How much does camping cost at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA?

Camping fees at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA range from $40-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA first-come first-served or reservation?

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA before I book?

Yes! ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA has 10 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 BELOW DAM AREA?

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA is open January 01 to December 31. 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 BELOW DAM AREA?

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA?

Pets are not allowed at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA?

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA?

Popular activities at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

4 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

$40 - $100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

$40 - $100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

$40.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Alum Creek Cricket Field: $40.00 (+$40.00 weekend); GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00 (+$50.00 weekend). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

740-548-6151

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

40.1772, -82.9567

Weather at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

Best Time to Camp at ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warm water, long daylight, and full-service facilities that make Alum Creek ideal for swimming, boating, and group picnics; expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (mid 20s–low 30s °C) with occasional days near 90°F. Water-based activities and fishing are at their peak, playgrounds and shelters get heavy use on weekends, and wildlife viewing (waterfowl, shorebirds) is abundant along the lake edge. Plan for weekend crowds and book group shelters in advance; be Peak months: June, July, August, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak: lake warm for swimming, boating active, shelters booked and fishing picks up.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA

Alum Creek Below Dam Area sits just outside Columbus, operated by the Corps of Engineers along the Alum Creek reservoir outflow. The campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, and potable water for tent and RV campers who want lake access, trails, and fishing within easy reach of the city. Reviewers consistently praise the scenic dam views, clean facilities, and well-maintained picnic areas.

Primarily a day-use recreation area with group picnic shelters and individual first-come, first-served picnic sites; no specific overnight campsite types are listed for the Below Dam Area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warm water, long daylight, and full-service facilities that make Alum Creek ideal for swimming, boating, and group picnics; expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (mid 20s–low 30s °C) with occasional days near 90°F. Water-based activities and fishing are at their peak, playgrounds and shelters get heavy use on weekends, and wildlife viewing (waterfowl, shorebirds) is abundant along the lake edge. Plan for weekend crowds and book group shelters in advance; be Peak months: June, July, August, September

Elevation837 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe park spreads below the concrete face of Alum Creek Dam, with the reservoir visible from the top and open lawns rolling down to the shoreline. Wooded pockets shade picnic areas. The dam itself offers elevation gain via stairs and a paved path that runs its length, providing views across the water and surrounding hills. Shorebirds and waterfowl cluster along the lake edge, especially during migration and summer nesting.

Programs & ActivitiesA visitor center one mile east offers interactive exhibits, programs, maps and brochures and a 48-seat theater.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 100 guests per shelter.

Groups

Three group day-use picnic shelters in the Below Dam Area
each shelter is accessible, accommodates up to 100 guests, and offers electric hookups. Tables and grills are provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsContact the Corps Office at 740-548-6151. A special events permit must be obtained for commercial use, large groups needing more than one shelter, or use of open areas around the shelter.

AccessibilityGroup shelters are accessible.

Recommended SitesThree group day-use picnic shelters are located in the Below Dam Area and are accessible with electric hookups; individual picnic sites with tables and grills are scattered around the shelters. The Visitor Center is 1 mile east of the Below Dam Recreation Area and has staff, maps and brochures to assist visitors.

Amenities available

Day-use area with three accessible group picnic shelters offering electric hookups, plus individual picnic sites. Drinking water, picnic tables, grills and flush toilets are provided; a visitor center is nearby.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Alum Creek Below Dam Area supports fishing, boating, swimming and other day-use water activities and provides access to trails and wildlife viewing in the surrounding landscape.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

ALUM CREEK BELOW DAM AREA has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly rate Alum Creek Below Dam Area very highly, praising it as a clean, well‑maintained day-use park with great views of the dam and reservoir. Families, large groups, anglers, and walkers all highlight the variety of activities, including playgrounds, fishing, walking paths, stairs workouts, picnicking, and group events at the shelters.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors love the scenic views from both below and atop the dam, especially for walks, sunsets, and people‑watching, as well as the variety of terrain, trails, and stair workouts. The park is...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Very few negatives are mentioned. One shelter renter noted the grounds around the pavilion had not been swept and there was trash when they arrived, though staff addressed it promptly. Another...

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Shelters receive consistently strong feedback. Maple Shelter (#1) is repeatedly described as clean, spacious, and ideal for large groups (around 80–100+), with ample parking, bolted‑down tables in...

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Multiple reviewers recommend walking the stairs to the top of the dam for a great view of the lake and surrounding nature, and using the path along the dam for longer walks, runs, or cycling....

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Extremely well maintained day use park. There are two nice playgrounds, three shelters and two restroom buildings. You can stay below the dam or walk the stairs to the top of the dam." "The Maple...

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviewers mention easy access, including “easy access with great accommodation for 100 guests!!” and highlight nearby restrooms and parking close to shelters, which suggests the group...

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Multiple reviews note that the area is good for dogs, including one calling it a “cool place for dogs. Very spacious!” and another appreciating the dog park for a high‑energy dog that needs lots of...

Based on 4 reviews

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