RV Parks In Delaware, Ohio
40.2987° N, 83.0680° W
Quick Overview
Delaware sits just north of Columbus in central Ohio, and it gives RVers an unusually good pair of reservoir state parks plus a full-hookup family resort, all within a short drive of the city. This is a base for reservoir recreation and easy metro access, not a destination resort town, and the camping mix reflects that: two Ohio State Parks on the public side and one well-known KOA on the private side.
Delaware State Park sits directly on the Delaware Reservoir with roughly 210 electric-and-water sites, five trails, swimming, and fishing for bass and walleye, plus a dump station for campers. A short drive south, Alum Creek State Park Campground steps things up with 286 sites, every one wired for electric and water with wifi available, spread around a 3,387-acre lake with a 3,000-foot beach and mountain-biking and bridle trails. Neither state park offers full hookups, so if sewer at your site matters, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday fills that gap with roughly 110 full-hookup sites on a 100-acre family resort, complete with a pool, swimming pond, and zip line.
Reservations run through reserveohio.com for both state parks, bookable up to six months out, and the KOA takes direct bookings with multi-night discounts. Big rigs do fine at all three: the state parks have open and pull-through loops built for larger units, and the KOA is purpose-built for full-size motorhomes and fifth-wheels. Whether you want a lakeside site under the trees at Alum Creek or a full-hookup pad with a pool for the kids at the KOA, Delaware gives you both without much of a drive between them. Families tend to gravitate toward the KOA for its pool, swimming pond, and zip line, while anglers and quiet-camping fans lean toward the two state parks and their reservoir shorelines. Need to empty your tanks in town? See our guide to RV dump stations in Delaware for the local options.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Delaware
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Gear for Your Trip to Delaware
All Dump Stations Near Delaware
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Mobile Home Park | 0.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Whitesands Campgrounds | 0.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Army United States Department | 4.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Delaware State Park | 5.2 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Alum Creek State Park Campground | 6.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cross Creek Camping Resort | 6.3 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Delaware State Park Campground Office | 6.8 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Berkshire Lake Campground | 10.3 mi | 3.8 | RV Park | Varies |
| Modern Campground | 13.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sunbury / Columbus North Koa Holiday | 14.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Homestead Mobile Home Park
0.5 miWhitesands Campgrounds
0.9 miArmy United States Department
4.2 miDelaware State Park
5.2 miAlum Creek State Park Campground
6.1 miCross Creek Camping Resort
6.3 miDelaware State Park Campground Office
6.8 miBerkshire Lake Campground
10.3 miModern Campground
13.8 miSunbury / Columbus North Koa Holiday
14.7 miTraveling to Delaware by RV
US-23 is the main route through the Delaware area and the one you want for a big rig, running straight past both Delaware State Park and into town from Columbus, about 25 miles south, home to the nearest major airport for anyone flying in to rent a unit. Alum Creek State Park sits a short drive east of US-23 via local roads, and the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA is about 15 miles southeast toward Sunbury.
One important routing note: avoid taking a big rig through downtown Delaware, since the historic core has low railroad overpasses that are a documented hazard for tall RVs. Stick to US-23 or the OH-37 and OH-42 bypasses to get around the city center safely. Fuel, groceries, and other services are easy to find along US-23 before you head to either reservoir or the KOA, so handle your provisioning on the way in rather than after you've set up camp.
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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 Delaware, 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 Delaware
Camping near Delaware is affordable at both state parks. Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground charge standard Ohio State Park rates for electric-and-water sites, in the budget range, with a modest reservation fee through reserveohio.com. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA costs more per night as a full-hookup, amenity-rich resort, but it offers a meaningful discount for stays of five nights or longer, and a monthly extended-stay rate for anyone settling in for the season. None of these are premium destination-resort prices; this is a moderately priced camping area overall, and the state parks in particular are a strong value for reservoir access with swimming and trails included in the site fee. Fuel, groceries, and propane along US-23 stay competitive with big-city pricing, so a trip here rarely runs up costs beyond the campsite fee and a normal grocery run.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Delaware
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Best Time to Visit Delaware by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
22F - 38F
Crowds: Low
Cold-weather camping is limited to a handful of state-park loops and the KOA's full-hookup sites.
