Campsite 90 (Electric Only), Mount Sterling, OH

For residents across Ohio, the call of the wild often comes with a desire for a balanced outdoor experience – one that combines the raw beauty of nature with a touch of modern convenience. This ideal blend is perfectly embodied by electric-only campsites, such as Campsite 90, nestled within the picturesque Deer Creek State Park in Mt. Sterling. For those with recreational vehicles or even tent campers who appreciate the ability to power their essential devices, this type of campsite offers a significant upgrade from primitive sites, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay without fully stepping away from the traditional camping feel.

Deer Creek State Park is widely recognized as "central Ohio's vacation showplace," and for good reason. Its expansive landscape, featuring rolling meadows, mature woodlands, and the magnificent 1,200-acre Deer Creek Lake, creates an inviting backdrop for a wide array of outdoor pursuits. Whether you're an avid angler, a passionate boater, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking to relax in a serene natural setting, Deer Creek State Park delivers. Campsite 90 provides an excellent home base, offering the convenience of electricity while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the park’s abundant recreational opportunities and the tranquility of Ohio's outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite 90 is strategically located at 90 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA. This places it directly within the well-maintained campground area of Deer Creek State Park. The park's main address, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143-9501, serves as a clear reference point for GPS and mapping services, ensuring a straightforward journey. Situated in Madison County, Deer Creek State Park benefits from its central Ohio location, providing excellent accessibility for visitors traveling from various regions across the state.

The drive to Deer Creek State Park is typically smooth and efficient, with well-maintained state routes leading directly to its entrance. This is particularly advantageous for those towing RVs or trailers, as it minimizes travel stress. Upon entering the park, clear and informative signage guides visitors through the scenic landscape, directly to the campground area, and subsequently to their specific campsite, including Campsite 90. This ease of navigation contributes significantly to a relaxed start to any camping trip, allowing campers to quickly set up and begin enjoying their outdoor adventure. Furthermore, the proximity to the charming village of Mt. Sterling ensures that any last-minute supplies or local amenities are just a short drive away, striking a perfect balance between a secluded natural retreat and practical convenience.

Services Offered

Electric Hookup: Campsite 90 provides an electric-only hookup (typically 50 amp, though campers should confirm specific amperage upon booking), offering reliable power for RVs, charging electronic devices, and running essential camping appliances for enhanced comfort.
Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient and dedicated space for outdoor meals, board games, or simply gathering with family and friends.
Fire Ring with Grill Grate: A robust fire ring with an integrated grill grate is provided at every site, perfect for enjoying traditional campfires, cooking delicious meals over an open flame, and toasting s'mores under the starlit Ohio sky.
Drinking Water (Nearby): While not directly at the site as a full hookup, communal drinking water spigots are conveniently located within easy walking distance of electric-only campsites throughout the campground. Modern wash houses also provide readily accessible water.
Modern Restrooms and Showers: The Deer Creek State Park campground facilities include well-maintained, modern shower houses with hot water and flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience for all campers.
Laundry Facilities: For campers planning longer stays, convenient on-site laundry facilities are available within the campground, a valuable amenity for families and extended trips.
Dump Station: A central dump station is available within the campground for the convenient disposal of wastewater from RVs and trailers that do not have individual sewer hookups.
Seasonal Camp Store: A camp store typically operates seasonally within the campground, offering a selection of essential camping supplies, firewood, ice, snacks, and sometimes recreational equipment rentals, ensuring campers have access to necessities without needing to leave the park.
Pet-Friendly: Campsite 90, like all campsites at Deer Creek State Park, generally welcomes pets, allowing you to bring your beloved animal companions along to enjoy the outdoor adventure (standard leash rules and waste clean-up requirements apply to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone).

Features / Highlights

Essential Electric Power: The primary highlight of Campsite 90 is its electric-only hookup, offering a valuable balance for campers. It provides sufficient power for crucial needs like running an RV's air conditioning or heating, charging phones, and operating small appliances, while still allowing for a more rustic feel than a full hookup site.
Access to Deer Creek Lake Recreation: The park's stunning centerpiece, the 1,200-acre Deer Creek Lake, is an unlimited horsepower lake, making it an exceptional destination for a wide array of water-based activities:

Boating & Water Sports: Ideal for powerboating, jet skiing, tubing, water skiing, and more. Two convenient boat launch ramps provide easy access to the lake.
Fishing: Renowned for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for species like saugeye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
Swimming Beach: A spacious 1,700-foot public swimming beach offers a perfect, designated area to cool off, relax, and enjoy the sun on warm Ohio days.

Diverse Trail System: The park offers a variety of trails catering to different outdoor pursuits and activity levels:

Hiking Trails: Numerous well-maintained trails wind through the park's picturesque woodlands and open meadows, providing opportunities for scenic walks, nature observation, and wildlife spotting.
Bridle Trails: Approximately 17 miles of dedicated bridle trails are available for equestrian enthusiasts, and are also often open for hiking and mountain biking, offering diverse terrain to explore.

