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There's a moment every August when you feel it — the mornings get a little cooler, the light shifts just slightly, and you realize fall is closer than you thought. For a lot of our seasonal campers, that's actually exciting news. Fall camping at Buckeye Lake is something special. But before those crisp October nights arrive, your RV needs a little attention. Here's what to do to stay comfortable all the way through the end of the season. Fall camping is some of the best camping of the year — smaller crowds, brilliant foliage around the lake, cooler temps that make the campfire feel necessary rather than optional. The trick is making sure your rig is ready so you're not scrambling when the first cold front rolls through. □ Start With Your Heating SystemYour RV furnace has probably been sitting idle all summer. Before you need it on a cold night, make sure it's actually going to work. □ Seal Up Drafts & Add InsulationA drafty RV loses heat fast. Most of the warmth that escapes does so through windows, vents, doors, and any gaps in the weatherstripping. These are easy and inexpensive fixes that make a significant difference on cold nights.
Windows — Thermal Curtains & Reflectix
RV windows are not well-insulated. Thermal curtains make a noticeable difference — close them at night and you'll feel it. For even more insulation, cut pieces of Reflectix (a foil bubble wrap insulation available at any hardware store) to fit your windows. It reflects heat back into the rig and blocks cold from coming through the glass. Easy to put in at night and remove in the morning.
Roof Vents — Vent Cushions or Covers
Your roof vents are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in an RV. Foam vent cushions (also called vent pillows) press up into the vent opening from inside and create an insulating seal. They cost about $10–$15 each and are one of the most effective things you can do to keep warmth inside. Just remember to remove them before opening the vent.
Doors & Weatherstripping
Run your hand around the edges of your entry door and slide-out seals on a windy day. If you feel air moving, the weatherstripping needs attention. Replacement weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to apply. A door draft stopper at the base of the entry door is another quick fix. Small gaps make a bigger difference in heat loss than most people expect.
RV Skirting
If you're planning to stay on your seasonal site well into October or beyond, skirting your rig is worth considering. Skirting wraps around the base of the RV and traps air underneath, which insulates the floor and protects your underbelly from wind chill. It makes a dramatic difference in how warm the floor feels and how hard your furnace has to work. Foam board or purpose-built RV skirting panels both work well. □ Protect Your Water & PlumbingFrozen pipes are one of the most common and most costly fall camping problems. Ohio nights can dip below freezing in October — sometimes earlier. A little prep now prevents a big repair bill later.
⚠️ Know your freeze threshold. Most RV water lines and tanks can freeze when temps drop to 32°F or below for several hours. If overnight lows are forecasted near or below freezing, take action before you go to bed — not after you wake up to a problem.
Heated Water Hose
Your fresh water hose runs from the spigot to your RV and is exposed to outdoor temps all night. Standard hoses freeze well before your interior pipes do. A heated drinking water hose has a built-in heating element that keeps water flowing even when temps drop below freezing. If you're staying into late fall, this is one of the best investments you can make. They run $50–$100 and are worth every penny the first frosty morning you turn on the faucet and water actually comes out.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Any water lines running through uninsulated compartments or near the exterior walls of your rig are vulnerable to freezing. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation (available at any hardware store for just a few dollars) or self-regulating heat tape. Pay extra attention to the area under the rig and near any exterior access panels.
Keep Your Furnace Running at Night
The best protection for your interior plumbing on a cold night is simply keeping the furnace running. Even a low thermostat setting (around 55°F) keeps enough warmth circulating through the rig to prevent pipes from freezing. Don't turn the heat completely off when you go to bed on a cold night thinking you'll save propane — a burst pipe costs a lot more than a tank of gas.
Open Cabinet Doors Under Sinks
A simple trick that most people don't think about — on cold nights, open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks. This lets warm air from the rig circulate around the pipes inside those cabinets, which are often against exterior walls and more vulnerable to freezing than the rest of your plumbing. □ Check Your Battery & Power
Test Your House Batteries
Cold weather reduces battery capacity significantly. A battery that holds a full charge in August may struggle to make it through a cold October night. Test your house batteries now while you still have time to replace them if needed. Check for corrosion on the terminals and clean them with a wire brush if necessary. If your batteries are more than 4–5 years old, consider replacing them before the season ends.
Test Your CO & Smoke Detectors
Fall means closed windows, running furnaces, and more time spent inside — exactly when carbon monoxide becomes a concern. Test your CO detector and smoke detector now and replace the batteries if there's any question. This is non-negotiable. If your CO detector is more than 5 years old, replace it entirely. □ Exterior Checks Before Fall Weather Arrives
Inspect & Reseal Caulking
Walk around your rig and look at the caulking around windows, vents, slide-out edges, and roof seams. Caulk that's cracked, peeling, or missing is an invitation for water to get in — and fall rains around Buckeye Lake are no joke. Reseal anything that looks questionable with RV-appropriate lap sealant or self-leveling roof caulk. Water damage is expensive; a tube of sealant is not.
Check Your Tires
Tire pressure drops approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. Tires that were properly inflated in summer will be underinflated by fall. Check pressure when the tires are cold and inflate to your rig's recommended PSI. While you're at it, inspect the sidewalls for any cracks or weathering — fall is a good time to catch issues before storing for winter.
Awning Care
Fall means wet leaves, morning dew, and the occasional surprise rain. Make sure your awning fabric is clean and fully dry before rolling it up — storing a wet awning leads to mildew that's very hard to get rid of. Don't leave the awning out overnight in fall. Wind and rain can catch it off guard, and a cold snap that freezes a wet awning can damage the fabric and the roller mechanism. □ Make the Inside Feel Like FallOnce the practical stuff is handled, fall camping is genuinely one of the most enjoyable times to be on a site at Buckeye Lake. Here's what makes the inside of the rig feel right for the season:
□ Extra blankets and layered bedding. Swapping your summer quilt for a heavier comforter and adding a fleece layer underneath makes cold nights genuinely cozy rather than something to endure.