Spring
Mar - May
40F - 62F
Crowds: Low
Reservoirs wake up with anglers; sites are easy to reserve before summer bookings tighten up.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65F - 85F
Crowds: High
Both state parks and the KOA fill on July and August weekends; book reserveohio.com sites months ahead.
Fall
Sep - Oct
46F - 68F
Crowds: Medium
Cooler and quieter, with some state-park loops closing by late October; the KOA stays open.
Explore the Delaware Area
A few things we'd tell a friend heading to camp near Delaware. Book reserveohio.com sites for Delaware State Park or Alum Creek as far ahead as the six-month window allows if you want a summer weekend, since both fill up fast once the weather warms. If the state parks are full, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA is a reliable full-hookup fallback and tends to have more last-minute flexibility, especially outside peak holiday weekends. Skip driving a big rig through downtown Delaware entirely; the low railroad overpasses have caught more than one RVer off guard, so route around on US-23 or the bypasses instead. If you want a beach day, Alum Creek's 3,000-foot stretch is the better pick over Delaware State Park's smaller shoreline. And if you're timing a visit around events, the Little Brown Jug harness racing in September and the May Delaware Arts Festival both draw crowds, so book early if you want to combine camping with either one.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Delaware
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds near Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground are the two standout public options, both Ohio Department of Natural Resources properties sitting directly on their own reservoirs with electric-and-water sites, swimming, and fishing. Alum Creek is the larger of the two with 286 sites and a 3,000-foot beach, while Delaware State Park offers a quieter setting with five trails. For full hookups, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday is the area's well-known private resort, with a pool, swimming pond, and zip line on 100 acres. Between the two state parks and the KOA, most RVers find exactly the setup they want.
Do the campgrounds near Delaware have full hookups?
The two state parks do not offer full hookups. Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground both provide electric and water at the site, with a shared dump station rather than individual sewer connections. If full hookups are a must, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, about 15 miles southeast toward Sunbury, has roughly 110 sites with full hookups including city water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electric. Many RVers stay at the state parks for the reservoir setting and use the KOA or the dump station when they need to empty tanks. If you plan to alternate between the two styles, book the state park for the water view and reserve a night at the KOA toward the end of your trip to refill and dump before heading home.
How much does RV camping cost near Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground both charge standard Ohio State Park rates for their electric-and-water sites, which fall in the budget range with a modest reservation fee. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday costs more per night as a full-hookup resort with a pool and family amenities, though it offers a discount for stays of five nights or more and a monthly extended-stay rate. Overall, this is a moderately priced camping area, and the two state parks in particular are a strong value given the reservoir access and trail systems included. Add in competitively priced fuel and groceries along US-23, and a multi-night stay here rarely runs up unexpected costs beyond the site fee itself.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Delaware?
Ohio State Parks, including Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground, accept reservations up to six months in advance through reserveohio.com or by phone, and summer weekends fill solidly, so book as early as that window allows if you want a July or August date. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday tends to have more flexibility and can often be booked with less notice, though its own peak summer weekends and family-holiday periods also fill up. If your dates are flexible, midweek stays at any of the three are easier to land last minute.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Delaware?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot, with warm weather for swimming and boating at both Alum Creek and the Delaware Reservoir. Summer, June through August, is the busiest and priciest stretch at both state parks and the KOA, so book well ahead. Fall brings cooler, quieter camping with fewer crowds, though some state-park loops start closing by late October. Winter camping is limited to a handful of state-park loops plus the KOA's year-round full-hookup sites, so if you're visiting in the cold months, the KOA is your most reliable bet.
