We were on an extended road trip, so thought we would camp a couple of days! Of course those were the only two days we had rain! After first night of rain, sun came out and dried our tent, I thought, oh good nice weather! Well about 1:30 AM, the rains started again and by 9:00 AM we were all packed up and ready to go down the road! We went on a couple of good long hikes, disappointed the trails were not marked better, the restrooms were in need of some good cleaning! I think we were the only tenters there and were dependent on their facilities. I am sure in nice weather the park is great for families, and fishermen!
I grew up at this park, and I'm raising my children here as well. If you're looking for a backwoods park, away from the city...this is it. Cabins, camping, hiking, paddle boats, sandy swimming area, and much more,
This park is way out in the country, not much in the surrounding area. We went to take grandchildren to swim and they had the best time. The swimming area, which is roped off is large and has a wooden platform in the center and the children at the park spent hours jumping off and diving into the water. The surrounding beach is frequented by ducks and geese and therefore not particularly clean and doesn't have much shade. There's a nice picnic area with tables and grills. We didn't investigate the trails, camping areas or cabins but considering the area I'd imagine it would be a great place to camp or walk.
Great hiking trails and secluded atmosphere. Great place for a cookout, swimming or canoeing. Our daughter had her birthday party at the party room. The cabins are rustic and it feels like you are a thousand miles away when you are only 40 miles from downtown.
Restrooms were marginal - bath house #1 is very nice; however, the others were not updated. I was disappointed that they had not been updated since my last visit in 2003. We had two wonderful sites overlooking the lake - loved the site. The walk to the Grist Mill was enjoyable.
I camp a lot and go to many State Parks, but this was my first time camping at Big Ridge State Park. The park is nice and offers a few trails to hike as well as a beach swimming area on the lake along with a few other things to do, unfortunately it has all run down and needs some serious attention, maintenance is needed in the restrooms, they are dirty and smell really bad and are in need of some updating. Some of the water supplies were leaking and needs to be repaired. It looks as though some of the campers have been there a while by the way things are hung all over the place like clothes and tarps. Not real sure if or when I will be back, but I will keep checking to see if improvements have been made.
We have camped at Big Ridge State Park several times, and always had an enjoyable experience. The sites are scenic and generous, bathrooms clean, and grounds well maintained. The fees for camping are comparable to other state parks, and handicapped sites are discounted. There are picnic areas and children's playgrounds, along with a staffed welcome building. The only problem I had was the swimming area - the children's shallow area was dirty, a building located nearby deserted looking, and goose "poop" everywhere on the beach. Once you got out to the lake area, it was nice, but naughty for the little ones!
Our family of 6 (kids 4 to 16) stayed 6 nights in a cabin. It was rustic (2 beds & fold-out couch, fridge, stove, bathroom) for sure and cabin-esque. But we loved it. It was very clean and there were more than enough sheets and towels. We sat on the screened-in porch most mornings for breakfast. The swimming hole was fairly clean (we went in the evening after many people had been there and the trash can was beyond full). No goose poo anywhere in sight. We rented a boat and the water was warm and gorgeous. This is an experience I would repeat.
Beautiful park, campground and lake with the nicest staff!! This was our first time camping here and we really loved it and will be back soon!!
We camped here this past weekend. It was well kept and clean. Bath houses were stocked with soap. Camp Site had 20, 30 and 50 amp power also water and fire ring and a big concrete picnic table. Kids had a blast in the swimming area. Everyone was very nice and friendly. Just a nice nice trip!!!