Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Glamping near Paint Creek Lake is the perfect choice. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Paint Creek Lake experience while glamping. These scenic and easy to access Ohio glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
At Long's Retreat Family Resort, whether you are looking to bring your own camper or to reserve a rental, we have affordable accommodations for your family with tent and RV camp sites, cabins and rental units!
While camping near Columbus enjoy water fun with waterslides, beach swimming, a splash pad and more on our 20 acre lake! Prefer to stay out of the water? Try our mini golf, go karts, kiddie train, carousel, arcades, sports courts and more!
The Rocky Fork Campground is the ultimate basecamp for locals and travelers alike to explore Rocky Fork State Park. On the shore of Rocky Fork Lake, the campground is excellent for tent campers and RVers alike to enjoy beaches and watersports in south central Ohio. Rocky Fork campground has 171 campsites suitable for trailers and tents, 99 sites with electric hookups, 44 full hook-up sites, and 27 non-electric sites.
$4 - $27 / night
$24 / night
$12 / night
Guide
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. NOTE that most of these secluded sites (along the back edge of the campground) are up a flight of stairs. You have to carry all your gear up a hill or stairs to set up. You will not be near your car, which can get annoying.
The bathrooms were average, not great but not gross. We were there on their Halloween weekend, with a fun site-decorating contest and trick or treat in the afternoon, which was mildly annoying for us because they closed the roads from 2 to 6 so we could not drive back to our site, and when we finally could, someone was in our parking pot for the next hour.
The lakes are quite tiny. The one at the campground is more like a large pond- fine for paddling around on a paddleboard for practice, but don't think you'll get in any meaningful kayaking or sight-seeing on this pond. The other lake is slightly bigger, but still not big enough for kayaking more than a couple hours at most.
The new campground is on the river on what used to be the golf course- I will write a separate review for that.
The lodge has some amenities (pool, hot tub, cafe, bar), but we ate in the restaurant and it was terrible. I do not recommend. Get some apps at the bar if you have to but keep your expectations low. We had pork nachos and the pork tasted old, everything was cold and it gave me a terrible stomachache.
ScoutThe park is closed and should no longer be listed on the app.
Guide
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. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
Traveler
Tent site was nice. We could make dinner and there weren’t any mosquitoes even though it was right above a swamp. It was a nice driving distance from Hocking Hills and a neat place to camp.
Guide
This campground has nice big sites, not the tiny sites that some Ohio state park campgrounds have. Most of them looked relatively level. However, there is no privacy, you are smashed right against your neighbors on both sides, and some parts were essentially just an RV parking lot.
The showerhouse was fine, I wouldn't call it clean as there was hair and scummy stuff everywhere, but I was there on a fully booked weekend so I guess you'll have that. The toilet/sink building nearest to our site reeked of urine, think gas station bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in years- looked clean but smelled terrible. There was also just one pedestal sink in this bathroom, so nowhere to put your things if you want to brush your teeth, even wash your hands.
The big problem was the noise. We were there on "camper appreciation weekend" and they way they "appreciated" us was have an extremely noisy, not-very-talented cover band blare extremely loud 70s and 80s music for three hours on Saturday night. They had big speakers, amps, drum set, the whole bit. You could hear it quite clearly and loudly from every corner of the campground. I go camping for peace and quiet, to hear the crickets and birds and the crackle of our campfire. I do not want to have to endure three hours of men wailing on their guitars and belting out every top forty hit ever written by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was extremely annoying, disruptive and jarring, and took away from our camping experience of sitting peacefully by our camp fire. If I were to return here, I would call first to make sure they are not "appreciating" the campers and putting on an unsolicited rock concert.
