The stunning waterfalls and dramatic rock formation that surround the state capital make camping near Columbus, OH anything but boring! The campgrounds here range from simple primitive sites where you can pitch your tent, to full-service RV parks with all the comforts of home. There are even cabins to rent and all within only a short drive of the city.
1. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park enjoys widespread recognition as one of the best places in the Columbus area to visit. It’s located about an hour’s drive to the southeast of the city and stuns visitors all year round with its magnificent waterfalls, towering cliffs, and deep, leafy gorges that all nature lovers will want to visit again and again. The park is a great spot for hiking, with an innovative system of one-way loop trails that ensures you’ll have a peaceful walk. It’s also a great fishing and small game hunting spot.
The park’s campground has a variety of options for campers, including full hookups and electric sites on the main loop, with 20-, 30-, or 50-amp hookups. There are also some slightly cheaper non-electric sites, as well as a selection of hike-in primitive campsites and several types of cabins. A reservable shelter for groups is also available. All sites must be reserved in advance.
2. A.W. Marion State Park
Situated in rolling, rural woodlands on the quiet shores of Hargus Lake, this former part of the prairie peninsular today exhibits a wide variety of the native plants and wildlife that call this area of Ohio home. The park is a popular place for activities on the water, including fishing, swimming, and boating, although the park’s boat ramp is temporarily closed at the time of writing. If you do manage to get out on the water, you can swim from your boat in the designated “boat swim area”.
The small, pet-friendly park campground offers electric and non-electric sites to campers, with flush and vault restrooms, volleyball and basketball courts, and a seasonal camp store where you can stock up on any food and equipment you might be short on.
3. Deer Creek
Deer Creek Campsite is very aptly named, with a large population of deer living nearby that you can often see from the campground. It’s located about 30 minutes away from Columbus to the southwest of Ohio’s agricultural heartland, and is a great spot for an extended stay, with multiple dump stations, fire hydrants, and a laundromat. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and a hook for lanterns or flashlights. The creek itself is also an excellent fishing spot and is particularly famous for its suageye.
These are just a small selection of the tremendous number of great campsites in the Columbus area. There are lots more out there to discover, so why not start planning your next adventure today? Get outside and enjoy everything nature has to offer during this pleasant time of year!
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