Bourneville sits within Ohio's Appalachian foothills at an elevation around 800 feet, where wooded terrain creates natural drainage challenges during spring and fall camping seasons. Year-round camping options range from state parks with full amenities to primitive tent sites with pit toilets only. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water access may be limited during freezing months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Paint Creek State Park Campground offers multiple fishing options with both lake and creek access. "There is a small pond/lake that has a beach you can kayak or canoe and fish (renting them is an option)," notes one camper who enjoyed the variety of activities at the park.
Hiking varied terrain: The region features interconnected trail systems with significant elevation changes. "Hiking was great. The campground is small, some sites too small for our 20' trailer and truck. We visited when the leaves were changing and it was absolutely gorgeous," writes a visitor to Pike Lake State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Multiple parks feature small lakes with rentals available. "Easy access to boat ramp. Campsites are small. Wish the hiking trails by the campground had more of a lake view," reports a camper about Paint Creek's water access options.
Winter activities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Bourneville remain open during colder months with heated facilities at select locations. "A winter camping gem! Heated bathroom with showers are available for winter campers at Paint Creek State Park. An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views."
What campers like
Seclusion from technology: Many dog friendly campgrounds in the Bourneville area have limited or no cell service. At Long's Retreat Family Resort, a camper appreciates this aspect: "Love no cell reception! Quiet clean and staff (owner) is always pleasant and helpful!"
Family-oriented activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation beyond hiking. "We've had a permanent site at Long's for a couple of years now. My wife and kids want to live there for the summer, and I sure can't argue. There is LOTS to do. Swimming, water slides, canoeing, go-cart racing, mini golf, and a full arcade give plenty of variety."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary by location but many campgrounds prioritize cleanliness. "Spacious park. Well maintained. Paved sites, most of them fairly level. Well stocked camp store," writes a visitor to Paint Creek State Park, noting the condition of facilities.
Primitive camping options: Scioto Trail State Park Campground provides more rustic experiences. "We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of its proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. The primitive section is located far from the electric sites, which is desirable for us."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many parks have significant variation between sites. "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... The only downside we would mention is that most of all the other sites were packed in right next to one another."
Flooding concerns: Heavy rainfall affects campground conditions in this region. "It rained the first day we were there and people were literally bailing their sites out with buckets. The places that weren't flooded were very muddy," warns a camper about Rocky Fork State Park Campground.
Walking distances: Some parks separate tent and RV camping areas. At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, "You cannot park your car directly at your campsite. There is a parking lot at the bottom of the campground hill. You have to carry your items to your campsite. Depending on what site you reserved you could have to walk uphill for about 100-150 yards."
Bathroom facilities vary: While some parks offer shower houses, others provide only pit toilets. "They have 79 sites plus a group site and they only have 4 flush toilets and 1 pit toilet to service all of them. None of the sites were full hook up so everyone had to use the four bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "Site 57 - this site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground. It's a little noisy but if you have kids, it works."
Water activities for different ages: Parks with multiple water options accommodate various comfort levels. "There is a small lake with a beach. You can kayak, but it's really small. Lots of trails to hike and the camp store was open."
Weekend vs. weekday visits: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Bourneville become crowded on weekends. "Great hiking trails. Very busy on holiday weekends so I think it is best to go when that is not the case or even through the week."
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "The naturalist, Amy and the kids love the stream that runs through the park. The lack of shower houses might turn some off. The lake is beautiful and the fishing is good."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many locations. "It was a good campground, we had a hard time getting our RV to be level but overall we enjoyed it."
Hookup variations: Not all electric sites offer the same amperage. "Over 40 full hook up sites! Will definitely be returning," notes a visitor to Rocky Fork State Park, appreciating the comprehensive hookups.
Navigation complexity: Several parks have confusing internal road systems. "Upon arrival at Rocky Fork we realized even with a map it took 40 minutes to find our site. This was not so much due to the darkness as it was to the poor road and site markings."
Site spacing considerations: RV campers often note proximity issues. "Not a bad place to camp but has the feel of a commercial campground. There's a distinct lack of charm. It's geared more toward those who own Boats and like fishing over hiking."
