Thinking an outdoor adventure might be just what the doctor ordered? Plan a trip to Paint Creek Lake. It's a wonderful place to visit on an RV holiday.
Paint Creek Lake is nestled in the heart of Paint Creek Valley near Bainbridge, Ohio. Located within the Paint Creek State Park, the lake encompasses 1,148 acres in total and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy such fun summer activities as fishing, boating, and swimming.
This recreational area has 5,652 acres of land to its credit, with its grounds spreading through Ohio's Highland and Ross counties. Also found on the same property is the popular Highlands Sanctuary, a haven for a thriving bat species that live in the caves found on the grounds. Today, the sanctuary remains a popular spot for its wonderfully scenic hiking trails.
The landscape of the grounds at Paint Creek Lake is dotted with such interesting features as rich limestone formations and impressive bluffs. It is believed that many prehistoric peoples made this area their home, and it was also a common settling ground for the Shawnee Indians.
In years gone by, Paint Creek Lake provided a reliable power source for mills, making it a popular spot for manufacturers of such as products as grain for flours, wool, and wood. Since flooding in the region was quite prevalent, the waters were dammed in 1967, with a state park being declared in the surrounding area in 1972.
Paint Creek Lake is a thriving habitat for many types of water birds. Its grounds also proudly display a vast array of wildflowers in season, including wild geranium, jewelweed, yarrow, and Queen Anne's lace.
For an excellent vacation in a stunning, rural paradise, plan a trip to Paint Creek Lake.
The route to Paint Creek Lake proceeds along two-lane highways that are kept in very good condition. Snow removal services are provided in the winter months to ensure the roads are clear for travel. Traffic moves along well, and road construction is very infrequent. Wildlife does occasionally enter the road space, so do remain alert when driving to avoid an accident.
Parking is available via several on-site lots.
There is currently no public transportation available to Paint Creek Lake.
Paint Creek Lake Campground offers nearly 200 campsites for RV and tent camping by reservation only. All of the sites offer full electric hookups. Twenty-five of the sites are walk-ins, and 14 offer decks.
Plant growth in the campground provides privacy between the pads. Some sites are shaded by trees, while others are open for sun lovers, so you can find a site to meet your needs. However, there is a bit of a slope to the campground, so some minor leveling may be necessary. Among the amenities found on the grounds are showers, toilets, laundry facilities, and a waste disposal station. Also located on the property are basketball, volleyball, and horseshoe courts. Pets are permitted on the grounds but must be leashed. There are also several yurts and cabins available for rent if you feel like taking a break from the RV.
If you're hankering to get your boat out on the water, Paint Creek Lake is the place for you! The property is home to three boat launches, giving you the perfect spot to take your powerboat out into the lake. Paint Creek Lake permits boats with unlimited horsepower to use their waters.
In season, you can purchase fuel from the boat launches, and docks may be rented. You can also paddle out into the depths of the lake in your canoe or kayak directly from the shore of the lake.
There is one section of Paint Creek Lake that is specifically reserved for those who wish to swim while out on their day's excursion on their boat.
For those who love to swim, Paint Creek Lake will not disappoint. The property is home to a beach that measures 1,000 feet in total, making it the ideal spot for doing some beachcombing, strolling along the coast, or sunbathing.
Only certain areas of the lake permit swimming, so do take care to be sure you are in the correct spot. Lifeguard service is not provided, so please be sure to only enter the lake when the waters are calm.
Pets are not allowed to join their families on the beach at Paint Creek Lake.
Port-a-potties are provided for public use in season.
Picnicking is an ever-popular activity at Paint Creek Lake. There are several sections of this recreational facility which feature picnic tables and barbecues for the public to use. For those with larger groups to accommodate, there is a shelter available for reservation.
If you prefer something a little less formal and with an incredible view, why not take your picnic to the beach where you can sprawl in the sand and enjoy a snack or two?
Bring along your camera to record the beauty that surrounds you and to capture your day of picnic fun in the sun.
Many people flock to Paint Creek Lake for the abundance of hiking trails. There is something here to suit everyone with trails measuring from just under a mile to almost three for families to enjoy.
Each of the trails boasts beautiful scenery, including incredible wildflowers in season. The terrain is quite varied and traverses through fragrant woods, lush meadowland, and beautiful rolling hills.
There are also several trails suited to horseback riding and 12 miles of trails for mountain biking.
If you love to fish, Paint Creek Lake is the place for you. A fishing license is required to angle in any Ohio body of water. Among the species of fish you will find here are saugeye, bluegill, bass, catfish, and crappie.
With so many launches to choose from, you can head out in your powerboat, paddle out in your canoe or kayak, or fish directly from the shore. Check with the launch officials to see if filleting is permitted on the premises.
Adena State Memorial is a popular attraction for families to visit during their RV stay at Paint Creek Lake. This property consists of 5,000 acres and once was home to Mr. Thomas Worthington, a man renowned for being the sixth governor of the state as well as Ohio's first senator. Today, the mansion which still rests on the grounds is full of period antiques, many of which were once owned by Mr. Worthington himself.
In addition to the estate house on the grounds, there are also over 300 acres of additional buildings and beautiful gardens to explore.
