RV Parks In Circleville, Ohio
39.6006° N, 82.9460° W
Quick Overview
Circleville is the seat of Pickaway County in central Ohio, sitting on the Scioto River about 25 miles south of Columbus, and it makes a practical, low-key base for lake camping and easy day trips to the capital. The town is best known for its October Pumpkin Show, billed as the greatest free show on earth, but for RVers the draw is two solid state park campgrounds within about 20 minutes and a couple of private full-service resorts to round out the options. This is flat farm country, so getting around with any size rig is simple.
The camping here leans public and affordable. A.W. Marion State Park, just east of town at Hargus Lake, offers 29 sites with 50-amp electric plus non-electric spots, a dump station, and a camp store, with some sites fitting rigs up to 40 to 50 feet. It is a quiet lakeside spot, though there are no full hookups or showers, so plan accordingly. About 20 miles west near Mount Sterling, Deer Creek State Park is the bigger option, with more than 200 mostly electric sites, showers, a swimming beach, a lodge, and golf. For full hookups at the site, private Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park provide 30 and 50-amp full-service sites.
Expect a friendly, outdoorsy character rather than a resort scene, with the state parks setting the tone: lakes for fishing and boating, wooded trails, and honest pricing. Big rigs do well at Deer Creek and at the private resorts, while A.W. Marion suits mid-size and smaller rigs that do not need sewer at the site. The big thing to plan around is the season. Central Ohio winters are cold and snowy, and most campgrounds close from November through March, so this is a warm-weather destination. Come May through October and you get long green summer days at the lakes and crisp, colorful falls, with the Pumpkin Show as a bonus if you time it for mid-October. Below we cover getting here, when to come, what it costs, and the trips worth building around a few nights near Circleville.
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All Dump Stations Near Circleville
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.w. Marion State Park | 3.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lakeside Resort Park | 4.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| A.w. Marion State Park Campground | 4.6 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Gleason's Mobile Home Park | 11.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Waters Edge RV Park | 13.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Great Seal State Park Campground | 13.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Deer Creek Camping Resort | 13.8 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Doe Shelter | 14.2 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Jackson Lake Campground & Park | 15.1 mi | 3.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Deer Creek State Park Campground | 16.0 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
A.w. Marion State Park
3.7 miLakeside Resort Park
4.1 miA.w. Marion State Park Campground
4.6 miGleason's Mobile Home Park
11.6 miWaters Edge RV Park
13.0 miGreat Seal State Park Campground
13.7 miDeer Creek Camping Resort
13.8 miDoe Shelter
14.2 miJackson Lake Campground & Park
15.1 miDeer Creek State Park Campground
16.0 miTraveling to Circleville by RV
Circleville sits on US-23 in central Ohio, roughly 25 miles south of Columbus. There is no interstate through town, but US-23 is a fast four-lane that connects to I-270 around Columbus to the north and runs south toward Chillicothe, so access is easy from any direction. US-22 and state routes 56 and 104 handle the rural runs out to the parks. The terrain is flat with no clearance or weight worries, making this straightforward driving for a big rig.
Columbus and the US-23 corridor are your service stops for diesel, propane, groceries, and RV repairs, so fuel and stock up before heading out to the lakes. A.W. Marion State Park is only about five miles east of town at Hargus Lake, and Deer Creek State Park is roughly 20 miles west near Mount Sterling. If you are booking a state park site, reserve ahead through Ohio State Parks and ReserveOhio. The nearest major airport is John Glenn Columbus International, about a 40-minute drive north.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Circleville, Ohio, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Circleville
Central Ohio is an affordable place to camp, and the state parks keep it that way. A.W. Marion State Park charges modest Ohio state park rates, with electric sites landing in the budget zone and non-electric sites cheaper still. For the lakeside setting and the location right by town, it is a strong value, especially for self-contained rigs that do not need sewer at the site.
