Guilford Lake State Park Campground

The campgrounds on a skinnier part of the lake so you’re directly across from residential homes and right next to a road. The sites are very close together and there’s very few trees, so it’s not private at all. The bathrooms were extremely well maintained. The potable water was shut off while we were there.

This is definitely a smaller state campground, but has a lot going for it. Which is why it's sometimes hard to get into on the weekends. The camp sites on the water are very spacious, but the ones on the inside of the loop, not so much. But if you're camping with a group the inner loop can be a lot of fun. They have a playground, a basketball court, and their own beach for the campers. Along with several docks to fish from and launch your kayak. They have a camp store to meet most needs and a nice bathroom with showers. The camp store also rents kayaks and paddle boards. All the sites here are electric, but only electric.

This is a small campground. You are close together and no privacy like they have at other ohio state parks. I was able to snag a site on the water same day. Bathhouse is dated but clean and stocked. Probably won't be back but others may really enjoy it. They have a beach and boat ramps.

We stayed here in August ‘21. The negatives first- The camp sites are very close, and some of our fellow campers were up enjoying themselves fairly late. The positives- the staff was incredible, friendly, nice, helpful. The small boating (kayaks, canoes, etc) facilities and small boat ramp were fantastic. The lake was very very pleasant. The camp hosts were amazing, most of the fellow campers were very kind and friendly.

Hiking to the nature trail involves a bit of ‘along the road’ on the way there, which was a little uncomfortable, but it was a good time.

I have camped here at least once every year since I discovered Guilford Lake in 2017. The campground is clean (mostly) and quiet. It is dog friendly; all dogs must be leashed. 

PROS:

Quiet. Right on the lake; super easy lake access. Boat ramp. Swimming beach.  Convenient (for me anyway). Pidges' Market general store just a few miles away. Flat and quiet lake for paddlers. All sites are electric. Potable water on site. Dump station on site. Showers and restrooms open 24 hours. Small convenience store with limited hours. Peddle boat and kayak rentals on site.

CONS:

It's crowded; this is a tiny campground. Zero privacy (I was awakened by a guy snoring 2 campsites over). 

Goose excrement all over on the lakeside campsites - bring a small shovel and a lot of plastic bags. Plan on cleaning before you set camp (my site was disgusting). 

There are a few drawbacks but overall I like this campground otherwise I wouldn't keep coming back.

We fell in love with this little campground. While our site wasn't lakefront, many of the sites are right on the water. We only spent one night there but we're really looking forward to returning with more time to stay so that we can take advantage of the kayak and paddle boat rentals.

Love this campground and lake! The campground is clean and well maintained! Pets allowed witch is a must for us! And I love that you can go across the lake and rent a pontoon boat for the day!