Deer Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Blending modern and rustic charm, Deer Creek State Park hosts recreation and relaxation for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Nestled amidst farming communities in central Ohio, this state park officially opened to visitors in 1974. Miles of trails, a 1,277-acre fishing lake, and a resort keep guests busy morning to night. Nature programming is available in the summer, and the nature center features displays, crafts, and archery. The park also boasts an 18-hole golf course and marina.
Nearby Cities
Mount Sterling, OH
Columbus, OH
Springfield, OH
Dayton, OH
Spring 28-73 F
Summer 57-84 F
Fall 33-77 F
Winter 15-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Deer Creek State Park
Campground Accommodations
Deer Creek State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 95 feet
Other amenities: Level parking pad, picnic tables, fire ring, seasonal camp store, showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station, two playgrounds
Deer Creek Camping Resort
Along Deer Creek, about half a mile east of Deer Creek Dam, is this campground - a great place to relax or to sit by the pool and splash.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: n/a
Pet friendly: yes
A.W. Marion State Park Campground
Enjoy the lake at this Ohio state park, with its boating, fishing, and a beach just for furry friends.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wi-Fi: no
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: fishing, swimming (from boat), dog beach
What to Do at
Deer Creek State Park
Start your visit with a hike down Storybook Trail after you visit the nature center. Or, Pack your clubs and get in a few good swings on the 350-acre 18-hole golf course. If disc golf is more your speed, there's an 18-hole course, with equipment rentals available in the campground store. Several picnic areas around the lake offer scenic views, and four shelter houses are available for group gatherings. In addition, you can bring your four-legged companion to the park's dog park to meet some friends and get exercise.
Summertime fishing and boating or winter snowmobiling and ice skating means Deer Creek has adventures for you to participate in year-round. There is also a playground for kids and a swimming area.
Inside Deer Creek State Park
There are a number of things to do at Deer Creek State Park.
Boating: Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on Deer Creek reservoir. There are two boat launch ramps to provide lake access, and a marina has fuel, boat rentals, and dock rentals. Boaters can swim from their boats in designated boat-swim areas.
Disc Golf: There is an 18-hole disc golf course and one practice hole at the park. Disc golf equipment can be rented at the camp store.
Fishing: Deer Creek Lake is known for its early spring saugeye fishing, along with catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. Anglers are required to have a valid Ohio fishing license.
Golf: The park is home to a 350-acre, 18-hole golf course near the lodge. There are 10 ponds and 46 sand traps along the course to challenge golfers.
Hunting: There is excellent waterfowl hunting around the lake, and fourteen hunting blinds are issued each season. There is also an archery range in the wildlife area. Hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting license.
Swimming: There is a swim beach with picnic tables and grills. A boat-swim area is also located in the cove near the lodge.
Hiking: There are eight hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy to moderately difficult.
Winter activities: There is sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, and snowmobiling available during the winter months.
Fishing
Fishing below the dam is popular in early spring for those angling for saugeye. Catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie are also common catches at Deer Creek. Many people also enjoy ice fishing when the reservoir freezes over.
Geocaching
A geocache is hidden in the extreme southernmost tip of land that reaches out into Deer Creek Lake. You can take a prize and sign the logbook when you find it. However, remember to leave a family-friendly item behind for the next adventurer.
Nature Watching
You will most likely see armadillos, deer, and opossum while exploring the park. Birders can watch out for mockingbirds, sparrows, and hawks. Animals you may spot living near the water are beavers, turtles, and swamp rabbits.
Flora and Fauna
Old-growth and regrowth forests are plentiful around Deer Creek, with wildflowers brightening the green space. Common wildflowers spotted in the area include Dutchman's breeches, rue anemone, trillium, spring beauty, and bloodroot in the spring. Summer flowers include thimbleweed, wild lettuce, jewelweed, and daisy fleabane. Aster, goldenrod, and chicory are plentiful in the fall.
Hiking
Seven hiking trails at Deer Creek range from short and easy to a bit longer and more challenging. The Storybook Trail is an easy 0.5-mile journey that tells a story as you walk, with the narrative changing throughout the year. Choose a book to take home from the Free Little Library posted at the start of the trail, or leave a good read for the next visitor. The longest trail in the park is the Rolling Hills Trail, at 1.5 miles. All other hiking trails are less than one mile.
Boating
Two boat launch ramps give visitors watercraft access to the lake. There is no horsepower limit, allowing you to get out there and make some waves. A fully equipped marina sells fuel and other fishing, boating, and camping supplies. Seasonal dock rentals are available. Boat rentals are also available at the marina.
Swimming
A 1,700-foot swimming beach on the Deer Creek Reservoir has picnic tables and grills. A designated boat-swim area allows boaters to swim from their boats in the cove near the lodge.
Biking
Bicycles are available for rent in the campground station for those who want to meander through the park on two wheels.
How to Get to
Deer Creek State Park
Deer Creek State Park is located just miles off Interstate 71, southeast of Columbus. Take the exit for Highway 56, which will take you east through Mt. Sterling. Continue out of town to the east for a couple of miles, and then take Highway 34 south to the park office.
Entering Deer Creek State Park
There are several parking lots throughout the park. A large parking lot sits near the park office, another at the golf course, and more at the marina, boat launch, and swimming beach. Parking is also available in and near the campground. There are no entrance fees to enjoy Ohio state parks.
Heading out camping with friends or family is a great way to make new memories and have adventures together! Renting an RV with RVshare takes a lot of stress off of you and makes the trip easier to plan. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and drive, or fly into Ohio and rent an RV, you’re sure to have a trip you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Creek State Park
Late spring to early fall boasts temperatures perfect for outdoor recreation in Deer Creek State Park. Fall foliage brings about stunning autumn colors. Winter sports such as hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are an option if you prefer the colder weather.
Mammals such as white-tailed deer, opossums, red foxes, raccoons, and skunks live in the forests of Deer Creek. Head to the water to spot snakes, turtles, and frogs. Additionally, you will hear the music of the park's large songbird population as you explore the park.
More than 200 electric sites are available for RV camping at Deer Creek. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and nearby restrooms.
Reservations for camping spots are required and can be made online up to six months in advance. The nightly fee for a site ranges from $27 to $42.
Pets are welcome in designated areas of the park, including the campground, most trails, and the dog park. Pets are not allowed on the beach. You must keep them on a leash and are expected to clean up after them.
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