Deer Creek State Park runs similar reasonable state park pricing for its mostly electric sites, and the full-service amenities like showers, a beach, and a lodge make it a good value for a family stay. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, cost more but add full hookups, sewer at the site, and monthly rates for longer stays. Expect state park nights to sit below the national average and private full-hookup sites to run moderate. Budget for fuel and groceries along US-23, and remember that most parks close for winter, so shoulder-season and summer are when your camping dollars go furthest here.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Circleville
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Best Time to Visit Circleville by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
22°F - 35°F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy; most campgrounds close from November through March, so plan a summer or shoulder-season trip instead.
Spring
Mar - May
44°F - 62°F
Crowds: Low
Cool and wet, warming steadily; state park campgrounds reopen in late March and the countryside greens up fast.
Summer
Jun - Aug
64°F - 83°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season with warm, green days at Hargus Lake and Deer Creek; reserve state park sites ahead for summer weekends.
Fall
Sep - Oct
46°F - 64°F
Crowds: High
Crisp and colorful; the mid-October Pumpkin Show packs the town, so book far ahead if you want a nearby site that week.
Explore the Circleville Area
Pick your base by what you came for. If you want a quiet lakeside spot right next to town, A.W. Marion State Park at Hargus Lake is the pick, with electric sites, hiking, and fishing, though no full hookups or showers, so it suits self-contained rigs. If you want a bigger full-service park with a beach, lodge, and golf, drive 20 minutes west to Deer Creek State Park. For full hookups at the site with sewer, choose private Cross Creek Camping Resort or Lakeside Resort Park.
Timing matters most here. Come May through October, since central Ohio winters are cold and snowy and most campgrounds close from November through March. Summer brings warm, green days ideal for the lakes, and fall delivers crisp weather and color. If you want to catch the Circleville Pumpkin Show in mid-October, book your site far in advance, because the town swells with over 400,000 visitors and nearby campgrounds fill fast. Reserve state park sites through ReserveOhio, fuel and shop along US-23 before you settle in, and pack layers for cool nights in spring and fall.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Circleville
What are the best RV parks near Circleville, Ohio?
The top options mix two state parks with a couple of private resorts. A.W. Marion State Park, just east of town at Hargus Lake, offers 29 sites with 50-amp electric plus non-electric spots, a dump station, and a camp store in a quiet lakeside setting. About 20 miles west near Mount Sterling, Deer Creek State Park is the bigger full-service park with more than 200 mostly electric sites, showers, a beach, and a lodge. For full hookups with sewer at the site, private Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park round out the choices with 30 and 50-amp service.
Do RV parks near Circleville have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Some do, but the state parks do not. A.W. Marion State Park offers 50-amp electric and non-electric sites with a dump station, but no full hookups or showers at the campground. Deer Creek State Park has mostly electric sites with showers and a dump station rather than sewer at every site. For true full hookups with water, electric, and sewer at the site, go with the private resorts: Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park both offer 30 and 50-amp full-service sites. If you need sewer hookups, book a private park; if electric plus a dump station works, the state parks are great value.
How much does RV camping cost near Circleville, Ohio?
It is an affordable area. A.W. Marion State Park charges modest Ohio state park rates, with electric sites in the budget zone and non-electric sites cheaper still. Deer Creek State Park runs similar reasonable pricing for its mostly electric sites, with full-service amenities like showers and a beach adding value. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, cost more but include full hookups with sewer and monthly rates for longer stays. Expect state park nights below the national average and private full-hookup sites at moderate rates. Budget for fuel and groceries along US-23.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Circleville?
For the state parks, reserve through ReserveOhio ahead of summer weekends and especially the mid-October Pumpkin Show, when nearby sites disappear fast as over 400,000 visitors flood the town. A.W. Marion and Deer Creek both book up on holiday weekends and prime summer dates, so a few weeks out is smart for those. Private resorts like Cross Creek and Lakeside take direct bookings and usually have more flexibility. Midweek and early-season nights are often available on shorter notice. As a rule, book early for the Pumpkin Show and summer holidays, and you will have your pick of sites.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Circleville?
