Paul B. Johnson State Park Campground

It’s easy to get to the park. The roads in the park are a little thin and the sites are uneven, but even in the rain our 45ft bus was able to make it with a little work. The lake is beautiful and the bathrooms are clean and feel new. Our site had water, electric and sewer. There’s on-site laundry. We came in the winter but in summer the swimming, boating and splash pad would be great. Would definitely stay again.

I wish I could upload photos. There are no useable cooking utensils. Pot and skillet interior bottoms are rust-covered. One bedroom had a mattress, the other had the box spring. While reasonably clean and roach free, it’s hard to clean a decaying structure. AC filter had over an inch of dust and dirt. Dust was blowing out of vents. We had to ask for the filters to be changed. We had 2 cottages rented for an 80th birthday party. Other cottage left immediately after party and did not stay.

The good: easy access to park from Hwy 49. Full hookups att most sites. Rate was VERY reasonable with senior Discounts. Mostly level paved pad Good cell service on att.

The Bad: Based on reviews we booked 4 nights here to rest and relax during a several month trek. We are leaving 2 days early from our 4 day res. Picnic table is dangerous, rotten on one end. No fire rings, everyone just builds a fire on the ground wherever, so neighbors Smokey fire set off our smoke detector during the night. Bathhouse is meh, old. There are w/D@ bathhouse but located outside so rusted. ( see pics)

Overall: it’s been quiet at night, we see folks skiing on the lake. Watch for overflow water on low bridge at entry if you come during rainstorm. It rained last night and spillway to the Campground is splashing water over edge. We won’t be back unless desperate

This is a picturesque state park with most campsites and facilities on the lake. The lake was 4 feet lower due to maintenance (Feb 2022). Camping sites are Loop 1 (generally well spaced, hilly), Loop 2 (close quarters, boggy area near 42, 44), Straightaway (nice lake views across road, distant highway noise), and New Campground (generous space, concrete pads, tent camping area). Most of the sites have sloping yards (hilly) and our site 43 yard was a swell and a ditch with a burn patch (no fire ring). There are several fishing docks but no walking paths. This is a great park to chill out and enjoy the views (geese and pelicans during our stay). Great AT&T service with Netgear hotspot. Overall, an okay park but close enough drive for us to consider another long weekend stay. First choice sites for next visit are lake front Loop 1 or Straightaway for space and views.

We've stayed here in the past, and were able to get a very nice spot. This site (46) was not a good choice because, it is very low, very wet, the sewer has no cap, and the lack of a fire ring makes for a real messy dog!
The lake is wayyy down right now, and even if you secured a nice lakeside location, it is not very attractive. Don't be like me. If you come in January (of course I'm assuming that this is the situation every year), pick an inside spot on this loop like all the other people did (: . Then you will be up high enough to have a nice dry location. Also, I didn't realize that there are no fire rings (at least not in this loop) and people in many cases have created a bare spot/s to make a campfire. It's unsightly and messy! My dog immediately went over and started digging around in the coals! I tethered her to where she couldn't reach it after that. The staff is always friendly and the grounds are pretty clean and managed.

We had no trouble backing into our spot, but, the pad is a little narrow.

When we arrive, we went directly to our site, then checked in. It was very easy. It is a large beautiful park and the campground wraps around the lake. There are lots of things to do in the park. We were on site 48. The site is a full hookup. It was an asphalt pad, but sloped badly, and dropped on both sides. Coming out of the camper made for a very big step down. The site was right on the lake, and very wet/swampy. There are no fire rings, and it just had burn spots on the ground. Bring a portable firepit. The washers did not work because the waterlines had frozen the week before. Dryers are $1.50. Not a bad campground, but not great.