Paint Creek State Park is a 5,652-acre public recreation area located in Highland and Ross counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. The state park's central feature is a reservoir, 1,148-acre Paint Creek Lake, which was created by the damming of Paint Creek.
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My stay at Paint Creek State Campground was deeply disappointing due to both infrastructure issues and a disturbing disregard for camper privacy and safety.
Power Issue Poorly Addressed
During my stay, I discovered that my reserved electric site had no power. Despite the site being clearly listed as electric when I made the reservation, the issue was never properly resolved. The only solution offered by staff was to run double extension cords from a different site, which was not only impractical but also a safety hazard and an unacceptable substitute for the electric access I paid for. This response reflects poorly on the campground’s upkeep and their level of service.
Privacy Violations and Unsafe Information Handling
The more serious concern occurred when another camper showed up at my site—having taken it before I even arrived—and addressed me by my last name, which I had never shared with him. When I brought the issue to the office, staff told me they had tried contacting him but were unsuccessful—because he had provided a fake phone number.
While I had already been given another spot, it wasn’t the mix-up that bothered me—it was the fact that he knew my last name. I soon learned why: the campground had a public board listing the last names of every registered camper, along with their site numbers, visible to anyone walking by.
This is a clear breach of privacy that compromises the safety of all campers staying at the park.
Legal Concerns: Violation of PII Protections
This practice potentially violates both state and federal protections regarding Personally Identifiable Information (PII):
Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 (Public Records Act): While public access to some information is allowed, there is no legal basis for broadcasting private details such as last names and locations in a public space without consent. Public access does not mean public display.
Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S. Code § 45): This law prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." Exposing campers' names and site numbers without consent can be considered an unfair practice, especially when it creates privacy and safety risks.
Unprofessional and Dismissive Staff Behavior
When I raised these concerns about both privacy and safety, I was met with eye-rolling, sarcasm, and an overall dismissive attitude from a campground supervisor. Rather than treating the situation with the seriousness it deserved, staff seemed more interested in brushing me off. This was not only unprofessional, but incredibly frustrating given the nature of my concerns.
Statement of Intent
While I’m choosing not to use my real name in this review to protect my privacy, I want to be clear: I am more than willing to bring this matter to the District Attorney or other appropriate agencies to ensure it is taken seriously. Campers deserve to have their private information handled with care—not posted for anyone to see.
Conclusion
Until Paint Creek State Campground addresses its inadequate infrastructure, improper handling of private information, and unprofessional staff conduct, I cannot recommend this location to anyone. What should have been a relaxing outdoor experience was instead overshadowed by privacy violations and...
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Paint creek was very nice I tried a different location to fish the time hoping for better luck. Fish were NOT biting. I did pick a bag trash from previous fisherman. I try to leave any location BETTER than I found it. I fished the Rattlesnake arm of the lake between the boat ramp and the Rt 758 bridge. It seems to me Paint creek is better for sight seeing I've got friends who fish there often and have better luck 🐟 I am specifically fishing for catfish. Every time I've went to fish the spillway it's be too HIGH that'll be my next fishing spot at Paintcreek my friends have better luck there. But they are pan fish fishing. I myself am specifically fishing for catfish Blues and Flatheads which I don't THINK there's a high population of either maybe more location specific locations for the w spiecies in the lake and I just haven't found those locations. I know the spillway is supposed to be panfishing and some channel catfish to. But to who go and those planning on going to Paintcreek take your trash bags with YOU IF you PACKED it in pack out STOP trying to burn glass and aluminum cans I'm getting tired of picking AFTER you. Clean up after yourself I not YOUR mommy or daddy!!😠 SO PICK UP YOUR TRASH AND A LITTLE EXTRA FROM THE SLOBS THAT WERE THERE BEFORE YOU!!!!😠🐟 PEACE OUT CLEAN UP ENJOY THE...
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Paint Creek is a great place to fish and hike and camp. The spillway area is nice for family picnics and fishing. There's a small playground for kids and plenty of places to fish up to the spillway and on the other side as well. Fishing is great for bluegill, catfish and crappie. The campground has many nice sites. They have a nice little camp store and there is activities and movies they show on certain nights. They have a miniture golf area and Frisbee golf course. They have a nice playground area for kids and a sand volleyball court near the playground.. There is hiking trails as well as bike trails. The bath houses are a little worn but clean. There is a laundry facility at the bathhouse as well. There is no beach location in the campground so you have to drive to go the beach. The park rangers made regular cruises through the campground area. Regardless of a day, a weekend, or a week Paint Creek State Park is a wonderful park to spend some time hanging out...
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