The visitor center, or park office, at Alum Creek State Park is open from 8am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Admission to Alum Creek State Park is free, with no entrance fee charged.
From Columbus: I-71 N → Exit 121 (US-36/OH-37) toward Delaware/Sunbury → Follow signs to Lewis Center Rd or Hollenback Rd, depending on destination. From Cleveland: I-71 S → Exit 131 (OH-37 W) → Turn left on Lewis Center or Hollenback Rd.
At Alum Creek State Park, you’ll find parking lots outside the main entrance, each RV campground, and at trailheads. These lots accommodate cars, large RVs, and motorcycles. Overnight parking is allowed for registered campers, but there are no parking fees for day visitors.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Full
Located in central Ohio near Delaware, Alum Creek State Park is a 4,630-acre outdoor escape featuring a massive 3,387-acre reservoir and Ohio’s largest inland beach. Ideal for water lovers and hikers alike, it offers boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and over 30 miles of mountain biking trails. With vibrant forests, open fields, and diverse wildlife, it’s a perfect setting for year-round nature exploration, from sunny summer lake days to snowy woodland treks in winter.
- Area (mi²)
- 7.2
- Annual visitors
- 1 500 000
- Established year
- 1974
Top 3 Facts about Alum Creek State Park
This park is home to remnants of a North Carolina community of freed slaves who settled in Ohio, and it features 38 miles of bridle trails for horseback riding.
The park includes a 3,000-foot inland beach—one of the largest in Ohio.
Over 30 miles of mountain biking trails wind through forest and shoreline, offering scenic and challenging rides.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Research park activities and campsite availability online; make lodging or marina reservations early, especially for summer weekends.
Pack Appropriately
Bring supplies based on your plans: hiking boots, water gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and warm clothing in cooler seasons.
Respect Wildlife
Observe deer, birds, and other wildlife from a distance; avoid loud noise and leave no trace on trails or campsites.
Stay Informed
Check Ohio State Parks’ website for alerts, weather conditions, events, and seasonal activity hours before visiting.
Seasons
Spring is a delightful time to visit Alum Creek State Park. As nature awakens from winter, the park bursts into vibrant colors with blooming wildflowers and budding trees. The weather during spring is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Anglers will also find this season ideal for fishing, as many fish species become more active in the warming waters of Alum Creek Lake.
Summer is the peak season for Alum Creek State Park. With warm temperatures and long sunny days, it’s the perfect time for water-based activities like swimming, boating, and jet skiing at the park’s expansive beach and lake. The campground and picnic areas are bustling with families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying cookouts, camping under the stars, and exploring the park’s extensive trail system. Be prepared for crowds during weekends and holidays, especially in popular areas like the beach.
Fall brings a spectacular display of autumn foliage to Alum Creek State Park. The park’s wooded areas transform into red, orange, and gold kaleidoscope, offering stunning vistas for hikers and nature lovers. Fall is an excellent time for outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as the weather remains mild and the crowds begin to thin out. Anglers can also enjoy fishing as the cooling waters attract various fish species.
Winter offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere at Alum Creek State Park. While the park’s beach and water activities are dormant during this season, there are still plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy. Visitors can explore the park’s trails on foot or cross-country skis, marveling at the beauty of the snow-dusted landscape. Wildlife viewing is also rewarding during winter, with opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other creatures against the backdrop of a winter wonderland. It’s essential to dress warmly and be prepared for snow and ice, but the peaceful ambiance and solitude make winter a unique time to experience the park’s natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Alum Creek State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Alum Creek State Park is Delaware, Ohio, which is located in Delaware County, just north of Columbus, the state capital. Other nearby cities include Westerville and Powell.
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The Park Office Trail is the best hiking trail for kids, as it is a 1.5-mile easy walk around a small pond near the park office, making it suitable for families with young children, including those in carriers. This trail is level and joins with other trails to lead to the waterfront, offering a chance to observe various natural details.
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Dogs must be on a leash, except in designated dog exercise areas like the off-leash dog park. Leashes should not exceed six feet in length. Pets are not allowed on swimming beaches or in certain park facilities.
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Parking is not explicitly mentioned as free; visitors typically need to consider the overall park fees or specific activity costs.
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You can enjoy boating, camping, disc golf, dog parks, fishing, hiking on trails like the Rocks to Roots Trail, horseback riding on 38 miles of bridle trails, and hunting in designated areas. The park also features a large beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as mountain biking trails and scenic picnic areas. Additional activities include geocaching, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on the multi-purpose trail.
