How much does camping cost at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

Camping fees at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE range from $35-$70/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is PAINT CREEK DAM SITE first-come first-served or reservation?

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE before I book?

Yes! PAINT CREEK DAM SITE has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE is open May 10 to September 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

Pets are not allowed at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE?

Popular activities at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE include Hiking, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

4.32

44 reviews

Top 22% in OHWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Ohio

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

794 ft

Price

$35 - $70/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

794 ft

Price

$35 - $70/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

$35.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $45.00 (+$25.00 weekend) (+$25.00 holiday); GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $35.00 (+$25.00 weekend) (+$25.00 holiday). Plus...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(937) 365-1470 LAKE OFFICE

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

39.2444, -83.3528

Nearby places

Chillicothe (regional reference

directions reference 18 miles to Bainbridge), Greenfield, Hillsboro, Washington Courthouse, Bainbridge

Weather at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

Best Time to Camp at PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Paint Creek Dam Site for full access to the beach, warm-water swimming, and peak boating and fishing activity — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (around 75–88°F) with nights in the 60s. Boat ramps, rental programs, and nature programs are at their busiest and most active, so lake exploration, paddling into coves, and family-friendly shoreline recreation are at their peak. Expect higher weekend crowds and holiday traffic; reserve camps, Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and lake activities; warm daytime temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 10 to September 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

Paint Creek Dam Site sits along Paint Creek Lake in southwestern Ohio's Scioto area, where wooded shorelines meet open meadows in gently rolling terrain. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere and scenic views, calling it a favorite spot for family reunions and repeat visits. The campground offers electric hookups, flush toilets, and access to swimming, boating, and trail exploration.

The area 'offers ... camping' but the provided information does not specify campsite types (tent, RV, primitive), group site details, cabins, or glamping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Paint Creek Dam Site for full access to the beach, warm-water swimming, and peak boating and fishing activity — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (around 75–88°F) with nights in the 60s. Boat ramps, rental programs, and nature programs are at their busiest and most active, so lake exploration, paddling into coves, and family-friendly shoreline recreation are at their peak. Expect higher weekend crowds and holiday traffic; reserve camps, Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation794 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake occupies a landscape of undulating hills that create natural amphitheaters around its irregular shoreline. Alternating bands of dense woodland and open meadowland shift constantly as you move along the water. Little Pond provides a smaller, more intimate setting away from the main lake. Elevation sits at 794 feet. Visitors highlight the beautiful scenery and note that some trails reveal themselves as you explore, offering unexpected discoveries.

Programs & ActivitiesA nature center, visitor center, an amphitheater and summer nature programs are offered; nearby cultural sites are noted as local attractions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityTwo accessible day-use picnic shelters and an accessible fishing pier are provided.

Recommended SitesLittle Pond Shelter (Shelter 1) sits next to Little Pond and has 15-amp electric hookups, a water fountain, and adjacent corn hole courts (bean bags not provided). Overlook Shelter (Shelter 2) overlooks the lake and emergency spillway and has an environmental restroom (no water or electric); the visitor center nearby provides water fountains, flush restrooms and visitor information.

Amenities available

Site includes a visitor center with water fountain and flush restrooms, two accessible day-use picnic shelters (Little Pond Shelter with a water fountain and 15-amp electric hookups; Overlook Shelter with an 'environmental restroom' that has no water or electric hookups), playgrounds, corn hole courts, an accessible fishing pier, picnic sites with grills scattered throughout, three boat ramps, a marina and boat rentals.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Paint Creek Dam Site Area offers a wide variety of land- and water-based recreation including boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, nature programs and seasonal winter activities. A visitor center, nature center, amphitheater, swimming beach, boat ramps, marina and boat rentals support these activities.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

44 reviews

Recommended

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Paint Creek Dam Site are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing beautiful scenery, a quiet atmosphere, and a relaxing place to visit with family and friends. Visitors describe it as a favorite spot for reunions, biking, motorcycling, walking trails, and general outdoor enjoyment. Several reviewers say they plan to return, suggesting strong repeat appeal.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 44 reviews.

