Rocky Fork State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Take a trip to Southwest Ohio and visit Rocky Fork State Park. Tow along your boat to explore the 2,080-acre lake for some water skiing or fishing. There are two large public beaches for those that enjoy swimming. At Rocky Fork State Park, you will experience natural wetlands, a beautiful gorge and even a cave or two. The full-service campground on the northwest corner of the lake offers electric and full hookup sites.
Enjoy a game of disc golf on your next adventure. The 18-hole disc course can be found at the south beach. You can bring your own equipment or rent if needed. Never played disc golf before? Never fear, you can practice a few times at the campground before entering the course.
Avid hunter? You can also hunt waterfowl during the designated season at Rocky Fork State Park. Rocky Fork State Park has activities for everyone in your crew. The park has an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball court, amphitheater, two beaches, a marina, laundromat, ample parking, splash pad, and much more.
If you have the time to explore other parks close by then Pike Lake State Park is a must-visit. Just 23 miles west, this remote forest park on the edge of a small lake is home to a delightful array of fauna and flora. Open year-round, each season offers different activities to be enjoyed. If you enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking, this is a great park for RVers to visit. Southwestern Ohio has fantastic outdoor wonders to discover and RVers can spend as much time as they want exploring them all.
RV Rentals in Rocky Fork State Park
Transportation
Driving
Rocky Fork State Park is just 70 miles south of Columbus, Ohio and a great choice for a weekend RV getaway. From Hillsboro, travel four miles east on State Route 124. The entrance to the park is on North Shore Drive.
RVers traveling along the main highways in this part of the state do not have to worry about any restrictions. The drive to the park is an easy one and maneuvering around the park will be no big challenge. The park's interior roads are big rig friendly. The park lies around the edge of the entire lake and every part of it can be easily accessed using the major roads outside of the park.
While Hillsboro is the closest city to the park, if you're looking for a gas station, restaurants, groceries or an ATM Rocky Fork Point near the North Beach Marina is worth a visit.
Parking
There is ample parking around the state park. You can park your RV at your site and easily walk to all the amenities in the area. You'll need to drive around the lake to visit the fisherman's wharf, beaches, and marinas on the north, east, and south of the lake. Here you'll find large parking lots with lots of space to turn your RV around. There are multiple shelters for use and group parking areas.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Rocky Fork State Park
Campsites in Rocky Fork State Park
Reservations camping
Upper Campground
Located on the northwest side of the lake near the nature center and park office, the park has a large campground area divided into the Upper and Lower campgrounds. There are sites for RVers and tent campers on two different levels, and the area has a camp store, amphitheater, and putt-putt facilities.
If you're wanting some shade, reserve a site in the Upper Campground. This campground has 24 full hookup sites, 97 electric sites, and 15 primitive sites. The full hookup sites are all back-in and have 45-foot-long asphalt pads. During the winter months, these become electric only sites. Electric sites have asphalt pads differing in length from 20 to 50 feet, accommodating RVs of different sizes. Most are back-in sites, but some of the longer sites are pull-through. The non-electric sites are smaller in size, the longest asphalt pad being 26 feet long. The bathhouse is in the middle of the campground and has hot showers and laundry facilities. Campers also have easy access to the lake for swimming and boating.
Lower Campground
The Lower Campground has 19 full hookup sites that are electric-only in the winter months. There are also 14 non-electric sites with gravel pads. All the sites in this campground have pads that are 50 feet in length and can accommodate up to two vehicles. There are flushing toilets, and campers can also use the bathhouse in the Upper Campground.
There is no shade in this area, but it is right on the edge of the lake, which is a huge bonus. Campers have access to the boat ramp and tie-ups are available for campers with their own boats. From your site, it is a short walk to the recreation facilities shared by both campgrounds that will keep everyone entertained.
Alternate camping
Group Camping
In a section of the upper campground, there is a designated area for group camping. Close to the centrally located bathhouse, this camping area is perfect for youth groups or family reunions. This area is suitable for tent campers, accommodating a maximum of 36 people and two cars. There are six picnic tables and 50-amp electric hookups. Surround by tall trees, this area is partially shaded and private.
Seasonal activities in Rocky Fork State Park
In-Season
Boating
There are no motor horsepower limits on Rocky Fork Lake and boaters can enjoy some fast action in the open zone. There are also designated areas for boat camping and swimming.
There are six boat ramps located around the lake so you can choose the launch area you like best. The north shore marina has a boat fuel station, and also offers boat rentals. Overnight options are available, and the park office can inform you of the seasonal and overnight rates to rent any of the docks.
Fishing
There are three marinas around the lake including the East Shore Marina which has a full-service restaurant. The park offers a ADA-accessible fishing pier at Fisherman's Wharf on the southern side of the lake.
With over 20 different Ohio native species, you will get your fill of bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, muskellunge and many more. During your fishing excursion, you may also see bullfrog and early spring you will hear the amazing sounds of the Spring Peeper frogs. Make sure to have a valid Ohio fishing license on hand.
Rocky Fork State Park boasts "Ohio Clean Marina" which is a designation that is achieved by maintaining clean boating initiatives. Fishing guides are available at the ranger stations.
Hopewell Indian Mounds
Experience history firsthand by visiting the Hopewell Indian Mounds near Chillicothe. The mounds are over one thousand years old and the history museum on-site gives insight into the richness of the land.
There are around 23 mounds of varying heights over 15 acres. The largest number of Hopewell burial mounds are in this concentrated location. The mounds were first discovered in the mid-1800s when fragments of pottery, mica, copper, and other shells were found in the area. There is a Visitor Center on-site with reproduced artifacts for purchase.
Off-Season
Sledding and Snow Shoeing
Bring out your inner youth with sledding in the winter. Check conditions of the sledding hill, before your trip to see if it's worth bringing your toboggan along.
If the conditions are just right, plan to bring along your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Trails are maintained throughout the year, however, you will be skiing at your own risk. Trail maps are located at the ranger and observation station. There are options for ice skating at nearby parks as well.
Hiking
Rocky Fork State Park has two main hiking trails. The Bird Observation Trail is approximately one-third of a mile long and the Deer Loop trail is approximately one mile long. The trails will wind through wetlands, woodlands, and gorges. Visiting in various seasons offers different experiences as the fauna and flora changes. The hikes are not strenuous but are enjoyable for the whole family.
Paint Creek and Pike Lake are state parks that are nearby for additional trail options.
Bird Watching
With over four miles of trails, you will experience multiple landscapes. From woodlands to wetlands, to gorges and caves. For all of the birdwatchers in your crew, the campground has a short trail that continues to an observation station with excellent viewing options.
Bird watching is for all seasons, but if you want to experience the winter landscape along with searching the local winter bird species, you will be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Rocky Fork State Park is home to multiple waterfowl species and hundreds of songbirds. Guides are available at the ranger station and observation stations, as well as online.