May through October is the season. Central Ohio winters are cold and snowy, and most campgrounds close from November through March, so this is a warm-weather destination. Summer brings warm, green days ideal for fishing and boating at Hargus Lake and Deer Creek, with July highs in the low 80s. Fall is crisp and colorful and includes the famous mid-October Pumpkin Show, which is a highlight if you can get a nearby site. Spring is cool and wet as campgrounds reopen in late March. Aim for summer for the lakes or early fall for color and the festival.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet or more) camp near Circleville?
Yes, with the right park. Deer Creek State Park is the best state park bet for big rigs, with more than 200 sites and room for larger setups plus full-service amenities. A.W. Marion State Park has some sites that fit rigs up to 40 to 50 feet, though it is a quieter, smaller campground without full hookups, so confirm your site length when booking. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, offer full-hookup pull-throughs built for bigger rigs. The flat central Ohio terrain and four-lane US-23 make towing easy with no clearance or weight worries. For the most big-rig room, choose Deer Creek or a private resort.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Circleville?
Options are limited in this farm country, and the closest dispersed camping is in state forests farther east and south rather than right around Circleville. There is little true boondocking near town, so most RVers plan on the state park or private sites. If you do find primitive sites on forest land, they have no utilities or dump stations, so take on water and dump your tanks at A.W. Marion or Deer Creek before and after. For guaranteed sites with services, reserve a state park or private resort site instead, which is the reliable approach in this part of central Ohio.
Is there a dump station near Circleville, Ohio?
Yes. A.W. Marion State Park has a dump station for registered campers at its Hargus Lake campground, and Deer Creek State Park also offers a dump station along with its electric sites and showers. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, provide full hookups with sewer at the site. If you are camping without sewer at A.W. Marion or Deer Creek, you can service your tanks at their dump stations on your way out. Between the two state parks and the private options, dumping is easy to arrange around Circleville during the open season from spring through fall.
What is there to do near Circleville while camping?
More than you might expect for a small town. A.W. Marion State Park at Hargus Lake offers hiking trails, fishing, and electric-motor boating right by town. Deer Creek State Park adds a swimming beach, golf, a lodge, and a big reservoir for boating. In mid-October, the Circleville Pumpkin Show draws over 400,000 people for parades, giant pumpkins, rides, and food, a genuine central Ohio tradition. Columbus is only about 25 miles north up US-23, with a top-rated zoo and aquarium, the Scioto Mile riverfront, museums, and college sports. Between the lakes, the festival, and the capital, a long weekend fills easily.
Do the campgrounds near Circleville stay open in winter?
Mostly no. Central Ohio winters are cold and snowy, and the state park campgrounds run a seasonal schedule, typically late March through early November. A.W. Marion and Deer Creek both close for the winter, so a December through February trip is not practical for tent-and-hookup camping. Some private parks may keep limited sites open, but you should confirm directly before planning a cold-weather stay. For the best experience, plan your Circleville trip for May through October, when the campgrounds are open, the lakes are warm, and the weather suits camping. Fall color and the Pumpkin Show make October a particularly good target.
What is the weather like for camping near Circleville?
Circleville has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summers are the main camping season, with July highs in the low 80s, moderate humidity, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, comfortable for lake days. Fall is crisp and colorful with highs in the 60s, excellent for camping through mid-October. Spring is cool and wet as the campgrounds reopen. Winter is cold and snowy with January highs in the mid-30s and lows in the low 20s, which is why most campgrounds close. Pack layers for cool spring and fall nights, and plan around the warm-weather season.
How do I reserve a state park site near Circleville?
Ohio state park campgrounds, including A.W. Marion and Deer Creek, take reservations through ReserveOhio, the state booking system. You can search by park, pick a specific electric or non-electric site, and book online up to six months in advance, which is the reliable way to lock in a spot for summer weekends and the busy Pumpkin Show period. A.W. Marion at Hargus Lake sits just east of town, while Deer Creek is about 20 miles west near Mount Sterling. Book early for holiday weekends and mid-October, and midweek or early-season sites are usually easier to grab on shorter notice.
