Camp Office Location

2837 Old State Route 32 Batavia, Ohio  45103

Camp Office: (513) 724-6521 : (866) 644-6727

 

Map of the Campground: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/East_Fork/eastforkcampmap.pdf

East Fork Lake State Park is located outside of Batavia Ohio which is 30 miles east of downtown Cincinnati. It is one of Ohio’s largest state parks, spreading over 4,870-acres. It is a large campground consisting of 12 loops and over 400 sites.    Unfortunately, only a limited number of sites (less than 10) are full hook-up. The fee per night is $27. There is a small camp store at the entrance to the park that has limited food items, basic camping supplies, and some novelty items.  We found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.  Firewood and ice are also available.  Each site has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. There is no cable or wifi, or laundry. More grocery items can be found nearby at Boar’s Head Bait and Carry Out.  A unique feature here is that you can also by liquor shots at the check out… something we haven’t really ever seen at a convenience store before.

There are only dumpsters in 4 out of 12 loops.

Appearance:

This is a very spacious campground with decent sized, well-maintained sites.  The park system just spent the better part of last year’s peak season closed due to renovations and upgrades. The roads and sites are well-maintained, groomed. There are a wide variety of site types from full-shade to full-sun.  Additionally, there is a section dedicated for horse campers. Some sites are situated within the woods and are hike-to sites. There are two cabins located in Loop G. Camp Hosts are spread throughout the various loops, we assume at least one per loop.  Some beach areas had an ABUNDANCE of driftwood which needs to be cleaned up.  while there are a lot of trails to enjoy, during our visit we found most to be extremely muddy. If it has rained within the last 3-5 days, count on having muddy shoes.

 

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Family/Pet Friendly

As we are finding is typical of many Ohio State parks, there is no dog park, or enclosed area for dogs to be off leash.  Dogs are allowed, however, on all trails including backpacking (overnight) trails.  All sites are pet-friendly, a change for previous years, and dogs can walk throughout the park provided they are on leash.

We only saw one playground located in Loop C.  There is also a covered pavilion here good for picnics, family gatherings. There are nice paved surfaces throughout the park, where children can enjoy biking, scooters, etc.  The putt-putt course looked like it needed some TLC.   During peak season times, there is an amphitheater that shows movies on weekends.  There is a small fishing pond located in Loop H. Families can enjoy unlimited horsepower boating on East Fork lake. Six launch ramps provide access to the lake. Fishing is known for excellent catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass, and crappie and fair catches of bluegill. Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas only. Hunting blinds accessible to persons with mobility-impairments can be found at the park. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

A 1,200-foot swimming beach features change booths with showers, restrooms and a vending area.

 

Plenty of hiking:

– The 32-mile Steven Newman Worldwalker Perimeter Trail circles the park and is available for hikers, backpackers, and equestrians.

• 4 primitive campsites are located along these trails
• Permits for their use are available through the park office
• Four trails are hiking only:
  • Cedar Pond Loop – 1/2 Mile – Easy
  • Prairie Trail – 3/4 Mile – Easy
  • Whippoorwill Trail – 1 Mile – Easy
  •  Fern Hill Trail – 2 Miles – moderate
• Four bridle trails also allow hiking:
• Pin Oak Trail – 3 Miles – Easy
• Red Fox Bluff Trail – 3.5 Miles – Moderate
• Buckeye Trail – 8 Miles – Moderate

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Restrooms:

Part of the extensive park renovations included updates to many of the loop shower  houses. While all loops have restrooms, small loops do not have showers.  Most showerhouses and restrooms were located near the front of the loop, with sites near the back a good distance away.  Our shower house in Loop E was newly renovated, clean and well maintained.  There were only two shower stalls but they were nice with glass block dividers creating a dry dressing area.  The water pressure was good and water was hot.  My shower nozzle was fixed and sprayed a good amount of water onto the floor area outside the stall.  Overall, these were very nice by state park standards.

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Nearby Attractions:

• Horseback riding: http://www.eastforkstables.net/
• Birthplace of President Grant (Point Pleasant, Ohio)
• Within 35 minutes of downtown Cincinnati, Riverbend (Concerts)
• East Gate Mall

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