Pike Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located among the wooded hills of Pike County, Ohio, Pike Lake State Park is a popular tourist attraction that lies about five miles south of Bainbridge, an Ohio village. The site was originally acquired and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It was not until 1949 that it officially became a state park administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Guests come to Pike Lake State Park for its numerous outdoor attractions, including hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. The park has a total land area of 587 acres and an elevation of 755 feet. Some of the nearest Ohio cities to Pike Lake State Park are South Salem, Frankfort, and Richmond Dale.
Spring 29-74 F
Summer 58-85 F
Fall 31-78 F
Winter 19-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pike Lake State Park
Seeing as they are full of handy features, an RV could be the addition your trip needs to reach its full potential. By giving you useful capabilities that other alternatives are not able to, these recreational vehicles can bring your journey to life. Be sure you check out RVshare! Here, you'll be able to find the perfect vehicle for your trip at a reasonable price.
Rock Water Campground
Rock Water Campground is among the best when it comes to RV parks near Pike Lake State Park. If you stay here, you can enjoy features like picnic tables, pavilions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are also concession stands, laundry services, and well-maintained showers and restrooms to meet your needs during your stay. Every site at this RV park is equipped with electricity, water, and sewer. The nightly rates to stay at Rock Water Campground are $35 during the holidays and $30 at all other times, and the address is 3290 US-23, Piketon, OH 45661.
Trackside Camping
Trackside Camping is another fantastic campground where you can stay close to Pike Lake State Park. It is pet friendly and offers exciting amenities such as golf carts, fire pits, and firewood. You can also visit the camp store on the park’s grounds to purchase supplies for fishing, fire-building, and more. The RV park’s website does not list the nightly rates, but it does encourage prospective visitors to call or to text for up-to-date pricing information. The address of Trackside Camping is 151 Willett Road, Waverly, OH 45690.
What to Do at
Pike Lake State Park
Inside Pike Lake State Park
The relaxing and elegant Pike Lake offers visitors opportunities to go canoeing, fishing, kayaking, and more. Some of the most common catches that come out of the lake include bullheads, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. For a laid-back afternoon or evening, you can visit one of the many picnic stations that come with a table and grill. The grounds of the state park also include an 18-hole disc golf course that you can enjoy with your family and friends. You can even spend some time on the beautiful sandy beach, which has restrooms, changing areas, and outdoor showers on the premises.
Outside Pike Lake State Park
An essential part of a journey to Pike Lake State Park is enjoying the many attractions of Pike County and the areas that surround it. Waverly, Ohio, is known for its dining options, entertainment venues, and shopping locations. If you go looking for restaurants, you will find local establishments serving a wide range of delicious dishes. The shopping scene will lead you to quality locations for groceries, antiques, gifts, and other items. If you are looking for entertainment, you will find plenty of sites to visit.
Restaurants
Diner 23
Head to Diner 23 for some delicious homestyle cooking in a cozy vintage atmosphere. You can come here to enjoy a burger, a traditional breakfast, or just a cup of coffee.
Type: Diner
Location: 300 W Emmitt Ave, Waverly, OH 45690
The Grand Restaurant & Tavern
The Grand Restaurant & Tavern is a wonderful seafood restaurant located near the state park. Some of the best options on the menu include barbequed shrimp and fried catfish.
Type: Seafood
Location: 104 E Emmitt Ave, Waverly, OH 45690
Giovanni’s Pizza
If you are a lover of pizza, you will not want to miss out on Giovanni’s Pizza. The menu offers a range of options, a few of which include pasta, custom pies, sandwiches, and sides.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 513 E Emmitt Ave, Waverly, OH 45690
Beast and Bottle
Beast and Bottle is a popular American restaurant with a homey atmosphere in Waverly. The restaurant offers delicious recurring specials such as the turkey pot pie, button mushrooms, and Magnolia Lane burger.
Type: American
Location: 106 S Market St, Waverly, OH 45690
El Charro
If you find yourself craving Mexican food at Pike Lake State Park, El Charro is only a short drive away. You can visit the restaurant to enjoy delicious enchiladas, chalupas, and burritos.