Is Circleville a good base for visiting Columbus by RV?
Yes. Circleville sits about 25 miles south of Columbus on US-23, a fast four-lane, so you can camp at a quiet lake and still reach the capital in around 40 minutes. That makes A.W. Marion or Deer Creek a relaxed, affordable base for a Columbus visit without paying city prices or navigating a big rig downtown. From your campsite you can day-trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Scioto Mile riverfront, museums, college sports, and shopping, then return to the lake for the evening. Just remember the campgrounds run seasonally, so plan a Columbus-plus-camping trip for the warm-weather months.
What are the best RV parks near Circleville, Ohio?
The top options mix two state parks with a couple of private resorts. A.W. Marion State Park, just east of town at Hargus Lake, offers 29 sites with 50-amp electric plus non-electric spots, a dump station, and a camp store in a quiet lakeside setting. About 20 miles west near Mount Sterling, Deer Creek State Park is the bigger full-service park with more than 200 mostly electric sites, showers, a beach, and a lodge. For full hookups with sewer at the site, private Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park round out the choices with 30 and 50-amp service.
Do RV parks near Circleville have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Some do, but the state parks do not. A.W. Marion State Park offers 50-amp electric and non-electric sites with a dump station, but no full hookups or showers at the campground. Deer Creek State Park has mostly electric sites with showers and a dump station rather than sewer at every site. For true full hookups with water, electric, and sewer at the site, go with the private resorts: Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park both offer 30 and 50-amp full-service sites. If you need sewer hookups, book a private park; if electric plus a dump station works, the state parks are great value.
How much does RV camping cost near Circleville, Ohio?
It is an affordable area. A.W. Marion State Park charges modest Ohio state park rates, with electric sites in the budget zone and non-electric sites cheaper still. Deer Creek State Park runs similar reasonable pricing for its mostly electric sites, with full-service amenities like showers and a beach adding value. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, cost more but include full hookups with sewer and monthly rates for longer stays. Expect state park nights below the national average and private full-hookup sites at moderate rates. Budget for fuel and groceries along US-23.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Circleville?
For the state parks, reserve through ReserveOhio ahead of summer weekends and especially the mid-October Pumpkin Show, when nearby sites disappear fast as over 400,000 visitors flood the town. A.W. Marion and Deer Creek both book up on holiday weekends and prime summer dates, so a few weeks out is smart for those. Private resorts like Cross Creek and Lakeside take direct bookings and usually have more flexibility. Midweek and early-season nights are often available on shorter notice. As a rule, book early for the Pumpkin Show and summer holidays, and you will have your pick of sites.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Circleville?
May through October is the season. Central Ohio winters are cold and snowy, and most campgrounds close from November through March, so this is a warm-weather destination. Summer brings warm, green days ideal for fishing and boating at Hargus Lake and Deer Creek, with July highs in the low 80s. Fall is crisp and colorful and includes the famous mid-October Pumpkin Show, which is a highlight if you can get a nearby site. Spring is cool and wet as campgrounds reopen in late March. Aim for summer for the lakes or early fall for color and the festival.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet or more) camp near Circleville?
Yes, with the right park. Deer Creek State Park is the best state park bet for big rigs, with more than 200 sites and room for larger setups plus full-service amenities. A.W. Marion State Park has some sites that fit rigs up to 40 to 50 feet, though it is a quieter, smaller campground without full hookups, so confirm your site length when booking. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, offer full-hookup pull-throughs built for bigger rigs. The flat central Ohio terrain and four-lane US-23 make towing easy with no clearance or weight worries. For the most big-rig room, choose Deer Creek or a private resort.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Circleville?
