River, stream, or creek camping near Columbus

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

97% (1222 reviews)
97% (1222 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Columbus

Under $50

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Columbus

98%
(23)

Little Darby Outdoors

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Galloway, OH
This is 13 acres in the Little Darby river valley. Lots of space to choose from tents to RVs and campers. Self contained campers only. Flush toilets and shower are available in the agricultural building. Clean and comfortable with country charm. Clean water is available. Free firewood! Free phone and bicycle charging station. Three miles to McDonalds and local businesses. Surrounded by the Columbus Metro Park and 2 miles to the Ohio to Erie bicycle trail. Bring your own kayak and enjoy the beauty of the Little Darby creek.
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$30
 / night
99%
(465)

Grins & Pickin's CampFarm

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Marengo, OH
Grins & Pickin's CampFarm was created to share the outdoors with others. Growing food & flowers, camping & hiking is what we like to do. And we like sharing these activities with others. Our family oriented outdoor recreation facility is open on weekends only and offers primitive camping, PYO produce during the growing season, homesteading activities & nature-based programs. The peaceful 20-acre country farm has food gardens, a frog habitat pool, a barnyard for the chickens & ducks, a bluegill fishin' pond, a pollinator maze, a prairie garden, and an outdoor stage. After crossing a winding creek into 10 acres of woods, you may see deer, turkey, fox, coyote, mink, eagles & barred owls. In early spring, the peepers are peeping, wildflowers are abundant & the vernal pools welcome the wood frogs, salamanders and fairy shrimp. Summer brings on the bullfrogs, butterflies, dragonflies and fireflys. Fall is a great time to pull grapevine to make wreaths & to build stick forts in the woods. We cater to the tent camper so that we can hear frogs & owls instead of generators. But, there is an RV section up front for those with quiet generators with several feet of gravel under the grass to hold the weight of your camper. We charge by the carload & there are different rates for driving back toward the woods for camping depending on the number of wheels & the weight of your vehicle (a factor on the wear & tear on the land). We believe in going outside to play, growing & eating fresh food, strengthening family bonds and promoting the awareness of our natural resources. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: 1) The speed limit is 5 mph as soon as you enter the property (kids & dogs are quick to dart in front of you). 2) As a state registered campground, it is mandatory that you check in at the house to fill out a Registration Form before heading to your campsite. 3) No glass allowed anywhere on the property (we don't want our feet or paws cut open and can do without flat tires). 4) Children under 18 must be attended to at all times for their safety (the frog pool is 10' deep, the pond is 8-10' deep depending on rains, and the creek can turn into a churning river). Thank you!
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$5
 / night
100%
(432)

McKee Farm - Treehouses and Camping

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents230 acres · Frazeysburg, OH
McKee Farm is rich in memories and rich in history. It has been in the family for over 150 years and we were told that it was one of stopping points for the underground railroad. The 240 acre farm boasts a hidden cave, wide open fields, breathtaking forest land, and historic and rustic barns. Nestled at the edge of a wooded creek, Tullihas in the Trees treehouse boasts a beautiful sunset view with rolling hills. Tullihas combines comfort with the thrill of being immersed in nature. Built using recycled electric poles, Tullihas in the Trees has a deck perfect for hammocking, an interior dressed with windows so that guests can feel as if they are living amongst the trees, and two small lofts ideal for a restful night's sleep. Oxley in the Woods is our newest treehouse cabin. Nestled in the woods with a view of the sunset, the lovely A Frame is filled with lovely woodwork, vintage parquet flooring, and private wooded views. The deck is huge! We've had guests set up a tent on the deck beside the treehouse for fun! Swings, and a slide make the Oxley a fun adventure. The double bed in the loft and the two stacked single beds are comfortable and cozy. The McKee Farmhouse was built in the 1800s and is rich in memories. It's a rustic old house, with wood trim, hardwood floors, and plenty of imperfections that make it unique. You can sit on the porch and drink your coffee with a view of the barn and pastures, or cozy up in one of the house's four bedrooms and sleep in. The house is fully air conditioned and heated, has all the amenities of home, but takes you back to a simpler time. Our campsites are all set apart from one another in various locations on the 240 acre farm. Secluded and unique, each campsite has its own charm. We provide guests with a fire ring and a shovel, and some sites have a picnic table. Hiking trails are marked throughout the land. Guests can hike with views of horses, cows, wildlife, corn fields, large boulders, and rustic barns. The dirt roads provide great places to drive ATVs and four-wheelers. An Amish farm borders McKee Farm. Guests should know there is minimal cell service, however, this can offer a great opportunity to unplug. Tullihas in the Trees provides a perfect remote and rustic getaway for anyone. In October and November, access to hiking is limited.
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$35
 / night
97%
(30)

Riverside Drive Retreat.

