Alum Creek Lake spans 3,387 acres within a 4,630-acre park located 25 miles north of Columbus. The surrounding area features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests with elevation changes of 40-60 feet throughout the campground loops. Winter temperatures average 20-35°F while summer temperatures range from 70-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Fishing access points: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers multiple shoreline fishing areas plus a designated fishing pier near the marina. "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 in her review of Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Hunting options: Delaware State Park includes designated hunting areas within its 2,000-acre property. "What I liked most about this park is that there hunting areas," explains Michael P. who visited Delaware State Park Campground. Another visitor specifically mentions "Great pheasant hunting" as a highlight of the park.
Disc golf course: Jackson Lake Park features an 18-hole disc golf course winding through wooded areas near the camping loops. "My wife and I spent Labor Day weekend here as it was close to Columbus and allowed family to come spend a night or two," shares Chris C. who appreciated the "full hook-ups and pull through site" at the park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between sites at area campgrounds. "...the best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground," explains Maddy B. about their October stay at Delaware State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Rustic Knolls Campground maintains well-kept shower houses and restroom buildings throughout the camping loops. "The camp sights are well maintained. I have stayed there several times, and I plan on going back. Swimming pond and fishing pond. Restrooms are all over for convenience," reports Kris K. after visiting Rustic Knolls Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Cardinal Center Campground provides easy access to Columbus attractions while offering on-site activities. "We camped here off season and really enjoyed it. 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," notes Renee L. about her stay.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have significant variation between sites regarding size, shade, and privacy. "We had a good site in loop M. The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen. The check in building had a fire and we never saw any employees," reports Thomas M. from his stay at Alum Creek State Park Campground.
Weather considerations: Heavy rain can affect site conditions at some parks in the area. "Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," warns Katelyn P. about Alum Creek. Another camper noted: "First Campground site I went to had a large mud puddle full of hornets. I asked to move site and was accommodated. It was right after a heavy rain storm."
Cell service variations: Cell reception varies significantly between campgrounds. "Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better," notes Joe I. about his experience at Delaware State Park. At Mohican State Park, another camper reports "No cell service with Verizon at this park."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: The lakes and pools offer multiple swimming options for children. "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," shares Jenny C. about her experience at Alum Creek State Park.
Playgrounds and recreation: Buck Creek State Park Campground features multiple playground areas spread throughout the camping loops. "Nice peaceful park. Spacious sites, clean restrooms. Great space for the kids to get it and play," says Lauri C. about her stay with grandchildren at the park.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger-led programs during summer months. "We watched them feed the fish at the lake in the morning, that was such a fun experience. I've never seen that many fish that big up close. The tent area was right next to a hiking trail which the kids loved exploring," notes Traci F. about her experience at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Several campgrounds offer full hookup sites with 50-amp service for larger RVs. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them," explains Katelyn P. about Alum Creek's waterfront sites. Another camper notes the park has "some full hook ups but mostly just electric."
Pull-through availability: Cardinal Center has larger pull-through sites for big rigs that can accommodate slide-outs. "We camped here off season and really enjoyed it. Our site was on a cul de sac and was close to the pool. The sites and road were gravel," reports Renee L. after her visit to Cardinal Center Campground.
Site leveling: Buck Creek offers relatively level sites for RVs of all sizes. "This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn't super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area," explains Lisa M. who appreciated the accessible water spigots throughout the camping loops.
