West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, also referred to as Winton Woods Lake and Park, is situated in metropolitan Cincinnati, Ohio. The 183-acre lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project to provide flood control to the downstream areas. The project was authorized in 1946 and is part of the Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the dam located 6.5 miles above the confluence with Mill Creek. When heavy rain or snowmelt occurs, the lake stores excess water until downstream waterways can accommodate the runoff without causing damage or danger to people and property. The recreation areas around the lake are cooperatively managed by the Corps and Hamilton County Park District, with the 2630 acre Winton Woods park being leased to Hamilton County. Winton Woods Park is the second-largest park in the Hamilton County Park system and has two state nature preserves within its borders, Spring Beauty Dell and the Greenbelt area. Recreational opportunities in the park include an overnight campground, two golf courses, a disc golf course, fitness parcourse, a demonstration farm, campground, equestrian center, and marina. Boats and bicycles can be rented, and there are individual and group picnic areas with a group picnic shelter. The lake is stocked with sport fish, a public use boat ramp is available, and there are many multi-use trails, equestrian trails, and interpretive hiking trails in the park. Other amenities at the park include showers, restrooms, a playground, a splash park, a fish cleaning station, and a fishing pier. West Fork of Mill Creek Lake recreation areas are open from dawn to dusk, year-round. While RVing at West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, you can also visit Hueston Woods State Park and Stonelick State Park, which are both under a one hour drive from the Corps project. RV rentals in Ohio can be found at Ohio RV Rentals.
While traveling in Cincinnati, Ohio, use Interstate 275, and take the Winton Road Exit south to reach the West Fork of Mill Creek Lake recreation areas. This is an urban area, and heavy traffic on the interstate and access roads can be an issue.
Once at the park site, take Lakeview Drive east to reach the campground, which is located on the southern side of the road and is well signed. The access roads in the campground are well paved with pull-outs and turnarounds that accommodate RVs and tow vehicles. There are back-in campsites with good sightlines and open areas, which make it relatively easy to back a rig into, and pull-through sites that are easy to access.
No parking exists at the dam site itself. However, walking trails from the recreation areas lead to the structure. Paved roads around the park lead to recreational sites such as the equestrian center, Parky's Farm, golf courses, and trailheads. A large recreation site is situated just west of the campground where the boathouse, splash park, and a snack bar are located that has a large looping parking lot. The parking lot is set up to accommodate single-family vehicles, and tow vehicles and RVs should use the parking areas and sites at the campground.
Managed by Hamilton County on the COE West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, the Winton Woods Campground has 123 overnight campsites. Sites are well serviced; there are 25 RV back-in sites with full hookups including 50 amp electrical and sewer. Another 12 are RV pull-through sites with 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer, on concrete pads, and 68 are tent or RV sites with 30 amp electrical services. There are also ten rustic cabins and eight deluxe cabins for rent. All campsites have fire rings and picnic tables.
Amenities at the campground include a campground office and store with cafe, laundry facilities, group shelter, playground, visitor parking, two RV dump stations, WiFi, boat launch, Cable TV, shower houses, flush toilets, pet area, and water sources. The campsite is situated in a pine grove along the lake, and mostly open, with shade trees located around the perimeter and at many of the sites. Hiking trails lead to the multiple recreational areas around the lake and in the park.
Disc Golf is a fun sport that is played on a golf course-like area, with baskets instead of holes located on “greens.” The aim is to throw a frisbee-like disc into the baskets. This sport is more accessible than regular golf as it requires less expensive equipment and less time to learn.
The disc golf course, situated at West Fork Lake is mostly flat with some wooded areas and has 18 baskets. The course length is 3340 feet, with asphalt tee-off areas, and is considered to be a good beginner course that is heavily played by visitors and locals alike. There is a fee to use the course.
Parky's Farm is an educational farm located in the Winton Woods Park that holds regular events and programs for children and families. The farm provides hands-on experience to visitors with its spring and summer Barnyard Bonanza programs, summer day camps, and fall Pumpkin Patch and “Growing up a Farm Kid” program.
This fun farm has over 100 acres and includes indoor and outdoor playgrounds, picnic shelters, a garden and orchard, and lots of interesting barnyard animals to interact with. The park is to the public daily from dawn to dusk.
A riding center located at West Fork of Mill Creek Lake provides trail rides and day camps as well as holding horse shows, programs, and regular riding lessons. The facility is located on the 2.6-mile out-and-back equestrian trail. Members of the public can trailer their horses into the site to use the equestrian trail.
Horse rentals are not available; however, while visiting, you can sign up for a trail ride. Trail rides usually run on Saturdays and Sunday at 5:30 PM , but you may be able to book a group during the week if they have the resources to accommodate you. During the fall season, the beautiful autumn colors of the lakeside woods are excellent for a ride, and there are fewer bugs and less trail traffic around to irritate your mount.
Fishing is available in season. However, recreational activity at the park can disturb local fish populations. Fishing later in the fall, or early in the spring when the ice melts off the lake may provide better sport for serious fishing enthusiasts. The 156-acre lake allows electric and gas motors up to six horsepower for fishing. There is also bank fishing, a fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station to accommodate activities. You will require a valid Ohio State Fishing license.
Spectacular fall colors or spring flowers, cooler temperatures, and less biting insects make the offseason an ideal time to enjoy a stroll or an energetic hike at West Fork of Mill Creek Lake. The Winton Woods Park has 2.6 miles of paved trails and a 1.1-mile fitness trail as well as natural trails winding throughout the park area. The fitness trail features workout stations and goes through a wooded area that leads to the lake. The Great Oaks Trail is a 0.7-mile trail that winds along Kingfisher Creek, with many huge oak trees along the way and wildflowers in the spring.
The Harbor Loop Trail is longer, at 1.7 miles, but is rated as easy. It circles around the lake and includes two footbridge crossings. This trail passes the boathouse, campgrounds, and other recreational sites. Kingfisher Trail is a 1.1-mile trail with an upper forested section and a lower section along Kingfisher Creek and is popular for bird watching activities. West Branch Trail connects the harbor area to the Winston Center and the Kingfisher Trail and is just under one mile in length. It is rated easy, and during the spring, overlooks the heron rookery on the opposite side of the lake.
With a boat ramp and marina, boating on West Fork of Mill Creek Lake is a popular pastime. Boat rentals are available from the marina, and available watercraft include rowboats, motorboats, pontoon boats, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards.
You can also arrange a 30-minute tour of the lake aboard the Winton Queen. This guided tour provides information on the park's history and points out area wildlife. If you bring your own vessel, be aware there is a six horsepower limit on the lake, and be sure to have life preservers aboard for all passengers.
