Alum Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide

The gentle coves and inlets of Alum Creek Reservoir promise exceptional crappie, muskie, bass, and bluegill fishing. The reservoir has nearly 70 miles of shoreline, with one of the most popular fishing access points located near Cheshire Road. All anglers over 16 must have a valid Ohio fishing license.

You'll find one of the easiest Alum Creek geocaches near the visitor center. The prize is hidden in a wooded area that may require some bushwhacking, depending on the time of year. This traditional geocache is near public bathrooms and easy parking, making it a great exploration activity for families.

The woodlands in the park are home to a variety of wildlife like rabbits, white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, woodchucks, and raccoons. Bird enthusiasts may want to stop by in the fall to see the many migrating mallards, blue-winged teals, and northern shovelers.

After winter passes, the forest floor becomes blanketed with colorful wildflowers like bloodroot and large trilliums. As you walk the many hiking trails, you'll enjoy the maple woodlands leading down to the water's edge. Some of the most notable fauna to watch out for include ospreys and the occasional black bear.

The 1.5-mile Hollenback Trail, 1.5-mile Park Office Trail, and five-mile Multi-Purpose Trail are all rated as easy. Explorers looking for more of a challenge should check out the moderate 4.1-mile Rock to Roots Trail. For kids, the half-mile Storybook Trail starts at the north end of the beach. It's updated regularly to present a new story to travelers and even has a free library where you can pick up a book.

There are four public access ramps on Alum Creek Reservoir and one additional ramp reserved for campers. The north side of the lake enforces a no-wake policy. However, head south of Cheshire Road for plenty of space to water ski. The full-service Alum Creek Marina has 240 slips up to 32 feet long, where you are welcome to dock your boat.

The park has an astounding 3,000-foot sandy beach open during daylight hours. You can look forward to many great beach facilities like a modern changing area, food vendors, restrooms, outdoor showers, and sand volleyball courts. Visitors should know that you can only swim in designated areas, and no lifeguards are on duty. In addition, no pets are allowed on any of the swimming beaches except the one by the marina.

There are several bike trails at Alum Creek State Park ranging from two to seven miles long. The longest, Phase II, is considered the most difficult and should only be tackled by experienced mountain bikers. Peddlers new to mountain biking may want to check out the Gnomewood or Beginner Loop trails instead.