Site 002Loved
Only a couple of specific sites are mentioned: Site 002 in the OVER loop is described as clean and beautiful, contributing to “a real good time” where…
Site 001Loved
Site 001 in the LITT loop has been rented by the same group for three years, indicating it’s a consistently nice location for families, with clean restrooms…

What Campers Love

Reviewers consistently highlight the beautiful, scenic views and peaceful, quiet environment. People enjoy using the area for family reunions, visits with out-of-town relatives, biking, motorcycling,...

Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Very few complaints are mentioned. One reviewer notes that the water level was down about 20 feet during their visit, making conditions less ideal at that time. Another minor criticism is that bird...

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest coming out to explore the area and its trails, as some paths may be discovered by accident. It’s also recommended as a good location for family gatherings, reunions, and group...

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful scenery and a quiet place to go, good company and a nice bike ride to get there.” “A new favorite for us! Found some trails by accident which was a wonderful surprise. Recommend coming out...

Based on 44 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

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Paint Creek Equestrian Campground sits in Paint Creek State Park's wooded southern Ohio hills, a dedicated horse camp built for riders and their stock. Reserve up to six months ahead online or by calling (866) 644-6727, or walk in and claim any open site at the camp store. The campground includes restrooms, a shelter house, picnic tables, and a large parking area for trailers and rigs.

Paint Creek Campground

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Paint Creek Campground sits on the north shore of Paint Creek Lake in southeast Ohio, offering nearly 200 pet-friendly sites ranging from electric to full hookup. Reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities, friendly staff, and family amenities like mini golf and a playground. Sites can feel close together with narrow roads, so privacy is limited compared to more dispersed campgrounds.

Pike Lake Campground sits on the north shore of Pike Lake in a forested valley in southern Ohio. The campground offers nearly 200 sites ranging from electric hookup to full-service options, including premium deck sites. Reservations open up to six months in advance online or by phone at (866) 644-6727; same-day sites are sometimes available at the camp store.

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Rocky Fork Lower Campground sits on the north shore of 2,000-acre Rocky Fork Lake in southern Ohio, offering nearly 200 sites that include full hookups and premium deck platforms. The lower ring is newer and lakeside, trading shade for open sky and water access. Reserve up to six months ahead online or by phone at (866) 644-6727, or grab a walk-in site at the camp store.

Rocky Fork Activity Center Campground

Rocky Fork State Park

Rocky Fork Activity Center Campground sits along the southern shore of Rocky Fork Lake in southern Ohio. The campground draws families with its playground, disc golf, putt-putt, archery, and pickleball courts. Sites include a parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly staff and clean facilities, though signage to individual sites can be sparse.

Caldwell Lake Campground

144 Lake Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Tucked into 218 acres of wooded tranquility just south of Chillicothe, Caldwell Lake Campground offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the expansive Scioto Trail State Forest. Electric sites border the serene Caldwell Lake, where you can launch your kayak at sunrise, cast a line from shore, or cool off at the small swimming beach before gathering for sunset at one of the lakeside picnic areas.

Great Seal Campground

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Nestled beside Sugarloaf Mountain, Great Seal Campground invites you to experience primitive camping with sweeping views of the Scioto Valley. This equestrian-friendly retreat welcomes your four-legged companions and provides essential comforts including drinking water, flush restrooms, and a first-come, first-served shelterhouse for gathering under the stars.

Campgrounds

PAINT CREEK DAM SITE

About Paint Creek Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding PAINT CREEK DAM SITE, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Impressive, prehistoric Indian sites in the central Scioto River basin are in the vicinity of this lake. Rock climbing is permitted on the Harmony Trail wall and the Spillway walls only. Climbing maps are available at the Corps of Engineers office. Minimum impact climbing practices are encouraged. No lead climbing, no bolting, natural colored chalk only, bouldering no more than 4 ft. off the ground, and climb during daylight hours only.}

Directions

Paint Creek Lake is located on Paint Creek, which originates 30 miles southwest of Columbus, Ohio. From Columbus take Route 23 south to Chillicothe. From Chillicothe take Route 50 west for 20 miles to Rapid Forge Road, turn right for 2.1 miles, entrance will be located on the left. When coming from Hillsboro take Route 50 east for 20 miles to Rapid Forge Road, turn right for 2.1 miles, entrance will be located on the left. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office is located on Rapid Forge Road off of Route 50. The State Park Office is located on Route 50.