East Fork State Park Campground
A large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
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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.
"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 ."
from $37 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $33 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $27 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"My favorite state park in Ohio (so far). Very clean, lots of activities, nice size sites. Easy to get to from Columbus and lots of activities."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
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A large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
This is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
Always great time here. The upper part has more wooden areas then the lower part. But those spot are close to the lake. They a great playground. They have a big camp store with a putt putt, big lake we’re boating, fishing and kayaking. Multiple shower houses very clean kept up. Nice campground to ride bikes around.
We managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
We used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
This campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
Clean, well thought out and maintained. Level, full hook ups nearly new. This is s family campground that treats you like family and is doing everything possible to make you want to come back again. Forty sites, plus few cabins, first row ten cabins ohio riverfront. All sites level, gravel and easy for big rig/fifth wheel/Travel trailer. Even Adirondack chairs each site sitting high on the riverfront sites—thoughtful. Topped off with a bald eagle perched 25 yards in front or our site this morning. How much more peaceful can this get….
This is a small campground. Typical state park sites--you will have neighbors/see and hear other people. There is a non-electric section, which I like for tent camping. The electric section is all RV's, this non-electric section is all tents and a little quieter, except if you're near the playground. Campsites all have picnic tables and fire rings, and are decently sized. All pretty flat and mostly wooded/part shade.
The team at this campground was incredible. From check in to check out they were considerate and caring. It was our first trip in our camper and the team made it feel like we were there so many times. Would 10/10 recommend
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 22 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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