Paint Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide
Ohio
Paint Creek State Park
is a massive public recreation area located in the Highland and Ross counties of Ohio. The state park has a total land area of 5,652 acres, giving guests a seemingly endless opportunity for thrilling exploration. The public recreation area is best known for the reservoir Paint Creek Lake, which was created by the damming of Paint Creek and is 1,148 acres alone. The park was established in 1972 and is currently under the administration of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. If you need to reach a city during your trip to Paint Creek State Park, three of the closest options are Bainbridge, Frankfort, and South Salem, Ohio.
Spring 32-73 F
Summer 61-84 F
Fall 35-77 F
Winter 21-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Paint Creek State Park
One of the best ways to enhance a trip to Paint Creek State Park is to rent an RV. These recreational vehicles can give you the added convenience you need to enjoy your time away without unnecessary frustration. Fortunately, RVshare offers plenty of options.
Shady Trails Family Campground
Located in Highland County, Ohio, Shady Trails Family Campground is easily one of the best RV campgrounds you can find near Paint Creek State Park. This RV park is owned and operated by a local couple that has always lived in the area, giving it the authentic feel that so many desire. Amenities include a playground for the kids, wood for campfires, a basketball court, and hiking trails. The nightly rates to stay at this campground are $30 for sites with a full hookup and $28 for sites with only water and electricity. The address of Shady Trails Family Campground is 11145 N Shore Drive C, Hillsboro, OH 45133.
Mineral Springs Lake Resort
You should be sure to take a look at Mineral Springs Lake Resort and its features before you decide on an RV park. This campground has a total land area of about 100 acres and has plenty of room to accommodate guests and offers many great amenities. Concessions are also readily available, serving classics such as pizza and ice cream. There are hot showers, clean restrooms, and laundry service at your disposal if you choose to stay at this campground. The address of Mineral Springs Lake Resort is 160 Bluegill Road, Peebles, Ohio 45660.
What to Do at
Paint Creek State Park
Inside Paint Creek State Park
Paint Creek State Park’s underlying geology is made up mostly of limestone, and the park’s limestone bluffs are a popular viewing attraction. They can be found just below Paint Creek dam, and you can reach them through one of the many hiking trails. The region is also known for its unique vegetation, with some of the most popular options being the Coolwort wildflower and Smooth Cliffbrake ferns. If you are a nature enthusiast, you should visit the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, a private nature preserve located on the grounds of the state park. For activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating, you can head to the beautiful and spacious Paint Creek Lake.
Outside Paint Creek State Park
Be sure to tour the attractions of Highland and Ross counties once you have wrapped up inside the park. Small Town Grillers and Chillers and The Paxton Restaurant are a couple of the best places to eat in the area. The entertainment scene will lead you to compelling museums and beautiful natural attractions. The area also has sufficient shopping facilities to keep you stocked with the necessities as your trip progresses.
Restaurants
Small Town Grillers and Chillers
Small Town Grillers and Chillers is an American restaurant near Paint Creek State Park known for serving delicious grilled sandwiches. Some of the most popular options at this spot are the grilled cheese and Philly cheesesteak.
Type: American
Location: 403 Jefferson St, Greenfield, OH 45123
The Paxton Restaurant
For traditional American cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere, you can head to The Paxton Restaurant. According to reviews, the cheeseburger and roast beef sandwich are fantastic.
Type: American
Location: 108 W Main St, Bainbridge, OH 45612
La Bamba - El Canon Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
La Bamba - El Canon Mexican Restaurant and Cantina is easily one of the best options for Mexican food near Paint Creek State Park. Here, you can order classics such as carne asada and enchiladas.
Type: Mexican
Location: 1440 W Jefferson St, Greenfield, OH 45123
Country Crust Bakery
Country Crust Bakery is a locally owned spot in Bainbridge, Ohio, known for homestyle country cooking. Popular options here range from buttery mashed potatoes to deli-style sandwiches.
Type: American
Location: 4918 State Rte 41 S, Bainbridge, OH 45612
Big City Pizza
If you are a fan of pizza, be sure to check out Big City Pizza before you return home from Paint Creek State Park. The restaurant serves quality pizzas, sandwiches, sides, and more.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 1460B, Jefferson St, Greenfield, OH 45123
Shopping
Highlands Plaza
Highlands Plaza is one of the closest shopping malls you will find near Paint Creek State Park. You can go here to browse different retail outlets, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Location: 1456 N High St, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Peebles
Peebles is a very popular clothing store located in Hillsboro, Ohio. You can shop here for affordable deals on items that can remind you of your trip to the state park.
Location: 1100 N High St, Hillsboro, OH 45133
From Me To You
From Me To You is a locally owned and operated gift shop that lies close to Paint Creek State Park. You can go here to pick up souvenirs for yourself, your family, or your friends.
Location: 140 S High St, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Walsh Live Bait & Tackle
If you plan to do a lot of fishing during your trip, Walsh Live Bait & Tackle is a great place to pick up supplies. They have some of the best bait in the area, and the store is located in Sardinia, Ohio.
Location: 8048 Tri-County Hwy, Sardinia, OH 45171
Community Markets
You will likely need to do some grocery shopping before your trip is over, and Community Markets is one of the best places near the park to do it. They offer a wide variety of products and an informed staff.
Location: 245 W Main St, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Sightseeing
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve is a popular nature preserve located in Highland County, Ohio. This is a great place to visit if you want to gain some knowledge about the history of the region.
Location: 13614 Fort Hill Rd, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Pike Lake State Park
Pike Lake State Park is another beautiful park that you can go to if you want to see more of the area’s natural beauty. Options here include fishing, swimming, picnicking, and more.
Location: 1847 Pike Lake Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612
World's Largest Horseshoe Crab
World's Largest Horseshoe Crab is a unique museum in close reach from Paint Creek State Park. It is a great destination for kids where they can learn constructive information and have fun in the process.
Location: 7592 OH-124, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Fallsville Wildlife Area
To learn more about the animals that inhabit the Paint Creek region, you should go to Fallsville Wildlife Area. It is located in New Vienna, Ohio, a convenient distance from the state park.
Location: 10211 Careytown Rd, New Vienna, OH 45159
The Appalachian Forest Museum
You can visit The Appalachian Forest Museum to learn about the history, geography, and ecosystems of the beautiful Appalachian Forest.
Location: 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612
How to Get to
Paint Creek State Park
A couple of the largest cities in the country located near Paint Creek State Park include Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati, Ohio. On the road from Columbus, you will begin your route by following I-71 S and US-62 W to OH-753 S in Union Township. After continuing along OH-753 S, take Rapid Forge Road to Taylor Road in Paint Township to complete the drive.
If you are coming from Cincinnati, start by getting onto I-471 S from E 5th Street. Now, you will want to follow I-275 E and OH-32 E to Dela Palma Road in Williamsburg Township. Then, take OH-138 N to S High Street in Hillsboro. Once you have done that, take US-50 E to Rapid Forge Road in Paxton Township. After continuing along Rapid Forge Road, drive to Taylor Road in Paint Township to arrive at the destination. The address of Paint Creek State Park is 280 Taylor Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612.
Entering Paint Creek State Park
Paint Creek State Park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. every day of the week.
Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Paint Creek State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.