Campsite 87 (Electric Only)

For Ohioans seeking a fantastic outdoor escape with the convenience of electrical hookups, Campsite 87 within Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling stands as an excellent choice. Nestled in the heart of Ohio's agricultural country, Deer Creek State Park is a premier vacation destination, boasting a beautiful reservoir, extensive recreational opportunities, and a well-maintained campground. Campsite 87, specifically designed for electric-only hookups, provides a comfortable and accessible base for campers to explore the diverse offerings of this beloved Ohio state park. Whether you're pulling in with an RV or setting up a tent with a desire for some modern comforts, this site and its surrounding park offer a quintessential Ohio camping experience.

Ohio’s state parks are renowned for their accessibility and varied attractions, making outdoor adventures easy to plan for local residents. Deer Creek State Park is a shining example, blending vast natural spaces with amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. From the expansive Deer Creek Lake, perfect for unlimited horsepower boating and fishing, to miles of hiking trails and family-friendly activities like disc golf and miniature golf, there’s something for everyone. Campsite 87, being an electric-only site, caters to those who appreciate the convenience of power for their appliances, while still embracing the immersive experience of state park camping. Reviews consistently highlight the well-maintained nature of the campground, the spacious sites, and the wealth of activities available, ensuring a memorable stay for Ohio families and outdoor enthusiasts.

This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Campsite 87 and the broader Deer Creek State Park experience, designed to help local Ohioans learn more about this place. We'll delve into its specific location and how to access it, the services and amenities available, its key features and highlights, and ultimately, why it’s a suitable choice for your next Ohio camping adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite 87 is located within Deer Creek State Park at 87 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA. This places the campsite directly within one of Ohio's most popular state parks, situated in Pickaway and Fayette counties, approximately 20 miles south of Columbus. The park's location in central Ohio makes it highly accessible from major metropolitan areas across the state.

Access to Deer Creek State Park is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained state routes like US-22 or US-62, leading directly to State Park Road. The park’s main entrance and campground check-in are clearly marked, ensuring a smooth arrival for campers, even those navigating with larger RVs. Once inside the park, roads leading to the campground loops and individual campsites are generally paved and easy to navigate. Campsite 87 itself is a back-in site, with a 45ft driveway, accommodating various RV sizes.

The geographical placement of Deer Creek State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rural tranquility, while still being within a reasonable drive of urban conveniences. While the immediate vicinity is characterized by agricultural landscapes, the park itself is a hub of activity. The nearby towns of Mt. Sterling and Washington Court House can provide essential supplies, groceries, and dining options. This combination of easy access, natural immersion, and convenient proximity to amenities makes Deer Creek State Park and Campsite 87 an ideal choice for Ohioans seeking a stress-free and enjoyable camping trip.

Services Offered

As part of the larger Deer Creek State Park Campground, Campsite 87 benefits from a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance the camping experience.

• Electric Hookup: Campsite 87 is designated as "Electric Only," providing a 50-amp hookup. This allows campers to power their RVs, charge devices, and utilize electric appliances, offering a significant comfort upgrade from primitive sites.
• Drive-In Access & Back-In Parking: The site offers convenient drive-in access with a back-in parking configuration, suitable for RVs and trailers up to 45 feet.
• Fire Ring with Grill: Each campsite, including Campsite 87, comes equipped with a fire ring that includes a grill, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Picnic Table: A picnic table is provided at the site, offering a designated area for outdoor meals and gathering.
• RV Site / Tent Site / Trailer Site: Campsite 87 is versatile, accommodating RVs, travel trailers, and tents, making it suitable for a variety of camping styles.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted on all campsites within Deer Creek State Park, including Campsite 87, ensuring that furry family members can join the adventure.
• Clean Shower Houses & Flush Toilets: The campground features well-maintained shower houses with hot water and flush toilets, which have been recently updated, providing essential hygiene facilities. One shower house is open year-round.
• Dump Station: A centrally located dump station is available for RVers, although reviews suggest it can get busy on weekends.
• Seasonal Camp Store: A small camp store is located near the campground check-in, offering limited food, camping supplies, and disc golf equipment rentals.
• Water Points: While individual sites may not have water hookups (for electric-only sites), communal water points are available within the campground.
• Playgrounds & Recreational Courts: The campground area includes playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits, providing entertainment options for families.

Features / Highlights

Campsite 87 and Deer Creek State Park collectively offer a wealth of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Ohio campers.

