Campsite 87 (Electric Only)

For us Ohioans, the appeal of a great outdoor escape often combines the natural beauty of our state with the practical comforts that make a camping trip truly enjoyable. We appreciate places that allow us to unplug from the daily grind while still having access to essential amenities. If you're an RV enthusiast, a family with a pop-up, or even a tent camper who loves the convenience of power, then Campsite 87 (Electric Only) at Deer Creek State Park is a prime spot that consistently delivers. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this popular campsite, highlighting its features, prime location, and why it's a fantastic choice for folks right here in the Buckeye State.

Campsite 87 is a specific "electric only" site nestled within the well-regarded campground of Deer Creek State Park, a true gem in Ohio's state park system. Located near Mt. Sterling, this particular site, like many others throughout the park's extensive campground, provides a crucial electrical hookup, making it incredibly convenient for powering your RV, charging devices, or even running a fan on a warm Ohio evening. Deer Creek State Park is known for its well-maintained campground, offering a mix of sunny and shaded sites, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every preference. The entire park revolves around the beautiful Deer Creek Lake, a vast expanse of water that serves as a playground for boaters, anglers, and swimmers alike. The park's commitment to providing a comfortable experience is evident in its clean facilities, including recently updated shower houses and flush toilets. Whether you're planning a short weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, Campsite 87 at Deer Creek offers a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and modern convenience, embodying the best of Ohio's accessible state park system.

Campsite 87 (Electric Only) is located within the expansive campground of Deer Creek State Park, found at 87 State Park Road, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA. This places it strategically in central Ohio, approximately 30 miles south of Columbus, making it an easily reachable destination for a significant portion of the state's population.

The park's address on State Park Road indicates direct and straightforward access to the main campground and park facilities. To reach Deer Creek State Park from major urban centers, visitors typically utilize Ohio's well-maintained highway network. For instance, coming from Columbus, the journey usually involves taking US-62 South, which provides a direct route to the Mt. Sterling area and the park's welcoming entrance. This excellent connectivity means less time on the road and more time enjoying the great outdoors, a huge plus for those planning a weekend escape.

Once inside Deer Creek State Park, the campground boasts paved roads and individual sites with asphalt pads, which significantly simplify the process of parking and leveling RVs or trailers. The thoughtful layout of the campground allows for easy navigation to various amenities such as modern shower houses, restrooms, and the dump station. While the park offers a serene natural environment, it's also conveniently close to the small town of Mt. Sterling for any last-minute grocery runs or local dining experiences. This ideal combination of natural tranquility and practical accessibility ensures that Campsite 87 at Deer Creek State Park remains a top choice for Ohioans seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable camping adventure.

Campsite 87, as part of the extensive Deer Creek State Park campground, benefits from a comprehensive array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. As an "Electric Only" site, it provides a key modern convenience, complemented by the park's robust offerings:

• Electric Hookup: Campsite 87 specifically offers a 50 amp electric hookup (with 30 amp also available), providing ample power for RVs, medical devices, lighting, and charging electronic gadgets.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are generally noted for providing good space between lots, enhancing privacy for campers. They typically feature asphalt pads for easy parking and leveling of RVs or trailers.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings.
• Fire Ring with Grill: A designated fire ring, often with an attached grill grate, is provided at each site for campfires and outdoor cooking (campers should always check for current fire restrictions).
• Clean Restrooms and Shower Houses: Deer Creek State Park is highly praised for its exceptionally clean and well-maintained restroom facilities, including modern shower houses that have been recently updated, offering hot water and decent water pressure. At least one centrally located shower house is typically open year-round.
• Flush Toilets: Flush toilets are available in the restroom facilities, providing a comfortable experience.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within the campground for RV waste disposal, though it can experience busy periods on weekends.
• Potable Water: While individual electric-only sites do not have direct water hookups, potable water fill-up stations are readily available throughout the campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are warmly welcomed on all campsites within the Deer Creek State Park campground, ensuring that furry family members can join the adventure.
• Camp Store: A seasonal camp store operates on-site, offering essential camping supplies such as firewood, ice, and basic groceries. It may also provide rentals for games and sporting equipment.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly confirmed for every part of the campground, a larger state park like Deer Creek often provides laundry facilities.