□ Use the campfire more intentionally. Fall evenings around a fire at Buckeye Lake are something you remember. Bring good firewood, a cast iron pan for the coals, and plan to stay outside later than you think you will.
☕ Stock the pantry for warm mornings. Fall camping is coffee-and-flannel weather. Stock up on the things that make a slow morning inside the rig feel like exactly where you want to be — good coffee, oatmeal, soups, chili ingredients. The campsite kitchen earns its keep in autumn.
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If you ask most of our long-time seasonal campers which month is their favorite, August comes up more than any other. The lake is warm, the days are long, there's still plenty of summer left — and there's an energy around Buckeye Lake in August that's hard to put into words. Here's what makes it special. □ The Lake at Its BestBy August, Buckeye Lake has had all summer to warm up. Water temperatures are at their peak — warm enough to stay out for hours without a care. The sunsets start coming a little earlier than July, which means that golden hour on the water hits at a time most people are still awake to enjoy it. August on Buckeye Lake is lake life in full swing.
□ Boating & Cruising
With 3,100 acres of water and more than 20 islands to explore, there's no shortage of territory to cover. August weekend mornings are especially peaceful — get out early before the afternoon wind picks up and you'll have stretches of the lake almost to yourself. The no-wake zones near the shore keep things calm for kayakers and paddleboarders while the main water stays lively.
□ Fishing
Buckeye Lake's shallow, warm water makes for excellent fishing all summer — and August is no exception. Bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are all active. Early morning and evening are the best windows. Plenty of our dock guests fish right off their slip before the rest of the park wakes up. It's one of the quieter pleasures of having a slip on a no-wake zone.
□ Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Jet-Skiing
The lake accommodates just about every kind of water recreation. Kayakers and paddleboarders love the calmer coves and island channels. Jet skis are permitted on the lake within the designated Speed Zone on the western portion. Whatever your speed — literally — there's a corner of Buckeye Lake that fits.
□️ The Sandy Beach
Buckeye Beach Park is just three blocks from a sandy beach on the lake — and August is when it earns its name. Pack a cooler, bring the chairs, and spend an afternoon with your feet in the sand. It's about as close to a lakeside vacation as central Ohio gets. □ August Events Worth Knowing AboutAugust around Buckeye Lake is never boring. Here are some of the highlights happening on and around the lake this time of year. □️ Worth the Short Drive in AugustAugust is peak season for everything within day-trip distance of Buckeye Lake. A few worth putting on the radar:
□ Buckeye Lake Winery
Right around the lake, the winery has live music, outdoor seating, and lake views. In August they're running events regularly — worth checking their calendar before you head out for the evening.
□ Dawes Arboretum
10–20 minutes north of the lake, the Dawes Arboretum is 2,000 acres of trails, gardens, and labeled trees. August is a great time to go before the fall crowds arrive. Twelve miles of hiking trails and a peaceful half-day out of the sun if you need a break from the water.
□️ Downtown Granville
One of the prettiest small towns in Ohio, Granville is an easy drive from the lake. A summer afternoon walking the main street, grabbing lunch, and browsing the shops is hard to beat. August evenings downtown are particularly nice.
□ Weldon's Ice Cream
A summer evening isn't complete without a stop at Weldon's. A Buckeye Lake tradition — the lines get long in August for good reason. Go early or go late, and get two scoops. You're on vacation.
□ Newark Earthworks
Just a short drive away, the Newark Earthworks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the largest geometric earthwork complexes in the world, built by the Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago. If you haven't been, August is a great time to visit before the season winds down. ☀️ Why August Feels DifferentThere's a particular feeling that settles in at Buckeye Lake in August. Summer is still here, but there's a quiet awareness that it won't be forever. People linger a little longer on the dock at night. The evenings feel more intentional. The grill runs later. Nobody's in a hurry to go inside. We've seen it every summer for nearly four decades from our spot on the lake. August has a way of making people pay attention — to the water, to the sunset, to the people they're with. It's one of the things that makes this place so hard to leave at the end of the season.
□ Planning a visit in August? Buckeye Beach Park is the only RV park and marina right on Buckeye Lake — with seasonal RV spots and newly built boat dock slips in a calm no-wake zone. Give us a call and we'll get you set up for the rest of the season.
See you on the water. □ □ Spend August at Buckeye Beach ParkSeasonal RV spots and boat dock slips right on Buckeye Lake — the only RV park and marina on the lake. Sandy beach three blocks away. Family-owned since 1986. About 45 minutes east of Columbus. Reserve Your Spot □ 740-538-LAKE□ buckeyebeachpark.com #BuckeyeBeachPark #BuckeyeLake #BuckeyeLakeOhio #LakeLife #AugustOnTheLake #OhioSummer #SummerOnTheLake #OhioLakes #RVLife #DockLife #LakeOhio #CampingOhio #OhioStatePark #TourDeBuckeyeLake #PapaBoos #BuckeyeLakeWinery #ExploreOhio #OhioAdventure 
Renting a Boat on Buckeye Lake: Your Guide to Hitting the WaterEverything you need to know before you cast off from your home base at Buckeye Beach Park. You don't need to own a boat to enjoy Buckeye Lake. One of the best parts of a lake getaway is how easy it is to get out on the water, even if you're leaving the trailer at home. Local outfitters rent everything from pontoons for a lazy afternoon on the sandbar to jet skis for a jolt of speed, so you can pick your pace and make a day of it. What You Can RentThere's a rental for every kind of lake day. Whether you want to gather friends for a cruise or paddle out solo at sunrise, here's what you'll typically find on Buckeye Lake:
Tip: On holiday weekends like the Fourth of July, rentals book up fast. Reserve a few days ahead so you're not left on the dock, and consider a captained charter for your first time out if you're new to the lake.
