For 80 years, Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins has been the perfect place to get away from it all. It is the place where you can once again connect … by disconnecting. Whether it is for the summer, a weekend or even just a day, visitors can leave behind a chaotic, hectic, always-on-the-go lifestyle and simply stop and relax in a fun-filled family environment that offers something for everyone.

Simply put, Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins is an opportunity to get away from it all.

It is a home away from home for campers. It is a space where one can connect with the beauty of nature. It is a place where families can reconnect with one another — regaining that sense of togetherness that is often lost in everyday life.

For teenagers, it is known as “the teenager park,” offering more than 101 things to do … without ever having to leave the area.

A view of Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins highlights the beauty and seclusion of nearly 2,000 acres of Appalachian wilderness surrounding the 80-acre lake, offering visitors a quiet, natural retreat away from everyday life. (Photo provided)

For children, it is a world where they can put down gaming stations, cell phones, iPads and computers and play outdoors once again.

From playing basketball on an outdoor court to walking along a 30-year-old swinging rope bridge, children and teenagers can always find something fun to do during their visit.

Because at Austin Lake … there is simply so much to do.

The Cable family continuously enhances the park’s 1,300 acres of Appalachian wilderness and 80-acre lake because, for them, guests are more like family.

It is a true family-run park, with five generations on site. Cell phones do not work there and internet service is weak. That makes the park a great place to disconnect and relax.

Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins has added several red poly chairs to its campsites in order to make their guests feel more at home. The popular local attraction has earned numerous regional and national rankings. (Photo provided)

The Cables are not ones to simply delegate. In fact, just the opposite.

They work the gate every day, greeting those who enter and exit the park with a smile and quick conversation. They drive the perimeter on golf carts, picking up trash left behind by visitors. They constantly ensure the park, campground and cabins are in the best possible condition for guests.

Austin Lake houses 18 cozy log-style cabins available for rent. In addition to a new cabin being added this year, the Butterfly Cabin was added a few years ago in memory of Bill Cable’s mother.

Each cabin is slightly different, though all are air-conditioned with paddle fans. Only two are not equipped with a restroom or kitchen area. For those that are, the bathrooms feature a shower with hot water. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave and stainless-steel sink. Guests are asked to bring their own bedding and towels. Cabins also include a loft and porch.

The two recently added pond cabins sit by the water and were custom-built using local hardwood.

Another cabin has been added to Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins in Toronto, bringing the attraction's total to 18. The cozy, log-style cabins include kitchen areas, lofts, air conditioning and more. (Photo provided)

All cabins include porches, fire rings, an upright charcoal grill, wood interiors and log furniture.

Several cabins are pet-friendly, so there is no need to worry about leaving pets behind.

Cabins for larger families or groups of five to 11 people include the Butterfly, Pond, Eagle and Buzzards Hideaway. The Keyhole cabins can be rented side by side and sleep up to nine.

The basic Rocky Raccoon cabins sleep between two and five guests.

Smaller families can enjoy spending time in the Train, Ladybug, Katydid, Great Blue Heron, Firefly and Dragonfly cabins. Each sleeps between two and six people.

Another cabin has been added to Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins in Toronto, bringing the attraction's total to 18. The cozy, log-style cabins include kitchen areas, lofts, air conditioning and more. (Photo provided)

Those needing a handicapped-accessible cabin can rent the Great Blue Heron Cabin. The log-style home away from home has lower cabinets, bathroom bars and ramps.

Most cabins have already been booked for this season’s upcoming weekends. However, each cabin still has availability throughout the week. Reservations can be made by calling the lake at (740) 544-5253 or by visiting the website.

Daily admission covers plenty of activities for individuals and families.

Because at Austin Lake … there is just so much to do.

There are picnic shelters where guests can enjoy picnics, sand volleyball, a fishing pond, hiking trails and swimming at the lake.

Campers, along with daily and picnic guests, can purchase an armband that can be used to visit the Wibit waterpark, ride paddle boats, take a kayak onto the water, use pedal karts and play on a downhill tube slide.

