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A.W. Marion State Park Campground

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A.W. Marion State Park Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (740) 869-3124

Address 7705 Warner-Huffer Rd, Circleville, OH 43113, USA

Website https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/a-w-marion-state-park-campground

Hours

A.W. Marion State Park Campground Location & Map

OhioPickaway CountyCirclevilleWarner-Huffer Road

A.W. Marion State Park Campground About

Introduction / Overview

For Ohio residents seeking a tranquil yet accessible outdoor escape, A.W. Marion State Park Campground in Circleville offers a delightful solution. This charming campground, praised by visitors for its serene atmosphere and well-kept grounds, provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature without straying too far from essential conveniences. Unlike larger, often bustling campgrounds, A.W. Marion's smaller size translates to a more intimate and peaceful experience, perfect for those looking to truly unwind.

A.W. Marion State Park itself is a hidden gem in Pickaway County, centered around Hargus Lake. While smaller than some of Ohio's more prominent state parks, it offers a concentrated dose of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The park's landscape features a beautiful lake surrounded by woodlands and open spaces, providing a picturesque setting for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The campground is particularly appealing to campers who appreciate a quieter environment, where the sounds of nature prevail over the clamor of crowds.

What sets A.W. Marion State Park Campground apart, especially for value-conscious Ohioans, is the inclusion of electric hookups at no additional charge for its campsites. This makes it an incredibly affordable option for those with RVs, pop-up campers, or even tent campers who desire the convenience of electricity. From setting up a comfortable lighting system to charging devices or running a small fan on a warm evening, electric access enhances the camping experience significantly. This blend of affordability, comfort, and peaceful surroundings makes A.W. Marion State Park Campground an ideal choice for a memorable outdoor adventure in Ohio.

Location and Accessibility

A.W. Marion State Park Campground is conveniently located at 7705 Warner-Huffer Rd, Circleville, OH 43113, USA. This address places the campground within the serene and picturesque A.W. Marion State Park, just a short drive from the city of Circleville in Pickaway County, Ohio.

The accessibility of this campground is a significant advantage for Ohio residents. Circleville, known for its annual Pumpkin Show, is a well-established community with excellent road connections. The campground's location only "5 to 10 minutes from town" means campers can easily access a wide range of amenities. This includes large retail stores like Walmart for groceries and forgotten supplies, gas stations, restaurants, and other essential services. This proximity to town allows campers to enjoy the solitude of the woods and lake during their stay, while still having the convenience of urban resources readily available. This is a highly valued feature for many Ohioans who appreciate a balance between outdoor immersion and practical access.

The drive to A.W. Marion State Park is generally straightforward via well-maintained state and local roads, making it easily reachable for campers from various parts of Central and Southern Ohio. The lack of extensive, winding backroads ensures a smooth journey for those towing trailers or driving RVs. While nestled amidst "woods and serenity," the quick dash to town highlights the campground's unique blend of rural tranquility and urban convenience, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free camping trip in Ohio.

Services Offered

A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for Ohio residents. While it's noted for being a smaller, quieter campground, it still offers fundamental amenities that campers appreciate. Based on public data and customer reviews, here are the services typically provided:

  • Electric Campsites: A significant highlight is that all campsites come with electric hookups at no additional charge. This is a tremendous value, providing power for RVs, pop-up campers, or enabling comfortable tent camping with access to electricity for lights, fans, and device charging.
  • Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a cooking grate, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking meals.
  • Clean Restrooms: Customer reviews confirm that "the bathrooms were stocked with toilet paper" and the "grounds were clean," indicating a commitment to maintaining hygienic facilities.
  • Shower Houses (Upcoming): While past reviews noted a lack of showers, it's explicitly mentioned that the park is "actually putting some in now." This indicates an ongoing improvement to enhance camper comfort, which will be a significant addition once completed.
  • Potable Water Access: While not every site may have a direct water hookup (confirm upon booking if this is critical for your unit), potable water spigots are readily available throughout the campground for filling containers or RV tanks.
  • Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is typically available within state park campgrounds for convenient waste disposal from RVs and campers.
  • Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviews consistently praise the "clean" and "well kept" nature of the campground, highlighting the park's dedication to a pleasant environment.

For the most precise and up-to-date information on the operational status of services, especially regarding the new shower facilities, it's always recommended to contact the A.W. Marion State Park office directly or check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website.