Where to RentA few local outfitters make it easy. Companies like Buckeye Lake Boat Rental and Freedom Water Sports offer a range of watercraft right on the lake. Rates, hours, and availability change with the season, so it's always worth a quick call ahead to confirm what's on the water and reserve your spot. The Rules of the WaterA little know-how keeps everyone safe and the day stress-free. Ohio boating laws and rental requirements are straightforward once you know them:
Important: Anyone being towed — tubing, wakeboarding, or water skiing — must wear a water-sport–rated life jacket. Ohio law strictly prohibits towing anyone without one, so make sure the right gear is on board before you head out.
Make Buckeye Beach Park Your Home Base As the only RV park right on Buckeye Lake, we put you steps from the water with your boat resting easy in our calm no-wake dock slips and the sandy beach just three blocks away. Reserve your seasonal RV spot or dock slip today. Reserve Your SpotCall us at 740-538-LAKE (5253) | buckeyebeachpark.com The Buckeye Lake Summer Bucket ListWine, live music, ice cream, history, and a whole lot of lake — all within reach. Summer at Buckeye Lake moves at exactly the right pace — slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and evenings that stretch out as long as you'll let them. There's more to do here than a single weekend can hold, so we rounded up the must-dos into one easy bucket list. And since Buckeye Beach Park is the only RV park right on the lake, with RV spots and newly built dock slips, you've got the perfect home base to check every one of them off. 1. Raise a Glass at Buckeye Lake WineryStart with a toast to the season. Buckeye Lake Winery pairs local wines with a laid-back lakeside vibe that's hard to beat. It's the kind of spot where an afternoon turns into an evening before you've noticed — exactly how summer should go. 2. Catch Live Music at Papa Boo'sLet the night carry a soundtrack. Papa Boo's brings live music to the lake, and there's nothing quite like good food, cold drinks, and a local band as the sun goes down. Bring friends, stay a while, and let the day wind down the easy way. 3. Grab a Cone at Weldon's Ice CreamNo lake summer is complete without ice cream. Weldon's is a local favorite for a reason — the perfect sweet stop after a day on the water or a stroll around town. Treat the kids, treat yourself, treat everyone. 4. Wander Dawes ArboretumTrade the dock for the trails for an afternoon. Dawes Arboretum offers miles of paths, gardens, and quiet green space just a short drive away. It's a peaceful change of pace and a great way to stretch your legs surrounded by Ohio's natural beauty. 5. Stroll Downtown GranvilleCharming, walkable, and worth the trip. Downtown Granville is full of local shops, cafes, and small-town character. Spend a slow morning browsing and grabbing a bite before heading back to the water. 6. Step Back in Time at the Museum & the EarthworksThe history here runs deep. Start at the Buckeye Lake Museum to learn the story of the lake itself, then visit the Newark Earthworks — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable ancient landmarks in the country. It's history you can walk right through, all just down the road. Tip: Too much to fit in a day? That's the whole idea. Book an RV spot for the weekend — or the whole season — and check these off one sunny afternoon at a time. Call us at 740-538-LAKE (5253) to find your spot. 7. Make the Most of the WaterOf course, the lake itself is the main event. Spend a lazy day on the sandy beach just three blocks from the park, or get out on the water from one of our newly built dock slips in a calm, no-wake zone. Boating, swimming, paddling, or simply floating — this is what summer at Buckeye Lake is all about. Good to know: Buckeye Lake sits just about 45 minutes from Columbus, making it one of the easiest getaways in central Ohio. Close enough for a quick weekend, beautiful enough to stay all summer. Your Bucket List Starts Here As the only RV park on Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Beach Park puts you right in the middle of it all — with RV spots and dock slips ready for your summer. Let's get you set up. Visit buckeyebeachpark.com Call 740-538-LAKEWorking From the Lake: How Columbus Professionals Are Trading the Office View for Buckeye LakeYour commute could end at the water's edge. Remote work changed the rules about where you have to be. So here's a question worth sitting with: if your job only asks that you show up online, why are you showing up from the same desk every single day? Forty-five minutes east of Columbus, there's a different kind of office waiting — one with a lake breeze, a dock, and a sunset that beats any screensaver. Forty-Five Minutes Changes EverythingBuckeye Lake isn't a far-flung escape — it's practically in Columbus's backyard. The drive runs about 45 minutes, which means you're close enough to dash into the city for an in-person meeting and back in time for an evening on the water. You don't have to choose between your career and the lake life. You can have the workday and the waterfront on the very same calendar. As the only RV park on Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Beach Park gives you a home base that's hard to find anywhere else. You're not parked in a lot somewhere pretending to be on vacation. You're settled in at the lake, with a sandy beach just three blocks away and newly built dock slips sitting in a calm, no-wake zone. Setting Up Your Lakeside OfficeA good remote setup at the lake takes a little planning. Bring the essentials you'd want anywhere: a reliable laptop, a comfortable chair you can pull outside when the weather's nice, and a power strip for your site's hookup. A second monitor packs down smaller than you'd think and makes a long workday far easier on the eyes. Connectivity is the one thing to sort out before you arrive. Most remote workers lean on a mobile hotspot or a solid phone plan to stay online, and it's worth testing your setup the way you'd run a quick sound check before a call. If you have video meetings that absolutely can't drop, plan a quiet corner of your RV as your "studio" and keep a backup connection handy. Tip: Not sure what to expect for cell coverage or which site fits a work-from-the-lake stay best? Give us a call before you book and we'll talk through the details so you arrive ready to log on. Reach us at 740-538-LAKE (5253). A Workday That Ends at the WaterThe magic of working from the lake is in the in-between moments. Take your morning coffee down toward the dock before the first email lands. Eat lunch with your feet in the sand instead of at your keyboard. Use a mid-afternoon lull to stretch your legs along the shoreline. The work still gets done — it just happens against a backdrop that makes the hours feel lighter. And when you close the laptop, you're already there. No commute home, no fighting traffic