Is Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R first-come first-served or reservation?

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R before I book?

Yes! Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R is open Off-Peak: Nov. 1 to Apr. 15 — Area 2 and A, B, G rows available; other areas limited availability and some services (restrooms) are closed. Camper Cabin and Sherman Cabins available April through December.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

Yes, Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R have?

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R has 323 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

Popular activities at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

4.30

342 reviews

Lewis Center, OH

C+Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Ohio Boating Camping Ohio RV Camping Ohio +2 more

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

323 campsites

Season

Off-Peak: Nov. 1 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Ohio State Parks (Ohio DNR)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

323 campsites

Season

Off-Peak: Nov. 1 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Ohio State Parks (Ohio DNR)Official Website

Get Directions

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Ohio State Parks

Provider

(740) 548-4039

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lewis Center, OH

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

Lewis Center, OH

Weather at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

Best Time to Camp at Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

The campground truly comes alive from spring through fall, when warm weather beckons swimmers to the beach and boaters to the sparkling waters of Alum Creek Lake. Summer weekends buzz with activity, while early autumn offers a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and the bonus of changing leaves. Those seeking a quieter, off-season experience can find limited availability from November 1st through April 15th, though some amenities scale back during these cooler months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Comes alive spring–fall; swimmers and boaters in summer, but summer weekends are busy.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Off-Peak: Nov. 1 to Apr. 15 — Area 2 and A, B, G rows available; other areas limited availability and some services (restrooms) are closed. Camper Cabin and Sherman Cabins available April through December.

About Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

Nestled along the shores of Alum Creek Lake, this popular campground offers a perfect blend of wooded tranquility and waterfront adventure. With shaded sites tucked beneath mature trees, your own exclusive campers' beach, and a convenient boat ramp, you'll have everything needed for a memorable lakeside getaway. Book ahead to secure your spot at this pet-friendly retreat, where both traditional campsites and cozy cabin rentals await seasonal visitors.

Family campground with electric and full-hookup campsites, a primitive equestrian campground, a group camp area, plus cabin lodging (a large Camper Cabin and four Sherman Cabins).

Historical Significance

The family campgrounds at Alum Creek State Park feature a bronze plaque commemorating the Fort Cheshire blockhouse. The park area also contains historical references to a mid‑19th‑century community referred to as the Community of Africa along the park border.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground truly comes alive from spring through fall, when warm weather beckons swimmers to the beach and boaters to the sparkling waters of Alum Creek Lake. Summer weekends buzz with activity, while early autumn offers a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and the bonus of changing leaves. Those seeking a quieter, off-season experience can find limited availability from November 1st through April 15th, though some amenities scale back during these cooler months.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature hardwoods, with Alum Creek Lake shimmering just beyond your campsite. The thoughtfully spaced sites throughout sections J through R benefit from natural screening provided by established trees and native shrubs, creating pockets of privacy in this wooded haven. Lucky campers in select spots enjoy direct lake views, while paved pathways wind through the campground, inviting easy strolls down to the shoreline. Beyond your campsite, the broader park showcases central Ohio's natural beauty—explore quiet coves along the reservoir, hike through mixed hardwood forests, and keep your eyes open for the diverse wildlife that calls this landscape home.

Scenic ViewsSome loops and outer-edge sites offer partial water views or overlook the lake through trees; most family loops emphasize wooded privacy over expansive vistas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Cabins: Check-in 4:00 PM (campground campsites check-in time not specified).

Check-out

Cabins: Check-out 11:00 AM (campground campsites check-out time not specified).

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations required; may be made up to six months in advance online or by calling (866) 644-6727.

Total Campsites323 campsites

Best CampsitesWooded sites on the outer edges of loops that back onto woods or are closest to the water are most sought after for privacy and occasional lake views. Sites with dense shrub/tree screening and level pads are commonly recommended.

Need help booking Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R?

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Ohio State Parks Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Many electric sites (20-, 30- and 50-amp) and 37 full-service sites (electric, water, sewer); heated shower facilities with flush toilets; dump station; campground-only beach and boat ramp; miniature golf, disc golf, sports courts, and playgrounds. Pets are welcome on all sites. A large Camper Cabin and four Sherman Cabins are available seasonally.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Campground offers shoreline and lake access with a camper-only beach and boat ramp, on-site family recreation (miniature golf, disc golf, playgrounds, and sports courts), and access to wooded trails and lakeshore for hiking, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTypical lakeside and wooded-park hazards include insects and spiders around bathhouses and wooded sites. Visitor reports note campground noise and instances of speeding vehicles inside the campground; campers should exercise caution when walking or biking near roads and campsites.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

342 reviews

Satisfactory

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the large, well-spaced, wooded sites, clean heated shower houses, and convenient lake access. Common negatives are noise (loud neighbors and speeding in the campground), occasional issues with rule enforcement, and spotty cleanliness or odor complaints at specific locations.

Review Summaries

Based on 342 reviews

What Campers Love

Wooded, private and level sites; clean, heated shower houses; campground-only beach and boat ramp; family-friendly amenities (miniature golf, playgrounds, sports courts); generally well-maintained...

