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71 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chillicothe, OH. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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6235 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Chillicothe, OH
Great Seal State Park
Chillicothe, OH (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+3
Walnut Creek Campground and Resort
Chillicothe, OH (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
Scioto Trail State Park
Chillicothe, OH (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(73 sites)
+7
Lake Hill Campground
Frankfort, OH (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(57 sites)
+11
Ross Hollow - Tar Hollow State Park
Laurelville, OH (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(28 sites)
+7
Logan Hollow - Tar Hollow State Park
Laurelville, OH (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+7
AW Marion State Park
Circleville, OH (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+4
Areas 1-2-3 - Paint Creek State Park
Bainbridge, OH (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(197 sites)
+8
Rockwater Campground
Piketon, OH (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Top O' The Caves Campground
South Bloomingville, OH (24 miles away)
Hocking Hills State Park
Ohio (25 miles away)
Hocking Hills State Parks
Logan, OH (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(172 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Tables Grills Toilets Dump station Pet friendly Playground Showers Firewood Fishing Laundry
Camping near Chillicothe, Ohio
Chillicothe sits in the Scioto River valley of south-central Ohio, at the edge of the Appalachian foothills. RV travelers use it as a base for a cluster of state parks, state forests, and private campgrounds within a short drive of town, most reachable via US-23 or US-50.
The closest public option is Great Seal State Park, just north of the city with a primitive campground on Marietta Road near Sugarloaf Mountain. About 10 miles south, Scioto Trail State Park sits inside the larger 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest and offers wooded electric sites near Caldwell Lake plus hike-in primitive sites at Stewart Lake. Farther east, Ross Hollow at Tar Hollow State Park adds paved sites with electric and full-hookup options inside one of Ohio's largest state forests.
For RV renters who want full hookups and resort amenities closer to town, Walnut Creek Campground and Resort and Lake Hill Campground round out the local mix. Ohio does not charge entrance fees at its state parks.
Things to do around Chillicothe
Hiking is the main draw. Great Seal State Park has steep ridge trails, including the climb up Sugarloaf Mountain, with views over the Scioto Valley, plus 17 miles of multi-use bridle and mountain-bike trails. Tar Hollow adds the 3.5-mile Ross Hollow loop and the 21-mile Logan Backpack Trail, a figure-eight route through the surrounding state forest. Scioto Trail's paths circle Caldwell Lake and connect to the nearby Buckeye Trail.
On the water, Caldwell Lake allows small boats and electric motors, with kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats rented seasonally from the Scioto Trail campground check-in station. Pine Lake at Tar Hollow has a 500-foot beach and a boat launch, with rentals available from the general store.
Off-park, Chillicothe itself has the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park earthworks at Mound City, plus the outdoor Tecumseh! drama on summer evenings.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chillicothe, OH
When to go camping near Chillicothe
- spring
March - May
63° / 43°F 97 mmWildflowers and morels; May is one of the wettest months
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 108 mmPeak season; holiday weekends book six months out
- fall
September - November
64° / 45°F 75 mmFoliage in the foothills; cool nights and fewer bugs
- winter
December - February
39° / 25°F 72 mmCold with occasional snow; Great Seal campground closed
Southern Ohio has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer is the busiest camping window: warm, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Weekends at Scioto Trail and Tar Hollow fill early, and holiday weekends around Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day book weeks in advance.
Spring brings wildflowers to the forest floor, along with morel mushrooms and returning songbirds. Trails can be muddy after rain, and May is typically one of the wetter months. Fall is popular for foliage in the Appalachian foothills, with cooler nights and lower bug pressure through October.
Winter camping is limited. Great Seal's campground closes from the beginning of December through the first week of March, while Scioto Trail remains open with ice fishing when conditions allow. At Tar Hollow, the heated showerhouse and flush restrooms close from early December until April. Beaches, boat rentals, and camp stores generally run only between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
How to book campgrounds near Chillicothe
Ohio state park campgrounds, including Great Seal, Scioto Trail, and Tar Hollow, are reserved through the ReserveOhio system online at reserveohio.com or by calling 866-644-6727. Reservations are required at Scioto Trail and Tar Hollow, and Great Seal sites are also reservable. Campsites open exactly six months in advance of arrival on a rolling window, and popular electric and full-hookup sites move fastest for summer weekends.
