Campers near Peebles, Ohio enjoy elevations ranging from 500 to 1,100 feet in the foothills region where several camping areas sit along Paint Creek and the surrounding watersheds. The forests in this area feature mixed hardwoods with dense understory vegetation. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at many of these campgrounds, particularly in the deeper valleys.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: Shawnee State Park features over 60 miles of trails including backpacking options. "Backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping," notes a visitor to Shawnee State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The parks around Peebles offer numerous lake and creek activities. At Waters Edge Canoe Livery, visitors can access Paint Creek directly. "Very fun place to camp and enjoy the creek on a kayak or canoe. Very friendly staff, and one of my favorite places to go," shares one camper.
Cave exploration: Within driving distance, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground provides underground adventures. "One of my all time favorite places in Ky to camp. The scenery is always relaxing, and the campgrounds are always welcoming. The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails," one visitor explains.
What campers like
No connectivity: For many campers, the absence of cell service is actually considered a benefit. At Long's Retreat Family Resort, one camper appreciates this feature, stating: "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!"
Clean facilities: Stonelick State Park maintains well-kept facilities that visitors frequently mention. "The bath house was clean and modern. There is potable water in multiple sites and a double sided dump station. The staff and the host are very pleasant and helpful," according to a review from Stonelick State Park Campground.
Site privacy: At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, some sites offer more seclusion than others. "This campground has some features that are nicer than what is found in many state campgrounds. There are some secluded sites back in the woods, so you don't feel like you are camping in a parking lot in a few places," explains a recent visitor.
What you should know
Yurt camping in Peebles, Ohio: Waters Edge Canoe Livery offers yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional tent or cabin camping. Their yurt options provide a unique lodging experience along Paint Creek.
Limited services: Many campgrounds in the area have seasonal restrictions and limited amenities. "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. The lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world," explains a visitor to Shawnee State Park.
Water requirements: At several campgrounds, water access may require planning. A camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground notes: "Electric site only, full service all full... Has water to fill tanks and Dumping Stations to empty as needed, so great semi-boondocking."
Wildlife awareness: Tar Hollow State Park has specific wildlife to be aware of. One camper advises: "They also have a thriving Timber Rattlesnake population. Watch your steps."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Rocky Fork State Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "Great place to camp with children. Tons of things for them to do. Beach was clean and lake nice to swim and play in. Fishing was good," shares one visitor.
Activity planning: Long's Retreat Family Resort provides numerous activities for children. "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 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," a camper explains.
Select family-oriented sites: At Beechwood Acres Camping Resort, families find amenities suited for children. "This is a great place to take the kids. We go here every year. They have an in-ground pool, a small store for camping needs, firewood delivery and propane refills," shares a satisfied camper.
Tips from RVers
Extension requirements: Some sites require additional equipment for hookups. At Carter Caves State Resort Park, "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites."
Site selection for larger units: Choose sites carefully if you have a larger RV. "Not much privacy and you will hopefully make nice with your neighbors. Aside from limited trailage and not much shade in the lower area, very nice," advises a Shawnee State Park visitor.
Leveling challenges: Pay attention to site descriptions for slope information. At Rocky Fork, "Over 40 full hook up sites!" but some reviewers note: "There are more good sites than bad. 4,5,9,10, 147-165 those were my favorites."