There are several components to the Rockit and Wibit inflatable floating obstacle course — one of the largest in Ohio. The course includes a climbing wall, hurdles, slides, a trapeze, swing, balance beam and trampoline. The Cables explained the Wibit inflatables are extremely popular with visitors. Families have come from Pennsylvania specifically to utilize the course, which provides hours of entertainment and offers an excellent workout.

The Wibit course is for those 45 inches and taller. Life jackets are provided.

There are Wibits available for toddlers as well, such as the Wibit frog hand and a mini slide. The water rides are perfect for children younger than 6 and less than 45 inches tall.

And at Austin Lake … there is even more for guests to do.

Five pontoon boats are available to rent, two of which are equipped with ski tubes to pull swimmers around the lake. Three of the pontoons are reserved solely for fishing and cruising. Reservations are accepted for either a half day or full day.

Playgrounds have been added throughout the park for younger guests. There are swings, monkey bars, rock climbers, slides, tubes and balancing beams. A handful of antique spring-coiled rocking horses were repainted for toddlers’ use.

There are several deluxe patio campsites that can accommodate big rigs. These sites feature newly added red poly chairs for guests’ comfort, stamped concrete pads, patio furniture, an upright grill, fire ring, picnic table and chairs, along with a poly glider. They are equipped with full hookups, including sewer hookups and 30- or 50-amp electric and water service. Camping runs through October.

Campers can enjoy themed weekends, with each offering various planned activities, including the annual Christmas in July event and Spooktacular Halloween Weekends.

“Bigfoot’s Big Ride” is another addition added to the park within the past few years. The wagon holds up to 50 guests and is strung with LED lighting to make it more visually appealing during trips throughout the park every Saturday evening, weather permitting.

Campers have the option of reserving golf carts during their stay, making travel easier throughout the mile-and-a-half-long campground. These are available in four-seat, six-seat and eight-seat limo models.

Those interested in reserving a campsite can go online and register through the park’s “Camplife” reservation system.

Guests can take part in a game of cornhole within the campground and picnic areas. A concrete cornhole board was erected by the Cables when the game grew in popularity. There is a concrete foosball table located near the concession stand as well. Campers and daily guests are permitted to use the games when they are not on the water or walking one of the park’s many hiking trails.

An air-conditioned family restroom is located in the Silk Stocking area and a camp store was added next to the concession stand.

Gem Mine sells bags of rocks, fossils and gemstones, allowing guests an opportunity to discover those treasures by panning for them in the water. It is an activity for adults and children who enjoy sleuthing.

For those who ask, “What exactly is there to do at Austin Lake?”

The answer is … there is just so much to do.

Artwork is situated throughout the park, with additional pieces being added every year.

Metal dinosaur sculptures were designed, cut and welded by students enrolled at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. The sculptures range in length from 4 feet to 16 feet.

Chainsaw carvings were created for the park, including several Bigfoot, eagle, buzzard and woodsman sculptures. The woodsman carving weighs 2 tons and was formed from a black walnut stump. Demonstrator Bill Schaudt of Zelienople, Pa., who performs demonstrations at the park once a year, created the piece.

Yes, at Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins … there is always so much to do.

The park has received a Good Sam excellent rating and is in the top 10 percent of parks in the United States. In 2024, it was ranked No. 6 by USA Today in an article naming the top 11 campgrounds in the country. It also has been selected as a winner in Best of the Best voting by readers of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times, The Review, the Morning Journal and the Salem News.

The Cables also are dedicated to improving the region and recently completed a cooperative mailer with the 7 Ranges entertainment center and the G.O.A.T. House Bar and Grill.

A majority of the lake’s employees are high school, college and adult students who assist throughout the park. They work the reservation desk, serve as lifeguards, operate the concession stand and work in food service, maintenance, beach and waterfront operations and hospitality.

The Cable family is a family of educators who take great pride in mentoring what are, in many cases, first-time workers. That instruction helps them become productive citizens.

Austin Lake is located at 1002 Township Road 285A in Toronto. To make a reservation or obtain information, email the Cables at austinlake@austinlakepark.com, call (740) 544-LAKE or visit austinlakepark.com.