Kiser Lake Campground & Marina

For Ohio residents seeking a tranquil and scenic outdoor getaway, Kiser Lake Campground & Marina offers an inviting destination. Situated within the picturesque Kiser Lake State Park in St. Paris, this campground provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy a variety of water activities on a serene, non-motorized lake, and create cherished memories. This article aims to deliver a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Kiser Lake Campground & Marina, highlighting its unique appeal for local users looking for a memorable camping experience in their home state.

Camping remains a beloved pastime across Ohio, offering a refreshing break from daily routines and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. Kiser Lake Campground & Marina stands out with its breathtaking lake views and emphasis on spacious, natural campsites. The availability of boat rentals and a bait shop directly at the marina adds a layer of convenience for those eager to explore the lake. While recognizing the overall appeal, we will also address some of the practical considerations mentioned in reviews to provide a balanced and comprehensive picture for prospective visitors.

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina is a prominent feature of Kiser Lake State Park, offering campers a tranquil and visually stunning environment in St. Paris, Ohio. The campground is particularly celebrated for its close proximity to the beautiful 396-acre Kiser Lake, which maintains a strict non-motorized boat policy, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for all water-based activities.

Customer reviews highlight several attractive aspects of this destination. One camper raves about "Beautiful sunsets over the lake" and "Spacious campsites. Beautiful grounds." These comments emphasize the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the camping environment, which are crucial for a positive outdoor experience. The mention of "Some spots for hammocks #46, 29, 62, 23, 24, and more" indicates thoughtful consideration for diverse camping preferences and adds to the allure for those who enjoy relaxing suspended amidst nature. The presence of "Great open spots near the lake" further enhances the appeal, offering campers direct access to scenic views and lake activities.

The marina is also a noted positive, with a review mentioning a "Nice little campground area and bait shop. They rent kayaks for $7/hr and small boats." This convenience significantly boosts the recreational offerings, making it easy for visitors to get out on the water.

However, it is important to address the candid feedback regarding facilities. The same reviewer who praised the scenery noted that "Pit toilets are gross (why I’m only giving 3 stars). Flies and mosquitoes buzzing around you while you’re trying to go to the restroom (though they aren’t a problem at your campsite). There’s no water to wash your hands." This is a significant point for campers who value clean and hygienic restroom facilities. Additionally, a concern about noise was raised: "At 9:30 am two maintenance workers started up loud weed eaters going around the campground for two hours. You can’t sleep in, have a conversation or enjoy being in nature with the noise those machines make." This suggests that while the lake is peaceful, noise from maintenance activities can impact the tranquility during certain hours. By presenting both the glowing reviews and the constructive criticism, prospective campers can form a more realistic expectation of their visit.

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina is strategically located at 4370 Kiser Lake Rd, St Paris, OH 43072, USA. This address places the campground directly within the natural embrace of Kiser Lake State Park, near the quaint village of St. Paris in Champaign County, Ohio. The location offers a harmonious blend of secluded natural beauty and convenient accessibility for visitors arriving from various parts of the state.

St. Paris provides a charming small-town atmosphere, offering essential services and local character that can be explored during a camping trip. The campground's position within Kiser Lake State Park means that visitors benefit from well-maintained park roads and clear signage, ensuring a straightforward and stress-free arrival. For Ohio locals, the campground is commendably accessible from major population centers. It’s a reasonable driving distance from cities such as Urbana, Springfield, and the larger metropolitan hubs of Dayton and Columbus. This proximity allows for convenient weekend getaways or longer vacations without requiring extensive travel time, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous trips or planned excursions.

The rural setting contributes significantly to the peaceful ambiance that many campers seek, while still ensuring that necessary supplies, groceries, or additional services in nearby towns are within easy reach. This balance of natural seclusion and practical accessibility makes Kiser Lake Campground & Marina an attractive and viable option for Ohio families, individuals, and groups looking for an enjoyable outdoor experience close to home, allowing them to maximize their time immersed in nature rather than on the road.

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina provides a range of services designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors, catering to various preferences from tent camping to RV stays. While specific details can vary, based on the nature of a state park campground and user reviews, here are the core services you can expect:

• Campsite Rental: The primary service is the provision of individual campsites. Kiser Lake offers a variety of sites including electric and non-electric options, each typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Restroom Facilities: Access to restroom facilities is provided. However, it's important to note based on reviews that these are described as "Pit toilets are gross," with issues like "Flies and mosquitoes buzzing around" and "no water to wash your hands." This indicates that while facilities are present, their quality may be basic and not always up to modern standards for comfort and hygiene.
• Water Access: Potable water sources are available within the campground area for essential needs like cooking and drinking, though handwashing water at pit toilets may be absent.
• Marina Services: A significant offering is the on-site Kiser Lake Marina, which facilitates water recreation. This includes boat and kayak rentals ("for $7/hr and small boats") seasonally, making it easy for campers to get onto the lake.
• Bait Shop: The marina also features a "bait shop," a convenient amenity for anglers planning to fish in Kiser Lake.
• Waste Disposal: Designated areas for trash disposal are provided to help campers maintain a clean environment.
• Reservations System: While not explicitly stated in the reviews, as a state park campground, Kiser Lake likely utilizes the Ohio State Parks reservation system for booking campsites, ensuring availability for planned trips.
• Limited Maintenance Schedule: While maintenance is conducted (e.g., weed eating), the timing and noise levels may impact the quiet enjoyment of the campground during certain hours, as noted by a reviewer.

It is highly advisable for prospective campers to directly contact Kiser Lake Campground & Marina (or the Kiser Lake State Park office) for the most current information on services, particularly concerning restroom facilities and any recent upgrades, to manage expectations effectively.

