Camping at Paint Creek State Park - Memorial Day!

Join us for an unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26, 2026) at Paint Creek State Park in Ohio—a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you're into paddling, hiking, or mountain biking, this trip offers something for everyone.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Paint Creek State Park is a haven for nature lovers! We'll be exploring the park's scenic trails, breathtaking limestone cliffs, and beautiful lake. You can choose to join us for:

Kayaking – Paddle the expansive 1,148-acre Paint Creek Lake and venture up Paint Creek itself to see stunning rock cliffs and wildlife. The lake offers calm waters perfect for all skill levels, and paddling up the creek provides spectacular views of limestone formations and overhanging cliffs.

If water levels are favorable, and we have some experienced folks, we may also visit the Rocky Fork Creek & The Paint Creek Chutes for a whitewater paddle.

Hiking – Explore trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. The Harmony Trail offers a scenic loop along Paint Creek and limestone cliffs, while the East Trail Loop provides 8.9 miles of beautiful woodland scenery.

Mountain Biking – Ride 12 miles of mountain bike trails through rolling hills and wooded terrain. The park features both North and South Loop trails with varying difficulty levels. Nearby, there are 34 more miles of trails at Great Seal State Park.

CAMPING INFO
The campground at Paint Creek State Park offers modern amenities with 194 campsites, many with electric hookups. The campground features paved roads and pads, clean shower houses, and plenty of privacy between sites. Some premium sites even have decks with lake views!

Book your campsite at Paint Creek State Park Campground as soon as possible—Memorial Day weekend fills up fast! Call 866-644-6727 or visit the Ohio State Parks reservation website. Consider connecting with others in the group to share sites and keep costs down.
Address: 280 Taylor Road, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612

Camping not your thing? Feel free to stop in for the day as a guest or find a cabin nearby. Lazy H Cabins are very close by.

WHO SHOULD JOIN
This trip is for anyone and everyone! Whether you're an experienced adventurer or just looking to enjoy the outdoors with great company, you'll fit right in. Bring your gear, your enthusiasm, and your love for nature!

GETTING THERE
Paint Creek State Park is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dayton, Ohio (about 65 miles). Need a ride or have extra space? Let's coordinate carpooling in the comments to make this trip accessible to all!

Don't miss this chance to kick off summer with an action-packed, fun-filled weekend! RSVP now and let's make some great memories together!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Kayak Exploration – Paddle up Paint Creek to see limestone cliffs and waterfowl
• Kayak Exploration - Rocky Fork Creek Chutes is nearby. Water level dependent. Some of the best whitewater in Ohio.
• Mountain Biking – North Loop or South Loop trails (varying difficulty)
• Mountain Biking - Trailforks - Great Seal State Park (40 minute drive)
• Hiking - All Trails - Paint Creek State Park
• Hiking - All Trails - Highlands Nature Sanctuary
• Hiking - Arc of Appalachia - Highlands Nature Sanctuary
• Hiking - Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve (25 minutes away)
• Disc Golf – The park features a 21-hole disc golf course
• Swimming – Enjoy the beach area at the lake
• Mini Golf – Fun for all ages at the campground

FOOD
You are on your own for all meal planning.
Optional "Chili Dump" on Friday night. I will bring a large pot over the fire.

There are restaurants in nearby Bainbridge and Hillsboro.
I recommend bringing all groceries with you. The nearest large grocery store is in Hillsboro, about 20 minutes away.

MAPS & INFORMATION
Paint Creek State Park Information: Ohio State Parks - Paint Creek
Paint Creek State Park Trail Map: Check AllTrails or Trailforks for detailed trail information
Campground Map: Available at the park office upon check-in
Boat Rentals: Paint Creek Boat Rentals offers kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoons if you don't have your own (open weekends)

MORE ABOUT PAINT CREEK STATE PARK
Paint Creek State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Take advantage of these incredible features:

The Lake: With 1,148 acres of water, Paint Creek Lake offers unlimited horsepower boating, excellent fishing for crappie, bass, and catfish, and multiple boat ramps.

Limestone Formations: The park sits on a glacial escarpment with spectacular limestone bluffs, cliffs, and rock formations—especially visible below the dam and along Paint Creek.

Wildlife Viewing: Watch for bald eagles, blue herons, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys throughout the park.

Nearby Attractions:

• The Highlands Nature Sanctuary – rare plants and beautiful natural areas
• Miller Nature Sanctuary – dolomite caves and unique wildflowers
• Serpent Mound – world-famous ancient earthwork
• Local Amish country – bakeries and markets about 15 minutes away

RECOMMENDED GEAR & WHAT TO BRING
Whether you're paddling, hiking, biking, or just camping and enjoying the outdoors, here's what you'll need for a fantastic weekend at Paint Creek!

Camping Essentials
✅ Tent, hammock, or other shelter
✅ Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
✅ Camp chair for fireside relaxing
✅ Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
✅ Cooking gear (stove, fuel, utensils, plates)
✅ Food & snacks (or plan to grab meals nearby)
✅ Cooler with ice (if bringing perishables)
✅ Water bottles / hydration system
✅ Firewood & fire starters (available at camp store)

Paddling Gear (if kayaking)
✅ Kayak, paddle, & PFD (life jacket)
✅ Dry bag for phone/valuables
✅ Water shoes or sandals with straps
✅ Quick-dry clothing & extra layers
✅ Sunscreen & hat for sun protection

Hiking Essentials
✅ Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
✅ Daypack with water & snacks
✅ Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
✅ Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
✅ Bug spray & sunscreen

Mountain Biking Gear
✅ Mountain bike & helmet
✅ Bike repair kit & spare tube
✅ Cycling gloves & padded shorts (optional)
✅ Hydration pack or water bottles
✅ Bike lights (if riding at dawn/dusk)

General Items for All Activities
✅ Layered clothing (temps can drop at night)
✅ Hat & sunglasses
✅ Sunscreen & bug spray
✅ First aid kit & personal medications
✅ Camera / GoPro for capturing epic moments!

Optional / Nice-to-Have Items
🔹 Hammock for relaxing at camp
🔹 Games, frisbee, or playing cards for downtime
🔹 Coffee-making setup (camp coffee is the best!)
🔹 Binoculars for wildlife watching
🔹 Fishing gear (the lake has great fishing!)

Need gear? Post in the event comments—we might have extras to lend!
Have questions? Reach out to us!

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow adventurer offering notice of a group of friends gathering to share in fun for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.

CANCELLATION
The event will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable conditions.

IMPORTANT: Check this MEETUP event page on Thursday morning for last-minute details and watch your email for additional updates.

SUNRISE/SUNSET
Moonrise: 3:48am
Sunrise: 6:14am
Moonset: 6:02pm
Sunset: 8:50pm

GUESTS
Guests are permitted at this event. However, please encourage your friend to sign up on Meet Up and to this group and RSVP to the event. This ensures that the attendees all read and agree to the liability waiver.

NOTE: The details of this event are subject to change.