Can big rigs camp near Delaware, Ohio?
Yes. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground have open and pull-through loops that accommodate larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels comfortably, and the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday is purpose-built for big rigs with full hookups and back-in and pull-through configurations. The main thing to avoid with a big rig is routing through downtown Delaware itself, which has low railroad overpasses; stick to US-23 or the OH-37/42 bypasses and you will have no trouble reaching any of the three campgrounds. All three also offer wide, well-graded interior roads once you arrive, so backing into a site or lining up a pull-through is straightforward even for a 40-foot rig.
Are there free or first-come RV camping options near Delaware?
Not really. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground operate primarily on a reservation basis through reserveohio.com, and the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA is also reservation-driven, especially in season. There is limited first-come availability at either state park outside peak weekends, but it is not something to plan a trip around. If free camping is a priority, this specific area near Delaware is not the best fit; the value here is in the reservoir access and amenities rather than no-cost sites. RVers looking for genuinely free boondocking should look toward national forest or BLM land farther from central Ohio, since this reservoir-and-metro area is built around developed, reservation-based camping.
Is there camping right on a lake near Delaware?
Yes, both public options sit directly on their reservoirs. Delaware State Park is on the Delaware Reservoir with swimming and fishing for bass and walleye right off the campground. Alum Creek State Park Campground is on the larger 3,387-acre Alum Creek Lake with a 3,000-foot beach, boating, water skiing, and fishing for bass and crappie. Both let you walk from your site to the water, which is the main reason RVers choose this area over a straight highway stop closer to Columbus. Sunset views over either reservoir are a highlight campers mention again and again, especially from the sites closest to the swimming beaches.
Does the Sunbury KOA near Delaware have full hookups?
Yes. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, about 15 miles southeast of Delaware toward Sunbury, offers roughly 110 sites with full hookups, including city water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electric service, in back-in and pull-through configurations. It sits on 100 acres with family-oriented amenities like a pool, swimming pond, and zip line, and offers discounts for stays of five nights or longer plus a monthly extended-stay rate. It is the area's go-to full-hookup option since neither state park offers sewer connections at the site. The resort atmosphere also makes it a popular choice for families traveling with kids who want a pool and activities on site rather than a purely nature-focused stay.
What is there to do while camping near Delaware, Ohio?
Plenty, especially for families and anglers. Both reservoirs offer boating, fishing, and swimming right at the campgrounds, with Alum Creek's 3,000-foot beach a highlight. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with the Zoombezi Bay water park next door, is about 20 miles south and an easy day trip. In Delaware itself, the Little Brown Jug harness racing draws crowds every September, and the Delaware Arts Festival fills downtown each May. Hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails at Alum Creek round out the options for anyone who wants more than lake time. A dog park at Alum Creek and a disc golf course add a couple more casual options if you are staying multiple nights and want variety beyond the water.
Are the state park campgrounds near Delaware open year-round?
Partially. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground keep some loops open through the winter, though camping is more limited in the cold months and many campers prefer to visit from spring through fall when the reservoirs are in full use for boating and swimming. If you specifically want guaranteed full-hookup winter camping, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday operates year-round and is the more dependable choice for a cold-weather stay near Delaware. Call ahead in the off-season regardless of which campground you choose, since loop closures and staffing can shift with the weather.
What should I know about driving a big rig near Delaware, Ohio?
The single most important thing is to avoid downtown Delaware with a tall rig, since the historic core has low railroad overpasses that are a documented hazard. Route around on US-23 or the OH-37 and OH-42 bypasses instead, both of which are wide, well-maintained roads with no low-clearance surprises. Once you're past downtown, the roads to Delaware State Park, Alum Creek, and the Sunbury KOA are all straightforward for big rigs. Handle fuel and grocery stops along US-23 before heading to camp so you're not maneuvering a full rig through town later. GPS units sometimes route travelers straight through the downtown overpasses, so double-check your route manually rather than trusting a generic navigation app near the city center.
