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Scioto-Grove Metro Park

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Scioto-Grove Metro Park, near Grove City, Ohio, is a fantastic spot for those looking to dive into the world of backpacking. With designated sites that are reservable, it’s a great place to test out your gear while enjoying the beauty of nature along the Scioto River.

The campground is all about simplicity and connection with the outdoors. Each site comes with tent pads and a fire ring, plus firewood is provided, making it easy to settle in for a cozy night under the stars. Visitors have noted the spaciousness between sites, allowing for a bit of privacy while still being part of a community of fellow campers. One reviewer mentioned, “Great location, very beautiful,” which sums up the vibe perfectly.

If you’re up for some adventure, the park features wide trails and a fun rope bridge that’s a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a short hike to the sites, so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Some campers have called it a “hidden gem” just outside the hustle and bustle of Columbus, making it an ideal escape for a weekend trip. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, Scioto-Grove Metro Park offers a welcoming environment to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Scioto-Grove Metro Park is located in Ohio

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.85847871 N
83.02827875 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

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.


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2024

Great for a quick getaway

Need to reserve online, books up very fast. 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.

Site5
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Anna S., September 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Anna S., September 1, 2024
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Backpacking camp

It is a backpacking camp. 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.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2021

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. Some have log seating and some do not. 2020 season was closed due to covid-19, still waiting to see if they will open for 2021.

  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Susan G., April 10, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2020

Hidden Gem

Somewhere among the hustle and bustle and just outside Columbus you can find this hidden gem of a park in Grove City. Backpacking sites, rope bridge crossing over a creek that kids and adults would love to explore. Wide trails, grass fields and woods that are beautiful all seasons.

  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Karen K., September 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Karen K., September 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Karen K., September 25, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2020

Short backpacking trail with great sites!

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. Very nice park and will be back here soon!

Site2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Zach , September 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Zach , September 18, 2020
Reviewed May. 31, 2019

REI backpacking trail

The backpacking site was a great site for new backpackers.  It isn't too long but doing the full loop does let you know if your gear is working or going to be an issue. They provided fire wood for the site.  it is a tricky site to reserve as they only do it for a short season and in that season two weekend a month to avoid over use. The bridge was a lot of fun but I did slip on it in the rain as it was hard to get traction on the wood. I cannot wait to return to the site in the fall.  Each site has it's own personality we picked the further out sites of 6 as less foot traffic by park visitors.

Site6
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Kenpocentaur K., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Kenpocentaur K., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Kenpocentaur K., May 31, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 1, 2019

Nice place

Nice park. You can reserve spaces to backpack along the rei water trail and stay the night to test gear. Not huge, no crazy obstacles but great for last minute trips close to the city.

  • Review photo of Scioto-Grove Metro Park by Neal C., May 1, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Scioto Grove Metro Park?

Scioto Grove Metro Park offers backpacking-style camping with five reservable primitive sites located along the river trail. Each site features tent pads and a fire ring with firewood provided. These are weekend-only sites that must be reserved in advance through their online system. The campground operates seasonally and closes during winter months. Sites book up quickly, so early reservations are recommended. This is a hike-in camping area with no vehicle access to the sites.

What trails can I access from the Scioto Grove Metro Park campground?

The main trail at Scioto Grove Metro Park is the REI River Trail that connects all five backpacking campsites along the Scioto River. The park features a network of wide, well-maintained trails winding through diverse terrain including wooded areas, grassy fields, and riverside paths. Highlights include a rope bridge crossing over a creek that's popular with both children and adults. The trail system offers varying difficulty levels suitable for hikers of all abilities and beautiful scenery in all seasons.

Is backpacking permitted at Scioto Grove Metro Park?

Yes, backpacking is not only permitted but is the primary camping option at Scioto Grove Metro Park. The park features five designated backpacking sites specifically designed for overnight stays. This is an excellent location for testing new backpacking gear or introducing beginners to the activity, as the trails aren't particularly challenging. The sites are primitive but include tent pads and fire rings with firewood provided. All camping gear must be carried in as there's no vehicle access beyond the parking area.

How do Scioto Grove Metro Park's camping facilities compare to other campgrounds near Grove City, Ohio?

Scioto Grove Metro Park offers a unique camping experience compared to other Grove City area campgrounds. Unlike traditional drive-up sites, Scioto Grove provides primitive backpacking sites that create a more immersive outdoor experience despite being close to Columbus. The park is distinctive for its free camping (though reservations are required), provided firewood, and riverside location. It's less developed than many nearby campgrounds, with no RV access, hookups, or shower facilities. Scioto Grove is ideal for those seeking a quick wilderness escape without traveling far from the city, making it perfect for beginners or gear testing, while other area campgrounds typically offer more amenities but less seclusion.