Summer is officially here and things are heating up at Rocky Fork Lake State Park and Paint Creek State Park.
From camping and fishing to swimming and disc golf, there is something for people of all ages.
Rocky Fork is listed as the No. 1 campground of all Ohio state parks and houses 45 full-service campsites, according to regional administrator Jon Dobney.
Free WiFi is available near the camp store where individuals can purchase ice cream and sit outside on a picnic table to surf the Internet.
Last year, RFL dipped 7,000 ice cream cones and welcomed 550 boaters who docked their boats for the entire summer. Many more came out for day trips or weekend getaways.
Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted at the lakes and six launch ramps at RFL provide easy access to the water. The marina concessions are open seasonally and large public beaches with changing booths and bathhouses are conveniently located.
"Pontoon rentals are really popular," said Debbie Daulton, camp coordinator.
She added that seniors get discounts on boat and camping rentals.
"Golden Buckeye members get 10 percent off and 10 percent off dock rentals, too," she said.
A boat and swim area is available for boaters and individuals can fish at several of the lakes coves as an array of bass, bluegill, crappie, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish and walleye swim the waters.
RFL has a 1.5-mile hiking trail that takes visitors through cool woodlands, scenic gorges and moist wetlands. A short trail is also available near the campgrounds where nature lovers can walk to an observation station for bird-watching. Park visitors can also ride bikes on the two-mile mountain bike trail.
Dobney said, "We're optimistic that (things) will go really well this summer."
Playgrounds and volleyball equipment are set up around RFL and the park hosts several events throughout the year. The most popular is Thunder in the Hills where boaters come from across the U.S. to participate in two days of hydroplane boat racing.
This year, Thunder in the Hills is being held September 13 and 14. The event offers a chance to watch races, participate in a car show hosted by SATH (Supplementary Assistance to the Handicapped), purchase craft items and eat festival-style food.
Paint Creek Lake also hosts several events throughout the year including a hog roast with a campsite and bike decorating contest, a horseshoe tournament and a white elephant silent auction.
Both RFL and Paint Creek offer activities for individuals, couples and families who wish to come out for the day or a weekend of outdoor fun.
For information on rental prices visit http://www.pikelakestatepark.com/rockyfork.html or contact the camp office at (937) 393-3210.
