Alum Creek State Park in Ohio, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-22. Check linked official notices before travel.

Alum Creek State Park near Columbus, Ohio, combines a large reservoir with a public beach, trails and a campground. Choose your destination before driving: the campground, beach and boat ramps use different access points. The lake also has separate boating zones north and south of US 36/SR 37.

Choose a lake outing or a trail visit

• Public swimming beach: a 3,000-foot shoreline area for a daylight visit.
• Storybook Trail: a short walk beginning near the beach.
• Boating choices: four public ramps serve the reservoir; a separate ramp is for campers.

Keep day use, boating and camping separate

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Respect the lake's separate boating zones

Boating south of US 36/SR 37 allows unlimited horsepower. The northern area is a no-wake zone. Life-jacket loaner boards are listed at New Galena, Cheshire and the marina. Swimming is at your own risk and must remain within designated areas. Check current water-quality advisories before a beach visit.

Use the right area for pets and campfires

Keep pets leashed and attended. Pets are not permitted on the swimming beach, in cabins or in campground buildings. Campsites have a two-pet limit. Keep campfires in designated fire rings and dispose of trash in the provided containers. Stay on marked trails.

Book the state campground or the Corps shelter

Reserve campsites and cabins through Ohio's authorized booking service or call 866-644-6727. Check the selected unit's hookups, size and pet rules before paying. Quiet hours in the campground are 10 p.m.–7 a.m.; campground visitors must leave during that period.

The three shelters at the dam are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For those reservations, contact the Corps at 740-548-6151 rather than treating a state campsite booking as a shelter reservation.

Navigate to the area you plan to use

The park contact address is 3615 South Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015. The main campground uses 2911 South Old State Road. Use the official campground map for its entrance and numbered loops.

The park map provides a broader orientation for a day visit. Select the beach or a public boat ramp as your destination; the camper-only launch is a separate facility.

Other state parks for a regional drive

• Delaware State Park: another reservoir park north of the city of Delaware, along US 23.
• Mt. Gilead State Park: a separate state park reached from State Route 95 near Mt. Gilead.

Use short trails or plan a longer water trip

The 0.5-mile Storybook Trail begins at the north end of the beach on the west shore. The 0.7-mile Heritage of Freedom Trail offers another short route for hiking or biking, with leashed pets permitted. Choose the route's surface and permitted use rather than assuming every trail serves the same activity.

New Galena has an 18-hole disc golf course with no fee to play. Fishing requires an Ohio license from age 16. Boaters should match the chosen part of the reservoir to its operating rules before launching.

Match camping services to the booked unit

The campground has electric and full-hookup sites, plus cabin options. The camping map identifies showerhouses, toilets, a dump station and drinking-water points. Confirm seasonal operation and the exact site's hookups before arrival. Separate group and equestrian camping areas have their own location and booking details.

Day-use picnic areas provide tables, grills, restrooms and drinking water. Ask park staff about the particular route or facility you need if access features affect your plans.

About the reservoir and its managers

The 3,387-acre reservoir supports the park's boating and shoreline recreation. Ohio DNR manages the state park, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the dam and its shelters. Choose the appropriate operator when arranging a stay or a group event.

Alum Creek visitor questions

Call 740-548-4631 for park information. Use the official Alum Creek page for current conditions and activity guidance. The campground office is 740-548-4039.