Campsite 172 (Electric Only)

Are you an Ohio resident looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Buckeye State while still enjoying some modern conveniences? Campsite 172 (Electric Only) at Deer Creek State Park offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Located in the picturesque landscape of central Ohio, this campsite provides a comfortable and accessible gateway to outdoor adventure. It’s an ideal choice for campers who appreciate the rustic charm of traditional camping but still desire the convenience of electrical power for their essential needs.

Deer Creek State Park is a jewel in Ohio’s extensive park system, offering a wide array of activities and stunning scenery. Campsite 172, as an "Electric Only" site, means you'll have a reliable power source to keep your lights on, charge your devices, or run small appliances in your RV or tent. While it doesn't include water or sewer hookups directly at the site, the campground provides readily available communal water spigots and convenient dump stations. This setup offers a balance, allowing you to connect with nature more intimately while still benefiting from the ease that electricity provides. Whether you're planning a quiet solo trip, a fun-filled family adventure, or a gathering with friends, Campsite 172 (Electric Only) serves as an excellent home base for exploring all the natural wonders and recreational opportunities that Deer Creek State Park and the surrounding central Ohio region have to offer.

172 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA

This address firmly places the campsite in Mt Sterling, Ohio, making Deer Creek State Park a convenient and appealing destination for residents from all corners of the state. Traveling from major Ohio cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, or Cleveland is typically a smooth journey, often involving direct routes on well-maintained state highways that lead right to the park entrance. Once inside the park, clear and ample signage will guide you directly to the campground area and to Campsite 172. The park's internal road system is designed to facilitate easy navigation for various vehicle types, including RVs and campers. This central Ohio location is a significant advantage for locals, as it minimizes travel time and maximizes the hours you can dedicate to enjoying your vacation. Its accessibility makes it a prime choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and more extensively planned outdoor adventures, offering a refreshing escape into nature that feels wonderfully remote yet remains conveniently close to home. Being part of a protected state park ensures you are surrounded by maintained natural beauty and a peaceful environment.

• Electric Hookup: This is the primary feature of the site, providing reliable electrical service for your camping needs. Sites typically offer various amperages (e.g., 20/30/50 amp service) to accommodate a range of RVs and camping setups, allowing you to power lights, charge devices, run small appliances, or operate your RV's air conditioning or heating.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is furnished with a sturdy picnic table, offering a dedicated outdoor space perfect for enjoying meals, playing board games, or simply gathering with your group.
• Fire Ring with Grill: Enjoy traditional campfire experiences with a designated fire ring, often equipped with a grill grate. This is ideal for roasting marshmallows, cooking over an open flame, or simply relaxing by the warmth and glow of a crackling fire under the stars.
• Proximity to Water Spigots: While Campsite 172 does not have a direct water hookup, communal water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground for easy access to potable water for filling tanks or containers.
• Access to Dump Station: A central dump station is available within the campground for campers to empty their black and grey water tanks, providing a convenient solution for waste disposal.
• Modern Restrooms and Showerhouses: Campers at Campsite 172 have access to well-maintained comfort stations throughout the campground, which feature flush toilets and hot showers, offering a significant comfort upgrade from primitive camping.
• Laundry Facilities: Many Ohio State Park campgrounds, including Deer Creek, offer laundry facilities within the comfort stations, which can be very convenient for longer stays.
• Pet-Friendly: Campsite 172, like most sites within Ohio State Park campgrounds, is generally pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your beloved furry companions along for the adventure (always check and adhere to specific park rules regarding leashes and pet behavior).