On-Site Golf Course: An 18-hole championship golf course is conveniently located within the park, providing an excellent recreational option for golf lovers of all skill levels.
Abundant Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground area and park are well-equipped with numerous features designed for family fun, including two playgrounds, miniature golf, disc golf (with equipment rentals often available at the camp office), volleyball, basketball, and gaga ball courts.
Storybook Trail: A unique and engaging half-mile trail that brings children's books to life through interactive pages displayed along the path, perfect for younger campers and families.
Nature Center & Educational Programming: The park's nature center, located near the campground, frequently hosts seasonal interpretive programs led by a naturalist, offering engaging and educational activities about the local environment, wildlife, and conservation efforts. It features displays, crafts, and animal enclosures.
Deer Creek Lodge Access: The park also includes a full-service lodge with a restaurant (Rafters Restaurant), providing additional dining options and amenities for those looking for a break from camp cooking or simply to enjoy a meal out.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species, offering ample opportunities for observation and photography in their natural habitat.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, individual campsite promotions for Campsite 90 itself are not typically advertised, campers planning a stay at Deer Creek State Park can often benefit from broader discounts and special offers provided by the Ohio State Parks system. These widely available programs are designed to offer value to various groups of Ohio residents and ensure camping remains accessible:

Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 or older, or those with a disability, holding a valid Golden Buckeye Card, are eligible for significant savings. This includes a 50% discount on camping fees from Sunday through Thursday, and a 10% discount on Friday and Saturday. The cardholder must be the primary occupant of the site and must present the card at check-in.
Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount is offered on all overnight facilities, valid every day of the week, for active or retired military personnel. This discount can be applied to one site per reservation period and does not have a residency restriction.
Disabled Veteran and Former Prisoner of War Free Camping Pass Program: Honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled veterans receiving compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a free camping pass. This requires an online application and verification through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website (reserveohio.com).
Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: Individuals who purchase the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp (which supports wildlife conservation) may receive a 25% discount off lodge rooms or cabins within Ohio State Parks. While not directly for camping, this could be useful if considering a combined trip or alternative accommodations within the park's larger offerings.
Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: Customers with a valid Ohio fishing, hunting, or trapping license might receive a 10% discount off lodge rooms or cabins, providing added value for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy multiple park activities.
Ohio State Parks Rewards Program: By signing up for a free customer account at ReserveOhio.com, campers can earn points for every dollar spent on reservations and purchases, which can then be redeemed for discounts on future overnight stays at Ohio State Parks properties.

It is always highly recommended to verify the most current rates, availability, and any ongoing special offers directly with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website (ohiodnr.gov) or by contacting Deer Creek State Park directly. Reservations for popular electric-only sites like 90 are strongly advised, especially during peak seasons and holidays, and can typically be made up to six months in advance through the official Ohio State Parks reservation system online (reserveohio.com) or by phone.

Contact Information

Address: 90 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA (Campsite 90 location within Deer Creek State Park Campground)
Deer Creek State Park Office Phone: (740) 869-3124
Deer Creek State Park Camp Office Phone: (740) 869-3508
Ohio State Parks Reservations Phone: (866) 644-6727 (Open 7am to 7pm daily, except some holidays)
Website: The official Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for Deer Creek State Park Campground (ohiodnr.gov or reserveohio.com) is the most reliable source for detailed park information, maps, and online reservation booking.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite 90 at Deer Creek State Park presents an excellent and highly suitable camping option for Ohio locals who seek a harmonious blend of traditional outdoor immersion with the essential convenience of electricity. The "electric only" hookup at this specific site provides crucial power for RVs and tent setups, enabling campers to run fans, lights, or charging devices, thereby enhancing comfort without detracting from the authentic camping experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who desire a connection with nature but appreciate a touch of modern utility.

Deer Creek State Park itself is a magnificent destination, offering a comprehensive array of recreational activities that cater to all ages and interests. The expansive Deer Creek Lake is a prime attraction, providing boundless opportunities for water sports, including unlimited horsepower boating, exceptional fishing, and a well-maintained public swimming beach. On land, the park's diverse network of hiking and bridle trails invites exploration of its beautiful woodlands, open meadows, and shoreline, offering ample opportunities for scenic walks and wildlife observation. Families will particularly value the numerous amenities tailored for children, such as playgrounds, miniature golf, disc golf, and the charming, educational Storybook Trail, ensuring that younger campers remain engaged and entertained throughout their stay. The presence of an on-site championship golf course, a vibrant nature center offering interpretive programs, and even a full-service lodge with dining options further enhances the overall experience, providing additional layers of convenience and diverse entertainment.

Its accessible location in central Ohio makes Deer Creek State Park a practical and appealing getaway for a significant portion of the state's residents, minimizing travel time and maximizing precious outdoor moments. For Ohioans who appreciate the simplicity of camping combined with the welcome addition of electricity and a rich variety of recreational opportunities, Campsite 90 at Deer Creek State Park stands out as an exemplary choice. It promises a memorable, comfortable, and engaging experience that encourages repeated visits to this cherished state park, solidifying its status as an ideal local retreat.