CABIN GETAWAY — 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)

TORONTO — More than 15,000 parks and campgrounds can be found throughout the United States. However, the one that has consistently earned top ratings, including one compiled by USA Today, can be found right here at home.

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, the weekend or even just a day, you can leave behind that chaotic, hectic, always on-the-go daily lifestyle, and simply stop and relax in this fun-filled family environment that offers something for everyone.

Simply put, Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins is your 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 which is so often lost during their everyday lives.

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

CABIN GETAWAY — 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)

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

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

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

The Cable family is continuously enhancing the 1,300 acres of Appalachian wilderness, along with its 80-acre lake — because for them, guests are more like their 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.

WATER AND WILDERNESS — 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)

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

They continuously work the gate each and 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 are constantly ensuring that the park, campground and cabins are in the best possible condition for their guests.

Austin Lake houses a total of 18 cozy, log-style cabins which are available to rent. In addition to another 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 from the rest, 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 during their stay. Cabins also include a loft and porch.

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

ADVENTURES AWAIT — Pontoon boats sit docked along Austin Lake with the wooded shoreline in the background. The 80-acre lake at Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins is a favorite destination for boaters, offering a scenic spot for recreation and relaxation. (Photo provided)

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

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

Cabins sleeping larger families or groups who have five to 11 people, include the Butterfly, Pond, Eagle and Buzzards Hideaway. The Keyhole cabins can be rented side-by-side, sleeping up to 9.

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

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

OUTDOOR COMFORT — 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)

Those who need 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 of the 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 austinlakepark.com.

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 the paddle boats, take a kayak out onto the water, use the 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 to specifically 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 under 6 and who are 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 will be taken for either a half day or all day.

Playgrounds were added throughout the park for the enjoyment of 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 which 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. 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 the trips throughout the park every Saturday evening, weather permitting.

Campers have the option of reserving golf carts during their stay, making travel easier to move through the mile-and-a-half-long campground. These are available in a four-seat cart, six-seat cart or an eight-seater limo cart.

Those interested in reserving a camping site 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 out on the water or walking one of the park’s many available 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 area.

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

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 the 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, eagles, buzzards and woodsmen. The woodsman carving is 2 tons, having been 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 in 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 (East Liverpool) Review, the (Lisbon) Morning Journal and the Salem News.

And, the Cables are dedicated to improving the region and have recently did 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 inside the park area. They work the reservation desk, serve as lifeguards, operate the concession stand, work as food service employees, maintenance workers, beach and waterfront attendants and hospitality staff.

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

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