Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek State Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
184 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
59
Average
26
Poor
14
Terrible
6
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,652 contributions
Dec 2020
Visited Alum Creek State Park in December; not the best time to enjoy all the recreational opportunities, including water sports, available at this State Park. But, I stopped at three salient features of the park- the Beach (campgrounds), the Visitor Center, and the Dam. Each place has its own parking area. Walked on the concrete paved trail in the beach area, and then hiked to the Visitor Center (closed due to the pandemic). Then went to the dam parking area and walked on the paved trail up to the dam. Enjoyed the view of the water flow at the dam. The dam trail continues for about three miles east but it is not paved. Also, there are several unpaved hiking trails both upstream and downstream of the dam, but they were too wet or iced up during my visit.
Alum Creek State Park would be well worth the visit when the weather is good to enjoy all the recreational options available at the park.
Alum Creek State Park would be well worth the visit when the weather is good to enjoy all the recreational options available at the park.
Written February 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri D
Yardville, NJ489 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Nice park, quite large. We just spent a few hours hiking. Has everything that you could want in Ohio, camping, hiking trails a beach, boating, seimming, horseback riding trails, etc. It was a very hot day that we visited. We stopped in at the Nature Center first and then hiked one of the trails through the woods, which was refreshing on this hot day. We walked to the beach area and relaxed, before turning back. The Nature Center area also has a very nice garden area.
Written June 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T R
Cincinnati, OH210 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The specific area we visited was the Alum Creek Dam on the southern end of Alum Creek Lake, officially in Lewis Center, Ohio. It was the Alum Creek Lower Dam Recreation Area off Lewis Center Road.
The area is very nice. Unfortunately, there is not paved path or trail for wheelchairs/strollers to go to the top of the dam and get a view of the lake from there. One has to climb the 116 steps. We had a stroller with twins. We parked the stroller at the bottom of the steps and my wife and I carried one baby each and went up to the top trail. The view of the lake is very nice from there.
The area is very nice. Unfortunately, there is not paved path or trail for wheelchairs/strollers to go to the top of the dam and get a view of the lake from there. One has to climb the 116 steps. We had a stroller with twins. We parked the stroller at the bottom of the steps and my wife and I carried one baby each and went up to the top trail. The view of the lake is very nice from there.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rollinauntie
Montana72 contributions
Jul 2020
We usually love state parks to camp in but this one gets a thumbs down from us. We had requested and told we would be given a spot with trees but instead, pulled in (with 100 plus heat index outside) to our assigned lot with ZERO tree coverage. The lot next to us could have handled our 35ft RV but we were told it was not available. It remained empty even into the next morning as we left. Bathroom shelter houses are spaced too far and few inbetween and not maintained.
As I said, we stay in state parks all over the US and this is one has landed on our NO list.
As I said, we stay in state parks all over the US and this is one has landed on our NO list.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theirRVtravels
7 contributions
Mar 2022
For Winter Camping conditions, this park was perfect. It was quiet and great for watching some early migrating birds. Electric hookups were available at the sites, shower house was open with full amenities. Very clean. Firewood was available at office. No WiFI, but we had cell service. Trails near to the campground were muddy (as expected in March), but enjoyable. However, summer may be entirely different as far as noise and activity. If you enjoy water sports, this would definitely be worth checking out.
The only negative was that the traffic around the area is very congested which makes any trip to the store somewhat difficult.
We stayed here in a 25' travel trailer and would definitely return.
The only negative was that the traffic around the area is very congested which makes any trip to the store somewhat difficult.
We stayed here in a 25' travel trailer and would definitely return.
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hahaterri
columbus, oh34 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This place was amazing. There were dozens of trails. We walked on the roots and rocks trail and then veered off from there. The trail was definitely rooty and rocky. Hiking boots worked great, I'm not sure if walking shoes would be comfortable. If you have a hiking pole that would also be advised, although we walked without them today. The trail was easy and windy and very shady. We saw fewer than 10 people out there on a Saturday morning. This trail was just trees and plants in all directions and some sea views. No businesses nearby, or road traffic or noise. The one down side is that the trails were not well marked and some of the other trails are quite long, so pay attention to what's around you when you walk. This trail is probably very muddy in wet seasons, but it was great today. We saw some wood planks in muddy areas, and even a rope line to help with a steep area. We also had to cross the creek, but it was low today. A lot of fun and a nice getaway.
Written June 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Pittsburgh, PA46 contributions
Aug 2020
Very nice state park campground. Grounds were in good shape thought the bath facilities are showing their age. Stayed at L14 and L15. These were listed as Premium Lake View sites. No one has seen the lake from these sights in at least six years. There are few sites in this campground that are on the water with a view.
