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Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground in Ohio
Hard to Book

Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground

Alum Creek Lake, Ohio

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As of October 2026, Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground is a campground in Ohio with 4 campsites. Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground is located at 40.1772ยฐ N, 82.9567ยฐ W.
people allowed on 3 of 4 sites
100

Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum reservations at once: 100 reservations
  • Maximum stay: 14 nights
  • Maximum per transaction: 100 reservations per transaction
  • Military discount available
  • Book up to: 12 Months

Published by Recreation.gov for Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground

  • Standard 4
  • Accessible 3
  • Hookups 4

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, horse riding.

All sites at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the ALUM CREEK loop.

SiteTypeSleepsHookupsAccess
Alum Creek Cricket FieldStandard30Electric-
BUCKEYE SHELTERStandard100Electric, WaterAccessible
Maple Shelter (#1)Standard100Electric, WaterAccessible
Oak Shelter (#2)Standard100Electric, WaterAccessible

About Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground

Overview

Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, just minutes north of Columbus. The lake provides an ideal location for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting. A special events permit must be obtained if the shelter is used for commercial purposes, large groups that need more than 1 shelter, or if open areas around the shelter will be utilized. Contact the Corps Office at 740-548-6151 for more information.

Recreation

Alum Creek Lake is known as one the best fishing lakes in the state. A wide variety of fish including white, rock, small and largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, muskie and saugeye thrive in the lake.

This spacious day-use area is also a popular spot for water sports and swimming. A boat ramp, large swimming beach and marina are all located nearby.

Facilities

Alum Creek offers three group day-use picnic shelters in the Below Dam Area. Each shelter is accessible, can accommodate up to 100 guests and offers electric hookups. Drinking water, tables and grills are provided. Flush toilets and playgrounds are on-site and the area has great access to fishing.

Individual sites with picnic tables and grills are scattered around the shelters and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

At the Visitor Center you will find interactive exhibits, programs, and a 48 seat theater to ensure that there is something for every member of the family. The visitor center is located 1 mile East of the Below Dam Recreation Area and Picnic Shelters! A friendly staff, maps and brochures are available to assist you at the Visitor Center.

Natural Features

The lake is situated among gently rolling hills, where open meadows and wooded areas cover the shoreline. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl can be found in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Alum Creek State Park is adjacent, boasting a 3000-foot swimming beach, a marina with a variety of boat rentals and a large campground. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails meander through the park.

Other attractions near the lake include the Columbus Zoo, the Center of Science and Industry and the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

Rules and notices at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Shelter reservation is from 10am to 8pm, shelter must be vacated and groups dispersed by 8pm. Park is closed dusk to dawn except for fishing.

Electric automatically shuts off at 8pm. No generators or portable power stations are permitted.

Maximum occupancy for each shelter is 100 people. Groups exceeding this level may receive a federal citation and removed from the property. No refund will be given in this circumstance.

A special event permit is required for:

Any event/group using more than 1 shelter

If there are any vendors, sponsors, or fees of any kind including donations or fees charged off site.

If there are any hired/contracted staff/vendors, for example: catering, decorator, event manager, music/DJ, rented equipment, etc

There is a $75 non-refundable special event permit application fee. Please call 740-548-6151 or email alum.creek@usace.army.mil for more information.

Failure to obtain a special event permit may result in a federal citation and/or removal from the park.

Parking is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Park gates will be closed if parking is full. No parking along roadway or grass, no stopping to drop off or pick up supplies or people.

Any equipment that will be brought on site must be approved by the Corps Office at 740-548-6151 or alum.creek@usace.army.mil , and may require a special event permit. This includes grills, tents, tables, chairs, inflatable elements, bounce houses, obstacle courses, ziplines, climbing towers, gaming centers, and any other commercially provided rentals.

Amplified sound of any kind, including PA systems, must be limited so that it can not be heard from other shelters, or within 50 feet of the reserved shelter.

Water balloons and confetti are not permitted.

Alcohol, fireworks, pyrotechnics, drones, and projectile firing devices are prohibited.

Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground?

Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground have?

Alum Creek Below Dam Area Campground has 4 campsites.

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