Buck Creek State Park Campground sits near Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir at approximately 1,050 feet elevation. The reservoir spans 2,120 acres with camping options arranged in loops around the water. Sites range from primitive tent camping to full hookup RV spaces with some glamping accommodations open year-round. The surrounding parkland offers varied terrain with a mix of wooded areas and open meadows connected by walking trails.
What to do
Kayaking at Buck Creek State Park: Access the reservoir directly from the campground with a dedicated launch point for paddlers. Many campers use the area to the left of the camper beach, where you can "back up to the pathway and park. Then drag your kayak down a short trail to the water." According to Melissa M., this convenient setup makes water access simple while keeping vehicles nearby.
Hiking at Delaware State Park Campground: Explore multiple hiking paths with varying difficulty levels throughout the park. The trails connect with each other, allowing hikers to create custom routes. One reviewer notes, "There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground." The park's layout provides numerous access points from camping areas to trailheads.
Swimming options at Indian Lake State Park Campground: Choose between multiple swimming areas including a camper beach, swimming pool, and boat launch within the campground. Shannon G. reports that the park has "a dog park, place to dock your boat and a small beach. I would imagine this would be a pretty busy place during the summer." The camper-only beach offers a less crowded alternative to public swimming areas.
What campers like
Privacy in tent areas: Non-electric loops at Buck Creek State Park tend to be quieter and less crowded than main camping sections. Amanda P. notes, "Over a late-August weekend, we found the non-electric loop to be pretty quiet and uncrowded. The grounds are level and grassy, with trees that provide partial shade." This section creates a more secluded camping experience compared to the busier electric sites.
Family-friendly activities: Wapakoneta KOA offers numerous recreational options for families with children. According to Rebecca H., "Wonderful facility! Pool, pool table, games for kids and adults. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is super friendly and helpful!" This campground includes a swimming pool, playground, nine-hole mini-golf, and other recreational activities.
Level, spacious sites: Cowan Lake State Park Campground features particularly large camping spots with level pads. Kim H. mentions, "We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included." Site sizes vary throughout the park, with some offering more shade than others.
What you should know
Limited shade in some areas: Many Ohio campgrounds have lost trees due to emerald ash borer damage. At Indian Lake State Park Campground, a reviewer comments that "there are no wooded areas in the campground so all spaces are open to all the other campers. Some shaded areas but mostly open land." Select sites carefully if shade is important, especially during summer months.
Facility maintenance varies: While most campgrounds keep facilities clean, quality can differ by location and season. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, one camper reported, "The bathrooms and showers were some of the least clean we have ever seen." However, other reviews from different time periods indicate improvements.
Seasonal differences: Many glamping options close to Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir operate seasonally. Most are open April through October, with reduced services in shoulder seasons. Buck Creek maintains year-round availability but with limited amenities during winter months. As one camper notes, "It was a busy weekend but not as loud as I figured it would be."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly options: Buck Creek State Park offers extensive paved roads for cycling with children. One parent mentions, "My sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes." The campground layout provides safe cycling routes away from main traffic areas.
Playgrounds and recreation: Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA provides multiple recreational facilities for children including a jump pad, gaga ball pit, and basketball court. Candace H. shares, "All in all I think this is an amazing campground for a KOA. It has a jump pad for the kids...They have gaga ball, a basketball court, a laundry area."
Nearby attractions: When glamping near Clarence J. Brown Dam, consider visiting area attractions. Lisa M. recommends Buck Creek's "nice hiking trails in the area" while other campers suggest exploring the surrounding region. The Ohio Caverns, Yellow Springs, and local beaches all provide family-friendly options within driving distance.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Alum Creek State Park Campground offers various hookup configurations. Jill B. explains, "There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday." This makes the campground suitable for different RV setups and camping styles.
Site selection strategy: For optimal spacing at Buck Creek, Jason M. recommends "taking one on the outside of the loop - near the trees." These sites typically offer more privacy and shade compared to interior spaces. RVers should also note that some sites have low-hanging branches that may interfere with taller vehicles.
Water fill station logistics: At some campgrounds, fresh water access requires planning. A reviewer at Cowan Lake noted that some sites lack a "central fresh water fill station. Spigots are dispersed throughout the camp, which means sitting in the road for as long as it takes to fill your tank." Position your RV strategically to minimize traffic disruption during water fills.