TravelerMe and my partner went during Labor Day and left the fourth. We were there for three days and two nights. It was amazing. Our spot was a small walk to the water so we could fish and still keep up with the fire. We were right against the woods. There was a perfect flat spot for the tent. The trees were great cover from the bright sun. We were also able to walk to the restroom and could see the whole building from our site. We were site 009. So the bathroom was across the road. Everyone was very friendly there as well! The only downside was the grill for the fire pit. It’s at an angle so cooking on it was difficult as it was hard not to spill food
Scout
Stayed with the family for 5 days/ 4 nights and had a wonderful time. The KOA had a lot of amenities to offer. The staff was friendly, courteous and great to deal with. The sites were nice and wide but not all level but it's an area that has lots of hills. The pool was wonderful, the bathroom was clean and spacious. The camp store has everything you may need with a Walmart 10 minutes down the road. Close to the park to go explore but the KOA had a lot to offer for your stay.
Traveler
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. Cell service here is awful and there is no WiFi. The antenna will pick up several local channels. There is a Dollar General about 10 mins away for grocery needs. They have several pull-through and full hookup options as well. Sites are somewhat level. This park has beautiful landscaping that is always meticulously maintained. They also host events and if you check their event calendar on their website, you can see what’s going on during your stay. We were fortunate enough to see the band Timestamp and loved it! They even had a community bonfire!
ScoutWe've been to Cowan a few times, first time in this loop and was not disappointed. Bathroom was clean and well stocked through the weekend. Additional vehicles have to pay $3.
Traveler
So originally I was not super thrilled when we arrived but that changed quickly. We booked last minute on a holiday weekend and had like 2 options for a spot. I wasn’t happy with our spot but again that’s my own fault. I would definitely book ahead and look at the map to find a good spot. Some are very close to neighbors. Others are really nice. I was upset The pool was not open since there was no post about it being closed and the website says it would be open the weekend of Memorial Day. So I went into everything with a pretty crappy attitude. THEN, we went to the lake and at the desk was the new managers. They have only had it for 2 weeks now. They were super super sweet. She told us that they really did everything in their power to have the pool open and it just did not work out. They worked really hard to get it fixed and it needs to cure for like a week. I believe she said. So completely NOT their fault. Again they have only been there 2 weeks. We met some seasonal people and they were super nice as well. Our kids made friends quickly. The little lake was so much fun. My children were upset we had to leave early due to the storm coming in. We did not want to travel back in the storm. However I could have paid 100 dollars more and got into the jellystone park. I don’t think I recommend our spot though. It was on a corner which was nice but so small, no shade, fire pit was so little, no picnic table or anything. But if the pool was up, it would have been better.
ScoutWe stayed two nights in #184. Our site was HUGE! The pad was very level, so setting up the TT was quick and easy.
We checked one restroom and one wash house: both were in good condition and quite clean. Lysol was in the air.
The lake was pretty. Watching the herons was relaxing.
The people in our section were courteous. All seemed to obey the quiet hours.
The only negative was the lack of 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. Fortunately, we had a spigot by our site, so we could fill once we parked.
We'll definitely be back.
Traveler
We just purchased our camper and this was the first place we went. We are familiar with this park due to the little “beach“ area they have. We stayed in the off-season, so there was not a whole lot of people. Our stay was quiet and relaxing. loved our site too.
TravelerI adore this place so much. It's just the overall atmosphere there that makes you feel like you belong.
ScoutDisregard the review from Kim B on May 31st, 2023. She was kicked out because her 5th wheel sewer on it was compacted and couldn't be used. she has posted twice for help to unclog it because of using 5 gallon buckets with toilet lid. Not only one but was using 4 buckets at a time before dumping keeping in her camper before caught dumping behind camper and trying to fit it down a small hole where the honey pots go that you are suppose to use. All she said, as a review was actually about the crook she is to survive and take money not holding a job herself. She did the review because she paid monthly on the 1st and it was the 31st she was told she had to be out by that Saturday, the 3rd of June. I would post photos of what I stated above but they have to be your own photos and they are her pleas for help telling what she was doing. This is a great campground to stay at and because of people like her is what gives places a bad name. Which advising her to leave was the way to keep the campground clean and safe for all to enjoy. Don't let one rotten apple make your decision on a great place to stay. Many wonderful people will reach out to help you rather hooking up, helping to start your fire, even asking if you want to join them for breakfast/lunch or dinner. Or join them around their fire for great conversations.