• Extensive Lake Activities: Deer Creek Lake (1,277 acres) is a major draw, permitting unlimited horsepower boating, fishing (known for saugeye, catfish, bass, crappie), and features a 1,700-foot swimming beach. A marina offers boat rentals, fuel, and dock leases.
• Spacious and Diverse Campsites: Many sites are praised for being spacious, providing ample room for tents, RVs, and outdoor activities. The campground offers a mix of shady, sunny, and secluded sites with good space between lots.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Recent renovations ensure that shower houses and restrooms are clean and in great shape, a significant comfort for campers.
• Variety of Trails: The park boasts multiple hiking trails (easy to moderate), including the Storybook Trail near the campground, as well as 17 miles of bridle trails also open for snowmobiling in winter.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: Beyond the lake, the park offers an 18-hole disc golf course (equipment rental available), putt-putt, bike rentals, and nature programming during summer months.
• Dog Park & Swim Area: A fenced dog park near the campground and a dedicated dog swim area ensure that pets can enjoy the park too.
• Year-Round Camping: Deer Creek State Park Campground is open year-round, with one shower house remaining open in winter for adventurous cold-weather campers.
• Wildlife Viewing: Campers frequently report spotting deer, various bird species, and even coyotes, adding to the natural charm.
• Lodge & Golf Course: The park also features Deer Creek Lodge with an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, game room, restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course, offering additional amenities for day use or lodge guests.

Promotions or Special Offers

As part of the Ohio State Park system, Deer Creek State Park and its campgrounds, including Campsite 87, operate under a standardized reservation and fee structure rather than offering traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers."

The primary "promotion" for Michiganders (and other Ohio residents) is the excellent value and accessibility offered by the Ohio State Parks system itself:

• Affordable Camping Rates: Ohio State Parks generally offer competitive and affordable nightly camping rates compared to many private campgrounds, especially for sites with electric hookups.
• Season Pass/Annual Permits: While not specific to Campsite 87, frequent visitors to Ohio State Parks may benefit from annual passes or loyalty programs if available, offering cost savings over multiple visits. (It is recommended to check the Ohio DNR website for current programs).
• Value of Inclusions: The camping fee typically includes access to all park amenities like the swimming beach, hiking trails, playgrounds, and disc golf course (excluding rentals), providing significant recreational value.
• Seasonal Programming: During warmer months, the park's nature center often offers free or low-cost educational programs with a naturalist, enhancing the camping experience.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific seasonal offerings or potential discounts, it is always recommended to visit the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website for Deer Creek State Park or use their online reservation system. Reservations for state park campsites are generally available on a rolling basis, typically four months in advance.

Contact Information

For inquiries about Deer Creek State Park Campground, including Campsite 87, or to make reservations, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 87 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA

Deer Creek State Park Campground Office Phone: (740) 869-3508

Deer Creek State Park Office Phone: (740) 869-3124

For reservations, it is often most convenient to use the official Ohio State Parks online reservation system, which can be found through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. You can also call the campground office directly for specific questions about the site or park conditions.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite 87 within Deer Creek State Park offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing camping experience for Ohioans seeking a blend of convenience, activity, and natural beauty. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, catering to a wide range of outdoor interests without requiring extensive travel.

Firstly, the park's central Ohio location makes it incredibly accessible for residents across the state, ensuring that a refreshing getaway is always within a reasonable drive. This ease of access is a major draw for families and individuals looking for convenient weekend trips or longer vacations.

Secondly, the "Electric Only" nature of Campsite 87 (and many others at Deer Creek) provides a crucial balance between rustic outdoor living and modern comfort. For RVers, it means hassle-free power for appliances, while tent campers can enjoy the convenience of charging devices or running fans. This adaptability caters to various camping styles, ensuring a comfortable stay for a broad audience.

Finally, the sheer abundance of activities within Deer Creek State Park itself is a huge advantage. From unlimited horsepower boating and excellent fishing on Deer Creek Lake to miles of hiking trails, disc golf, playgrounds, and even a lodge with additional amenities, there's always something to do. The park is well-maintained, pet-friendly, and offers diverse campsite settings, ensuring that every visit can be tailored to individual preferences. For Ohioans, Campsite 87 at Deer Creek State Park isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to endless outdoor adventure and cherished family memories, all within the beautiful backyard of their home state.