I can tell Pike Lake is my R&R park, because this was my third trip there and I have yet to write, photograph, or even hike much of it. It’s shady sites and zero cell service are ideal for hammock napping, reading, and enjoying a good campfire.

Pike Lake is located, not surprisingly, in Pike County Ohio. It is in the same general area as Rocky Fork and Paint Creek State Parks, but it is definitely smaller and more remote than either of those. Fewer than 80 sites are available, though all have electricity. Several of the sites abutt the creek. Though the banks along those sites are a little to steep to access the water directly, it still makes for great bird-watching. In addition to the expected birds such as robins, gnatcatchers, cardinals, and grackles, my site was visited by a scarlet tanager and a belted kingfisher often swooped above the water.

The park has been my July 4th tradition. It is situated deep in a hollow, and is pretty isolated from any fireworks. Blue’s intense fear of fireworks means this is a great way for us to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Overall, the park is very quiet. Unfortunately, Pike Lake Road runs immediately behind sites 1-23 and this is a major connector for locals. A few times a day, a vehicle in need a muffler will fly past the campground. I’m not sure what the speed limit on the road in that stretch may be, but signs not too far from either side of the park claim 55mph is appropriate.

It may be the holiday weekend, but I would also say I have encountered more people using their exterior speakers here than most other parks. Each trip there have been several trailers playing DJ for their section of the campground. I wouldn’t say it is a raucous crowd, but if hearing others’ music is your pet peeve, be forewarned.

Pike Lake itself is barely more than a pond. One of the best features is a large island complete with a swimming beach. The lake would be great for young paddlers, but I haven’t bothered to bring my kayak. Fishing also appears to be a popular activity here. It should be noted that there is a handicapped accessible fishing pier and kayak/canoe launch.

One of the most popular features of the park would have to be the creek. Anytime of the day kids can be found flipping rocks, building damns, and generally splashing in the water. While much of the bank is too steep, the creek can easily be accessed by the basketball courts and again near the group camp area.

I would not call this a hiker’s park. One small loop takes you around the lake in less than mile. You can also connect the Greenbriar Nature Trail, the CCC Nature Trail and the Wildcat Hollow Nature Trail for another 2 miles. The Mitchell Ridge trail is a 1.5 mile loop that ascends the hillside to connect the the Buckeye trail. Those desiring a longer walk could always head out along that trail. In a short 1444 miles you could loop right back!

However, Pike Lake is also a great base camp for many of the interesting hiking locations in the area. Many of the Arc of Appalachia properties are nearby, and this might be the best place from which to explore Fort Hill.

Most of the sites are relatively large and there are a lot of great trees. I would urge caution on the pull-through. In my opinion, they are way too close together and any convenience gained from not having to back-in would be lost in having to sit within arm’s reach of your neighbor. On the other hand, many of the sites have trees that require keeping an extra eye out when backing. A shower house was recently built here.

Overall, this is a fantastic small campground in Ohio with some great forested sites. It is a great place to get away.