Features / Highlights

A.W. Marion State Park Campground, while smaller and quieter than some counterparts, offers a compelling set of features and highlights that make it a superb choice for Ohio campers. These aspects contribute to a relaxing and engaging outdoor experience:

  • Included Electric Hookups: A major highlight is that all campsites come with electric hookups (typically 20/30 amp) at no additional charge. This provides excellent value and convenience for RVs, pop-ups, and tent campers desiring power for lights, fans, or device charging.
  • Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Customers consistently note that it's a "pretty small campground," which "just means less noise." This creates a peaceful and relaxing environment, ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape from bustling city life.
  • Generous Campsite Sizes: Reviews indicate that "the lots were generous in size," providing ample space for camping setups, vehicles, and outdoor activities, ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is praised for its cleanliness, with "bathrooms... stocked with toilet paper" and "grounds... clean," reflecting a commitment to providing a pleasant environment.
  • Upcoming Shower Facilities: A significant improvement noted by a reviewer is that showers are "actually putting some in now." This future addition will greatly enhance camper comfort.
  • Hargus Lake Access: The campground is adjacent to Hargus Lake, a central feature of the park, offering opportunities for various water activities.
  • Boat Rentals Available: Visitors can enjoy the lake by renting canoes and paddle boats from the marina, as highlighted by a customer review, providing a fun way to explore the water.
  • Excellent Fishing: The lake is known for "good fishing," appealing to anglers looking to cast a line and potentially catch some local species.
  • Extensive Trails for Hiking: The park boasts "lots of trails" suitable for hiking, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding woods and natural beauty on foot.
  • Public Hunting Grounds: For those interested in hunting, the park also features public hunting grounds, offering another outdoor recreational opportunity (ensure to follow all state regulations and seasons).
  • Proximity to Circleville: A significant convenience is its location "only 5 to 10 minutes from town," making it "easy to run into Walmart for groceries" or access other essential services, blending rural serenity with urban accessibility.

These features collectively make A.W. Marion State Park Campground an attractive destination for Ohioans seeking an affordable, peaceful, and amenity-rich camping experience.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a state-operated campground, A.W. Marion State Park Campground does not typically run commercial-style "promotions or special offers" in the same way a private business might. However, Ohio State Park campgrounds operate under standardized pricing and offer various discounts or programs that benefit campers.

A key promotional aspect unique to A.W. Marion State Park Campground, as highlighted by customer reviews, is the inclusion of electric hookups at no additional charge. This is a significant value proposition for Ohio campers, as many other campgrounds levy extra fees for electric sites. This effectively makes every electric campsite an "affordable" option for the price.

Beyond this inherent value, Ohio State Parks often have general discount programs that may apply to camping fees. It's important to remember that specific pricing and availability are dynamic, subject to change based on factors such as the season (peak vs. off-peak), the day of the week (weekend vs. weekday), and any ongoing initiatives by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Here are typical considerations for potential savings:

  • Included Electric Hookups: The fundamental "promotion" here is the value of electric sites being offered at no extra cost, making it inherently more affordable than many comparable campgrounds.
  • Seasonal and Day-of-Week Rates: Camping fees at Ohio State Parks, including A.W. Marion, often vary seasonally. Generally, off-peak periods (such as fall, winter, and early spring) and weekday reservations tend to be more affordable than peak summer weekends and holidays.
  • Advance Reservations: While not a discount, booking your campsite well in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times. The Ohio State Parks reservation system allows bookings up to six months ahead, which is crucial for securing your preferred dates and site.
  • Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 and over, or those with a permanent disability, may be eligible for discounts on camping fees (typically 50% off Sunday through Thursday and 10% off Friday and Saturday) with a valid Golden Buckeye Card. The cardholder must be present and listed as the occupant.
  • Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount on overnight facilities is generally available to active and retired military personnel. This discount can be applied to one site per time period, and proper military identification must be presented upon check-in.
  • Disabled Veteran and Former Prisoner of War Free Camping Pass Program: Eligible Ohio resident veterans who are permanently and totally disabled, or who are former prisoners of war, may qualify for free camping at Ohio State Parks. A reservation fee still applies, and proof of eligibility is required.
  • ODNR Programs and Passes: Occasionally, the ODNR may introduce special passes or loyalty programs that offer value to frequent visitors of Ohio State Parks. While these may not directly reduce campsite fees, they can offer other benefits for park access or amenities.

For the most accurate and current information on camping fees, availability, and any applicable discounts or reservation policies, interested Ohio residents should consult the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website or utilize the Ohio State Parks online reservation portal. Directly contacting the A.W. Marion State Park office can also provide personalized details regarding your potential stay.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding A.W. Marion State Park Campground, or to gather more information about the park and its camping facilities, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 7705 Warner-Huffer Rd, Circleville, OH 43113, USA
  • Phone: (740) 869-3124 (This is the general park office number, suitable for inquiries about park conditions, facilities, and general questions.)
  • Mobile Phone: +1 740-869-3124 (This appears to be an alternative or direct line to the park office.)

For booking campsites, it is generally recommended to use the statewide Ohio State Parks camping reservation system, which can be accessed online or via a dedicated phone line (typically 1-866-OHIOPARKS or 1-866-644-6727, though always confirm the current reservation number on the ODNR website). While the provided phone numbers connect directly to the park office for local information, booking specific campsites is often managed through the centralized state park system. Always remember to verify operating hours before making a call.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

A.W. Marion State Park Campground emerges as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for Ohio locals seeking a peaceful, affordable, and amenity-rich outdoor experience. Its unique combination of quietude, value, and convenient location makes it a standout choice for various types of campers across the state.

