I love how many sites here are private. It really gives the sense that you are out alone in nature, while being only 15 minutes away from the city. The restrooms are in good conditions, I haven’t tested the showers. But I’ve always enjoyed my trips here
A negative though- people do tend to dump their cats here, so depending on the time of year cats may be heavy. In January there were lots, this last time in March I only saw one or two!
There’s a a decent number of sites, some very large and private. They can accommodate some trailers (I think it was 28 ft max, double-check), but fully off-grid/no hookups. But the park is beautiful and there’s a few very nice and easy trails; and some river access for fishing/swimming.
Note: in summer, mosquitos are pretty bad
Im not sure wether or not they had upgrades done recently, but the bathrooms were astounding. Very modern and especially clean. Very beautiful and quiet park with the calmest river and soothing sounds of the birds around you. Great escape from reality!
The bathrooms were beyond disgusting. We arrived on a Saturday and didn't see the cleaning crew (1 man) until Sunday morning. There were no cleaning schedules posted anywhere either.
TONS of mosquitos, be prepared! When we drove in midday, we were swarmed with mosquitos. Considering there’s a river and lots of weeds/bushes/trees, this isn’t surprising. On the weekend almost every campsite was full with families. With so many people it was really loud at night but we didn’t mind. Bathrooms and showers were dirty. Wouldn’t come here again but seemed like the other families were having a fun time. most sites were small and lots of over growth.
None of the trails or beaches are dog friendly and since I had my dog, this was just a chill, relaxing, car camping trip. Also a ton of mosquitos but overall not bad.
There are a lot of families with small children. The sites are clean and well maintained. A small river is nearby. There aren't trails nearby but it worked out fine for us.
Awesome place for camping.
Amazing site, got a spot right by river with easy access, plenty of room for 4 tents and the campground hosts went out of their way to help of it was needed
We love this campground and come here at least 2-3x per year. It’s great for the kids, they do movies and nature demonstrations on the weekends for kids (when COVID is gone). The river is usually very pleasant for tube floating, water can be a little cold but mostly it’s refreshing since Ripken tends to get hot. There’s a beach about half way between snake bend and the day beach so you can stop and picnic/drink/play. Campsites are large and most are well shaded. Bathrooms and showers are available even during COVID. And if you’re lucky you’ll catch my crew doing a light parade (see pics)!
As I was camping in the summer and it was supposed to be 100s I wanted to make sure I had a shadey spot. I was able to find quite a few spots that had shade and were set off the road a bit to have some privacy. It’s nice to be able to pick your own space. The facilities are clean. Most of the sites are close to the entrance to the river. The day use are is well shaded and provides easy hicks. Will definately go again.
Great quiet area. A lot of tree which provide plenty of shade. We camped here on a rainy weekend, but we still had fun. Didn't see any wild animals except for a bunch of squirrels. Near by river provides access to canoeing or kayaking. A few hiking trails plus a good size group campsite area. Online reservation available.
Family friendly. Most of the sites are shaded and all are a short walk to the swim beach. A 45 minute lazy river meanders through the park and lets out at the day use beach. Bring your bug spray and a good tube!
This location does not have a General Store.
This campground is terrific. It can be crowded on the weekends, but the week days are wonderful. The park has a creek that runs from the camp ground to the public beach down below. You can take your floating stuff up to the camp area and literally float down stream in 45 minutes or so. There is a place where we usually stop to swim about 2/3 down the slope which is deep and perfect. We haven't noticed too many wild animals, but the nights are quiet (usually) and it does get chilly during the night. Doesn't matter how hot it may be during the day, night is always chilly. Great place...going in July & again in August!
