If you’re an RV owner and a college football fan, few experiences can top tailgating at Ohio State University. We had the opportunity to park overnight and soak in the game day atmosphere, and here’s everything you need to know about RV parking at Ohio State to help you plan your own Buckeyes tailgating adventure.
Where to Park Your RV at Ohio State
The Ohio State Overnight RV Parking is located in two key lots:
- Gray Lot (south of Jesse Owens Stadium)
- Buckeye Lot (just west of Jesse Owens Stadium, at the intersection of Fred Taylor Drive and Hess Road)
Keep in mind that permits are not sold on game day, so be sure to purchase yours in advance. We bought ours on StubHub for $300, but prices will fluctuate depending on the game.
When Can You Park?
- The lot officially opens at 5 a.m. on game day.
- Overnight parking is allowed until 10 a.m. the following day.
- Some RVs arrived late Friday night and parked without any issues.
Our Arrival Experience
Since this was our first time, we decided to arrive early—5:30 a.m. for a 7:30 p.m. game. At that time, the lot was mostly empty, and the two parking attendants helped us find our reserved space in Buckeye Lot 2 (Space #189).
The spaces are separated by red diagonal lines, which can be a bit hard to see, but attendants are there to assist. Each space measures roughly 20’ x 40’, providing enough room for:
- Two pop-up tents
- A table and chairs
- A blow-up couch
- Additional space for a tow vehicle or guest parking nearby at Ackerman Lot (for a fee)
When Does the Lot Fill Up?
- For our 7:30 p.m. game, most tailgaters started arriving around 7:30 a.m.
- The lot got really busy by noon.
- For a noon kickoff, expect the lot to fill up much earlier.
Amenities & Extra Services
- Portable Toilets: A local company rents private porta-potties for $100. You can pre-order online or flag down their truck in the lot.
- Transportation: Some tailgaters brought golf carts, and there were rental electric scooters scattered around for easy access to campus. Since the stadium is one mile away, these options are great if you don’t want to walk.
- Generator Use: No restrictions! Some people ran generators all night, though the lot remained fairly quiet after the game.
- Cell Signal & TV Reception: Since the stadium is in the city, cell service was strong. We had zero issues streaming games via Wi-Fi and picking up local channels with an antenna.
Tailgating Vibes & Atmosphere
One of the best things about this experience was the amazing tailgating atmosphere. Many people stayed in the lot during the game, keeping the party going and making for a lively scene.
Ohio State fans were incredibly friendly, as most tailgaters tend to be, and the overall experience was fantastic. If you’re an RV owner and love college football, tailgating at Ohio State is a must!
Final Thoughts
If you ever get the chance, bring your RV, experience tailgating with the Buckeyes, and have a great time. Hopefully, this guide helps make your trip smoother- enjoy and Go Buckeyes!