Lake Camping Near Columbus, Ohio, US: 20 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Columbus, Ohio with a lake, you're in luck. We have over 390 options available for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or cabin, we've got you covered. The average price per night is $38, but don't worry, we have options as low as $18 per night. Looking for the top campsites in the area? Check out Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and cooking equipment. And if you're into swimming, fishing, and boating, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities as well. Start planning your camping adventure now!

94% (897) • 34 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Columbus, Ohio with a lake, you're in luck. We have over 390 options available for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or cabin, we've got you covered. The average price per night is $38, but don't worry, we have options as low as $18 per night. Looking for the top campsites in the area? Check out Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), The Lake at the Flying J Farm (319 reviews), and The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as showers, campfires, and cooking equipment. And if you're into swimming, fishing, and boating, you'll find plenty of opportunities for those activities as well. Start planning your camping adventure now!

94% (897) • 34 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbus

1. The Lake at the Flying J Farm

98%

(1384)

26mi from Columbus · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Flying J Farm is 250 beautiful rolling acres including 100 acres of forest, 6-acre lake small pond, three streams, and numerous fields for crops and pastures with cows. The owner bought the farm in 1998 for his retirement from a faculty position at the Ohio State university. Two buildings, the farm house and old barn, are original dating back to 1831. These have been restored for current use. The mission of the farm is to restore health both in people though the products produced and in the land by farming in a sustainable way with no conventional chemicals, antibiotics, and use of GMO. We host many visitors including tours and events. An on farm market is available to visitors for purchase of our products including grass-fed beef, maple syrup, and fruits and vegetables. The cabin was built using wood from the farm. It has off-grid electricity meaning it is powered by batteries charged by solar panels. There is not sufficient power for devices with a heating element such as coffee makers and hair dryers. You may charge cell phones. For any other use, please check with the owner. Wild Life. There is an abundance of wildlife to be observed on the farm. Deer can be seen at dusk, raccoons can be seen going through your camp food at night (if you put it in your car), turkeys, hawks, vultures, rabbits, coyotes (heard screaming at night), frogs (especially heard at night), fish (jumping), and many song birds (my favorite, the bobolink, May and June only, nesting in the pastures). Trash. This sustainable farm has no garbage hauling, please carry away your trash.

2. Sky Lake Camping & Fishing

97%

(15)

42mi from Columbus · 5 sites · RVs

A Boondockers Dream! Camp on a private acre lake away from it all. Enjoy fishing on a professionally stocked and managed pay lake (fishing pass purchase required) or an evening fire at the pavilion while the sun sets! PLEASE NOTE: These sites do not have any hookups, a SELF CONTAINED RV IS REQUIRED. NO Tent/Car camping. Generators are allowed to be used. A dump station is available to use in the RV park. - Booking a site number does not guarantee that location - sites are first come first serve and located by the pavilion. No Campfires are allowed in the Boondocking area but there is a community fire pit by the pavilion. Learn more about this land: 113 Acre Campground & RV Park - 50 Acres of Stocked Fishing Lakes - 4 Season Park Open Year-Round - Full Hook Up Waterfront RV Sites Available for Additional Fee, please call - Close to I-70, Yellow Springs OH, Clark County Fairgrounds, Air Force Museum, Clifton Gorge, Buck Creek, John Bryan State Park and much much More! Centrally Located Between Columbus, Ohio and Dayton, Ohio. SkyLakeRV.com

3. Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds

97%

(57)

42mi from Columbus · 45 sites · RVs, Lodging

Hilltop Resorts uniquely combines the amenities and luxuries of a resort with a more natural campground setting, giving you the best of both worlds! Feel close to nature, in a serene, unassuming environment, while staying in comfort and experiencing a wide range of amenities that we offer. Whether you are looking for Cabin stays, RV parks, Glamping, or Camping, we have them all! Hilltop Resorts is an ideal spot for those seeking cabin stays, RV camping, glamping, or camping in Hocking Hills. Situated by Lake Logan, it offers convenient access to Hocking Hills and nearby attractions. You can unwind in the resort’s cabins or RV park, as well as various glamping and tent sites, and appreciate the stunning scenery of Hocking Hills. At Hilltop Resorts, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of amenities and activities that are designed to engage not only our small guests but also those who are young at heart. Our guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities and facilities, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable stay with us.