1 site · Tent11 acres · Powell, OH
This is a beautiful 11 acre completely wooded lot with amazing topography and geologic diversity. It has been sought after by housing developers for years, but remains untouched due to legal battles related to driveway access. It currently provides an authentic secluded retreat in Powell, Ohio; a northwest suburb of Columbus, Oh. We are hoping to keep this land in it’s natural state (all of the site prep has been done by hand (and chain saw))- so come on out, enjoy a primitive retreat and contribute to furthering this land’s interesting story. 😀Learn more about this land:This is a neat “primitive” campsite that is tucked into a natural wooded lot on 11 acres. It is located in Powell, Ohio- a northwest suburb of Columbus, Ohio.  It would be ideal for campers seeking a close get away from Columbus or the suburbs, who would like to disconnect a bit and immerse themselves in nature. We've also had some people traveling through Columbus enjoy a quick stay here.  This is the only site on the 11 acres, so you won't have any other campers to contend with.  The site is quite secluded from about June through early October.  In the fall, it should be noted that the trees will lose their leaves.  The result is that you can hear some traffic on occasion.  Also, you may notice the neighbor's houses when you first arrive.  Most people are able to get past this quite easily- as once you settle in you tend to forget about those things and enjoy the surrounding 11 acres of nature.  The site is mostly Ohio woodlands. Part of it is elevated and part of it is in floodplain adjacent to the Scioto River- providing some interesting topography. There is a small waterfall and two small creeks; which are most often active in the spring and fall.  The O'Shaughnessy Reservoir/Scioto River is in walking distance.  There you can boat, canoe, kayak and fish, but just plain swimming is not allowed.  Note that the reservoir also has a formal boat “dock” just 2 miles down the road.  For those who may wish to “base camp”- there are numerous amenities offered in Powell and nearby Dublin and Delaware and there are several interesting parks and hiking trails which would be just a short drive away.  We understand the pricing on this site may be a bit higher than most- but this is primarily related to the fact that we offer free fire wood; so you do not have to worry about bringing your own or paying for bundles as you go.    
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$50
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100%
(113)

Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat

2 sites · Lodging50 acres · Thornville, OH
Our farm has been in the family for over 50 years. My Cherokee grandmother purchased the farm with the intention of giving each of her children property. We have been raising bison here since 2008. We chose the name Cherokee Valley to honor my heritage and the gift of this farm by my grandmother and mother. We created this tipi experience to share that gift with you! Enjoy a night in our spacious 22 foot tipi. We provide a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. You must provide sleeping bags, linens , blankets etc. The tipi can sleep up to 6 people, 2 on the queen bed we provide, with ample room for additional cots or air mattresses that you provide. We have cots available to rent as an add on. . You may also pitch additional tents or hang hammocks in the trees with room for up to 10 people in all.​ Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch is a working bison farm with bison, honeybees, chickens and peafowl. We are a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station. Enjoy our beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of our ranch. We have a plethora of bird species, butterflies and wildflowers to delight nature lovers. After hiking the trails you can splash around in the pristine creek that borders our property (we recommend water shoes). Take in a gorgeous sunset over our farm, enjoy a wood fired dinner cooked over the provided fire pit with grill. The sounds of hoot owls will lull you to sleep and when you wake, enjoy the stained glass glow through the beautiful tipi. We are close to several wineries, breweries and recreational areas (kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking) as well as Legend Valley concert venue. We are a short drive to Buckeye Lake, Dillion Dam, and Hocking Hills. We have a selection of grass fed bison available in our on-site farm store.
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$85
 / night
89%
(229)

Geneva Hills

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Lancaster, OH
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.
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$35
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100%
(13)