to get to your weekend. The moment you clock out, the lake is steps away. Kayak the calm water, fire up the grill, or simply sit and watch the light change over the lake. That's the whole point. Worth keeping in mind: A change of scenery is good for focus, but it's easy to let the lake pull you away mid-task. Set clear work hours, protect your meeting blocks, and let the water be the reward at the end — not the distraction in the middle. Long Weekend or All Summer?Start with a long weekend if you're testing the waters. Roll in Thursday evening, work Friday from your site, and you've stretched a normal weekend into a proper getaway without burning a single vacation day. It's the easiest way to find out just how good a Friday spreadsheet feels with a lake view. Or settle in for the whole season. For Columbus professionals who can work from anywhere, a seasonal spot at Buckeye Beach Park turns the entire summer into lake life. Your evenings and weekends are already at the water, and your weekdays come with the best office view in central Ohio. Once you've done it, the old desk is a hard sell. Clocking Out at Buckeye LakeThe after-hours scene here is half the appeal. Toast the end of the workweek at Buckeye Lake Winery, catch live music at Papa Boo's, or wind down with a cone from Weldon's Ice Cream. The sandy beach three blocks away is perfect for a quick reset between calls or a longer stretch once you're off the clock. Weekends open up even more. Wander the trails at Dawes Arboretum, stroll the shops of downtown Granville, dig into local history at the Buckeye Lake Museum, or visit the Newark Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just down the road. Your "commute" home is a walk back to the RV — and the whole region is yours to explore. Make the Lake Your Office This Summer Buckeye Beach Park is your base camp for a summer of working — and living — by the water. Long weekend or whole season, we'll help you find the right spot. Visit buckeyebeachpark.com Call 740-538-LAKEWe've been on the shores of Buckeye Lake since 1986, and we still find ourselves learning something new about this place. It has a history that runs a lot deeper than most people realize — and a personality that keeps drawing people back year after year. Here are 25 things about Buckeye Lake that might surprise you. □ The Lake Itself□ A History That Goes Back Further Than You'd Think□ The Playground of OhioThis is the part of Buckeye Lake's history that tends to surprise people the most — and it's one of our favorites to share. ⛵ Life on the Water□️ The Community Around the Lake□️ What's Around the Lake
□ Bonus fact: Buckeye Lake even has its own app from Escape to Buckeye Lake — searchable by category, with lodging, restaurants, activities, shopping, and more. Handy if you're new to the area and figuring out what to do next.
We've watched this lake from our little corner of the shoreline for nearly four decades. The history, the community, the way it draws people back season after season — it's something you feel more than you can explain. We're glad to be part of it, and we're glad you are too. See you on the water. □ □ Make Buckeye Lake Your Home Base This SeasonBuckeye Beach Park is the only RV park and marina right on Buckeye Lake — with seasonal RV spots and boat dock slips in a quiet no-wake zone. We've been here since 1986, and we'd love to have you. Visit Our Website □ 740-538-LAKE□ buckeyebeachpark.com #BuckeyeBeachPark #BuckeyeLake #BuckeyeLakeOhio #LakeLife #OhioLakes #BuckeyeLakeHistory #OhioStatePark #LakeOhio #SummerOnTheLake #OhioCamping #RVLife #DockLife #CampingOhio #ExploreOhio #OhioAdventure #Granville #DawesArboretum There's nothing quite like waking up in your RV with Buckeye Lake just steps away. The smell of the water, the sound of boats heading out for the morning, coffee in hand before the campground fully wakes up — it's the kind of thing that keeps people coming back season after season. But a great RV trip doesn't happen by accident. A little preparation and a few smart habits make the difference between a trip that feels effortless and one that feels like work. Whether you're setting up for a weekend or settling in for the whole season at Buckeye Beach Park, here are the tips and tricks that make lake camping better. □ Setting Up Your Site the Right WayA good setup makes the rest of the trip easier. Take a few extra minutes when you first arrive and you'll thank yourself all weekend. Level your RV before you do anything else. An unlevel RV means doors that swing open or won't stay closed, drawers that slide out on their own, and a refrigerator that doesn't cool efficiently. Use leveling blocks under your tires first, then fine-tune with your stabilizing jacks. Check with a small bubble level inside — don't just eyeball it from outside. Chock your wheels immediately after parking. Place wheel chocks on both sides of at least one tire before you unhitch or extend your slides. This is a safety step, not an optional one — especially on any site with even a slight grade. Hook up water with a regulator and a filter. Always use a water pressure regulator between the campground spigot and your RV. Campground water pressure can spike and damage your RV's plumbing. A simple inline filter also improves taste and protects your system from sediment. Use a surge protector on your electrical hookup. Power quality at campgrounds varies. A good surge protector guards your RV's electrical system against voltage spikes and wiring problems at the pedestal. It's a one-time purchase that can save you from a very expensive repair. Set up your awning and outdoor space early. Get your awning out, chairs unfolded, and outdoor rug down before you start unpacking the inside. It gives you extra living space immediately and makes the whole setup feel more like home. Orient your door away from your neighbor's site when possible. A little privacy goes a long way in a campground. If you have a choice of which direction to face, pointing your entry door away from the neighboring site makes the space feel more comfortable for everyone. □ Seasonal Campers at Buckeye Beach Park If you're staying for the season, invest in a good skirting system around the base of your RV. It keeps the underside protected from weather, reduces heating and cooling costs, and makes your site look sharp. A small outdoor shed or storage box for lake gear — life jackets, fishing rods, beach chairs — keeps the inside of your RV uncluttered all season long. □ Power, Water, and UtilitiesManaging your utilities efficiently is one of the biggest quality-of-life factors in RV camping. Here's how to keep everything running smoothly at the lake. Know your RV's power draw before running everything at once. Running the air conditioner, microwave, and electric water heater simultaneously can trip your breaker. Learn which appliances draw the most power and stagger their use. At Buckeye Beach Park, our sites