25 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Paint Creek State Park Campground serves as the primary camping destination near Paint Creek Lake in southwestern Ohio. The state park features a mix of accommodations with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins, most with electric hookups and access to modern amenities. Several nearby alternatives expand camping options in the region, including Rocky Fork State Park Campground and Pike Lake State Park Campground, both offering similar amenities within 20 miles. Long's Retreat Family Resort provides a private camping alternative with cabin rentals and glamping options available from April through October.
Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round accessibility, though facilities and services may be limited during winter months. Heated bathrooms with showers remain available at Paint Creek even in colder seasons. "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park," notes one visitor who appreciated the off-season accommodations. Sites vary in levelness across the region, with campers reporting some challenging terrain at certain locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. The campground layout at Paint Creek features a mix of open and wooded sites, though some visitors note the density of campsites during peak periods.
Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere and recreational opportunities at Paint Creek. The park offers disc golf, hiking trails, fishing access, and a swimming beach. One reviewer highlighted that "Staff is very friendly and lots to keep the kids entertained." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with several hiking trails showcasing local flora and fauna. Bathroom and shower facilities generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness, though quality varies by location and season. Premium sites with decks are available at Paint Creek, though reviews suggest researching specific site characteristics before booking, as some locations have significant grade changes or limited space for equipment setup. The region experiences typical midwestern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $33 - $60 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $250 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $29 - $200 / 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!"
from $25 - $35 / 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."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $35 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $31 - $60 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $70 / night
GuideA 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.
ScoutThere are a lot of people here, but even during the day we hardly hear any loud noises coming from any of the other campers. Walking the property (as much as I can with my cane) everyone is so friendly. The grounds are kept very clean. The people from the office actually do garbage pick-up anytime during office hours! Just place your trash bag/ other items to be thrown away at the front of your site and they take it away. They even have recycling, but you have to take that up yourself. They won't just tell you where it is, they will show you. I haven't been to a KOA site in 15 years and the one I went to was not a great experience, but I highly recommend staying here if you're passing through Cincinnati.
RangerThis 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.
RangerAlways 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.
RangerIt has two restaurants lotta gas pumps. Nice store clean bathrooms are good.
RangerWe 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.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutClean, 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….
TravelerThis 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.
Paint Creek Lake provides camping access for outdoor enthusiasts in southwestern Ohio at an elevation of 845 feet. The lake spans approximately 1,190 acres with 14 miles of shoreline, created by damming Paint Creek in 1974. Camping in Paint Creek Lake offers a mix of lakeside and wooded sites with varied terrain and seasonal conditions that campers should prepare for.
Hiking trails access: Several trails near Pike Lake State Park Campground offer opportunities to explore local ecosystems. "We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful. Parts of the CCC trail were overgrown with briars and narrow," notes a visitor to Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rocky Fork Lake provides water recreation options with accessible boat ramps. "Great location, close to activities," mentions one camper at Rocky Fork State Park Campground. Another notes, "The boat ramp and parking lot is easy to use and has a good layout."
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can find good fishing spots throughout the area's lakes. "Great campground... excellent fishing," reports a visitor to Rocky Fork State Park. Many sites provide direct water access, though some require navigating steep terrain to reach prime fishing locations.
Secluded camping spots: Some areas offer more privacy than others. "We stayed for just one night at site #34. It ended up being a great site for us and our dogs. There was space between us and our neighbors and we had access to the water," shares a camper at Paint Creek State Park Campground.
Swimming areas: Several parks maintain designated swimming beaches. Long's Retreat offers extensive water activities including "multiple water slides and a huge floating dock with diving board," plus "the little kids can have fun in the splash pad right at the beach," according to a visitor at Long's Retreat Family Resort.
Nature observation: The natural environment provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "Love this spot, very secluded and quiet.. not many spots, but makes it nicer, minimal noise.. nice little lake to fish or kayak," mentions a visitor to Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Campsite spacing varies: Site proximity differs significantly between parks and specific locations. "The sites were extremely close together," notes a camper at Hocking Hills State Park Campground, while another visitor mentions, "The sites are mostly far apart from one another and the area is fairly dense woods leaving you feeling a peaceful solitude."
Limited cell service: Connection to mobile networks may be restricted in certain areas. "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!" states a camper at Long's Retreat Family Resort.
Site drainage issues: Heavy rain can affect campsite conditions. "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," reports a visitor to Pike Lake State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple parks offer dedicated recreation for children. "We love camping @ Cowen Lake State park! There are organized activities on the lake and through the nature center," explains a camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have varying terrain that may require additional supervision. "Plenty of things to do. The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious," notes a visitor to Cowan Lake State Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide learning experiences. "I loved the informational boxes and tags that they had on the trees or plants. This is helpful if you have little ones with you or if you are like me and just like to learn about the animals/plants on the trail," shares a camper at Cowan Lake State Park.
Site leveling challenges: RV sites often require leveling equipment. "Paved sites, most of them fairly level," reports a visitor to Paint Creek State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Different parks offer varied hookup options. "Electric site only, full service all full. A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides," notes a camper at Cowan Lake State Park.
Space for larger rigs: Some parks accommodate bigger RVs better than others. "Full hookup site. The camp sites were small. Wish the hiking trails by the campground had more of a lake view," states a visitor to Paint Creek State Park Campground, while another at Scioto Trail State Park Campground reports, "We had a hard time getting our rv to be level but overall we enjoyed it."
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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