Great Seal offers primitive equestrian-oriented sites with no electric, water, or sewer hookups, so RV renters relying on power typically choose Scioto Trail's Caldwell Lake loop or Ross Hollow at Tar Hollow. Private campgrounds such as Walnut Creek Campground and Resort and Lake Hill Campground handle their own reservations directly through their operator websites.
What to expect on-site
Expect wooded, hilly terrain. Great Seal is rustic: primitive sites with picket lines behind sites 1 through 10 for equestrian use, a shelterhouse, restrooms, and no utility hookups at sites. Scioto Trail's Caldwell Lake campground has 55 wooded sites, of which 40 are electric, plus pit latrines, a dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables; the Stewart Lake area adds 18 non-electric hike-in sites. Ross Hollow at Tar Hollow offers paved pads with 50-amp electric, water, and full-hookup options, plus hot showers, flush restrooms, and a dump station.
Quiet hours at Ohio state parks run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Pets are permitted on leash at most sites but are not allowed on swimming beaches. Cell coverage inside the state forests can be patchy, so download maps before arrival.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chillicothe, OH
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Chillicothe, OH?
RV rental in Chillicothe is one of the most affordable ways to explore southern Ohio. On RVezy, most travel trailers start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes typically run $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels usually sit between $225 and $375 per night. You will save the most by booking midweek, traveling in May or September to dodge peak Hocking Hills weekend demand, and choosing a travel trailer if you already have a capable tow vehicle. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and look for hosts offering weekly discounts, which can knock 10 to 20 percent off your total for a longer Chillicothe RV trip.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chillicothe%2C%20OhioDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Chillicothe?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Chillicothe, Ohio. Ohio does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for personal-use recreational vehicles, so even larger Class A motorhomes on RVezy can be driven with your standard license. You will just need to be 25 or older and verify your ID through the RVezy platform when you book. Visiting from abroad? Grab an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before flying in and pair it with your home license. That's it, you are cleared to point the rig toward Mound City Group.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection comes with my Chillicothe RV rental?
Every RVezy booking in Chillicothe automatically includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you pull out of the host's driveway. The protection plan covers physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose the level of coverage that fits your comfort during checkout, not the host. This provides real financial peace of mind for renters exploring backroads through Ross County or heading into Hocking Hills. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers carefully at booking. Many first-timers driving a motorhome rental in Chillicothe sleep better choosing a higher tier on their first trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Chillicothe RV trip?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and every reservation includes a grace period where you can cancel for a full refund shortly after booking. Beyond that window, refund amounts depend on how far out from your trip start date you cancel. You can review the exact terms during checkout and in your RVezy account. Pro tip: if a tornado watch or major weather event impacts central Ohio before your trip, contact RVezy support right away. Their team handles these situations 24/7 and helps you find a path forward.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Chillicothe RV trip?
Absolutely, Chillicothe is a wonderfully dog-friendly RV destination. Just check the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome pets, and you'll find plenty of options across travel trailers and motorhomes. Once you're here, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park allows leashed dogs on all outdoor trails (rangers even hand out Bark Ranger patches at the Mound City Visitor Center), and Great Seal State Park just east of town has miles of wooded trails perfect for a hike together. Scioto Trail State Park's campground also welcomes leashed pets at most sites. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any breed or size notes, it takes two minutes and prevents surprises at pickup.
nps.gov/hocu/planyourvisit/pets.htmCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Chillicothe?
Yes, RV delivery in Chillicothe is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is a game-changer if you are new to RVing. Many local hosts will drop the RV directly at Sun Valley Campground, Scioto Trail State Park, Hocking Hills State Park, or even a private property, then level it, hook up water and electric, and walk you through every system before they leave. You just show up with your groceries and start your trip. Filter listings by Delivery to see hosts offering this service and their per-mile fees. Pro tip: delivery is especially smart if you are flying into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and do not want to drive a big rig your first night.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chillicothe%2C%20OhioHow far can I drive from Chillicothe on my rental?
Chillicothe sits at the perfect crossroads for an Ohio RV road trip, and most RVezy hosts include between 100 and 150 free miles per night, with affordable per-mile rates beyond that (typically $0.30 to $0.45). Popular runs include Hocking Hills State Park (about 35 miles east), Columbus (50 miles north), Serpent Mound (50 miles southwest), Cincinnati (95 miles west), and the Wayne National Forest near Athens (60 miles southeast). Some hosts even offer RV rental with unlimited mileage packages, perfect if you're planning a bigger loop through Ohio. Pro tip: message the host with your rough itinerary before booking and ask if they'll bundle extra miles, many will give you a better rate upfront.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-parkWhere are the best campgrounds near Chillicothe for RVs?