4. A.W. Marion State Park

100%

(3)

25 sites · Stoutsville, Ohio

Petite in size, but immense in character. A.W. Marion is a little slice o’ heaven. Located less than an hour outside of Columbus, the park promises an idyllic escape from the daily grind. Stay for a weekend campout among the rolling woodlands or for an afternoon picnic by the lake.Hargus Lake is the heart of A.W. Marion, taking up almost half of the park’s total acreage. There’s ample boating for electric-powered vessels. And while there’s no swimming beach, you can totes practice your swan dive and swim from your boat. If fishing is your fancy, you’ll find largemouth bass, muskellunge, bluegill and channel catfish. Need to sweat it out? The 5-mile Hargus Lake Trail loops around the perimeter of the lake, furnishing picturesque scenes and bragging rights to your friends back at camp. During the winter you can still “chill” at A.W. Marion with opportunities for ice fishing, ice skating and sledding!

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Delaware State Park

86%

(13)

24 sites · Waldo, Ohio

Frolic in the 1,300-acre reservoir in Delaware State Park, where waterfront activities galore will keep you smiling from ear to ear. Enjoy the beech-maple forest and colorful meadows, where white-tailed deer and woodchucks will make an appearance if you're lucky to witness it. Hunters can catch game with traps or bow and arrow in designated parts of the park, where waterfowl is the animal of choice. Lay out a towel on the sandy 800-ft beach, or opt to enjoy the waters from your unlimited horsepower boat.A fully-equipped marina means running out of fuel or fishing supplies is simply not an option. Five trails set the backdrop for ample bird watching, where you can hike or bike to your destination of choice. If your crew is looking for a more extensive hunting and fishing experience, consider visiting the nearby Delaware Wildlife Area, which offers nearly 5,000 acres of game.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Buckeye Lake Winery

89%

(57)

28mi from Columbus · 7 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: There are four graveled drives located in the woods at Buckeye Lake Winery. Only self contained RV's are allowed, no tent camping. You will have access to Buckeye Lake. Camp fires are permitted when there aren't local fire bans in effect. Please take all trash with you. Restrooms are not provided at campsites, however there are facilities in the winery when open. Enjoy Buckeye Lake Winery and Restaurant during open hours of operation, see website for more specific information regarding hours of operation, menu and band schedules. Buckeye Lake has multiple bars and restaurants located around the lake, once considered the "Playground of Ohio". It's an undiscovered gem if you've never been here.

7. Geneva Hills

89%

(297)

31mi from Columbus · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide.

8. Deer Haven Secluded Cabin

100%

(1)

43mi from Columbus · 1 site · Lodging

Secluded Cabin near Hocking Hills with Stocked Pond/ Hot Tub on 40 acres. Beautiful newly updated cabin surrounded by rolling hills and wilderness. Perfect for up to 6 guests to relax, hike the trails in the 50 acres of meadow/woods, fish in the 1.5 acre fully stocked pond, roast smores over the campfire, watch the amazing sunset, stargaze. Deer Haven Cabin has trails where you can walk among the wildflowers, dragonflies, and butterflies. See bunnies, turkeys, and many deer on a daily basis.

9. Kickapoo Kamping

88%

(56)

47mi from Columbus · 2 sites · Tents

This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.

10. Deer Creek State Park

95%

(10)

25 sites · Pancoastburg, Ohio

More like a resort than anything, Deer Creek State Park will transport you outdoors while remaining in the lap of luxury. Whether you choose to stay in the lodge, cottages, or campgrounds, swimming pools and a 350-acre golf course are what make this area so deluxe. Work your game at one of the courts or relax on the sands of a 1,700-ft beach, the choice is yours. Waterfowl hunting is a boon in this area, though you will have to win your hunting permit on a lottery basis. Whether you're looking to hook some spring saugeye or rev your boat with unlimited horsepower along the reservoir, we have a sneaking suspicion you won't get bored in this plush locale.

