Alum Creek Below Dam Area
0.1532 reviewsAlum Creek Below Dam Area
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsAlum Creek Below Dam Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider740-548-6151
What Campers Say
0.15
Mixed Reviews
Based on 32 reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanrestroomsshade
"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."
About Alum Creek Below Dam Area
Just north of Columbus, Alum Creek Below Dam Area beckons day-trippers and families to its welcoming lakeside haven where swimming, boating, and fishing blend seamlessly with picnicking under shaded shelters. Three accessible group shelters—each designed for gatherings of up to 100 guests—come equipped with electric hookups, while scattered individual picnic spots, modern restrooms, and playgrounds round out this versatile recreational retreat.
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.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled among the gentle contours of rolling hills, the lake spreads across a landscape where open meadows meet wooded shorelines in perfect harmony. The diverse habitat draws an impressive array of songbirds and waterfowl throughout the seasons, their calls echoing across the water as anglers explore the extensive shoreline access. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or simply watching the play of light across the hills, the natural beauty here offers a peaceful escape from urban life while remaining surprisingly close to the city.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityGroup shelters are accessible.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesThree 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.
Best Campsites
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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 not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree group picnic shelters in a day-use area with scattered individual picnic sites around the shelters; on-site amenities include drinking water, tables, grills, flush toilets and playgrounds. Visitor Center located approximately 1 mile east.
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.
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
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
The lake and adjacent state park provide opportunities for hiking; trails (including those for mountain biking and horseback riding) meander through the park.Fishing
Area is known as one of the best fishing lakes in the state with species including white, rock, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, muskie and saugeye; the area has great access to fishing.Swimming
The area and adjacent state park feature a large swimming beach and are popular spots for swimming.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the adjacent Alum Creek State Park.Boating
Boating is supported by a nearby boat ramp and marina; the adjacent park offers boat rentals at the marina.Wildlife viewing
The shoreline and wooded areas support a variety of songbirds and waterfowl for wildlife viewing.Beach activities
A large swimming beach is nearby, and the adjacent state park has a 3,000-foot swimming beach.Cultural and Educational Programs
A visitor center one mile east offers interactive exhibits, programs, maps and brochures and a 48-seat theater.Water Sports
Water sports are popular in the area.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Alum Creek Below Dam Area
31
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 14.7 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresThe area is on Alum Creek Lake with nearby boat ramp, large swimming beach (3000-foot beach in adjacent Alum Creek State Park) and a marina; the Below Dam Area has good access to fishing.
Campground Map
Alum Creek Below Dam Area
Driving directionsFrom Columbus, Ohio, take I-71 north to exit 121 for Polaris. Turn right on Polaris Parkway, left on Worthington Road, left on Africa Road, then left on Lewis Center Road. Shelters are in the Below Dam Area.
Accessible via I-71 north from Columbus to exit 121 (Polaris), then Polaris Parkway, Worthington Road, Africa Road and Lewis Center Road.Reviews from booking and map sources
0.2
32 reviews
Alum Creek Below Dam Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 32 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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsShow more
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...
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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 32 reviewsShow more
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...
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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...
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Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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