You've got excellent options right around Chillicothe for RV camping. Scioto Trail State Park (10 minutes south on US-23) offers electric sites tucked into a quiet 218-acre forest with two small lakes. Sun Valley Campground, about 6 miles west, is a year-round Good Sam park with big-rig friendly sites, a dump station, and a fishing pond. Walnut Creek Campground & Resort north of town has 62 full-hookup sites with 30-amp service. For state park lovers, Great Seal State Park sits just minutes northeast. Book Ohio State Parks through reserveohio.com up to six months ahead, especially for fall color weekends. Pro tip: Scioto Trail's sites fill fast for October leaf-peeping, so reserve in April or May.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/campgroundsWhen is the best time to visit Chillicothe in an RV?
Late April through October is prime time for an RV trip from Chillicothe, but each season offers something special. Spring (April to May) brings 60 to 75 degree days, blooming dogwoods, and fewer crowds at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Summer (June to August) is warm and humid with highs in the mid-80s, perfect for swimming at Rock Water Campground's lake. Fall (mid-September to late October) is the local insider favorite, southern Ohio's hardwood forests explode in color and the outdoor drama Tecumseh runs through early September. Winter dips to the 20s and 30s but stays drivable. Pro tip: book the last weekend of September to catch peak foliage at Tar Hollow State Forest without summer's bugs.
weather.gov/iln/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Chillicothe a good first-timer experience?
Chillicothe is a fantastic place for first time renting an RV. The roads here are mostly flat to rolling, traffic is light outside of US-23 rush hour, and you're surrounded by easy-to-navigate state routes leading to scenic destinations. Every RVezy host gives you a thorough walkthrough at pickup, covering propane, the water system, slides, leveling, and how to dump tanks. Many local hosts also offer delivery, so your first time behind the wheel can simply be a short drive from the campground to a grocery store. Pro tip: book a smaller travel trailer or Class C motorhome rental in Chillicothe for your first trip, and stay close to base, Scioto Trail State Park is a stress-free 20-minute drive that lets you get comfortable fast.
transportation.ohio.gov/programs/road-weather/road-weatherWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy rental in Chillicothe includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so a flat tire on US-50 heading to Seip Earthworks or a dead battery at Lake Hope is a phone call away from being solved. RVezy's support team is also available around the clock before, during, and after your trip, and your host's contact info is right in the app if you have a quick question about a specific system. Pro tip: snap a photo of the RV's VIN, plate, and any service stickers during your walkthrough. If you ever need to call roadside, having that info ready speeds everything up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Chillicothe RV rental out of state or into Canada?
Yes, most RVezy rentals from Chillicothe are cleared for interstate travel across the United States, so popular runs like West Virginia's New River Gorge (about 3.5 hours southeast), Kentucky's Mammoth Cave (about 4 hours southwest), or the Great Smoky Mountains (about 7 hours south) are all on the table. Some hosts will also approve trips into Canada with advance notice, just message them through the listing before booking to confirm and arrange any required paperwork. One firm rule: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: a Chillicothe-to-Smokies road trip is a classic Appalachian loop, plan for fuel stops in southern Ohio and eastern Tennessee where diesel prices tend to be lowest.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Chillicothe RV trip?
Fuel is one of the easier costs to predict for an RV rental in Ohio. Most Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), Class A motorhomes 6 to 10 MPG, and campervan rentals in Chillicothe typically deliver 15 to 20 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle, but figure 10 to 14 MPG for a midsize truck. Ohio gas prices generally run a bit below the national average, with stations along US-35 and US-23 near Chillicothe being competitive. For a typical 3-night, 250-mile loop you'll usually spend $80 to $150 on fuel. Pro tip: fill up at the Pilot or Speedway on US-35 before heading into Hocking Hills, prices climb noticeably once you're in the rural Hocking County area.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds near Chillicothe?