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11. Buck Creek State Park

90%

(5)

23 sites · Northridge, Ohio

Quintessential glamping! For all those campers of comfort who wanna get away without leaving the amenities of home behind, Buck Creek has a room for you. The park has a bunch of fully loaded cottages for rent that are, let’s be honest, probably nicer than your apartment. And for those who like a little dirt in their sandwich (possibly literally), there’s also tent campsites available. The park is centered around a massive lake, where you can boat, swim, fish and even scuba dive. And get this, speed demons: there’s several unlimited ski and horsepower zones. For the leisure-seekers, there’s miles of trails to bike or amble, with plenty of overlooks to observe the array of rare and unusual plants and animals. Legit need some R&R? Just kick back and enjoy the view from your cottage’s ridiculously charming screened-in porch.

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12. Mt. Gilead State Park

22 sites · Mount Gilead, Ohio

Listen for the chirp of native songbirds at Mt. Gilead State Park, where leafy canopies and forest floors covered with wildflowers may trick you into thinking you're Snow White. This charming 181-acre park is small, but all the more welcoming for it. Lap your rowboat around the 32-acre lake, then cast a line for some delicious bass or bluegill. Seven bridle trails cater to you and your horse's needs in mind, and a surprising number of sport courts will definitely keep you in shape. With a smile and a song, we have a feeling these park grounds will feel simply magical.

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13. Tar Hollow State Park

100%

(3)

24 sites · Adelphi, Ohio

Frolic in the dense woodlands and deep ravines that characterize Tar Hollow State Park, where you don't have to hide those dreams anymore of becoming an enigmatic wood nymph. With 604 acres of pure unadulterated nature to immerse yourself in, the only real question is where should you pitch that secluded tent? Indulge in a romantic rowboat trip across the lake, or scale the beaches for the perfect swimming hole. The network of trails and hunting and fishing opportunities will really make you feel like you can live off the land. Hear that? It's Mother Nature, and she's whispering for you to get in touch with these hallowed grounds.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

14. Hocking Hills State Park

98%

(49)

25 sites · Logan, Ohio

Hike to ancient caves, soaring cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

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Toilets

Campfires

15. Dillon State Park

90%

(10)

25 sites · Zanesville, Ohio

It won't be hard to lose yourself in Mother Nature's charm at Dillon State Park, where 2,285 acres of woodland beauty will keep you busy. Keep an eye out for wild turkey and ruffled grouse as you scale the rolling farmlands or explore one of four hiking trails. Horse-lovers will enjoy 15 miles of bridle trails for their use, and biking enthusiasts will find refuge in the 12 miles of trails situated around the park. Reunite that frolfing team from college brah, because 18 holes mean you'll have time to amp up your game. Whether you're interested in practicing your accuracy at the archery range, catching the biggest bluegill, or exploring the 1,500-acre lake on your oversized boat, a shortage of activities is the least of your challenges at this park.

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16. Tar Hollow State Forest

46 sites · Adelphi, Ohio

Discover Tar Hollow State Forest's rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.

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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The pond is quite large and had a canoe, two kayaks and a paddleboard for us to use

Jay

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

I've stayed at Flying J now 5+ times, and have stayed at sites 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The only one I wouldn't choose again is 3, as it's the site right in the open by the boat dock (as Richard clearly describes in the site profile). Site 1, 5, and 6 are all great sites in the woods. 1 and 5 have nice lake views, and 6 is up on a little bluff with farther views of the lake through the trees. Site 4 is the one you cannot drive to as it's across a small earthen dam. It's got more of an open view of the lake than sites 1, 5, and 6. Again, all the sites are great and Richard is an awesome host!

T

Tyler

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Beautiful little spot tucked away in the woods. Richard made his rounds and checked in on us every night. Only downside to the site was the shower situation. Wasn’t the cleanest and the hot water didn’t seem to work. But as a camp site it was the perfect place just outside of town.

Brandon

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sky Lake Camping & Fishing

First place I stayed at using the Hipcamp app and was not disappointed. The grounds were very well maintained and clean. The lakes were beautiful. It was very quiet and could barely hear any road traffic. I would definitely return

Katrina

October 2025

2 nights at Deer Haven Secluded Cabin

Deer Haven is a WONDERFUL property! Brent literally has just about everything you will need during your stay in the cabin. It is secluded, peaceful and clean! Every morning you walk outside to a picture perfect view. We caught and released some bass, bluegill and more out of the pond, the trails around the property have a clear path to walk through and the hot tub was very clean and relaxing. We throughly enjoyed our time here and we are already planning our next stay at Deer Haven! A huge thank you to Brent and his cleaning crew for everything! We can’t wait to go back!