Options are limited in this farm country, and the closest dispersed camping is in state forests farther east and south rather than right around Circleville. There is little true boondocking near town, so most RVers plan on the state park or private sites. If you do find primitive sites on forest land, they have no utilities or dump stations, so take on water and dump your tanks at A.W. Marion or Deer Creek before and after. For guaranteed sites with services, reserve a state park or private resort site instead, which is the reliable approach in this part of central Ohio.
Is there a dump station near Circleville, Ohio?
Yes. A.W. Marion State Park has a dump station for registered campers at its Hargus Lake campground, and Deer Creek State Park also offers a dump station along with its electric sites and showers. The private resorts, Cross Creek Camping Resort and Lakeside Resort Park, provide full hookups with sewer at the site. If you are camping without sewer at A.W. Marion or Deer Creek, you can service your tanks at their dump stations on your way out. Between the two state parks and the private options, dumping is easy to arrange around Circleville during the open season from spring through fall.
What is there to do near Circleville while camping?
More than you might expect for a small town. A.W. Marion State Park at Hargus Lake offers hiking trails, fishing, and electric-motor boating right by town. Deer Creek State Park adds a swimming beach, golf, a lodge, and a big reservoir for boating. In mid-October, the Circleville Pumpkin Show draws over 400,000 people for parades, giant pumpkins, rides, and food, a genuine central Ohio tradition. Columbus is only about 25 miles north up US-23, with a top-rated zoo and aquarium, the Scioto Mile riverfront, museums, and college sports. Between the lakes, the festival, and the capital, a long weekend fills easily.
Do the campgrounds near Circleville stay open in winter?
Mostly no. Central Ohio winters are cold and snowy, and the state park campgrounds run a seasonal schedule, typically late March through early November. A.W. Marion and Deer Creek both close for the winter, so a December through February trip is not practical for tent-and-hookup camping. Some private parks may keep limited sites open, but you should confirm directly before planning a cold-weather stay. For the best experience, plan your Circleville trip for May through October, when the campgrounds are open, the lakes are warm, and the weather suits camping. Fall color and the Pumpkin Show make October a particularly good target.
What is the weather like for camping near Circleville?
Circleville has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summers are the main camping season, with July highs in the low 80s, moderate humidity, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, comfortable for lake days. Fall is crisp and colorful with highs in the 60s, excellent for camping through mid-October. Spring is cool and wet as the campgrounds reopen. Winter is cold and snowy with January highs in the mid-30s and lows in the low 20s, which is why most campgrounds close. Pack layers for cool spring and fall nights, and plan around the warm-weather season.
How do I reserve a state park site near Circleville?
Ohio state park campgrounds, including A.W. Marion and Deer Creek, take reservations through ReserveOhio, the state booking system. You can search by park, pick a specific electric or non-electric site, and book online up to six months in advance, which is the reliable way to lock in a spot for summer weekends and the busy Pumpkin Show period. A.W. Marion at Hargus Lake sits just east of town, while Deer Creek is about 20 miles west near Mount Sterling. Book early for holiday weekends and mid-October, and midweek or early-season sites are usually easier to grab on shorter notice.
Is Circleville a good base for visiting Columbus by RV?
Yes. Circleville sits about 25 miles south of Columbus on US-23, a fast four-lane, so you can camp at a quiet lake and still reach the capital in around 40 minutes. That makes A.W. Marion or Deer Creek a relaxed, affordable base for a Columbus visit without paying city prices or navigating a big rig downtown. From your campsite you can day-trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Scioto Mile riverfront, museums, college sports, and shopping, then return to the lake for the evening. Just remember the campgrounds run seasonally, so plan a Columbus-plus-camping trip for the warm-weather months.
Are there free dump stations in Circleville?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Circleville.
All Dump Stations Near Circleville (115)
RV ParkA.w. Marion State Park
RV ParkLakeside Resort Park
RV ParkA.w. Marion State Park Campground
RV ParkGleason's Mobile Home Park
RV ParkGreat Seal State Park Campground
RV ParkJackson Lake Campground & Park
RV ParkWaters Edge RV Park
RV Park