Campsite 87, as a component of Deer Creek State Park, boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that establish it as a premier destination for Ohio campers:

• Reliable Electric Hookup: The core highlight of Campsite 87 is its dependable electric service, catering to the needs of modern campers, from powering RVs and essential devices to ensuring comfortable climate control.
• Proximity to Deer Creek Lake: The campground's location offers easy and quick access to Deer Creek Lake, a vast 1,277-acre reservoir with unlimited horsepower. This makes it a paradise for all types of water activities.
• Extensive Water-Based Recreation: Campers have immediate access to:
  • Boating: Multiple boat launch ramps (e.g., at Harding Cabin and the Marina) facilitate easy lake access. A fully-equipped marina offers fuel, boat rentals, and seasonal dock leases.
  • Fishing: The lake is renowned for excellent fishing, particularly for saugeye, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie, with prime spots available both in the lake and below the dam.
  • Swimming: A large 1,700-foot swimming beach, complete with picnic tables and grills, provides a perfect spot to cool off and relax (note: no lifeguards are on duty).
  • Boat-Swim Area: A designated area adjacent to the lodge allows swimming directly from boats.
• Diverse Land Activities: Beyond the water, the park offers a wealth of land-based recreational opportunities:
  • Hiking & Bridle Trails: Seven hiking trails provide options for various skill levels, and a 17-mile bridle trail is available for horseback riding and, seasonally, snowmobiling.
  • Disc Golf & Putt-Putt: An 18-hole disc golf course (equipment rental available at the camp store) and putt-putt golf provide family-friendly fun.
  • Golf Course: A magnificent 350-acre, 18-hole public golf course is situated near the lodge for golf enthusiasts.
  • Sports Courts & Playgrounds: Tetherball, volleyball, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and two playgrounds ensure entertainment for all ages.
  • Nature Center: Located near the campground, offering displays, crafts, and nature programming, particularly during summer months.
  • Storybook Trail: A unique half-mile trail near the campground that brings children's books to life, blending outdoor exploration with reading.
• Pet-Friendly Amenities: The park features a fenced dog park near the campground entrance and a fenced dog swim area, making it a truly welcoming place for four-legged family members.
• Year-Round Accessibility: The campground operates year-round, allowing adventurous campers to enjoy the park's beauty in all seasons, with essential facilities remaining open.

For reservations at Campsite 87 or any other site within Deer Creek State Park campground, and for general park inquiries, you can use the official Ohio State Parks contact information:

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

Phone: For general park office inquiries, you can typically reach them at (740) 869-3124 (Park Office) or (740) 869-3508 (Camp Office).

Reservations: Reservations for Ohio State Parks campgrounds are primarily made online via the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reservation system at reserveohio.com or by calling their central reservation line at (866) 644-6727.

For us Ohioans, Campsite 87 at Deer Creek State Park represents an exceptional camping opportunity, perfectly marrying the desired comforts of home with the expansive recreational possibilities of our state's natural beauty. Its suitability for locals is underscored by its accessible location and the sheer breadth of activities available, making it a recurring favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The core advantage for Ohio locals is the convenience of an "Electric Only" site like Campsite 87. This feature is a game-changer for many, allowing for comfortable RV living, powering essential medical devices, or simply having the luxury of charging phones and running fans on warm summer nights. It bridges the gap between traditional primitive camping and a more resort-style experience, providing just the right amount of modern amenity without compromising the outdoor feel.

Beyond the individual campsite, the entire Deer Creek State Park is a massive draw for our community. With a large, unlimited horsepower lake, it's a playground for boating, fishing, and swimming. Whether your passion is casting a line for saugeye, cruising the waters in a pontoon, or simply relaxing on the sandy beach, Deer Creek has it all. The abundance of hiking and bridle trails, disc golf, playgrounds, and even an 18-hole golf course ensures that every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, will find something to enjoy. The consistently clean facilities, including recently redone shower houses, further enhance the experience, providing a worry-free stay. For a comprehensive, accessible, and endlessly entertaining outdoor adventure right here in the heart of Ohio, Campsite 87 and Deer Creek State Park are undoubtedly premier choices for any local seeking quality time in nature.