Alum Creek Dam Spillway and Tainter gates at Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek Dam Spillway and Tainter gates at Alum Creek State Park. Photo: Sixflashphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alum Creek State Park, located only 22 miles north of Columbus, is a favorite vacation destination for those looking for lakeside activities and other outdoor adventures. This picturesque Ohio state park lies along the large Alum Creek Reservoir surrounded by acres of beech-maple forest, deep ravines and beautiful seasonal wildflowers.

Guests enjoy paddling, jet skiing, floating and swimming in the 3,387 acre lake and camping, hiking, picnicking and birdwatching in rural central Ohio.

Activities

Pack your overnight bag and your camping gear and come spend a few relaxing days in this beautiful area. Alum Creek State Park is a great place to visit any time of the year but especially so during the Summer. This is when it really comes alive with signs and sounds of wildlife, plants, colorful wildflowers… and of course, the large lake offers a refreshing escape and a chance to swim, boat, fish and more.

Its location is another reason why it’s so popular. It’s really close to Columbus, the state capital, and lots of restaurants, shops, and indoor and outdoor entertainment. And the park’s additional features, including cabins, campsites, picnic areas (with tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms), a Nature Center, and an 18-hole Disc golf course that is free to play, help create a cozy atmosphere where you’ll want to visit time and again.

And if you might be visiting during the winter… Depending upon the weather, the park allows sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Alum Creek State Park:

Boating at Alum Creek State Park

The 3,387 acre lake (Alum Creek Reservoir) inside Alum Creek State Park

Is a boater’s paradise. The southern section of the lake allows unlimited horsepower and lots of room for water skiing; the northern section (a no-wake zone) is more peaceful and ideal for kayaks, canoes, fishing and bird watching. This section contains sheltered inlets and coves along tree lined shores.

A marina and dock is available along the lake and 4 boat launch ramps are located inside the park, plus an extra one just for registered campers.

Swimming at Alum Creek State Park

Swim, float, sunbathe and more… Alum Creek State Park is very popular during the summer. That’s because they contain the state’s largest inland beach! This 3,000 foot sandy beach area also has sand volleyball courts, vendors, outdoor showers, and restrooms with changing areas.

Hiking at Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek State Park features 12 miles of trails that wind through the beech-maple forest, along the lake, and past deep ravines and colorful wildflowers.

The park also features a Storybook Trail, a grassy ½ mile trail lined with storybook pages. A Free Little Library lies along the start of the path. Guests are encouraged to take a book or leave a book.

Biking at Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek State Park features 14 miles of mountain bike trails spread across 3 separate trails ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. And providing each guest with an opportunity to explore. Check out Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization for more details about these trails and others in the area.

Horseback Riding at Alum Creek State Park

Do you live nearby or will you be already traveling with your horses? Check out Alum Creek State Park’s 38 miles of bridle trails. These trails wind throughout the lush forest, across deep ravines, and past the lake.

Fishing at Alum Creek State Park

Bring your fishing gear and spend a peaceful day out on the lake. Alum Creek State Park has many narrow coves and inlets where bass, bluegill, crappie and muskie may be caught by patient anglers. Remember to pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading into the park.

Birding at Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek State Park’s surrounding woodlands provide ideal conditions for bird watching. Here you may see Mourning Doves, American Crows, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, White-throated Sparrows, American Goldfinches, Tufted Titmice, American Robins, Blue-winged Warblers, and Summer Tanagers.

Nature and Wildlife at Alum Creek State Park

The rich soils of Delaware County have nurtured a picturesque beech-maple forest and gorgeous seasonal wildflowers.

Spring and summer visitors to Alum Creek State Park will be greeted by an abundance of wild geraniums, trillium, and bloodroot as well as sightings of White-tailed deer, Eastern Grey Squirrels, raccoons, many species of birds, woodchucks, and rabbits. Guests may also see an American black bear, coyote, or bobcat during their visit.

Pets at Alum Creek State Park

Pets are welcome inside Alum Creek State Park. So much so that the park features a 4 acre dog park with access to the lake! The Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park offers guests a place to relax and have fun with their pets. And for all other designated pet friendly areas throughout the park, pets should be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Camping at Alum Creek State Park

Planning to spend a few days in the area? Look no further than the Alum Creek State Park Campground. They feature sunny and shaded electric and full hookup campsites (some with lake views), camper cabins, and Sherman Cabins. Primitive and equestrian camping areas are also available.

Campers have access to flush toilets, hot showers, mini golf, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, a dump station, and a private beach and boat ramp.

Camper cabins, available seasonally from April to October, have 2 rooms with 1 double bed, 1 bunk bed, a refrigerator, electric stove and air conditioning. Each sleeps up to 4 people.

The Sherman Cabins, available year round, are one room cabins that have 1 single bed, 1 bunk bed, a table and chairs, a small refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning and heat. Cabins do not have linens, dishes, or utensils. And pets are not allowed.

Park Location

Alum Creek State Park
3615 S Old State Road
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: 740.548.4631

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Alum Creek State Park: