Best Tent Camping near Paint Creek Lake in Ohio

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Paint Creek Lake, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Paint Creek Lake. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Ohio camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Paint Creek Lake (18)

    Liz M.'s photo of tent camping at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lizzy’s Acres near Bainbridge, OH

    1. Lizzy’s Acres

    1 Review
    14 Photos
    9 Saves
    Bainbridge, Ohio

    7 Acres of private land! Completely wooded with beautiful maple and oak trees. 2 miles from pike lake state park. 10 miles from Rocky fork lake state park and paint creek lake state park! 7 miles from city of Bainbridge where there are stores and restaurants. Wonderful hiking at Highland Nature Sanctuary is only 20 minutes away. There is an Amish bakery and store 20 minutes away also!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available

    $25 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Waters Edge Canoe Livery near Chillicothe, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Waters Edge Canoe Livery near Chillicothe, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Waters Edge Canoe Livery near Chillicothe, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Waters Edge Canoe Livery near Chillicothe, OH

    2. Waters Edge Canoe Livery

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    27 Saves
    Chillicothe, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $12 / night

    Susan G.'s photo of tent camping at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Scioto-Grove Metro Park near Grove City, OH

    3. Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    8 Reviews
    13 Photos
    100 Saves
    Grove City, Ohio

    Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620-acre park along the Scioto River with mature forests and scenic bluffs overlooking the river. It features more than seven miles of trails, two picnic areas with shelters, tables and grills, a kids play area and several overlook decks. The park is located on a scenic bend of the Scioto River and is a great destination for canoeists, kayakers, anglers and people wanting to see waterfowl and other wildlife. Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the park, which also features a sledding hill. Thanks to a generous donation of 193 acres of land from the City of Grove City, funds from the State of Ohio Clean Ohio Program, and passage of a property tax levy by Franklin County voters, Metro Parks has developed this park for people of all ages and abilities to experience nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Additional support came from outdoor retailer REI to construct a backpack trail along the river for those just getting into the sport, as well as those seasoned backpackers who want a quick overnight without having to journey several hours.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    Amy W.'s photo of tent camping at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Constitution County Park near Bellbrook, OH

    4. Constitution County Park

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    6 Saves
    Bellbrook, Ohio

    All campsites are primitive, but if you’re interested in dry RV camping (no water or electric hookups), call for help finding a spot.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at GrayWolf PayLake near Otway, OH

    5. GrayWolf PayLake

    Be the first to review!
    4 Saves
    Otway, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    $10 - $20 / night

    Kenpocentaur K.'s photo of tent camping at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch near Yellow Springs, OH

    6. Jacoby Road Canoe Launch

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    42 Saves
    Yellow Springs, Ohio

    All campsites are primitive, but if you’re interested in dry RV camping (no water or electric hookups), call for help finding a spot.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $15 / night

    Austin R.'s photo of tent camping at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Narrows Reserve near Alpha, OH

    7. Narrows Reserve

    2 Reviews
    19 Photos
    49 Saves
    Alpha, Ohio

    The Narrows Reserve is a great place for launching your canoe, fishing and “roughing it” at our primitive campsite.

    All campsites are primitive, but if you’re interested in dry RV camping (no water or electric hookups), call for help finding a spot.

    Driving south on Factory Road in Beavercreek, you’ll run right into the entrance to Narrows Reserve. Once inside, you’ll find access to six hiking paths, a canoe launch, a picnic shelter, and primitive camping space. Narrows Reserve is perfect for family adventures, hiking, canoeing, fishing, or just finding solitude and absorbing all that nature offers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo at Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center near Rockbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center near Rockbridge, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center near Rockbridge, OH

    8. Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    5 Saves
    Rockbridge, Ohio

    Providing a place for all God's children to grow in Faith, Fellowship and Fun through Christ-centered camps and outdoor ministries. Located in the beautiful Hocking Hills in southern Fairfield County, Ohio, it is a quick and convenient drive that feels a million miles away - providing the serenity and connection with God's creation that only being emerged in nature can provide. Learn more about who we are, what we do and how you can participate in or support our work. As a non-profit with a seasonal mission, we still must maintain our facilities throughout the year to allow us to adequately support our mission. Lodging is a great way to help support our camp and help us cover our basic costs throughout the year while enjoying the outdoor experience and facilities that Geneva Hills has to offer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $35 - $600 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Morris Bean Reserve near Yellow Springs, OH

    9. Morris Bean Reserve

    1 Review
    3 Saves
    Yellow Springs, Ohio
    • Tents
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Trails Campground near Jackson, OH
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Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Paint Creek Lake

617 Reviews of 18 Paint Creek Lake Campgrounds


  • Frank H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Springs Campground
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice campground

    This was the last campground before returning home from a month long camping road trip across the country and back. Picturesque camp directly on the Ohio River. Very level. Small campground with about 40 sites. Basically all sites are for RVs and equipped with electrical and water and most with sewer. We were tent camping and set up and a very soft & thick grassy space on one of the empty sites. The owners plan to install dedicated tent sites along the edge of the woods. There is a camp store with most needed items. Ice and firewood sold. Very spacious and individual toilet and shower & sink rooms. Good showers with plenty of hot water. Playground for children. Volleyball for anyone. Dumpster for trash. Great people. Easy to make reservations.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    Great site

    Never 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..

  • Kaylien S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Lake State Park Campground
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Jackson Lake State Park Campground

    Do not recommend

    Tent sites are on a steep uneven hill, we had site 4. Tent sites are super close, we can hear our neighbors perfectly as if they were talking to us. Only a few feet between each site. Map showed we would be right next to the lake, this is incorrect, lake is not accessible or even visible from campsite.

  • Don B.
    Camper-submitted photo from John Bryan State Park Campground
    Sep. 21, 2016

    John Bryan State Park Campground

    John Bryant State Park

    Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio. Camp sites are great for tent camping with a few RV spots. You can visit the near by historical town of Yellow Springs.

  • Brian B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA

    Fantastic Place

    This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks. The dog park wasn’t huge, but larger than most. The campground was completely full but still quiet and peaceful. The staff are amazing.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowan Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Excellent staff, well maintained

    While the tent spots did not have a lot of shade, the sites are close to the lake and make for some wonderful sunsets. All of the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful and all in all it was a great stay. We rented bikes from the camp store and swam at the beach which was conveniently close to the tent sites. Lots of fun and 10/10 would return again. I'm excited to come back and see how the young trees they have growing in the tent sites take off.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee State Park Campground
    Jun. 6, 2023

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Amazing tent sites, for Ohio

    Tent 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.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills State Park Campground
    May. 9, 2021

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Good Camp

    Tent camped on a non-electric site in early May.  Great campground.  Clean, relatively quiet, and great bathrooms.  The camp sites are right off one of the main trails in the park, so very easy to get out for a hike.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Jacoby Road Canoe Launch
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Jacoby Road Canoe Launch

    Beautiful, private spot

    Went with a buddy for a one night stay. Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities. I just wish there were a trash can. Still had a great time, though.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee State Park Campground
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Pumba was next door.

    Very friendly staff. We checked in early evening for an over night on our x country trip after visiting Serpent Mound NatIonal monument. Good Tent site with electric. Good bathhouse and quiet on Tuesday.

  • Tammy G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills State Park Campground
    Jul. 8, 2018

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    easy access to local trails and sights

    many electric sites,usually busy, some rustic tent sites, 3 camper cabins in park. some shower houses . state park also offers cabins that sleep 6 with amenities also hike in campground in area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center

    Would stay again

    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.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolford's Landing Campground
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Wolford's Landing Campground

    Great Campsite with one exception

    Great campsite on the Ohio River. Tent sites are grassy with lots of shade. water and electricity at site for $20.00. We upgraded to a vacant RV site with River Frontage for $35.00, since We were able to sleep In our SUV. Showers and toilets are clean. Staff is so accommodating! The exception? Trains blowing their whistle every 20-30 minutes all night long. The crossing is right by the campground. If you can sleep through it, great. I couldn’t.

  • Timothy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from John Bryan State Park Campground
    Oct. 7, 2020

    John Bryan State Park Campground

    Lovely, well maintained park.

    Great tent sites on mowed lawn under old growth trees. Our night’s rest was interrupted multiple times with airport noise—airplanes and helicopters. Note that at this time (COVID) you cannot just pull in and occupy a site. You must call in for a reservation.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills State Park Campground
    May. 22, 2023

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Great Beginner site

    This was our first tent camping experience and over all went really well! Our particular site wasn’t very tent friendly and was overall a little awkward with the placement of hills and our fire pit, but I think that was a one off. We made it work and had a great time! The sites are close together so be aware if you aren’t fond of neighbors :) we will definitely be back!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    Bad Business

    Had reserved two tent sites, had to put down 45$ for each site. On Friday the weather was to be awful. Forecast calling for 3-4" of rain. Flash flood watches for entire area. So being in tents we cancelled our reservations. Campground would not return our 90$ deposit. To me that's bad business! I was out 90$!!!

  • Fred J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Top O' The Caves Campground
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Top O' The Caves Campground

    Great Campground for everyone

    This 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!

  • Carlos F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Top O' The Caves Campground
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Top O' The Caves Campground

    Very nice campground

    We’ve stayed twice at this campground and have had a great time both times. It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails. There’s even a trail to Ash cave from the campground.

  • Karen H.
    Camper-submitted photo from A.W. Marion State Park Campground
    Jul. 23, 2017

    A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    Nice but has needs

    We have tent camped here three times. Small but nice campground. Nice lake close to the campground just down an access road. I would give it a higher rating but there are no showers, concrete floored, hole in the ground 'outhouses' (one men's, one woman's) by the playground and port-a-johns at the other end of the campground. The last time we were there in September 2016, the port-a-johns were absolutely full and nasty despite daily phone calls by the camp caretakers that they needed serviced. They were finally serviced just before the weekend campers came in and we were leaving. Small adequate camp store. Movie for the kids at the outdoor theater.

  • Maddy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork State Park Campground
    Aug. 17, 2020

    East Fork State Park Campground

    Decent campground

    This campsite is HUGE. Has over 400 campsites and the first 17 have places you can keep your horses! Something I have never seen before. Some sites are not okay for tent camping and when we got there we had to go back to the office to see if we could change our site. Lucky for us you get one free site switch a stay, so that was nice. The beach is big but unfortunately no dogs allowed. It would be nice for them to include a section where dogs were allowed so we could enjoy. We spent our day on the trails instead. A lot of RV camping but overall it was a great trip!

  • AJ J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stacked Stones Retreat and Horse Camp — Hocking State Forest
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Stacked Stones Retreat and Horse Camp — Hocking State Forest

    Nice Location and great hosts!

    Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family. The only complaints that we had was the shower house seems like a scene from a horror movie. Cinderblock stalls with a wooden pallet on the floor to keep you off of the drain. The toilets are non flushing pit latrines. They have some very secluded tent sites which is great when you have dogs. They also allow horses which is nice for any trail riders. Overall a great camp ground with great people. If the bathroom was updated I would give it 5 stars for sure!

  • Brady R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hocking Hills State Park Campground
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    Fave Midwest State Park

    I get asked "where should we go camping or hiking in the Midwest?" Hocking Hills State Park is always my go-to answer. 

    It has a ton of different terrains, it's easily accessible from Columbus, OH, and has great hiking opportunities. 

    This particular campground is amazing because it's located nicely to many hiking trails but far away that you aren't overly crowded so you still get the feeling that you're in nature.

    I've been here a ton growing up in the horse campground area, but most recently was there for tent camping. We were surrounded mostly by RVs, but we fit in quite nicely into our site. 

    The sites were nicely spaced out and the hiking trails were all nearby.

  • Melissa W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tar Hollow State Park Campground
    Sep. 4, 2019

    Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    Loved it for tent camping

    Great camping experience! Waited too late to book in hocking hills state park but found a site here instead. We are tent campers and stayed in site 106 on"Northridge". Loved that the non-electric tent sites were so isolated from the RV campers. Site 107 gets muddy with a lot of rain. Sites 108-112 have a pretty significant slope. Each site in the loop has a picnic table and fire ring. There's a dumpster, pit toilets, and water. It was a short drive to the rest of the campers, a great hot shower, fantastic general store, miniature golf, and the beach to swim or lake to kayak. Took us at least 30 minutes to drive to the common hocking hills hikes but well worth it. We would return.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Top O' The Caves Campground
    Apr. 21, 2019

    Top O' The Caves Campground

    A little outdated, but still a great choice!

    We have returned to this camp ground four times! Everything is quite outdated especially the park and mini golf. With that said it was a great time. It has mini golf, a pool, park and small game room which is awesome for camping with kids. It offers rustic cabins for those that dont tent camp or have a rv. On this particular trip it was chilly and we were staying with small children so we went the rustic cabin route. There's a small pond for fishing and a church from the 1800s and all together a beautiful place to walk around. The best part is you can walk to ash cave from your campsite! There is a connecting trail right at the front of the campground. It was a fairly simple hike too.

  • Hannah O.
    Camper-submitted photo from John Bryan State Park Campground
    Aug. 19, 2018

    John Bryan State Park Campground

    Perfect Weekend Getaway, Lots to do

    Had a great time here. My only complaint is that the sites are very close together and there are few trees for privacy in the actual campsites, Also very little shade for this reason. For the most part the tent sites are grass, with a place to pull in. The site I stayed at was relatively close to the pit toilets and a water spigot, but also close to a bunch of RV sites, so I wouldn't say it was all that quiet. It was easy to access walking trails along a river, and also really close to Yellow Springs, which is a great little town (that I totally did not expect to find, who knew!) Cheap firewood and camp store at the entrance.

  • Andrea F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tar Hollow State Park Campground
    Apr. 3, 2021

    Tar Hollow State Park Campground

    Small but A lot to Offer

    This was our first camping trip here and it won’t be out last. We loved this little hidden gem of a park. We were on site 5 and it was level side to side but sloped front to back. The parking pad was nice and it looked like many had been freshly paved.
    Some sites are just in the grass and could get muddy since the park is in a valley but they would be perfect for tent camping or a smaller camper.
    Lots of hiking trails, a like for swimming and fishing, playground, and fire tower. They also had a mini golf course, outdoor movie screen and a camp store that has a game room and nature center. Most of this part was closed because of winter camping and Covid.
    The staff that we saw working were really friendly and recommend some great hiking trails.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee State Park Campground
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Family Campground

    I stayed at Shawnee SP campground in August 2020 (Friday night). This campground is geared towards families with kids, especially with RVs. It has all of the amenities: electric at most sites, water, flush toilets, showeres, laundry. There’s a small lake at the campground with a swimming beach and canoe rentals. They also have a gift shop and miniature golf. North of the campground there is a lodge with cabins and larger fishing lake. The campsites are very close together and the campground was full when I was there. It was surprisingly quiet at night. I prefer a little more privacy and separation from other campers. Looking around the campground I’d say that Site 8 is the best site for car camping or RV camping. There are 2 tent camping sites (111 and 112) that provide separation from other campers but you have to park and carry your gear back to the sites


Guide to Paint Creek Lake

Tent camping near Paint Creek Lake in Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With options ranging from cozy retreats to adventurous sites, there's something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Paint Creek Lake

  • Waters Edge Canoe Livery provides a fun atmosphere for camping and kayaking, with friendly staff and essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.
  • Lizzy’s Acres is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful wooded setting, allowing pets and offering a reservable tent site for a more private experience.
  • GrayWolf PayLake allows for a relaxed camping experience with amenities such as picnic tables and toilets, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Scioto-Grove Metro Park features beautiful trails and river access, making it ideal for hiking and exploring nature while enjoying a well-reviewed camping experience.
  • Jacoby Road Canoe Launch is perfect for those looking to combine camping with water activities, offering a serene spot next to the Little Miami River for kayaking and fishing.
  • Geneva Hills - Camp and Event Center is conveniently located near Hocking Hills, providing a great base for exploring the area's stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Tent campers should check out unique features

  • SaltCreek Retreats offers a variety of accommodations, including yurts and cabins, along with amenities like showers and firewood for a comfortable stay.
  • Hidden Trails Campground is open year-round and provides a cozy atmosphere for tent camping, making it a solid choice for those looking to escape into nature.
  • Trothwood Forest allows for a mix of tent and glamping experiences, with features like firewood and pet-friendly policies, ensuring a memorable camping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Paint Creek Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paint Creek Lake is Lizzy’s Acres with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Paint Creek Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Paint Creek Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.