One activity many people look forward to in the summertime is camping. It’s a great option for a weekend getaway and depending on your definition of “roughing it,” can cost considerably less than a traditional vacation. If you live in Hilliard, OH apartments like The Pointe - Hilliard, you’re in a prime location for setting off on a long weekend to nearby camping destinations such as Alum Creek State Park, Tar Hollow, or Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch. Here are some tips on choosing a camping destination followed by some of your options around central Ohio.
First, what are your personal camping preferences? Do you prefer a very remote wilderness setting where you’ll be hiking into a more secluded site with a backpack and sleeping bag? Do you prefer a more developed campground setting that offers facilities like indoor plumbing, electricity, fire pits, RV hookups, picnic tables, and other modern conveniences? Or does “glamping” in an RV, cottage, or cabin suit you best?
Second, do some research. Consult online resources and guidebooks about campgrounds, state and national parks, and other recreational areas that permit camping. Your friends and colleagues who are local outdoor enthusiasts are also a good resource for identifying potential camping destinations.
After you’ve determined your personal interests and preferences, you can take a look at some of the camping options below to help narrow your choices.
State Parks
There are at least six state parks within an hour of The Pointe - Hilliard Apartments! With hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, horseback riding, and a variety of accommodations ranging from deluxe to primitive, you’re sure to find a site that suits your preferences. No matter which one you choose, they all make an easy weekend drive.
Alum Creek State Park, 20 miles north
Alum Creek is a popular boating destination and provides a variety of camping accommodations, including sites with electric and RV hookups, primitive (non-electric) sites, equestrian and group camping sites, and cabins offering heat and air conditioning, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.
Delaware State Park, 27 miles north
Delaware State Park is home to meadows, woodlands, a 1300-acre reservoir, and plenty of primitive and electric sites, as well as group sites that can accommodate up to 40 campers.
Deer Creek State Park, 36 miles south
From boating and golf to fishing and hiking, Deer Creek has a little something for everyone, plus electric campsites, equestrian campsites, and cabins.
AW Marion State Park, 38 miles south
Just off the quiet waters of Hargus Lake, AW Marion provides both electric and primitive sites.
Buck Creek State Park, 40 miles west
Buck Creek is home to a large reservoir that is popular for boating and fishing and 24 deluxe cabins with full kitchens, bathrooms, television, and air conditioning, as well as electric and primitive campsites.
Tar Hollow State Park, 60 miles south
Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking in Tar Hollow. Accommodations include group camping, primitive and electric sites, and cabins featuring air conditioning and a refrigerator and microwave.
Unique Camping Experiences
Hipcamp.com is a website that connects people with farms that are willing to host them. It’s an Airbnb for campers, of sorts, and it’s where you can find more unique camping destinations than your average state park. Here are a few bookings you can find there.
Camping with Unruly Goats, 29 miles southeast
Located in Groveport an hour from Hocking Hills and Tar Hollow State Parks, the Harrison Farm makes a terrific getaway. It’s a working livestock farm, so you should be prepared for goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and barn cats. The family hosts a variety of events, including yoga classes, farm tours, dinners, and private parties, and they also provide two rustic campsites for just $30 a night.
Grins & Pickin's CampFarm, 33 miles northeast
This farm provides a variety of camping choices, from a rustic two-person cabin near the fishing hole to a selection of RV and tent camping sites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and hammocks. Starting at just $5 a night, it’s very affordable but does not having running water or electricity, so be prepared to be rustic!
The Lake at Flying J Farm, 37 miles northeast
The Flying J Farm provides six campsites for tents and RVs on 250 acres near a small lake, streams, and pastures. A farm store on the property provides grass-fed beef, maple syrup, fruits, and vegetables.
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Creekside Retreat, 52 miles east
Stay in a spacious tipi on this working farm, certified Wildlife Habitat, and Monarch Way Station that is home to bison, honeybees, chickens, and peafowl. Enjoy hiking trails, a creek, and gorgeous sunsets over the farm.
Geode Nature Domes, 55 miles south
Host to yoga classes, wellness getaways, and adventure retreats, the Geode Dome event space in Chillicothe, Ohio, offers a truly unique outdoor experience in your choice of a sky tent, glamping dome, or 36-foot nature dome that can sleep 20!
After a weekend of living off the grid, you’ll love coming home to The Pointe - apartments for rent, Hilliard, Ohio. With thoughtful amenities and spacious units, this community is in an ideal base for summer travel with all the comforts you need in a luxury apartment home. Call 614-344-1817 to schedule a tour and reserve your new apartment today.