ScoutEvery facility you need. Really engaged staff. Camp Coordinator Linda has a great group of people on board. Very friendly.
Traveler
We went camping in June during the strawberry Moon. We are tent campers, we booked site 185. But once we got there we discovered that the site was slopped down from the pad and not a great place to tent camp. So, we had to find another site. They were booked so we had to cut our vacation short because the only site open for us was reserved for the following weekend. Bummer! There are not alot of spaces for us tent campers no matter where we go. We have to at the least have electric hook ups cause my better half has a CPap he has to sleep wearing. They did have a few premative sites for tent campers. Camp is very well maintained and they are having some construction done on many sites to make them bigger, full hook ups and even Handicap accessable. Great place to ride a bike, or hike or just go for a walk. The shower houses and restrooms were recently redone and in great shape! Though the shower heads could use a changing. Weekends were a bit crowded, but by sunday night the place was cleared out and the rest of the week was quiet and relaxed. Over all a great week. Friendly and helpful staff too. the only issue I had was the state of the Beach, trashed(People there didn't seem to care about throwing their trash around. Shame on them! Also,the sand was so compacted it felt like concrete. Not the best beach. Fishing, well. It seems we didn't have the low down on good fishing spots. All of the public fishing spots were of course taken and along the dam so not great. Lodge is beautiful, and they are doing some construction there. I did not like the food. Guess I am too picky, but when my salad comes out warm and my chicken is cold I do have an issue with that. Didn't seem like they were taking food safety too seriously.
GuideTent camping sites were set back, in the woods, down a private path (about 75’) and totally secluded.
The park had a clean, nice outdoor movie theater, mini golf, and a lake with rentables.
ScoutHorrible place. The owner and park Mgr both are rude. Most of the people there are toothless and they think they are kings of the rv park. They tell lies if to owner if you don't want to associate with them. Cash only and change rates 3x in 3 months. Stayed April and may 2023 and should have learned month 1. People steal stuff and they are drunks. A few amazing people are there. But most are west side Columbus trash on their weekend staycations which means get drunk and high and yell all hours. Neighbor watch your moves and report to owners. No matter what you're doing. Too bad. Needs updated greatly and a lot of trashy run down rigs moved. They do nothing to the lots. And have a half ass dump station(hole).
ScoutGreat hiking trails and people are friendly
LegendThis isn’t a very big campground. And some of the pad lengths are really really short. You should know that on the campground map they have written the pad lenoon them which is great. There are two shower houses which are really nice with flush toilets and showers. The only thing about the showers is there is no bench inside the stall and not really anywhere to hang your items so you will get wet. Shawnee State Park is very hilly. There is a campground store, very small and closed during the off-season. The comfort stations are also closed in the off-season, but they are spread out throughout the campground. Some sites are really best fit for tents only or you can hammock and at the actual tent sites they have nice tent pads for them. There is a playground, putt putt course, small lake that you can kayak or paddleboard in. They’ve got a great little nature center with lots of trails and again it’s hilly so pick your trails wisely, but very very pretty. We were the only people on our side of the campground.
LegendWe decided to camp on Thanksgiving weekend. The weather was very mild and the camper was very quiet.
Our site had a pretty level pad and could fit our small camper easily with room for our vehicle. The site itself is big - it’s got a lot of room for tents, an ez-up and plenty of space for chairs. It sits deep and there’s a little trail in the back.
Two shower houses were still open, clean and not far from our site. All of the comfort stations were closed for the off season.
We saw deer, heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night - really cool.
We ordered pizza from a local shop and they delivered. The lodge is close enough to go get food too.
GuideAwesome staff family owned for over 20 plus years. Extremely clean well maintained. Shower houses plenty of hot water facilities were very clean sites are well spread apart. Handicap sites available including cabin rentals fire wood and menu items delivered to your campsite from camp kitchen and store. Sites are reasonably level we had to use one 3/4 “ leveler under the wheels in one side. They have sites that are full hook up with wooden decks prices were 80.00 to 135.00 per night for those that were paved and with decks. All the others were water and electric. “ cable and WiFi “ included 70 plus channels. 50 /30 /20 amp power at all sites. Big Rig friendly. Close to all sites. Trails and state park Camp store was well stocked actually had what you needed if you forgot something. Prices were reasonable Definitely recommended to anybody traveling through the area Owner planning to stay open all year working g on some big upgrades to campground to accommodate winter weather camping. Nice swimming staff was very helpful restaurants gas stations groceries with in 10 min drive.
Traveler
The location is great. The staff was friendly. The bathrooms were fairly clean but the lights are on a timer so they go out on you when you're in the stall. The worst part is the lots are so sloped that it took all my wood, stackers, levelers and a bit of luck to get my camper level. In all my years camping I've never been on such an incline. The water was rusty well water, but tasted ok after my filter setup. The power showed an open neutral in the 30 amp hook up so I ran my cable to a close by empty lot and it tested ok. The camper next to us had their truck doors open and radio cranked up all day amd into the night. We asked if they could turn it down a little and they just laughed. I normally don't say anything to anyone camping but it was just so rude. I was walking up to the front desk to complain but they finally turned it down some when they saw me walking to the front. The wifi was spotty at best and we had zero Verizon cell service. Overall I would stay again, but I will try to find a more level spot if they have any.
GuideAlthough it’s quite a bit off the main road, it was a nice place to stay. Gate was manned when we arrived just before 8:00 pm. Clerk told us to book online once we picked our spot, as she had just closed the register. We just chose an open spot that was level as we could see in the dark. Weary from a day of travel, we put our heads on the pillow and were fast asleep. Shortly after 9 we heard several rounds of gun shots; that was alarming because it was well after sunset. All in all it was a nice spot with electric only. Several gray water dumps were situated throughout the campground. Dumpsters were full from I’m sure what was a busy weekend of fall camping. The lake was beautiful with ability to rent kayaks. Frisbee golf was onsite too. Commissary for ice and basic sundries, with playground nearby. We didn’t visit the bathhouse, so I’m unsure of it’s condition. Tenant sites with no electricity were down by the lake. Cabin rentals were in a separate spot, off the lake. All in all, in was a nice place with lots of things to do. More of a destination park, for sure.
GuideThis Campground was pretty great! My wife and I stayed in a rather large tent site and my parents stayed in an RV site. The RV site was rather small without much personal space. But it worked for what they needed. The tent site was decently secluded and near a nice small pond.
The campground put on a free BBQ for all of the guests one of the nights! It was very good and well thought out. They also put on a very long firework show that night which was awesome! We must have came the perfect weekend.
The restrooms were rather large and and worked fine. As well as the showers. There are also a few nice looking cabins! There is a camp store in the office, but it's rather small without anything interesting. There is a large barn with a few arcade games that the kids seemed to like.
The best part about this Campground?? DOGS ARE ALLOWED!! We were so grateful of this because we love taking our dog camping with us!
TravelerNever staying at a KOA before I was surprised how clean and well kept it was. The tent area was on a small elevation above the rvers so you could look down on them. Lol. The tent site was very nice and mostly flat. There are plenty of things for the kids to do. It does cater to the rvers so not that many tent sites. The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return..
Guide
Great location across from Kings Island. Many activities within this campus. Many beautiful cabins.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Paint Creek Lake is Long's Retreat Family Resort with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
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