offer full hookups — but it still pays to be mindful. Switch your water heater to electric when you're hooked up. If your water heater runs on both propane and electric, switch to electric mode at a full hookup site. It saves propane and costs you nothing extra on electricity. Keep your fresh water tank topped off on arrival. Even with hookups, having a full fresh water tank gives you a backup if there's ever an issue with the site's water supply. It takes two minutes and gives you peace of mind. Dump your tanks at the right time — not when they're overflowing. Keep an eye on your gray and black tank levels throughout your stay. Dump when they reach about two-thirds full rather than waiting until they're completely full. Always dump the black tank first, then flush with the gray water. Run your generator periodically if you have one. Even if you're on full hookups and don't need it, run your generator for a couple of hours every few weeks to keep it in good working condition. A generator that sits unused for months can develop carburetor issues. ⚠️ Never Use a Generator or Charcoal Grill Inside Your RV Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of camping fatalities. Never run a generator, charcoal grill, or any gas-powered equipment inside your RV or in an enclosed space adjacent to it. Keep your CO detector tested and working at all times — check the battery before every trip. □️ Staying Cool at the LakeOhio summers at Buckeye Lake can get hot — and an RV sitting in the sun heats up fast. A few habits keep the temperature manageable all day. Use reflective window covers on sunny days. Reflective shades in your windshield and windows dramatically reduce the amount of heat that builds up inside the RV. They're inexpensive and make a noticeable difference — especially if your site gets full afternoon sun. Pre-cool your RV before the hottest part of the day. Run the AC in the morning before temperatures peak. It's much easier to maintain a cool interior than to bring a hot one back down. Close the vents and shades once it's cooled down. Open roof vents at night to let cooler air circulate. Once the outside temperature drops below the interior temperature — usually after sunset — open your roof vents and let the natural airflow do the work. A vent fan set to exhaust pulls hot air out efficiently. Spend the hottest hours at the lake. This one's easy at Buckeye Beach Park. The sandy beach is three blocks away and the water is always cooler than the campground on a hot afternoon. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning and evening and hit the water in the middle of the day. Cook outside when you can. Using your stovetop or oven inside adds heat to an already warm RV. A portable camp stove or grill outside keeps the cooking heat where it belongs — outdoors. □ Lake Life Organization TipsLiving out of an RV at the lake means managing a lot of gear in a small space. A little organization goes a long way toward keeping the trip relaxed. Designate a gear zone outside your RV. Wet towels, life jackets, fishing gear, and sandy chairs don't belong inside the RV. Set up a dedicated spot outside — a gear rack, a bin, a folding table — where all the wet and sandy lake stuff lives. It keeps the inside clean and makes finding things easy. Keep a boot tray and towel at the door. A simple boot tray just inside or outside the entry door catches sand, mud, and water before it gets tracked through the RV. Pair it with a quick-dry mat and the inside stays cleaner with almost no effort. Pack a dedicated fishing and boating bag. One bag that holds sunscreen, bug spray, a small first aid kit, your registration, and any other on-the-water essentials means you're never scrambling before a boat trip. Grab the bag and go. Use the buddy system for keys. Boat keys, RV keys, storage keys — at a campground it's easy for things to get lost or locked inside. Make sure at least two people in your group know where the spare keys are at all times. Keep a small cooler stocked and ready to grab. A dedicated grab-and-go cooler stocked the night before means your morning boat trip or beach walk starts without a scramble. Pre-pack snacks, drinks, and ice the evening before for an easy morning. □ What to Keep in Your RV at All Times at Buckeye Lake Sunscreen, bug spray, a basic first aid kit, extra towels, a rain poncho per person, a flashlight, your boat registration, a spare set of RV keys, and a small tool kit with basic hand tools. These are the things people wish they'd brought every time they don't have them. □️ Maintenance Habits That Save HeadachesA well-maintained RV is a reliable RV. A few simple habits during your stay prevent the kind of problems that cut trips short. Check your tire pressure every time you move. RV tires lose pressure over time and in changing temperatures. Under-inflated tires wear unevenly, reduce fuel efficiency, and can fail on the highway. Check pressure before every drive, including the short hop from the campground to the boat ramp. Inspect your roof seals once a season. The number one cause of RV water damage is a failed roof seal. Walk your roof at least once a season and look for cracking, separating, or missing sealant around vents, skylights, and seams. Reseal anything that looks questionable — a tube of Dicor self-leveling sealant is cheap compared to a water-damaged ceiling. Lubricate your slide-outs and hinges regularly. Slides and door hinges that aren't lubricated wear out faster and start to stick or squeak. A quick spray of silicone lubricant on the slide rails and a dab of petroleum jelly on door hinges keeps everything moving smoothly. Clean your awning before you roll it up. Rolling a wet or dirty awning is how mildew gets started. Let it dry fully in the sun before retracting, or wipe it down with a clean cloth if you need to bring it in while it's damp. A quick clean at the end of the season extends its life significantly. Keep a basic tool kit on board. A screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, pliers, duct tape, electrical tape, and a tube of sealant handle the majority of minor RV repairs that come up on a trip. Don't leave home without them. ⚠️ Before You Leave for Home Do a full walkaround before you pull out of your site. Retract your awning, bring in your slides, disconnect all hookups, remove your chocks and leveling blocks, stow your steps, and do a final check that nothing is hanging off the outside of the RV. It takes five minutes and prevents the kind of mistakes that cause serious damage on the road. □ Make the Most of Buckeye LakeThe best RV trips aren't just about the rig — they're about what's outside the door. At Buckeye Beach Park, you're already in one of the best spots on the lake. Here's how to make the most of it. Walk to the beach. The sandy beach is just three blocks from Buckeye Beach Park — an easy walk with a chair and a cooler. It's one of the best spots on the lake