Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Paint Creek Lake, OH has a lot to offer. Paint Creek Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Paint Creek Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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 ."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$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!"
"Right across from the North Beach of Rocky Fork Lake"
$25 - $30 / 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."
$29 - $46 / 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."
"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. "
"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park. It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "
GuideNice big sites, fairly level. We camped at site 35 and it was very slopey, our levelers only helped a little. First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.
Guide8/13/2025
Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.
ScoutReally disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.
ScoutUnlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're for tent campers only. The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights. The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient. All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.
TravelerWe 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.
There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.
The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.
The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.
We'll return next summer.
ScoutThis is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!
TravelerWe stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.
Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.
Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.
The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.
The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.
TravelerWe spent about five months there this past winter. The campground is beautiful and the owners are amazing. The bathrooms and laundry room are very clean. The surrounding area seeps in history and we enjoyed exploring the area.
The owners, Julie and Darcy, are very friendly, kind and helpful people.
Don’t forget to say hello to Lulu and Tater.
ScoutThe new owners of the Palmerosa Campground have put a lot of time and money into this campground! Almost everything has been tore down and rebuilt. The new shower house at the office is great! You have your own shower , toilet and vanity in a locked room!
The old horse stalls have been torn down and 28 new covered stalls have been built! They are amazing and plenty if room for larger horses.
They have 14 water and electric sites with plenty of shade trees. 30 primitive tent sites also with plenty of shade!!
This campground is a true hidden oasis! It won’t be long before other campers discover this peace on earth place!!
Camping near Paint Creek Lake, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From well-maintained campgrounds to beautiful natural scenery, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Paint Creek Lake, Ohio, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Paint Creek Lake campground?
Paint Creek State Park Campground offers standard amenities including water access, restroom facilities, and reservable campsites. For those seeking electric hookups, designated sites are available similar to what you'll find at Rocky Fork State Park Campground. The campground provides both RV and tent camping options with easy access to the lake. Facilities include clean restrooms, shower houses, and potable water. Many sites offer shade, though some are more open. The campground is well-maintained and typically quieter than some of the more popular Ohio state parks, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed camping experience.
What fishing opportunities are available at Paint Creek Lake?
Paint Creek Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities similar to Cowan Lake State Park Campground, with multiple shore fishing spots and boat launches. The lake is known for largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, and catfish. For a different fishing experience, nearby Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers more secluded fishing spots. Paint Creek features several designated fishing areas accessible from the campground, and many campsites are situated close to the shoreline for convenient fishing access. Spring and fall typically provide the best fishing conditions. Remember that a valid Ohio fishing license is required, which can be purchased online through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or at local bait shops.
How do I find a map of Paint Creek State Park campground?
To find a map of Paint Creek State Park campground, visit the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources website where you can download or view their official campground map. Similar to Hocking Hills State Park Campground, studying the campground map before arrival helps you choose the best site. You can also get physical maps at the park office upon check-in. For digital options, the Ohio State Parks app provides interactive maps, or you can find site layouts and trail maps on The Dyrt's campground page. If you're planning to visit during peak season, having a map beforehand helps identify quieter sections of the campground away from main roads.
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