Based on 342 reviews

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Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Ohio State Parks

Provider

(740) 548-4039

Go if

Families and RV crews who want lake access without driving far from Columbus. The camper-only beach and on-site boat ramp are the real draws, and 37 full-hookup sites plus strong shower facilities make this comfortable for a long weekend.

Skip if

Light sleepers on summer weekends will struggle, late-night noise and campers speeding the interior roads are recurring complaints, and enforcement is inconsistent. Outer-edge sites help, but don't expect quiet after 10pm in peak season.

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Alum Creek Equestrian Camp

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Nestled along the shores of Alum Creek Lake, this beloved equestrian campground offers horse lovers a perfect basecamp for exploring miles of scenic bridle trails. With options ranging from electric hookups to full-service sites, plus seasonal cabin rentals, this popular destination books up fast—reservations open six months ahead and fill quickly during peak season.

Alum Creek Group Camp

Lewis Center, OH (Alum Creek State Park)

Nestled along the shores of a sprawling 3,330-acre reservoir, Alum Creek Group Camp welcomes campers with everything from electric and full-hookup sites to cozy rental cabins and dedicated equestrian facilities. This well-appointed campground requires reservations and rolls out the welcome mat for your four-legged companions, while treating guests to modern comforts like heated showers, flush toilets, and exclusive beach and boat ramp access. Whether you're planning a group gathering, a family getaway, or a horseback riding adventure, you'll find all the amenities you need for a memorable outdoor experience.

Delaware Campground Sites 101 - 214

Delaware Lake, OH (no street address found)

Nestled in the heart of Delaware State Park, this family-friendly haven features 214 electric sites tucked beneath a canopy of mature trees. Modern amenities include hot showers, flush restrooms, laundry facilities, and a camp store (seasonal), with four ADA-accessible sites available. Welcome your furry friends along—pets are permitted throughout, and reservations open up to six months ahead.

Mt. Gilead Campground

4119 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, OH 43338

Nestled among mature hardwoods, Mt. Gilead State Park Campground offers a tranquil retreat centered around a scenic tree-lined lake. Choose from full-hookup or electric-only sites, all with access to modern restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient camp store—plus your furry friends are welcome to join the adventure.

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Cowan Lake State Park

Nestled along the shores of Cowan Lake, this family-friendly campground welcomes you with 254 campsites, 21 cozy cabins, and your own private beach for those lazy summer afternoons. Whether you're pulling up with a tent or full RV setup, you'll find modern conveniences like shower houses and a dump station, plus a seasonal commissary stocked with camping essentials and rental gear. Best of all, your four-legged friends are welcome at every campsite.

Buck Creek Campground

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Nestled along the shores of Buck Creek Lake, this welcoming campground invites you to choose your perfect camping style—from shaded electric sites to rustic non-electric spots, all with easy lake access. For a cozier experience, settle into one of 23 secluded cabins tucked away in the woods, where select units offer peaceful lake views and year-round availability with a two-night minimum stay.

Caesar Creek Campground 2

9000 Center Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177

Nestled along the shores of the stunning 2,830-acre Caesar Creek Lake, this spacious campground welcomes you and your furry friends to an outdoor paradise. Choose from a variety of sites including 35 full-hookup options with 50-amp service, then spend your days exploring miles of trails, cooling off in swim areas, and launching your boat into crystal-clear waters.

Campgrounds

Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 44% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 285 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Campsites
Grade B.Getting there
Grade B-.Things to do

Watch-outs

Grade D.Booking
Grade C-.Safety
Grade C-.Crowds & noise

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Ohio grades overall

About Arrowrock Reservoir

Context for the broader area surrounding Alum Creek Campground - J Thru R, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Arrowrock Reservoir is formed by <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Arrowrock+Dam">Arrowrock Dam</a> which is part of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Boise%20Project">Boise Project</a>. The Reservoir is managed by the <A HREF="http://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_RU4?ss=110402&navtype=forestBean&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=null&ttype=main&pname=Boise%20National%20Forest%20-%20Home">Boise National Forest,</a> (<A HREF="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/map.html">Boise National Forest map</a>). This 18 mile narrow canyon reservoir of 3,150-acres has limited access to 60 miles of shoreline. Boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing are the major recreation activities at Arrowrock, located east of Boise. The reservoir is only 30 minutes from Boise and provides access to the city's nearest national forest. Fish species include rainbow trout, kokanee, yellow perch, whitefish, and the protected bull trout. Season open year-round. Reservoir acre feet and total reservoir capacity and cubic feet/second release rates for rivers below <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/boipaytea.cfm">Boise & Payette River Basins</a> reservoirs and select river locations are updated daily and graphically provided. Site offers: vault toilets, boat ramps and dock, parking, and dispersed camping.

Directions

Follow Idaho 21 to Mores Creek Bridge, about 18 miles, then take the road to the right to Arrowrock Dam.

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