• Deer Creek Lake: The park’s impressive 1,277-acre lake is a hub of activity. It allows unlimited horsepower boating, making it ideal for powerboating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. The lake is also renowned for excellent fishing, with popular catches including saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass. A designated swimming beach offers a refreshing spot to cool off, and boat ramps provide easy lake access.
• Extensive Trail System: Explore the park's diverse landscapes on its numerous hiking and bridle trails. Options range from easy, scenic strolls to more moderate treks, allowing you to immerse yourself in the woodlands, meadows, and wetlands and observe local wildlife.
• Wildlife Viewing: Deer Creek State Park is a haven for diverse wildlife, offering fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and observing animals like deer, waterfowl, and various bird species in their natural habitats.
• Recreational Facilities: The park offers a variety of recreational amenities beyond trails and water. These often include multiple playgrounds for children, volleyball, basketball, and pickleball courts, and a gaga ball pit.
• Deer Creek Golf Course: For golf enthusiasts, the park features a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Kidwell, offering a challenging and scenic round amidst the park's beautiful landscape.
• Nature Center and Programs: A nature center located near the campground provides engaging displays, crafts, and seasonal programming led by naturalists, offering educational and fun activities for all ages, particularly appealing to families.
• Storybook Trail: A unique and interactive half-mile Storybook Trail near the campground brings children's stories to life, page by page, making for a delightful and educational walk for families with young children.
• Camp Store: For added convenience, a camp store is typically available within the campground, offering basic supplies, firewood, ice, and other camping necessities. Bicycle rentals are also often available.
• Harding Cabin: The park also boasts a presidential connection with its historical Harding Cabin, adding a unique historical element to your visit.
• Winter Recreation: During the colder months, the park often provides opportunities for sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling on designated trails when conditions permit, ensuring year-round enjoyment.

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 and over, or those with a permanent disability, are often eligible for significant discounts on camping fees. This typically includes 50% off Sunday through Thursday nights and 10% off Friday and Saturday nights, with a valid Golden Buckeye Card presented at check-in and listed on the reservation.
• Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount on camping fees is generally offered to active or retired military personnel every night of the week. This discount can usually be applied to one campsite per visit.
• DAV/POW Free Camping Pass: Honorably discharged veterans who are Ohio residents and are either former Prisoners of War or permanently and totally disabled veterans (receiving VA compensation) may qualify for a free camping pass. This pass allows for free camping at Ohio State Parks, with only a reservation fee applied.
• ODNR 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 at Ohio State Parks. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future stays, including camping fees.
• Off-Peak Season Rates: During less busy periods, such as early spring and late fall, and on weekdays, reduced camping rates are frequently available, offering a more budget-friendly option.
• Extended Stay Discounts: Some parks or booking platforms might offer discounted rates for longer, consecutive stays, such as weekly or monthly bookings, encouraging visitors to settle in and fully explore the park.

To ensure you receive any applicable discounts and to verify current availability, always visit the official Ohio State Parks reservation website or call their reservation line before finalizing your trip plans. Booking your campsite well in advance, especially for peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure your preferred spot.

Address: 172 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA

For making reservations and for general inquiries regarding Campsite 172 (Electric Only) and the Deer Creek State Park Campground, the most efficient method is to utilize the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) centralized reservation system.

Phone for Reservations: (866) 644-6727 (Ohio State Parks Centralized Reservation System)

This toll-free number connects you directly to the reservation service for all Ohio State Parks. Here, you can check availability for Campsite 172, inquire about rates, and secure your booking. The call center is typically open from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, with exceptions for major holidays. For direct inquiries to the Deer Creek State Park office or specific questions that are not reservation-related, you may also find a direct park office number (e.g., (740) 869-3124 for the main park office or (740) 869-3508 for the camp office) listed on the official ODNR website's page dedicated to Deer Creek State Park.

The "Electric Only" designation offers a practical balance for campers. It provides the convenience of power for essential needs – whether you're running lights, charging devices, or simply want to use a fan on a warm night – while still promoting a more connected-to-nature camping experience compared to full hookup sites. This makes it suitable for a wide range of campers, from those with pop-up campers and smaller RVs to tent campers who appreciate the added luxury of electricity.

Furthermore, being situated within Deer Creek State Park opens up a world of activities. The expansive Deer Creek Lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, while miles of hiking and bridle trails invite exploration of the park's diverse landscapes. Amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, a nature center, and even a golf course ensure there's something to entertain every member of the family. The affordability of electric-only sites combined with the wealth of activities makes Campsite 172 a cost-effective and highly enjoyable option for Ohio locals seeking to reconnect with the outdoors, create lasting memories, and take advantage of the wonderful resources available in their own state parks.

Campsite 172 (Electric Only)

172 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA