Campgrounds around Bainbridge, Ohio range from basic to well-developed facilities in the surrounding hills and lakefront areas. Pike Lake State Park Campground, situated directly in Bainbridge, provides sites for tents, RVs, and cabins with electric hookups and reservable sites. Paint Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles west, offers similar mixed-use camping options with water and electric services. Several private campgrounds like Long's Retreat Family Resort supplement the state park system with additional amenities and seasonal operation periods from spring through fall.
Access to most campgrounds in the region requires preparation, especially during wetter seasons when drainage can be problematic. "We enjoyed our stay here. Just an fyi to others - it rained quite a bit and many of the sites got flooded. The ground here doesn't drain well," noted one visitor about Pike Lake State Park. Most developed campgrounds maintain year-round operation, though amenities may be reduced during winter months. The terrain features rolling hills with campgrounds often situated in valleys or along small lakes, creating scenic settings but sometimes contributing to poor drainage. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with higher elevations typically providing better connectivity.
Campers consistently rate the wooded settings and relative seclusion as highlights of the Bainbridge area campgrounds. Shaded sites receive particular praise during summer months when temperatures can rise significantly. Pike Lake State Park draws positive comments for its secluded atmosphere and small lake suitable for fishing and kayaking. As one camper described it: "Love this spot, very secluded and quiet... not many spots, but makes it nicer, minimal noise... nice little lake to fish or kayak." Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the region's campgrounds, with several reviews mentioning playgrounds, nature programs, and hiking trails. However, some campgrounds like Paint Creek receive mixed reviews regarding site spacing and privacy, particularly during holiday weekends when the campgrounds reach capacity.
$37 - $60 / night
"An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."
"Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."
$33 - $200 / night
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."
$27 - $250 / night
"The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."
"Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."
$35 - $60 / night
"We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."
"Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."
$25 - $35 / night
"Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area. Check them out and show them some love!"
"We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it. It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there. Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "
$20 - $70 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
$39 - $52 / night
"Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend."
"There is a short walk to a comfort station and the shower house is just a few more steps. Both were kept clean even in this busy park."
GuideCouldn’t get in to the Craser Lake campground because it was full came here as an alternative. Wooded sights are nice, large enough for trailer. No potable water. Pit toilets but they constructed a new modern outhouse but as of my visit not open. It’s an Equestrian friendly so lots of people with horses.
ScoutTHIS IS AN RV CAMP. They have tent sites but they are just squares of gravel/wood. Our site was placed just feet from the ROAD you turn off of to enter the campground. Ridiculous and incredibly overpriced for what you get.
TravelerGreat quiet area. Can sit and listen to the birds singing and the breeze rustling the leaves. Somehow we were lucky enough to book the only pull through site and it had full hookup on top of that. The woman that checked us in said it’s the most popular site they have because of this reasons. If you have little ones with you, they have a really nice nature center that’s open Friday and Saturday
ScoutStayed at this small campground. Proof good things can come in small packages. Great spot for horse camping, they have plenty of dedicated horse stalls. Gravel pads for electric/water sites are fairly level. My review is biased a bit, 1st night I was literally the only person camping. Plenty of nearby trails. Since it was so quiet in campground I saw wildlife like deer, turkeys, and they must have a resident pileated woodpecker because I keep seeing it. Branson (staff) who checked me in was very friendly and helpful. Three shower/bathrooms are very nice up by the office. They also have some outhouse style bathrooms further back in campground. Would definitely stay again if I can snag a site.
ScoutThey have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables . Basketball courts , bike rental, Bridle Path , Cornhole , drinking water ,dumpsters. Hiking , kayak rentals , nature center , mini golf ,mountain bike trailhead parking , pickle ball , ping pong , playground ,recycling , shelter house , shower houses ,soccer , volleyball ,wifi , all play courts are ADA accessable , full hookups , electric only hookups , boat ramps both camping & public sandy beeches , Really Nice Eauestrian Camping , golf cart use 416 sites
ScoutLove this place! The owners are a family and they treat guests like an extension of family. We stayed at RV campsite 10 which was a river front site. It was full hook up which was convenient. The view of the Ohio river was really lovely. There was a boat launch very close by and we took our inflatable SUPs and put in at the boat launch which was nice and sandy. The owner gave us lots of good ideas of things to do. We ended up going on two nature hikes in preserves that are part of the Arc of Appalachia, one being literally across the road from Sandy Springs. We also drove down to Portsmouth to check out the flood murals at the suggestion of the owers which was pretty cool. I loved having a view of the river in one direction and a view of the Appalchian foothills in the other direction. This place is peaceful, quiet, and you can tell the owners are very thoughtful about infrastructure with the experience of their campers in mind. There's also small cabins to rent, including a houseboat!
ScoutThis is our first time here, and we very impressed! Owners are wonderful, very accommodating. We arrived a day late, and they were so friendly and helpful! Even upgraded us to a site with a deck. Right on the river bank, everything is very clean. Will definitely make this a yearly trip!
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
ScoutWe had a family reunion there, our camper and rented 2 cabins, made full use of the shelter house that day. It worked out so well we are booking again this year.
Campgrounds in the Bainbridge area span forested hills with elevation changes of 500-800 feet creating diverse microclimates. Several campgrounds feature small lakes suitable for paddling, while seasonal drainage issues affect site selection during Ohio's wet springs. Water accumulation remains a concern across the region from March through June when rainfall averages 4-5 inches monthly.
Fishing opportunities: Pike Lake State Park Campground has a small lake stocked for recreational fishing. "Love this spot, very secluded and quiet... nice little lake to fish or kayak," notes one camper at Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer short but scenic trails through wooded terrain. At Scioto Trail State Park Campground, "We managed a one mile hike with the kids. The trails we used were fantastic. The campground is clean and not busy. There is a nice size pond for fishing."
Kayaking and boating: Rocky Fork State Park offers more extensive water recreation on its 2,080-acre lake. "Easy access to boat ramp. Campsites are small. Wish the hiking trails by the campground had more of a lake view," says a visitor to Rocky Fork.
Secluded tent sites: The primitive camping area at Scioto Trail provides a more rustic experience. "The primitive section is located far from the electric sites, which is desirable for us. It's also a walk-in campground... The sites are all decent sizes and well shaded by very tall trees."
Family-friendly activities: Long's Retreat Family Resort offers numerous amenities for children. "Plenty of things to do. The kids can either swim up at the lake (with multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board), the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach, go carts, rock wall climbing, basketball, arcade and so much more."
Dark skies for stargazing: The rural location provides excellent night sky viewing. At Scioto Trail, "The campground is also really, really dark, especially since the electric sites are in a totally different section of the park. Take a walk up to the parking area at night to check out the stars as there are too many trees to really see the sky from your site."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Long's Retreat Family Resort, visitors note "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!" This digital disconnection is common throughout the area.
Drainage issues: Rocky Fork's campground requires careful site selection during wet periods. "We enjoyed our stay here. It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing there sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy."
Limited facilities at some parks: Scioto Trail offers a more primitive experience. "There are no showers and pit toilets, which weren't bad at all. The campground is also really, really dark, especially since the electric sites are in a totally different section of the park."
Playground access: When selecting a site, consider proximity to play areas. At Pike Lake State Park Campground, "Site 57 - this site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground."
Swimming options: Long's Retreat provides multiple water activities suitable for various ages. "We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, cabins offer a comfortable introduction. At Rocky Fork State Park Campground, "Camp sites were clean. Shower houses and bathrooms kept very clean and nice. Great place to camp with children. Tons of things for them to do. Beach was clean and lake nice to swim and play in."
Site sizing: Be aware of campsite dimensions before booking. At Sun Valley Campground, "We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it. Sites have space between them, many are shaded. This is near the highway and made a great place to stop for an overnight while traveling."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for proper setup. At Scioto Trail State Park, "We had a hard time getting our RV to be level but overall we enjoyed it." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round. At Paint Creek State Park, one winter camper noted: "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park. An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Bainbridge, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bainbridge, OH is Paint Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.
What parks are near Bainbridge, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Bainbridge, OH that allow camping, notably Paint Creek Lake and Deer Creek Lake.
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