Glamping at River Run

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Delaware, OH
Now booking for spring 2024! Enjoy the luxuries of home in the tranquility of nature with riverfront glamping! Hike, fish, kayak and more in a beautiful wooded location on the scenic Olentangy River in Delaware, Ohio. Our 5 acres of property is surrounded by protected land - the Delaware State park behind us, the US Forestry department across the river and the Delaware Preservation Park River Run kayak/canoe launch across the street. Historic Downtown Delaware with great restaurants and quaint local shops is only a few miles south on 23. Read more details about all of the amenities of the Bluebell glamping site below under the lodging site information!
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$150
 / night
Booked 2 times

Lazy Ferret Glamping

2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Logan, OH
Indulge in off-grid glamping and marvel at the stunning starlit skies in one of Ohio's darkest spots. Experience the thrill of hiking scenic trails and exploring the wooded hills spread across 35 private acres. Conveniently located near Logan and less than an hour's drive from Columbus, our property borders the Buckeye Trail and offers quick access to Hocking Hills, Rockbridge, Clear Creek Metro Park, and an array of outdoor adventures including hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, biking, and more. Explore local venues, dine at charming restaurants, and sample the offerings of nearby wineries and breweries in the Logan area. For optimal access, we strongly recommend a 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive vehicle. Please take precautions against ticks and insects by bringing bug spray. Keep pets attended at all times and remain vigilant of coyotes and other wildlife. A Porta Potty is conveniently located at the front of the property, while a compostable Loo is available at your site. We provide drinking water and offer water refill stations for your convenience. Ample parking is available, with on-site space designated for setting up the included 4-person tent. Immerse yourself in nature's splendor and enjoy a memorable stay amidst Ohio's natural beauty.
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$85
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95%
(10)

Caves campground

4 sites · RVs15 acres · Howard, OH
Beautiful location on the Kokosing river. Located right next to Honey run waterfall lots of hiking, 3 miles from cocos and gap Trail, and so many more wonderful things in the area. Knox county is the gateway to the Amish country, within a couple of miles there’s many Amish stores. We have public restrooms, dump station, 50 amp, and 30 amp sites with water.
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$35
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97%
(43)

Pleasant Acres Ohio

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Plain City, OH
This property was first established in 1976, and the original owner named the property “Pleasant Acres”. He and his wife lived here for over 30 years and still have grandchildren living a few houses down from us. Upon meeting his granddaughter and hearing the story, we decided to honor him and his family by keeping the name. My wife and I have lived here since March 2020, and we are excited to share this little slice of heaven with our friends, family, and future guests. Learn more about this land: Welcome to Pleasant Acres where you will have access to over 7 acres located on the national scenic river, Big Darby Creek. We are centrally located and Less than 10 minutes from Plain City, Dublin, and Hilliard, and only 30 mins from downtown Columbus! A short drive or bike ride to any of these lovely Ohio towns will find you a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shopping. We are on a very quiet and serene piece of land 1 mile upstream from Prairie Oaks metro park. Prairie Oaks is home to miles of hiking trails and Darby Bend lakes which has four lakes, bathrooms, shelter houses, and one the best dog parks in central Ohio. Available activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, axe throwing, volleyball, wildlife watching(there is a bald eagle nest just down stream), and more! Boat and axe rental, shuttle service (availability based on our availability to do so. please ask when booking.), and firewood bundles are available.
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$40
 / night
100%
(1)

Destination Dirt

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Laurelville, OH
Destination Dirt is my regenerative agriculture homestead! We utilize rotational grazing with goats and sheep as well as permaculture principles to heal the soil and produce nutrient -dense food 😁 We are inviting campers to enjoy the beautiful property and learn about sustainable agriculture.
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$25
 / night
92%
(6)

Sky Lake Camping & Fishing

5 sites · RVs113 acres · Springfield, OH
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 pavillion while the sun sets! PLEASE NOTE: These sites do not have any hookups, a SELF CONTAINED RV IS REQUIRED. NO tent camping. Generators are allowed to be used. A dump station is available to use in the RV park. Pull wherever - Booking a site number does not guarantee that location - areas are first come first serve. 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
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$39
 / night

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River, stream, or creek camping near Columbus guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near Columbus, Ohio with a river, look no further than Fruitdale Farm. With over 925 options available, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect spot. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find accommodations to suit your needs. And with reviews from real campers, like The Viking Longhall and Grins & Pickin's CampFarm, you can trust that you're making the right choice. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and showers, as well as activities such as swimming, hiking, and horseback riding, make for an unforgettable camping adventure. With an average price of $35 per night and options as low as $5, camping near Columbus, Ohio has never been more affordable. So pack your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

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