For peace of mind, book Ohio State Park campgrounds like Scioto Trail, Great Seal, and nearby Hocking Hills up to six months in advance through reserveohio.com, the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources reservation portal. Summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and October color weekends are the most competitive, often filling within hours of opening. Private parks like Sun Valley and Walnut Creek typically have more flexibility and accept reservations 30 to 60 days out. Pro tip: if your dream weekend is sold out, check reserveohio.com regularly, central Ohio sees lots of last-minute openings as plans change, and you can often snag a prime site for a fall foliage weekend just days before arrival.
reserveohio.com/What are driving conditions like around Chillicothe?
Driving an RV around Chillicothe is refreshingly manageable. US-23, US-35, and US-50 are the main arteries, all wide four-lane highways with gentle grades through the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Plateau. The toughest stretches are the winding two-lane roads into Hocking Hills (State Route 374 has tight curves and steep drops in spots), so take it slow with a larger rig. Winter can bring snow and ice from December to February, and summer afternoon thunderstorms can produce strong crosswinds. Pro tip: avoid downtown Chillicothe's narrow brick side streets with anything over 25 feet, stick to Bridge Street and Main Street, and use the big-rig friendly truck stops along US-35 for fueling and turnarounds.
transportation.ohio.gov/programs/road-weather/road-weatherWhat amenities can I expect at Chillicothe-area campgrounds?
Local campgrounds offer a great range of amenities for your RV camping in Chillicothe. Sun Valley Campground and Walnut Creek Resort have 30/50-amp electric, water, sewer hookups at full-service sites, hot showers, laundry, and dump stations. Scioto Trail State Park has electric hookups at most sites with a central dump station and potable water spigots throughout the campground. Rock Water Campground includes full hookups plus an 11-acre lake. Free dump stations are available to registered Ohio State Park campers. Pro tip: fill your fresh water tank before leaving the host's driveway since some smaller state park loops only have communal spigots, and bring a 25-foot drinking-safe hose, the standard 15-foot one comes up short at several Scioto Trail sites.
ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/scioto-trail-state-parkWhat features come standard in a Chillicothe RV rental?
Most RVs on RVezy in Chillicothe come fully equipped for a comfortable trip: a kitchen with stove, fridge, sink, and microwave; a bathroom with toilet and shower; sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on the rig; air conditioning and furnace; and seatbelts for every traveling passenger. Many hosts include a generator, outdoor speakers, a TV, awning, and basic kitchenware. WiFi is hit or miss in rural Ross County, so don't count on streaming at Tar Hollow. Pro tip: check each listing's amenities tab carefully and look for popular add-ons like camp chairs, bedding packages, kayaks, and bike racks, hosts in Chillicothe often bundle these for less than renting separately at a big-box store.
nps.gov/hocu/planyourvisit/index.htmWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for?
RVezy hosts in Chillicothe offer a smart menu of add-ons that make your trip easier: delivery and setup (usually $2 to $4 per mile from the host's location), generator use, bedding and linens, camp chairs, propane refills, and dump/cleaning packages so you don't have to empty tanks yourself. Mileage policies are set per listing, most include 100 to 150 free miles per night with overages around $0.35. Pickup is typically a 30 to 45 minute walkthrough at the host's home in or near Chillicothe. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus the dump/clean add-on for your first trip. You'll spend roughly $150 to $250 extra, but you avoid the two most-stressful parts of RVing as a beginner, getting it there and emptying the black tank.
ohiodnr.gov/How does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit card when you book, never directly to the host. Your host sets a refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV), which is held separately from the booking payment and released back to you after your trip ends, assuming no damage. You will also pay nightly rates, taxes, your chosen protection plan, and any add-ons through the same checkout. Pro tip: do a quick video walk-around with your host at pickup and dropoff and save it to your phone. It is the single best way to avoid deposit disputes and gives both you and your Chillicothe host total peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there pet-friendly RV rentals and parks near Chillicothe?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Chillicothe is easy to find. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see dozens of motorhomes and trailers ready to welcome your dog. Once you're here, leashed pets are welcome on the outdoor trails at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (Mound City Group is especially scenic for a sunrise walk), Great Seal State Park's 17 miles of trails, and most loops at Scioto Trail State Park's campground. Sun Valley Campground and Walnut Creek Resort both allow leashed pets at RV sites. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl and a tie-out stake, summer humidity in southern Ohio can climb fast, so plan hikes for early morning when temperatures sit in the comfortable 60s and 70s.
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