A primary reason for its suitability is its intimate and tranquil atmosphere. As noted by reviewers, it's a "pretty small campground," which translates directly to "less noise." This is a significant advantage for Ohioans who prioritize a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a genuine opportunity for relaxation and immersion in nature's sounds. Unlike larger, more crowded campgrounds, A.W. Marion provides a more personal and peaceful setting, allowing campers to truly unwind.

The affordability factor is another major draw. The fact that all campsites come with electric hookups at no additional charge is a considerable value proposition, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious Ohioans. This allows campers with RVs, pop-ups, or even those tent camping with electric needs to enjoy modern comforts without incurring extra fees, maximizing the bang for their buck.

Furthermore, the campground's convenient location "only 5 to 10 minutes from town" (Circleville) offers a rare and highly practical blend of rural serenity and urban accessibility. This means campers can be "surrounded by woods and serenity" and yet easily "run into Walmart for groceries" or access other essential services. This balance is highly valued by local Ohioans who want to feel disconnected from the daily grind but still have the safety net of nearby amenities.

The park's features further enhance its appeal. The presence of Hargus Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating (with canoe and paddle boat rentals available at the marina), and scenic views. The "lots of trails" cater to hikers, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the park. Even the recent improvement of "putting in" new showers demonstrates the park's commitment to enhancing camper comfort. The clean grounds and well-stocked bathrooms, as attested by satisfied campers, further contribute to a positive and stress-free experience.

In conclusion, A.W. Marion State Park Campground provides an ideal camping solution for Ohio locals who value peace, affordability, and convenience. It's a place where families can create cherished memories, anglers can find their catch, hikers can explore, and everyone can simply relax and enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors, all within an easily accessible and welcoming environment.

Customer Reviews

4.0
217 reviews
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Ray Plum
May 30, 2025

Nice place to camp. Pretty small campground but just means less noise. No showers but they are actually putting some in now.

A
Ashley Shaffer
Aug 18, 2024

We had a great time at A.W. Marion State Park campground. The bathrooms were stocked with toilet paper the grounds were clean and the lots were generous in size. Overall for the price this is very affordable, especially considering that the campsites came with electric at no additional charge. We also visited the marina and rented some canoes and paddle boats to view the lake. Lots of trails and good fishing here, they also have public hunting grounds. Conveniently located only 5 to 10 minutes from town so while your surrounded by woods and serenity it's easy to run into Walmart for groceries.

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Jared McFarland
Jul 31, 2022

This campground is an adequate place for a short stay. If you are in an RV or similar, the pads are pretty short. Didn't look like many could park in front of their camper, but on the other hand, they didn't seem to mind people parking in the grass. There are no showers, two vault toilets and two flush toilets plus one portapotty. Of the two vaults, one was covered in what I am hoping was mud. It was closed the next evening, so not sure when that's gonna get cleaned up. The playground by the vault toilets is pretty dated, but the kids seemed to enjoy it. There's a newer playground at the front of the campground that is really nice. There's an amphitheater that was showing finding Nemo Saturday night, which was odd as I saw no advertising for that fact. Just happened to see it walking to the restroom. The sites are really close together. Finally, sounds and light are a bit of a mess at night. Between car alarms going off for way longer than one would think, to it sounding like a kennel with all the dogs barking, and just random crazy bright lights on for long times. The people at the camp store were nice, though. Ultimately, it works for a short stay or you have a camper with a shower and such, but otherwise not the nicest facilities.

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Brian Wilson
Jun 25, 2023

Beautiful little campground. Very small, but pretty! Lots of shaded sites. Sites are close together, but still a quiet place. Electric sites are 50/30 amp. No full hookups. A great place for a fishing or hiking trip, but the kids got a little bored because there is no beach for swimming. A 4mile trail loops around the lake that makes for a beautiful hike. The trail crosses through the campground...it was nice to be able to start and end the hike without the need to drive to a trail head. Camphosts were very polite and accomodating. Sites are fairly level. We stayed in site #53. Site is tucked in next to the tree line which gave us a very private place to sit off the awning side of the camper. #53 and #56 are the best sites. A flush toilet is available near the campground entrance. Pit latrines are available throughout. There is a dumpstation near the entrance on the accessroad. Potable water (blue spigots) are spaced out throughout the campground. No showerhouse. There is a small amphitheater and two separate playgrounds for kids. There is an old paved road that looks as if it was part of the campground at one time and ends at the lake. It is currently roped off and marked "Emergency Vehicles Only." It would be nice if ODNR or Ohio State Parks made a kayak launch at the end of this road...there is no access to the lake from the campground. You have to drive all the way around to the other side of the lake for kayak/canoe access. All things considered, we would more than likely stay here again.

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Howard Gourley
Jun 23, 2021

Second year we've stayed here. This time for two weeks. Hosts are always friendly and helpful. Campground is packed on weekends but not as much during the week due to the lake being drained for work on the dam. Very relaxing stay but would like to see the state do a little more upkeep on the toilets. They were nasty. Might be due to lake closure. Last year they were cleaned daily.