Is Delaware a good base for exploring central Ohio by RV?
It is a solid, low-key base. Delaware sits about 25 miles north of Columbus, close enough for easy day trips to the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and the city itself, while still giving you two reservoir state parks and a full-hookup KOA resort to camp at. You get lake recreation, hiking and biking trails, and small-town events like the Little Brown Jug and the Delaware Arts Festival, all within a short drive of a major metro. For RVers who want reservoir camping without sacrificing city access, Delaware is an easy recommendation. It works equally well as a weekend getaway from Columbus or as a multi-day base for exploring central Ohio's parks, festivals, and small towns.
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds near Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground are the two standout public options, both Ohio Department of Natural Resources properties sitting directly on their own reservoirs with electric-and-water sites, swimming, and fishing. Alum Creek is the larger of the two with 286 sites and a 3,000-foot beach, while Delaware State Park offers a quieter setting with five trails. For full hookups, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday is the area's well-known private resort, with a pool, swimming pond, and zip line on 100 acres. Between the two state parks and the KOA, most RVers find exactly the setup they want.
Do the campgrounds near Delaware have full hookups?
The two state parks do not offer full hookups. Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground both provide electric and water at the site, with a shared dump station rather than individual sewer connections. If full hookups are a must, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, about 15 miles southeast toward Sunbury, has roughly 110 sites with full hookups including city water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electric. Many RVers stay at the state parks for the reservoir setting and use the KOA or the dump station when they need to empty tanks. If you plan to alternate between the two styles, book the state park for the water view and reserve a night at the KOA toward the end of your trip to refill and dump before heading home.
How much does RV camping cost near Delaware, Ohio?
Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground both charge standard Ohio State Park rates for their electric-and-water sites, which fall in the budget range with a modest reservation fee. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday costs more per night as a full-hookup resort with a pool and family amenities, though it offers a discount for stays of five nights or more and a monthly extended-stay rate. Overall, this is a moderately priced camping area, and the two state parks in particular are a strong value given the reservoir access and trail systems included. Add in competitively priced fuel and groceries along US-23, and a multi-night stay here rarely runs up unexpected costs beyond the site fee itself.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite near Delaware?
Ohio State Parks, including Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground, accept reservations up to six months in advance through reserveohio.com or by phone, and summer weekends fill solidly, so book as early as that window allows if you want a July or August date. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday tends to have more flexibility and can often be booked with less notice, though its own peak summer weekends and family-holiday periods also fill up. If your dates are flexible, midweek stays at any of the three are easier to land last minute.
When is the best time to go RV camping near Delaware?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot, with warm weather for swimming and boating at both Alum Creek and the Delaware Reservoir. Summer, June through August, is the busiest and priciest stretch at both state parks and the KOA, so book well ahead. Fall brings cooler, quieter camping with fewer crowds, though some state-park loops start closing by late October. Winter camping is limited to a handful of state-park loops plus the KOA's year-round full-hookup sites, so if you're visiting in the cold months, the KOA is your most reliable bet.
Can big rigs camp near Delaware, Ohio?
Yes. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground have open and pull-through loops that accommodate larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels comfortably, and the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday is purpose-built for big rigs with full hookups and back-in and pull-through configurations. The main thing to avoid with a big rig is routing through downtown Delaware itself, which has low railroad overpasses; stick to US-23 or the OH-37/42 bypasses and you will have no trouble reaching any of the three campgrounds. All three also offer wide, well-graded interior roads once you arrive, so backing into a site or lining up a pull-through is straightforward even for a 40-foot rig.
Are there free or first-come RV camping options near Delaware?
