Sam Houston Jones State Park

     Sam Houston Jones State Park, was just a one night stay over, but after going there, I wish we would have stayed longer. The park is beautiful with swamps and a river, cabins, RV, and tent camping. The campground is wooded with mostly paved sites. Most are a bit tight for bigger rigs, but we managed to fit. Walking around the park we saw that the swamp directly across from the campground had been drained. (to restore some of the forest)  As we followed the road we found a large picnic area with plenty of tables along the river bank. There is a boat ramp and we saw someone out in a kayak paddling up and down the river. There is a boat ramp with a warning sign not to swim and a possibility of alligators. Further along the road was several very nice cabins to rent. There was a second swamp, this one not drained with a large wooden bridge crossing it. In the middle of the bridge was an amphitheater. From the bridge looking down into the swamp, we saw dozens of turtles swimming about. (I took pictures, but you need to zoom in to see their heads poking out of the water and their bodies under the surface) As we passed the cabins along our walk around the park we discovered a full 18-hole disc golf course. Had we more time, we would have grabbed our discs and tried it out. Alongside the road, we could see that water had recently receded from there and discovered what we later found to be mounds of mud with holes in them made by crawfish digging into the ground as the water evaporated. Being from the Northwest, this was new. Later we searched You-tube and watched a video of someone pushing his arm (up to his shoulder) in a hole and pulling out a crawfish. A second video showed him using a trap in a creek using dry dog food as bait and catching them by the dozen.

     Overall, we really liked the park, we met some great people there and would recommend two nights if you’re using it as a stopover on your way down the road. It was $39 and some change per night.

      Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state's 46th governor, who was instrumental in setting aside this tract of land for the public to enjoy for both day-use and overnight visitors.

     Because the caretakers of this 1,087-acre park have worked to keep the land in its natural state, abundant wildlife inhabits the area. Tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest combine to create a unique natural environment. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana. The bird watching is always excellent, but at certain times of the year, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen at or within 30 miles of the site.

     The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles away. But it's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. Rental boats are available those who simply wish to take in the serene beauty of the park's ponds. (No-Wake Zone Advisory)

     The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful park make strolling or serious hiking, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River.

Rocky Fork Ranch Resort, Kimbolton, Ohio

     Fortunately, there isn't a story with the drive to the campground.  However, if you follow your GPS when coming from the south, it will take you down a gravel road with low branches.  When we arrived we were assigned a 30 amp site which we changed to a 50 at no extra charge.  The 30 amp site wouldn't have fit us anyway.  The campground is located on the top of a hill overlooking most of the ranch.  The resort offers everything from shooting ranges to GaGa (whatever that is)  There is also an archery range, a paintball area, an arena for rodeos, a miniature golf course, basketball, horseshoes, disc golf, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool with hot tub, a standard golf course (nearby), tennis court, a nature center, complete with microscopes, golf cart rentals, a store, and more.  Our campsite was nice enough.  It was in the trees with a full hookup.  The roads were a mixture of paved and gravel, but the dust wasn't too bad.  

     While we were there, we drove down to Salt Fork State Park.  It has a campground but we didn't visit that section.  We did, however, find the beach and the park's nature center.  The park looked as if at one point it was a very happening place, but not so much anymore, but then we were there on a rainy weekday.  We did drive through Cambridge and walked around a bit and took a photo of the county courthouse.  Overall, we found Ohio beautiful, but it lacked anything much to do.

Type: Premier

Good Sam Rating: 7.5/7/8.5

Address: 
74978 Broadhead Rd
Kimbolton, OH 43749
Phone: (800) 370-1645

Reservations Phone: (855) 432-8457

Resort Information: Nestled in the wooded hillside of Southeastern Ohio. Next door at Salt Forks State Park is fabulous fishing and one of Ohio's premier 18-hole golf courses.

Reservation Requirements: 5-day cancellation policy.

Web Site: travelresorts.com

EMail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Full Sites: 49

Partial Sites: 249

Pull-through Sites: 11

Rental Units: 3

Check-In/Check-Out Times: 1:00 p.m./ Noon

RV Site Minimum Stay: 2 nights

Rental Unit Minimum Stay: 2 nights

Open: Jan 1 to Dec 31
Peak: May 15 to Sep 15

Maximum Electrical Service: 50 amps.

WiFi Available: No

Maximum RV Length: 40 feet

Amenities: Clubhouse recreation hall, indoor pool, outdoor pool, health, and fitness center, archery, shooting range, volleyball, tennis, basketball, stables, horseback riding, paddle boats, driving range and mini golf, paintball, fishing nearby, golf nearby (18-hole). Tourist attractions nearby: Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Wilds, Longaberger Basket Co., Holmes County Amish Country, Roscoe Village.

RV Notes: Please give the exact length of camper, if your camper has slide-outs. Site includes water and electric. We only accept Coast Trip Points. Nov 1-May 15 water not available to sites.

Rental Notes: Rental units available. Trip Points accepted. Contact the resort directly.

Restrictions: Pets allowed with prior approval in limited units at an additional charge.

Accepts Pets: Yes

Pet Restrictions: Limit 2 pets - (cats or dogs only)

Visitor Mail Accepted: No