A.W. Marion State Park Campground — Hotel in Washington Township

Was charged $30 or $35 a day for a tent with electric. The only way to pay for it is over the internet with card. They can't take repaid cards. Which make no sense because the money has to be on the card in order to use it. On top of the daily rate I also got charged $6.50 (I think it was) A DAY to reserve the spot that I was already in. It was pitch black out there once the sun went down. The bathrooms were at each end of the grounds. It was jus me and my dog camping by ourselves. Coyotes were so bad out there. They sounded like they were within 40 maybe 50 feet from my tent and they were barking and howling at the others that seem to have been on the other side of the grounds. My dog was not going to lay down with all of that going on outside of the tent. Needless to say me or my dog slept that night. It was pretty scary! I couldn't see my hand in front of my face it was so dark outside. Even with a flash light it was too dark to walk to the outhouse, so I held my pee till daylight till I could see and the coyotes had left. I never seen the showers, so I drove home everyday to do so. It was the worst 2 days I've ever had camping. I couldn't find anybody who worked there....therefore I was driving in town to get firewood and ice. It was there jus couldn't find anyone to help me for 2 days. There was about 4 other campsites out there....the other campers were very unfriendly. I will never go bk!That was my 1st time camping there since I was a kid and I'm 47 now so it's been a very long time! It used to be fun....there's no activities. I won't waste my time or money to go...

Beautiful little campground. Very small, but pretty! Lots of shaded sites. Sites are close together, but still a quiet place. Electric sites are 50/30 amp. No full hookups. A great place for a fishing or hiking trip, but the kids got a little bored because there is no beach for swimming. A 4mile trail loops around the lake that makes for a beautiful hike. The trail crosses through the campground...it was nice to be able to start and end the hike without the need to drive to a trail head. Camphosts were very polite and accomodating. Sites are fairly level. We stayed in site #53. Site is tucked in next to the tree line which gave us a very private place to sit off the awning side of the camper. #53 and #56 are the best sites. A flush toilet is available near the campground entrance. Pit latrines are available throughout. There is a dumpstation near the entrance on the accessroad. Potable water (blue spigots) are spaced out throughout the campground. No showerhouse. There is a small amphitheater and two separate playgrounds for kids. There is an old paved road that looks as if it was part of the campground at one time and ends at the lake. It is currently roped off and marked "Emergency Vehicles Only." It would be nice if ODNR or Ohio State Parks made a kayak launch at the end of this road...there is no access to the lake from the campground. You have to drive all the way around to the other side of the lake for kayak/canoe access. All things considered, we would more than likely...

detailed review

There is a split of electric and primitive sites. There are spigots throughout to fill water and if you do your homework you can be close enough to fill after you're set up! There are also many grey water drains throughout the campground.

The primitive side has strategic port-a-potty throughout the sites too... A decent touch of class! There is one very nice bathroom (2 total) at the front of the campground by tent and primitive sites. It has flushing toilets, hand dryers, and functional sinks. Adjacent is a nice new playground.

Some of the sites have nice odnr fire pits with built in grills. Others miss out. When it rains, it will be muddy everywhere.

We stayed in site 44. It's inside the loop and sandwiched between two trees, but had no problem getting our 38ft. Camper in. The paved spots are a nice touch but awfully narrow. You'll need blocks to boost up your stairs.

We arrived Friday at 4p. There was no one within the camp store to check in with. Found that odd as Friday is often move in day. They do have a nice outdoor theater where every Saturday at dusk they play a movie. Firewood is $6. Ice is $2.

What I love of these state parks is the friendliness without feeling crowded. The price is always right. Make this full hookups or even add water... Business will boom.

Will continue to...