and no camp hosts or camp store."
$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."
"Small dog park. Normal size lots for an RV park. Super crowded on a summer weekend. All size rvs and also tent campers. Easy to find."
$38 / night
"This place is huge, tons of paths for walking and exploring. Also features mini golf, volleyball, basketball, an in-ground pool and a pond."
"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."
"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!"
"They have a nice walking trail, potlucks, holiday events, live entertainment and are putting in a new, bigger pool! They also redid the driveway."
$15 - $38 / night
"Walking path and playground are adjacent to the campground. There is a nice swimming pool at the south end of the village park. Campers get a discounted admission."
$60 / night
$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"
"Not a sightseeing destination, but very convenient place to stop for the night if you’re on a road trip doing a lot of driving. Safe neighborhood with a kroger right down the street."
"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."
"This is a hugely spaced out camp with ample space to each site and great amenities for kids & dogs. Immaculate and well run. Late check in was easy, requests were honored."
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.
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.
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.
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
ScoutBeautiful park. There is a camper’s beach and a dog park
Camping areas near Powell, Ohio range from full-service resorts to primitive backpacking sites within a 30-mile radius. This central Ohio region experiences hot summers with temperatures commonly above 85°F from June through August and cold winters where temperatures drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area sit on relatively flat terrain between 800-1000 feet elevation with access to various water features.
Hiking trails access: Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a backpacking trail system with reservable campsites that makes testing new gear convenient. "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, besides that they're totally primitive," notes Zach in his review. The trail includes a rope bridge crossing that appeals to both adults and children.
Shooting sports: At Cardinal Center Campground, campers have access to extensive shooting facilities. "It is the largest shooting center (clays, skeet, pistol, rifle, archery) in the state," explains JOHN T. The center hosts shooting and waterfowl events throughout the year, making it a destination for sportsmen who camp.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, with many maintaining stocked ponds. "They have a nice stocked fishing lake (catch and release) the indoor swimming pool," reports George J. about Cardinal Center Campground. Most fishing areas require catch-and-release practices, and some ponds feature gazebos for comfortable viewing.
Indoor recreation options: Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday provides numerous all-weather activities when outdoor plans get rained out. "They have a small workout room which was small but still just enough to get a good pump," mentions Daniel C. This campground also maintains multiple playgrounds and family activity areas throughout the property.
Spacious, private sites: Berkshire Campgrounds receives high marks for its layout and privacy between sites. "This campground has it all. Full hookups and great activities for all. 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," writes James C. The off-leash dog trails provide a distinguishing feature for pet-friendly camping near Powell.
Free firewood service: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood, saving campers money and hassle. "All sites have a fire ring and firewood provided," notes Susan G. about Scioto Grove Metro Park. This perk makes spontaneous overnight trips more convenient for families who don't want to transport or purchase wood separately.
Seasonal restrictions: Availability varies significantly by season at many campgrounds. "Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime," cautions Joaquim P. about Scioto Grove Metro Park. Similarly, Tree Haven Campground operates from May 1 to November 1, while some facilities like Korbel Campgrounds have limited water service during winter months.
Campground personalities: Properties range from rustic experiences to urban convenience stops. "This is a parking lot at the fair grounds. I'm sure it's fine for people traveling for the fair but not what I would consider camping," warns Neal C. about Korbel Campgrounds. This contrast highlights the importance of matching expectations to the chosen campground type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Powell, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Powell, OH is Alum Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Powell, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 dog-friendly camping locations near Powell, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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