Hiking and gear-testing along the Scioto River draws campers to this free, walk-in campground at Scioto-Grove Metro Park in Grove City, just outside Columbus. The five reservable sites sit in forested terrain along the river trail, each with a tent pad, fire ring, and provided firewood. No vehicle access beyond the trailhead parking area means this is a true hike-in experience, though the distances are short enough to work well for beginners.
Sites vary in personality. Site 5 sits directly on the river and draws attention for its distance from the busier sections of the park, while site 6 sees less foot traffic from day visitors. Several reviewers note that the rope bridge crossing can get slippery in wet conditions, so traction matters in rain. Reservations go fast and the season is limited, with weekend-only availability during a defined window each year, so checking the reservation calendar early is worth the effort.
"Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons," notes Karen K., which gives a sense of what surrounds the sites beyond the river corridor. The campground is free, which is a notable draw given how few no-cost options exist in Ohio. Crowding has come up in reviews, reinforcing that advance reservations are not optional during peak weekends.
Campers wanting hookups or drive-in access can look at Alder Farm a few miles south as an alternative.
Description
Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620-acre park along the Scioto River with mature forests and scenic bluffs overlooking the river. It features more than seven miles of trails, two picnic areas with shelters, tables and grills, a kids play area and several overlook decks. The park is located on a scenic bend of the Scioto River and is a great destination for canoeists, kayakers, anglers and people wanting to see waterfowl and other wildlife. Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the park, which also features a sledding hill. Thanks to a generous donation of 193 acres of land from the City of Grove City, funds from the State of Ohio Clean Ohio Program, and passage of a property tax levy by Franklin County voters, Metro Parks has developed this park for people of all ages and abilities to experience nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Additional support came from outdoor retailer REI to construct a backpack trail along the river for those just getting into the sport, as well as those seasoned backpackers who want a quick overnight without having to journey several hours.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsScioto-Grove Metro Park is located in Ohio near Grove City
Coordinates
39.85847871 N
83.02827875 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/8/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/8/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Scioto-Grove Metro Park needs a permit.
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 9 min from Columbus, OH
- 43 min from Springfield, OH
- 1 hr from Dayton, OH
- 1 hr 9 min from Mansfield, OH