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina and its surrounding State Park offer numerous features and highlights that make it an appealing destination for Ohio locals seeking an outdoor adventure. The customer reviews provide valuable insights into what makes this place special, along with areas for improvement.

• Stunning Lake Views & Sunsets: A major draw, as highlighted by a reviewer, are the "Beautiful sunsets over the lake." This natural spectacle provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for camping.
• Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the "Spacious campsites," which offer ample room for tents, RVs, and personal outdoor setups, contributing to a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
• Beautiful Grounds: The "Beautiful grounds" suggest a commitment to maintaining the natural aesthetic of the park, creating an inviting environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Hammock-Friendly Spots: Specific mentions of "spots for hammocks #46, 29, 62, 23, 24, and more" cater to a popular modern camping preference, showcasing thoughtful amenity provision.
• Great Open Spots Near the Lake: Direct access to "Great open spots near the lake" allows campers to fully enjoy the waterfront, whether for relaxing, picnicking, or simply taking in the views.
• Non-Motorized Lake: Kiser Lake's unique "No motor boats" policy ensures a peaceful environment, ideal for quiet water activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming. This creates a tranquil retreat for nature lovers.
• Excellent Water Activities: The lake is well-suited for "fishing," "kayaking," and "swimming." The availability of kayak and small boat rentals at the marina makes it easy for visitors to get onto the water.
• On-Site Bait Shop: For fishing enthusiasts, the convenience of a "bait shop" at the marina is a significant highlight, ensuring they have access to essential supplies.
• Diverse Recreation: Beyond water activities, the broader Kiser Lake State Park offers hiking trails, a nature preserve, and potentially other recreational amenities typical of Ohio State Parks.

However, it is crucial to address the acknowledged drawbacks. The description of "Pit toilets are gross" due to "Flies and mosquitoes buzzing around" and "no water to wash your hands" indicates a significant area where facilities fall short of modern expectations. Additionally, the noise from "loud weed eaters" for "two hours" early in the morning suggests that park maintenance schedules may disrupt the peaceful camping experience. Prospective campers should weigh these points carefully when planning their visit.

As a state park facility managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Kiser Lake Campground & Marina typically adheres to a standardized fee structure, rather than offering frequent promotional discounts akin to private businesses. However, there are general aspects of its operation that contribute to its affordability and value for Ohio residents:

• Affordable State Park Rates: Ohio State Parks are generally known for providing accessible and budget-friendly camping rates, making outdoor recreation available to a wide range of budgets. Specific pricing for various campsite types (electric, non-electric) is available via the official Ohio State Parks reservation portal.
• Off-Peak Season Value: Camping outside of the peak summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) or during weekdays often presents lower nightly rates and increased campsite availability compared to weekends and holidays. Kiser Lake's campground is open year-round, offering flexibility for off-season enjoyment.
• Direct Rentals at Marina: While not a "promotion," the convenience of being able to rent kayaks and small boats for $7/hr directly at the on-site marina provides an immediate and relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the lake without needing to bring your own equipment. This adds significant value for campers.
• ODNR Programs: While not specific to Kiser Lake, visitors can explore broader ODNR programs or potential pass options (if available) that might offer benefits across the Ohio State Park system. It's always worth checking the official Ohio State Parks website for any current information on these.

For the most current and precise information on camping rates, rental prices at the marina, seasonal operational hours, and any specific policies, prospective visitors should directly consult the Ohio State Parks reservation website or contact the Kiser Lake Campground & Marina using the provided contact details.

For those ready to plan their camping trip or gather more specific details about Kiser Lake Campground & Marina, please use the following contact information:

Address: 4370 Kiser Lake Rd, St Paris, OH 43072, USA

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina Phone: (937) 362-3565

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina Mobile Phone: +1 937-362-3565

Ohio State Parks Central Reservations: (866) 644-6727 (Toll-free, for booking campsites and cabins across Ohio State Parks).

Kiser Lake State Park Office Phone: (937) 843-2717 (This number is typically managed by Indian Lake State Park, which oversees Kiser Lake State Park, and is available Monday-Friday).

Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites at Kiser Lake Campground are required and can be made via the official Ohio State Parks reservation website.

Kiser Lake Campground & Marina offers a compelling and potentially highly suitable outdoor destination for Ohio locals seeking a beautiful, peaceful, and activity-rich camping experience. The widespread praise for its "Beautiful sunsets over the lake," "Spacious campsites," and "Beautiful grounds" paints a picture of a visually appealing and comfortable environment. The unique non-motorized lake policy ensures a tranquil setting, ideal for activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming without the disturbance of powerboat noise. The convenience of on-site kayak and small boat rentals, coupled with a bait shop, makes enjoying the lake exceptionally easy for all visitors.

For Ohio residents, the accessible location in St. Paris within Champaign County means that this natural retreat is within a manageable driving distance from many parts of the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment. The availability of diverse campsite options caters to various camping styles, from tent enthusiasts to RVers.

However, it is crucial for prospective campers to be aware of the practical drawbacks highlighted in reviews, specifically concerning the "gross" pit toilets lacking running water for handwashing, and the disruptive noise from maintenance activities. For campers who prioritize modern restroom facilities and uninterrupted peace during morning hours, these points are significant considerations.

Despite these noted challenges, for locals who are prepared for more rustic restroom amenities and who value a stunning natural setting with ample space and quiet water activities, Kiser Lake Campground & Marina remains a highly attractive option. It offers an affordable entry into the great outdoors, fostering opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and creating lasting memories amidst Ohio's natural beauty. It's a place where the stunning visuals and peaceful lake experience can truly define your camping trip, making it a worthy destination for your next Ohio adventure.