Becky

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Lake at the Flying J Farm

I really enjoyed my stay at the Lake at Flying J Farm. I was greeted by Ruby, the farm dog upon arrival at checkin and she was lovely. The grounds are large and scenic. Site 2 was really nice and nestled in the woods right on the water and in good walking distance from the restroom. This was my first solo camping trip and I'm glad I did it here. I'll definitely have to come back with the family.

The property is well-maintained and beautiful

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

We loved our spacious site and view across the water. Would visit again for sure!

T

Tyler

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Richard has a great setup for any camper to enjoy. It's quiet, shaded, and serene.

A

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Geneva Hills

Fantastic. Close to Columbus, and the place was so quiet and empty, it was great.

C

Connor

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Very nice getaway. Property was awesome and Richard was very nice!

D

Danny

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Second time here, we love it! Site 2 is huge, private and next to the pond. Beautiful fall foliage, pretty trails. Will come back.

John L

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Beautiful location and quiet (with the exception of the Canadian geese that landed on the pond at 11pm). Scenic and well maintained. Richard and Ruby (their retriever) were very nice and quick to respond on Hipcamp. I don't think there was a bad site to camp, trails for hiking, not too far out of town but far enough to be secluded. Can't wait to go out again!

P

Priscilla

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Camping on Richard’s land was an unforgettable experience. The open fields offered stunning scenery and a sense of peaceful solitude that’s hard to find these days. The wide, open skies made for amazing views—especially at night when the stars came out. It was the perfect spot to unplug and just enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. Highly recommended for anyone looking to relax and recharge.

Paul

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

The site was beautiful, and Richard was awesome. What an amazing & gracious host.

J

Jacqueline

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Site is quiet, well maintained and facilities are within walking distance. Absolutely loved our trip and the feeling of privacy even on a busy evening when the other sites were full. Watching our fellow campers take their canoes onto the pond was very scenic and overall, a great experience.

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

We loved our time here! We spent two nights with our dog and brought a grate to cook over the fire pit. Richard was very communicative and friendly. He made rounds once or twice a day to check on all of the campers. The property is gorgeous. We enjoyed walking around taking pictures with our camera. We thought we might swim in the pond, but it was full of algae this time of year (not sure if it is like that all the time) so just be prepared to do other activities. And the shower and flush toilet weren’t really usable, so I would be prepared or rustic camping. All in all, we would go back and recommend this campsite to our friends.

R

Rebecca

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

The campsite was clean and well maintained. The only real negative was the amount of poison ivy to watch out for. One thing that was not a dealbreaker by any means but you should know if you plan to camp around the lake this time of year, is that the geese are migrating south and are not quiet about it. I was woken up several times through the night when a new group would fly in, have a conversation and fly out. That went on over and over again all night. The owner of the farm stops by in the evening to make sure everyone is settled in and happy. Hearing the cows moo and the rooster crow were fun treats. I would highly recommend and I do plan to go back again.

A

Andrea

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

We loved this tent site! It had a perfect view of the lake and was so peaceful. We will definitely be visiting again.

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Lake at the Flying J Farm

Richard’s property was such a beautiful and peaceful spot for tent camping! We really enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to return. Getting to the site was an adventure in itself, we literally drove through the cow pasture, which made the whole experience feel authentic and unforgettable. The campsite was surrounded by nature, quiet, and private. The bathhouse was a nice bonus that made our stay more comfortable while still keeping that rustic, outdoorsy feel. We also loved visiting his little market on the property. The steaks we purchased there were some of the best we’ve ever had, so fresh and delicious!! Between the beautiful scenery, the cows, and the thoughtful touches, this site made for a memorable trip. We’ll definitely be back!

C

Cory

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Geneva Hills

A very beautiful campsite we stayed at I wish the lake was a little bit bigger and more accessible but they were plenty to do on the campgrounds very helpful woman working the front office The pool was closed even though it was Labor Day weekend we could have really used a good swim only stayed one night but it was great

R

Rebecca

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Geneva Hills

I enjoyed my stay. It was very peaceful. I would recommend and I will camp there again.