Paint Creek Dam Site
3.5140 reviewsPaint Creek Dam Site
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsPaint Creek Dam Site
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderWhat Campers Say
3.51
Mixed Reviews
Based on 40 reviews
41 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsquietpeacefulclean
"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."
Best Time to Camp at Paint Creek Dam Site
Each season paints Paint Creek with its own palette of possibilities. Summer days come alive with the laughter of swimmers at the sandy beach, families renting boats to explore hidden coves, and nature programs that reveal the lake's secrets. When winter blankets the hills in snow, the landscape transforms into a wonderland for sledding enthusiasts and cross-country skiers gliding along frost-trimmed trails.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About Paint Creek Dam Site
Nestled along the peaceful shores of Paint Creek Lake, this diverse recreation area managed by Ohio State Parks invites you to explore everything from tranquil water trails to challenging rock faces. Whether you're launching your boat from one of the ramps, casting a line into pristine waters, or settling into your campsite beneath the trees, you'll find the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, all supported by modern amenities including a visitor center, accessible picnic shelters, and a full-service marina.
The area 'offers ... camping' but the provided information does not specify campsite types (tent, RV, primitive), group site details, cabins, or glamping accommodations.
Historical SignificanceYour adventure at Paint Creek connects you to thousands of years of Ohio history. Within easy reach lie the sacred earthworks of Serpent Mound and Seip Mound, testament to the sophisticated Hopewell Indian Culture now preserved in the nearby National Park. The legendary Shawnee leader Tecumseh's legacy lives on in the surrounding region, where outdoor dramas and museums bring these rich cultural stories to life, making your camping trip a journey through time as well as nature.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Paint Creek with its own palette of possibilities. Summer days come alive with the laughter of swimmers at the sandy beach, families renting boats to explore hidden coves, and nature programs that reveal the lake's secrets. When winter blankets the hills in snow, the landscape transforms into a wonderland for sledding enthusiasts and cross-country skiers gliding along frost-trimmed trails.
ElevationThe campground rests in a landscape of gentle, rolling hills that embrace Paint Creek Lake like welcoming arms, creating sheltered valleys and scenic overlooks that reward every turn of the trail.
Natural Features and SceneryPaint Creek Lake spreads across a tapestry of contrasting landscapes where wooded shorelines give way to sun-drenched meadows, creating perfect habitat for an ever-changing cast of songbirds and waterfowl. Morning mist rises from the main lake while Little Pond offers its own intimate charm, and crystal-clear streams thread through the property, their banks traced by trails that lead you deeper into this natural sanctuary. The interplay of water, forest, and meadow creates endless opportunities for wildlife watching and photography, with each vista offering something new to discover.
Geological RegionSet within the Scioto area of southwestern Ohio, Paint Creek Lake occupies a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces that created its signature topography of gently undulating hills. This terrain, characterized by alternating bands of open meadowland and dense woodland, creates natural amphitheaters around the lake's irregular shoreline, offering visitors constantly changing perspectives as they explore the water and surrounding trails.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo accessible day-use picnic shelters and an accessible fishing pier are provided.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesLittle 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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutArea includes two day-use picnic shelters, scattered individual picnic sites with grills (first-come, first-served), a visitor center, playgrounds, corn hole courts, a 1.5-mile hiking trail near Little Pond, boat ramps and marina.
Amenities available
Potable water
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
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
A 1.5-mile hiking trail meanders near Little Pond; additional trails are available in the downstream recreation area.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is popular on Paint Creek and the lake; commonly found species include white and black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth and spotted bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye. An accessible fishing pier is within walking distance of Overlook Shelter.Swimming
A swimming beach is available on Paint Creek Lake.Biking
Mountain biking is listed among on‑land activities available in the area.Boating
Three boat ramps, a marina and boat rentals are available on the lake; downstream access points provide river boating opportunities (kayak/canoe).Wildlife viewing
The shoreline mix of open meadows and wooded areas supports a variety of songbirds and waterfowl for wildlife viewing.Beach activities
A designated swimming beach supports typical beach activities.Cultural and Educational Programs
A nature center, visitor center, an amphitheater and summer nature programs are offered; nearby cultural sites are noted as local attractions.Winter Activities
Sledding and cross-country skiing are available in winter months.Water Sports
Boat rentals, kayaking and canoeing are supported via three boat ramps, a marina and river access points.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Paint Creek Dam Site
32
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 78%
Wind: 9.6 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresOn Paint Creek Lake with Little Pond on-site; three boat ramps, a marina, river stream access points for kayaking/canoeing, and an accessible fishing pier are present.
Campground Map
Paint Creek Dam Site
Driving directionsFrom Chillicothe, take Route 50 west for 18 miles to Bainbridge. Three miles past Bainbridge, turn right on Rapid Forge Road. Go 2 miles north and turn left into the Paint Creek Dam Site Area. Little Pond Shelter is on the right just before crossing the dam; Overlook Shelter is at the end of the road at the emergency spillway overlook.
Accessible via U.S. Route 50 (Route 50) from Chillicothe; turn onto Rapid Forge Road per driving directions.Nearby places
Chillicothe (regional reference
directions reference 18 miles to Bainbridge), Greenfield, Hillsboro, Washington Courthouse, Bainbridge
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.5
40 reviews
Paint Creek Dam Site has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 40 reviews
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 40 reviewsShow more
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 40 reviewsShow more
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 40 reviewsShow more
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 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
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 everyone enjoyed themselves. Site 001 in the...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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