Still, the campground sites are well maintained and well prepared for RVs or tents.
Still, the campground sites are well maintained and well prepared for RVs or tents.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin W
68 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
First off, this is a beautiful piece of nature and I bet the fishing is really good. We loved the fact that there is a paved walkway around the water. The only issued we had were there was very few parking lot signs and we got confused where to park. Secondly, there should be a parking lot near the dam thats closer to the walking path for those who are handicapped. Those are the only two suggestions we have, otherwise its a beautiful spot.
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ohio12334
Columbus, OH293 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Our family discovered the Alum Creek Marina website, and thought it would be fun to rent a pontoon boat over the Fourth of July weekend. Their website stated you could rent a 22ft Pontoon boat for 6 hours for $260. However when I called the Marina they indicated it was actually $330, and their website has been outdated for over a year.
When I asked if they could update the website, the Marina office stated that they wished they could because it has caused a lot of confusion among it's customers, but the website was the responsibility of Cross Enterprises. Cross Enterprises is listed on the Alum Creek Marina "contact us" page, so I decided to reach out to them.
When I called Cross Enterprises to notify them of the outdated rental prices, the girl who answered deflected and told me to call the Marina themselves. To which I said "I did I'm just letting you guys know the website needs fixed to reflect the correct rental costs. At that point she told me it wasn't her job (or her concern apparently). She was very rude and unprofessional and I could tell she had no willingness to assist. I was also disappointed in the Alum Creek Park Manager, Jason Meyers, who never returned my call when notifying him of the situation. They seem to be lacking leadership skills and overall professionalism. For that reason they won't be receiving my business.
As a side note, the rental process itself is inefficient. The boats are first come first serve. Meaning the only way you can make a reservation is by renting a boat all day, which is really expensive. You can never make family arrangements for a boat rental because you'll never know what they'll have available each day.
In the end we decided against the rental b/c it makes no sense as to why you can't pay full price up front to reserve a boat. At minimum they should at least require a security deposit so customers can make some sort of reservation without having to pay $500+ for an all day rental.
It was never going to work to ask out of town family members to drive to Columbus and say "Hey we're interested in this boat rental, but who knows if we can get one b/c we can't make reservations." I have to believe their losing business on this reservation system alone. Until they amend their website and inefficient reservation process we will not be returning.
When I asked if they could update the website, the Marina office stated that they wished they could because it has caused a lot of confusion among it's customers, but the website was the responsibility of Cross Enterprises. Cross Enterprises is listed on the Alum Creek Marina "contact us" page, so I decided to reach out to them.
When I called Cross Enterprises to notify them of the outdated rental prices, the girl who answered deflected and told me to call the Marina themselves. To which I said "I did I'm just letting you guys know the website needs fixed to reflect the correct rental costs. At that point she told me it wasn't her job (or her concern apparently). She was very rude and unprofessional and I could tell she had no willingness to assist. I was also disappointed in the Alum Creek Park Manager, Jason Meyers, who never returned my call when notifying him of the situation. They seem to be lacking leadership skills and overall professionalism. For that reason they won't be receiving my business.
As a side note, the rental process itself is inefficient. The boats are first come first serve. Meaning the only way you can make a reservation is by renting a boat all day, which is really expensive. You can never make family arrangements for a boat rental because you'll never know what they'll have available each day.
In the end we decided against the rental b/c it makes no sense as to why you can't pay full price up front to reserve a boat. At minimum they should at least require a security deposit so customers can make some sort of reservation without having to pay $500+ for an all day rental.
It was never going to work to ask out of town family members to drive to Columbus and say "Hey we're interested in this boat rental, but who knows if we can get one b/c we can't make reservations." I have to believe their losing business on this reservation system alone. Until they amend their website and inefficient reservation process we will not be returning.
Written June 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate M
Columbus, OH74 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
In a random turn of events, my boyfriend and I ended up here. The "creek" is huge! It's technically a large lake, and it's gorgeous. The marina has rentals for kayaks, paddle boats, water bike, fishing boat, pontoon, jet ski, etc! We rented a paddle boat for an hour (it was like $15 bucks) and checked out the coves. We save a few ducks, herons, minnows, jumping fish and turtles. The marina has a shop that has just about everything. I even bought some nautical themed decor for our bathroom! The food was average and over priced, so I'd recommend eating somewhere else. The beach was beautiful and clean! There are also clean/private showers for anyone to use:)
Written June 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where are the cabins for rent located? We could not find them on the park map. It would also be great to see photos of each cabin as well on the website. Is there a minimum number of days to rent them?
Written February 4, 2018
I do not remember seeing cabins for rent.
Written May 28, 2018
What happened to the other cedar cabins in the campground? There use to be three now there is only one.
Written March 19, 2017
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