Type: Mexican
Location: 110 Victory Dr, Waverly, OH 45690
Shopping
Waverly Plaza
Waverly Plaza is a large shopping mall located close to Pike Lake State Park. Options along its strip include Kroger, The Hello Shop, and Scioto Discount Outlet.
Location: 230 Waverly Plaza, Waverly, OH 45690
Modern Farmhouse Antiques
If you are an antique enthusiast, you should definitely check out Modern Farmhouse Antiques during your trip. The atmosphere of the store is relaxed, and it embodies the spirit of the region.
Location: 105 E 2nd St, Waverly, OH 45690
Waverly Floral & Gifts
Waverly Floral & Gifts is one of the best places in town to go shopping for gifts and souvenirs. Here, you can find memorabilia to represent your trip so that you never forget it.
Location: 314 E 2nd St, Waverly, OH 45690
Zahn’s Corner Grocery
Zahn’s Corner Grocery is a fantastic local grocery store you can visit to restock on food during your trip. Also, its locally owned status makes it a great place to support local commerce.
Location: 13512 OH-220, Waverly, OH 45690
Huckleberry’s Convenience Store
For affordable supplies near Pike Lake State Park, you should head to Huckleberry’s Convenience Store. The handy store offers a variety of products to meet your general needs as you progress through your journey.
Location: 11724 OH-104, Waverly, OH 45690
Sightseeing
Pike Heritage Museum
To gain some knowledge on the history and culture that make Pike County what it is today, check out Pike Heritage Museum. The museum offers tours that are both educational and interesting.
Location: 110 S Market St, Waverly, OH 45690
Cave Lake Park
Cave Lake Park is a natural attraction near Pike Lake State Park that offers fun activities and inspiring scenery. You can come here to enjoy canoeing and kayaking in the one-of-a-kind Cave Lake.
Location: 1132 Bell Hollow Rd, Latham, OH 45646
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
Otherwise known as Fort Hill State Memorial, Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve is a Native American earthwork in Highland County, Ohio. It was built over 2,000 years ago and is now maintained by the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System.
Location: 13614 Fort Hill Rd, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Rocky Fork Lake Dam
Rocky Fork Lake Dam is a beautiful dam and popular tourist attraction near Pike Lake State Park. Visit this location to appreciate a beautiful man-made work that serves an essential purpose.
Location: 6000 North Shore Dr, Hillsboro, OH 45133
Highlands Nature Sanctuary
If you can’t get enough of the Pike Lake region’s outdoor attractions, you should visit Highlands Nature Sanctuary. The area offers its guests an expansive network of hiking trails that are open for exploration.
Location: 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612
How to Get to
Pike Lake State Park
A couple of large U.S. cities in close reach from Pike Lake State Park are Pittsburgh to the northeast and Louisville to the southwest. If you happen to be heading from Pittsburgh, you should start the route by getting onto I-376 W from Ross St and Grant St. Next, you will follow I-79 S and I-70 W to Union Township and get off of I-70 W at Exit 126. You will now complete the route by continuing on OH-37 E to your destination in Benton Township.
For those who are coming from Louisville, start by taking I-71 N and I-275 E to OH-32 E in Union Township. Once you have done that, simply continue on OH-32 E to your destination in Benton Township. The address of Pike Lake State Park is 1847 Pike Lake Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612.
Entering Pike Lake State Park
Throughout the entire year, Pike Lake State Park maintains its hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Pike Lake State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $8.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Pike Lake 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pike Lake State Park
Pike Lake State Park generally has a pretty mild climate. The summer temperature range from 58 to 85 degrees, and the winters range from 19 to 43. The area sees occasional rainfall throughout the year and some snowfall in winter.
If you want to go cross-country skiing, you should visit Pike Lake State Park in January. For other outdoor activities, your best bet is to visit during summer, when it should be warm and relatively dry.
The Pike Lake State Park campground features 79 designated RV campsites, all of which offer electrical hookups. The campground also contains an RV dump station and many other amenities.
Pike Lake State Park is home to many interesting wildlife species. The area's inhabitants include white-tailed deer, skunks, opossums, raccoons, red foxes, box turtles, black snakes, five-lined skinks, and timber rattlesnakes.
You're welcome to bring your pets to the park, but you must always keep them leashed and clean up after them. Additionally, only three of the park's 24 cabins permit pets.