This article about camping near Columbus, Ohio is brought to you by Wenzel. Check out their line of pop-up shelters to ensure that you always have shade & protection from the rain on your camping trips.
From stunning waterfalls to uncanny rock formations and legends of old hermit’s caves, camping around Ohio’s capital is anything but boring. These campgrounds offer a span of accommodations from walk-in sites to fully equipped cabins. You can also find natural wonders like lakes, caves, and waterfalls, all within a short driving distance of Columbus.
1. Hocking Hills Camping
Image from The Dyrt camper Thomas U.
Just under an hour to Columbus, Ohio, is the Hocking Hills Camping on the banks of the West River, where it turns into a vast, peaceful pool. Two miles of hiking trails meander through wetlands and forest, and tons of streams and creeks feed the West River from every angle.
If you make it to Hocking Hills, be sure to check out the marvelous black hand sandstone formations, including Rock House, a naturally formed structure of uncanny beauty. The campground is extensive, with many different loops, set-ups, and amenities.
“This state park was so amazingly beautiful to me. It was completely unexpected.”– Rebecca A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 174
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. A.W. Marion State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Shannon G.
With half electric and half nonelectric sites, the A.W. Marion State Park is a perfect campsite for various camping styles. This is a small camp with a seasonal camp store. Flush toilets are located in the campground, whereas vault latrines are open everywhere else. There are no full hook-ups.
“The camp hosts make it a point to stop out and say hello, which is one of the reasons we keep coming back. It’s a tiny park, a diamond in the rough.” – Shannon G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 58
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Dillon State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Andrea F.
An hour outside of Columbus, Ohio, is this sprawling campground with most of the campsites electric and some walk-in. With camp hosts at 4 locations across the campground, a camp store with everything you need, and a laundromat at the welcome center, Dillon State Park is a convenient and well-appointed campground.
“We love the disc golf course here, as well as the hiking trails and geocaching.”– Andrea F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24-150
- Number of sites: 183
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Deer Creek
Image from The Dyrt camper Shannon G.
This busy campground is 30 minutes southwest of Columbus in Ohio’s agricultural center. This is an ideal spot for an extended stay because it has multiple dump stations and restrooms, fire hydrants throughout, and a laundromat.
At Deer Creek, each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a pole and hook for lanterns or flashlights. Many families spend quality time here, and there are beautiful cabins for those who are so inclined.
“Deer Creek State Park Campground is aptly named. There are deer all over and you can see them from many campsites.” – Gary J.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 232
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Alum Creek State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Renée C.
Just north of Ohio’s capital lies Alum Creek State Park, a perfect getaway for those who love to play in the water or the woods. With boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, and thousands of acres of water, there is something for everyone at this state park. If you’re not into the water, there are miles of hiking trails to explore.
It’s a sizable sprawling campsite with generous sites, some with thick hedges creating privacy barriers.
“We have never had a ‘bad’ campsite at the Alum Creek State Park Campground. Each camping space is separated by trees and brush. And there is plenty of room!”– Sandy O.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-35
- Number of sites: 286
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Old Man’s Cave Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Ron H.
One of the most famous of all the campgrounds in the Hocking Hills area, Old Man’s Cave Campground gives you prime access to arguably the prime cave destination in the area. Grab the Grandma Gatewood Trail at the Upper Falls for a 6 ½-mile jaunt through towering hemlocks and shaded gorges to Old Man Cave, then Cedar Falls, and on to Ash Falls. Of the 172 campsites, 23 are non-reservable, perfect for the impromptu camper.
“Several waterfalls to see, and rock overhangs. Campgrounds have all the bells and whistles for camping.”– Ron H.
- Price: $4-21
- Number of sites: 172
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Tar Hollow
Image from The Dyrt camper Melissa W.
Fish in Pine Lake, enjoy the shaded beach area or play minigolf with your kids. You can always find something to do, whatever the season, at Tar Hollow.
Located 51 miles from Columbus, Ohio, this is a mid-to-large-sized campground with a laundromat, shower houses, and even an indoor arcade. Whether you like to get out and play in the woods or on the lake or hang out and enjoy the amenities, you’ll find it all at Tar Hollow.
“Lots 30-31A would be nice if you have kids (not toddlers) because there’s a small stream to play in, and on the other side of the stream is the playground.” – Melissa M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 118
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping in Columbus, Ohio, is an unexpected delight and presents the opportunity to enjoy the Hocking Hills area’s caves and gorges and the rolling hills southwest of the capital. For more incredible campsites, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Columbus, Ohio.
This article about camping near Columbus, Ohio was brought to you by Wenzel.
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