for a lazy afternoon and a great way to spend time when you're not out on the boat. Check out Buckeye Lake Winery. Just a short drive from the park, Buckeye Lake Winery is a local favorite for an easy evening out. Good wine, a relaxed atmosphere, and views of the lake — it's worth building into your trip at least once. Catch live music at Papa Boo's. Papa Boo's is one of the lake's most popular spots for live music on summer weekends. Check their schedule before your trip and plan a night out — it's the kind of local experience that makes Buckeye Lake feel like more than just a campground stop. Watch the sunset from the dock. There's not much better than the end of a full lake day watching the sun go down over the water from the dock. Bring a drink, bring whoever you came with, and just sit with it for a while. That's what Buckeye Lake is all about. □ One More Thing The best tip for RV camping at Buckeye Lake? Slow down. The whole point of being out here is to step away from the schedule and just enjoy the water, the people you came with, and the kind of summer days that are worth remembering. The lake will do the rest. Ready to Set Up at Buckeye Beach Park? Buckeye Beach Park has been welcoming seasonal RV campers and boaters to Buckeye Lake since 1986. We're the only RV park and marina on the lake — with full hookup sites, newly constructed docks, a calm no-wake marina, and a sandy beach just three blocks away. Give us a call and come see why our guests keep coming back year after year. Visit Our Website Call 740-538-LAKEIf you've just pulled your 5th wheel into your first campsite and you're staring at a pedestal, a water spigot, and a sewer pipe wondering where to start — this one's for you. Hooking up isn't complicated once you know the order and have the right gear. Here's exactly how to do it, and everything you need to buy before you arrive. At Buckeye Beach Park, every seasonal site comes with electric, water, and sewer hookups. We see first-timers pull in every season and the same questions come up every time. So we put together this complete guide — what to buy, what order to connect, and the details that make the difference between a smooth setup and a frustrating one. □ What to Buy Before You ArriveNone of this gear is expensive, but showing up without it makes setup miserable — or impossible. Get these before your first trip out. ⚡ Electric
Surge Protector or EMS — Buy This First
This is the single most important piece of equipment on this entire list. A surge protector plugs into the power pedestal before your rig connects and protects your entire electrical system — your air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, everything — from voltage spikes, low voltage, and miswired pedestals. A surge event without one can destroy thousands of dollars of appliances in seconds. A basic surge protector runs $30–$50. An EMS (Electrical Management System) gives you full diagnostics and more comprehensive protection for $100–$300. Either is fine to start. Just don't skip it.
Know Your Amperage: 30-Amp vs. 50-Amp
Most 5th wheels run on 50-amp service, though some smaller rigs use 30-amp. Look at the plug end of your RV's power cord — a 3-prong plug is 30-amp, a 4-prong plug is 50-amp. Know which you are before you arrive. Our pedestals at Buckeye Beach Park accommodate both. Pick up a dogbone adapter that adapts your plug to the other amperage — they're about $15–$30 and there will come a time you need one.
Heavy-Duty RV Extension Cord
Depending on where your site's pedestal sits, your power cord may not quite reach. An RV-rated heavy-duty extension cord bridges the gap — but it must be rated for the amperage your rig draws. Never use a standard household extension cord under RV loads. It can overheat, melt, and become a serious fire hazard. □ Water
Drinking Water Hose — White or Blue Only
Do not use a green garden hose for your fresh water connection. Standard garden hoses are made with materials that leach chemicals and harbor bacteria — you do not want that running through your pipes and into your drinking water. You need a hose specifically rated for potable (drinking) water. Look for labels reading "drinking water safe," "lead-free," or "BPA-free." They're typically white or blue so you can always tell them apart from other hoses. A 25- or 50-foot length works well for most sites.
Water Pressure Regulator — Don't Skip This One Either
Municipal water pressure at a campground spigot can easily run 80–100 PSI. Your 5th wheel's plumbing system is designed for 40–60 PSI. That difference matters — high pressure can crack PEX pipes, blow out fittings, and damage your water pump and water heater. A water pressure regulator threads directly onto the spigot and brings the pressure down to a safe level before it ever reaches your rig. They cost $10–$20 and last for years. Buy one.
Inline Water Filter (Highly Recommended)
An inline carbon filter connects between your pressure regulator and your hose and removes sediment, chlorine taste, and odor from your water supply. It's not required, but once you use one you won't want to go without it — especially early in the season when lines have been sitting dormant all winter. A basic setup runs $20–$40, and you replace the cartridge once a season.
Rubber Hose Washers
Pick up a small bag of rubber hose washers. They go inside every threaded water connection and prevent drips. They're pennies each and the kind of thing you'll be very glad you have when a fitting starts weeping at 11pm. Check and replace them at the start of each season. □ Sewer
Sewer Hose — Buy Quality, Not Cheap
Your sewer hose is the flexible pipe that connects your RV's waste outlet to the sewer inlet at your site. Buy at least 15 feet — 20 is better. The most important thing here is quality: a thick-walled hose with solid fittings. Thin, cheap sewer hoses crack, pinhole, and leak. This is one area where you absolutely do not want to find out what happens when it fails. Store it in a sealed carry bag between uses.
Sewer Hose Support / Slinky Stand
Your sewer hose needs a continuous downward slope from your RV to the ground connection — gravity does all the work, but only if the hose doesn't sag and pool in low spots. A sewer hose support (sometimes called a slinky stand) holds the hose up at the right angle along its entire length. Many campgrounds require them. They fold flat for easy storage and cost about $15–$25.
Sewer Donut / Inlet Seal
A sewer donut is a rubber gasket that fits around your hose where it enters the ground inlet pipe. It creates a seal that keeps sewer gases from venting back up around the connection. Good campground etiquette — and your neighbors will appreciate it.
Disposable Gloves & Hand Sanitizer
Keep a box of nitrile or latex disposable gloves and a bottle of hand sanitizer stored right with your sewer hose. Glove up every single time you connect or disconnect the sewer line. Every time. No exceptions.