Not really. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground operate primarily on a reservation basis through reserveohio.com, and the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA is also reservation-driven, especially in season. There is limited first-come availability at either state park outside peak weekends, but it is not something to plan a trip around. If free camping is a priority, this specific area near Delaware is not the best fit; the value here is in the reservoir access and amenities rather than no-cost sites. RVers looking for genuinely free boondocking should look toward national forest or BLM land farther from central Ohio, since this reservoir-and-metro area is built around developed, reservation-based camping.
Is there camping right on a lake near Delaware?
Yes, both public options sit directly on their reservoirs. Delaware State Park is on the Delaware Reservoir with swimming and fishing for bass and walleye right off the campground. Alum Creek State Park Campground is on the larger 3,387-acre Alum Creek Lake with a 3,000-foot beach, boating, water skiing, and fishing for bass and crappie. Both let you walk from your site to the water, which is the main reason RVers choose this area over a straight highway stop closer to Columbus. Sunset views over either reservoir are a highlight campers mention again and again, especially from the sites closest to the swimming beaches.
Does the Sunbury KOA near Delaware have full hookups?
Yes. The Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, about 15 miles southeast of Delaware toward Sunbury, offers roughly 110 sites with full hookups, including city water, sewer, and 20/30/50-amp electric service, in back-in and pull-through configurations. It sits on 100 acres with family-oriented amenities like a pool, swimming pond, and zip line, and offers discounts for stays of five nights or longer plus a monthly extended-stay rate. It is the area's go-to full-hookup option since neither state park offers sewer connections at the site. The resort atmosphere also makes it a popular choice for families traveling with kids who want a pool and activities on site rather than a purely nature-focused stay.
What is there to do while camping near Delaware, Ohio?
Plenty, especially for families and anglers. Both reservoirs offer boating, fishing, and swimming right at the campgrounds, with Alum Creek's 3,000-foot beach a highlight. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with the Zoombezi Bay water park next door, is about 20 miles south and an easy day trip. In Delaware itself, the Little Brown Jug harness racing draws crowds every September, and the Delaware Arts Festival fills downtown each May. Hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails at Alum Creek round out the options for anyone who wants more than lake time. A dog park at Alum Creek and a disc golf course add a couple more casual options if you are staying multiple nights and want variety beyond the water.
Are the state park campgrounds near Delaware open year-round?
Partially. Both Delaware State Park and Alum Creek State Park Campground keep some loops open through the winter, though camping is more limited in the cold months and many campers prefer to visit from spring through fall when the reservoirs are in full use for boating and swimming. If you specifically want guaranteed full-hookup winter camping, the Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday operates year-round and is the more dependable choice for a cold-weather stay near Delaware. Call ahead in the off-season regardless of which campground you choose, since loop closures and staffing can shift with the weather.
What should I know about driving a big rig near Delaware, Ohio?
The single most important thing is to avoid downtown Delaware with a tall rig, since the historic core has low railroad overpasses that are a documented hazard. Route around on US-23 or the OH-37 and OH-42 bypasses instead, both of which are wide, well-maintained roads with no low-clearance surprises. Once you're past downtown, the roads to Delaware State Park, Alum Creek, and the Sunbury KOA are all straightforward for big rigs. Handle fuel and grocery stops along US-23 before heading to camp so you're not maneuvering a full rig through town later. GPS units sometimes route travelers straight through the downtown overpasses, so double-check your route manually rather than trusting a generic navigation app near the city center.
Is Delaware a good base for exploring central Ohio by RV?
It is a solid, low-key base. Delaware sits about 25 miles north of Columbus, close enough for easy day trips to the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and the city itself, while still giving you two reservoir state parks and a full-hookup KOA resort to camp at. You get lake recreation, hiking and biking trails, and small-town events like the Little Brown Jug and the Delaware Arts Festival, all within a short drive of a major metro. For RVers who want reservoir camping without sacrificing city access, Delaware is an easy recommendation. It works equally well as a weekend getaway from Columbus or as a multi-day base for exploring central Ohio's parks, festivals, and small towns.
Are there free dump stations in Delaware?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Delaware.
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