Tank Treatment / Holding Tank Deodorant
Drop a tank treatment tablet or pour-in treatment into your black tank at the start of the season. It breaks down waste, controls odors, and keeps your tank sensors reading accurately. Thetford and Camco both make reliable, widely available products. Use it at the start of the season and periodically throughout.
⚠️ Leveling vs. Stabilizing — Know the Difference Before You Hook Up: Your landing jacks (front) lift and lower the front of the rig for leveling. Your stabilizer jacks (sides and rear) reduce movement once you're already level — they are not designed to lift the RV. Using stabilizers to lift puts stress on your frame and can damage the jacks. Always level first, stabilize second.
□ The Hookup Process: Step by StepOrder matters here. Do it right and setup takes about 20 minutes. Do it out of order and you're untangling cords, tripping over hoses, and potentially dealing with a sewer situation nobody wants. Here's the sequence.
⚠️ Do this before anything else: Level your rig and chock your wheels. An unlevel 5th wheel stresses your refrigerator cooling system, your slide-out seals, and your frame. Level first — then connect.
□ Mistakes First-Timers Make (So You Don't Have To)
Plugging into the pedestal without a surge protector. The most expensive mistake on this list and the most common. Don't do it even once.
Using a garden hose for fresh water. It looks the same, but it isn't. Keep a dedicated potable water hose and never mix it up with anything else.
Skipping the water pressure regulator. You won't know there's a problem until a fitting blows out or a pipe cracks. The regulator costs $15. A plumbing repair inside an RV costs a lot more.
Leaving the black tank valve open. It seems like it would help things drain — it doesn't. It causes a buildup of solid waste over time. Keep it closed until the tank is two-thirds full, then dump.
Extending slide-outs before leveling. Always get level first. Operating slides on a tilted rig wears out the seals and mechanism over time.
Turning on the water heater before it's full. Run a hot faucet until water flows steadily before you switch it on. A dry heating element is a ruined heating element.
The first time takes the longest — that's normal. By your third or fourth hookup you'll have it done in under 20 minutes without thinking twice. The key is having the right gear with you when you pull in and knowing the order before you start. And if you ever pull into your site and something doesn't look right or you're not sure about something — stop by the office. That's what we're here for. □ □ Ready to Pull In? We're Ready for You.Buckeye Beach Park is the only RV park and marina right on Buckeye Lake — with electric, water, and sewer hookups on every seasonal site. Come spend a season with us. Reserve Your Spot □ 740-538-LAKE□ buckeyebeachpark.com #BuckeyeBeachPark #BuckeyeLake #BuckeyeLakeOhio #RVLife #5thWheel #FifthWheel #RVHookup #RVTips #CampingTips #RVBeginner #RVLiving #RVCamping #FullHookups #CampingLife #LakeLife #OhioCamping #RVPark #HoorayForCamping I'll be honest — after all these years running Buckeye Beach Park, I thought I'd seen just about every RV setup trick in the book. Turns out I was wrong. This past season I finally tried five things I'd always meant to get around to, and every single one of them made life at the campsite noticeably better. Here's what actually worked. None of these are complicated. None of them are expensive. That's what I love most about them — they're the kind of things you could do this weekend and immediately feel the difference. If you've got a hack that's changed your camping game, I'd genuinely love to hear it. Stop by the office and tell me about it, or drop us a message through the website. See you out on the lake. ⛵ □ Come Try These Out at Buckeye Beach ParkSeasonal RV spots and boat dock slips right on Buckeye Lake. The only RV park and marina on the lake — and we'd love to have you. Visit Our Website □ 740-538-LAKE□ buckeyebeachpark.com #BuckeyeBeachPark #BuckeyeLake #BuckeyeLakeOhio #RVLife #RVHacks #RVTips #CampingHacks #RVLiving #CampingLife #RVCamping #CampingTips #LakeLife #OhioCamping #RVPark #WeekendCamping #HoorayForCamping Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer at Buckeye Lake — and it shows. The water fills up fast, the docks get busy, and the energy on shore is electric. It's one of the best weekends of the year to be out here. It's also the busiest, and that means a little extra awareness goes a long way toward making sure everyone has a safe, memorable weekend for all the right reasons. Whether you're a seasonal regular or heading to Buckeye Lake for the first time, here's what you need to know going into the holiday weekend. □️ On the Water: Boating Safety BasicsMemorial Day weekend brings more boats onto Buckeye Lake than almost any other time of year. More traffic means more responsibility. Here's what every operator needs to keep in mind. Life jackets are non-negotiable. Ohio law requires one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board, and children under 10 must wear one at all times while the boat is underway. On a busy holiday weekend, don't treat this as optional — it's the single most important safety item on your boat. Know the no-wake zones and respect them. Buckeye Lake has designated no-wake areas — including the marina at Buckeye Beach Park — that exist to protect docked boats, shoreline property, and swimmers. Slow down and stay off plane in marked zones, especially with heavier weekend boat traffic. Keep a proper lookout at all times. The operator is responsible for watching the water ahead and around the boat. On a holiday weekend, the lake is full of kayaks, paddleboards, swimmers, and smaller vessels that can be hard to see. Designate a spotter if you have passengers — don't rely on one set of eyes. Maintain a safe speed and safe distance. Ohio law requires operating at a safe speed for conditions — which on a crowded holiday weekend means slower than you might run on a quiet Tuesday. Maintain at least 100 feet between your boat and other vessels when possible. File a float plan. Before you head out, tell someone on shore where you're going, how many people are on board, and when you expect to be back. It takes two minutes and gives emergency responders critical information if something goes wrong. Check the weather before you launch. Memorial Day weekend weather in Ohio can shift quickly. Thunderstorms move in fast and open water is a dangerous place to be in a lightning storm. Check the forecast that morning and watch the sky throughout the day. If storms are in the area, get off the water early. ⚠️ Boating Under the Influence Is a Crime in Ohio Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal in Ohio — the same threshold as driving a car. Memorial Day weekend is one of the most heavily patrolled weekends of the year on Ohio waterways. Ohio DNR watercraft officers will be on Buckeye Lake. A BUI conviction carries serious fines, potential jail time, and loss of boating privileges. Designate a sober operator and keep the drinks dockside. □ Water Safety and SwimmingMemorial Day marks the start of swimming season for most families, but the water in Buckeye Lake in late May is colder than most people expect. Cold water presents real risks — even for strong swimmers. Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy and within sight of someone on shore or on the boat. This is especially important for children but applies to every age group. Be aware of cold water shock. Water temperatures in late May can still be in the low-to-mid 60s. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex and muscle weakness that makes swimming difficult within minutes. Enter the water gradually and stay close to the boat or dock. Keep children in life jackets near the water. Ohio requires children under 10 to wear a life jacket on a moving boat — but on a busy holiday weekend, children near the dock, on the shore, or playing near the water should be wearing one too. Swim away from boat traffic. Never swim in boat lanes or near active ramp areas. On a holiday weekend, boat traffic is continuous. Swim in designated areas or clearly away from where boats are moving. Know where your kids are — always. Holiday weekends are loud, busy, and full of distractions. Designate one adult as the water watcher any time children are near the lake. No phones, no conversations — eyes on the water. ☀️ Sun, Heat, and HydrationA full day on the water in late May can mean hours of direct sun exposure — and most people underestimate how quickly that adds up, especially on the water where UV reflects off the surface. Apply sunscreen before you leave the dock — and reapply. SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming. Don't forget ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet. Drink water constantly — not just when you feel thirsty. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. On a hot day on the water, adults should aim for at least 8 ounces of water per hour. Alcohol accelerates dehydration significantly. Use the bimini top. Shade makes a dramatic difference in sun exposure over a long day. If your pontoon has a bimini, use it. Bring a pop-up canopy if you're spending extended time on shore. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, weakness, cold or pale skin, a fast or weak pulse, nausea, and fainting are all warning signs. Move the person to shade immediately, apply cool wet cloths, and give them water to sip. If symptoms don't improve quickly, call 911. □ Pack a Basic First Aid Kit Every boat should carry one. At minimum: adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, antacid, tweezers, and any personal medications. Keep it in a waterproof bag in an accessible storage compartment — not at the bottom of a gear pile. □ Campsite and Fire SafetyA campfire and a holiday weekend go hand in hand. Keep it safe and keep the weekend going for everyone around you. Use a designated fire ring only. Never build a fire outside of a designated fire ring or fire pit. Keep fires a safe distance from your RV, awning, trees, and neighboring sites. Never leave a fire unattended. If you're going to bed or leaving the site, put the fire completely out — drown it with water, stir the ashes, and drown it again. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the fire. Designate a clear boundary around the fire ring — a simple rule like "no closer than the length of a camp chair" works well for young kids. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly within arm's reach. A five-gallon bucket of water is the simplest solution. Be a good neighbor. Keep noise and fires at a reasonable level, especially late at night. Holiday weekends are packed — a little consideration goes a long way toward everyone having a good experience. ⚠️ RV Propane and Carbon Monoxide Safety Never run a generator or gas-powered equipment inside or immediately adjacent to your RV. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and builds up fast in enclosed spaces. Make sure your RV's CO detector is working — test it before the trip. If the alarm sounds, get everyone outside immediately and call 911. □ Fireworks — Know the RulesMemorial Day weekend and fireworks go together — but Ohio has specific rules about consumer fireworks that are worth knowing before you stock up at the roadside tent. Ohio law allows consumer fireworks — with conditions. Since 2022, Ohio residents may legally use consumer-grade fireworks, but local ordinances vary. Check with the campground and local authorities about what is and isn't permitted on or near the property before you light anything. Never use fireworks near dry grass, trees, or RVs. A stray spark landing on an awning or dry vegetation near a crowded campground is a serious fire risk. Use fireworks in open areas away from structures, boats, and other campers. Keep a bucket of water nearby. Soak used fireworks completely before disposing of them. Firework casings can stay hot long after they've fired and can start fires in trash cans or dry ground. Never give fireworks to children. Even sparklers — commonly thought of as harmless — burn at up to 1,800°F and are responsible for a large percentage of fireworks injuries every year. Children should watch from a safe distance with adult supervision. □ Emergency Contacts to Have on HandSave these before you leave home. Cell service can be spotty on the water — know your numbers before you need them. Emergency (police, fire, medical): 911 Licking County Sheriff's Office: (740) 670-5555 Ohio DNR Watercraft (boating emergencies): 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) US Coast Guard Auxiliary Buckeye Lake: Channel 16 on VHF marine radio Licking Memorial Hospital (Newark): (740) 348-4000 Buckeye Beach Park: 740-538-LAKE (5253) □ One Last Thing — Have a Great Weekend Safety isn't about being cautious to the point of missing the fun — it's what makes the fun possible all weekend long. A little preparation, a few ground rules with the group, and some common sense on the water means everyone goes home with great memories and a reason to come back next year. See you out there. Spend Memorial Day Weekend at Buckeye Beach Park We've been welcoming families to Buckeye Lake since 1986 — and Memorial Day weekend is one of our favorites. Seasonal RV sites, dock slips, a calm no-wake marina, and a sandy beach just three blocks away. Come join us for the kickoff to summer. Visit Our Website Call 740-538-LAKE |
Buckeye Beach ParkMy father Fred Bair loved Buckeye Lake, everything we do to improve the quality of life at the Park is dedicated to his generous life. He was a good man and truly cared about people and Buckeye Lake. Archives
August 2026
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"Amazing time on Buckeye Lake with friends. Can't wait to go back again." - Diane
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Buckeye Beach Park LLC.
13610 Shell Beach Road NE Thornville, Ohio 43076 Information Phone: 740-538-LAKE (5253) Fax: 740-879-0679 [email protected] Website by Hayford Marketing
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