WIBIT WATER PARK — Austin Lake features one of the largest multi-piece Wibit obstacle courses in Ohio. These water inflatables are available for use by daily guests and campers through the purchase of an armband. In addition to the Wibit inflatables, there are multiple water activities guests can enjoy, including swimming in the lake, kayaking, paddle boating, pontoon boating and downhill tube sliding. -- Contributed

Because whether it is a day, a weekend or the entire summer, at Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins, there is simply … so much to do.

Throughout the past year, owners William and Marsha Cable, along with their son and fourth-generation operator of the lake, Austin, have continued making progressive additions throughout the 1,300 acres of Appalachian wilderness and its 80-acre lake.

The deluxe patio campsites can accommodate big rigs, and now feature an upright grill, fire ring, a round picnic table and chairs, red poly patio furniture and a glider. Every site but one now has a stamped, concrete pad.

Overnight camping will begin May 1 and run through Oct. 15, the Cables stated, adding the overnight sites are equipped with full hookups, including sewer hookups and 30- or 50-amp electric and water.

DRAGONFLY CABIN — This spring, there will be more cabins in which to stay when visiting Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins. The Dragonfly cabin is one of the additional eight log cabins which has been added to the park, bringing the total to 17. Amenities include air conditioning, a loft, porch, a bathroom with shower and a kitchen area. -- Contributed

Campers will have the opportunity to enjoy themed weekends, Marsha noted. Each will offer various planned activities. Among the scheduled themes this year are: Christmas in July, July 20; Island Paradise weekend, featuring a steel pan drum band, June 22; Tie Dye, July 13; and Spooktacular Halloween Weekend, Aug. 3.

According to the Cables, additional Halloween-themed weekends will be offered this year, including on Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.

Another addition which has been implemented at Austin Lake this year is a new wagon used for campground transportation. “Bigfoot’s Big Ride” is capable of holding up to 50 guests, Bill commented. The vehicle is strung with LED lighting which makes for a more interesting, visual presentation during the trips it makes throughout the park every Saturday evening, weather permitting.

Campers will now be given the option of reserving a golf cart during their stay, Bill noted. The carts are available as either a four-seater, six-seater or eight-seater limo and can be used to drive around the mile-and-a-half-long campground.

Those interested in reserving a camping site can go online and register through Austin Lake’s “Camplife” reservation system.

CABINS FOR EVERYONE — Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins has added three new cabins to its inventory, bringing the total to 17. The park offers cabins for those with large families, cabins which are pet-friendly, a cabin for small groups, cabins for those not requiring all the frills and cabins on the pond. -- Contributed

Further progress has been made within that Appalachian wilderness, as the Cables have added eight new log cabins to the previous nine, bringing the total to 17. Five of these cabins are located next to the overnight camping area, Silk Stocking. The three being added this spring have been named Butterfly, Katydid and Ladybug. While all of the cabins are slightly different, each one is air conditioned with paddle fans. Each includes a loft and porch.

Only two of the cabins are not equipped with a restroom or kitchen, Marsha explained. But for those that are, the bathrooms feature a shower with hot water, and the kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave and stainless-steel sink. Guests are asked to bring their own bedding and towels.

The two newly added pond cabins are made of local hardwood and were custom-built and deigned by Sherry DeLong and Marsha.

Visitors of the park this year will notice a concrete cornhole game located in the campground and picnic areas, as well as a concrete Foosball table at the concession stand. Campers and daily guests are permitted to use the two games whenever they are not out on the water or walking one of the park’s hiking trails.

A handful of antique, spring-coiled rocking horses have been installed in the playground area, Bill explained. These treasures have been repainted and installed to entertain even the smallest of guests.

In addition to a new, air-conditioned family restroom at the Silk Stocking area, a camp store is located next to the concession stand area.

The Gem Mine camp store will sell bags of rocks, fossils and gemstones, giving guests the chance to discover the resources by then panning for them at the Zambezi Gem Mine. It is an activity for both adults and children. Those who have panned for the “riches” have stated this type of sleuthing is quite an enjoyable experience.

So, what about the guests who are not camping or renting a cabin for overnight stays? Those who want to visit Austin Lake for just a day during the summertime? What is there to do?

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

Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, guests can take advantage of the many activities offered. Daily admission covers more than people may realize, the Cables said. Whether it is an individual, couple, family or school sports team that vacations at the RV park and campground for the day, there are options available to choose from.

There are many picnic shelters in which to have picnics, sand volleyball, a fishing pond, hiking trails and swimming at the lake.

Daily and picnic guests can purchase an armband that can be used for the Wibit waterpark inflatables, riding the paddle boats, taking out a kayak, using the pedal karts and to play on the downhill tube slide.

The inflatable Wibit and Rockit floating obstacle course has several components and is one of the largest in Ohio, Bill stated. Features of the water course include a climbing wall, hurdles, slides, trapeze, swing, balance beam and trampoline.

The Cables explained the Wibit inflatables are extremely popular and visitors have come from far and wide to use them for the day. The obstacle course provides hours of entertainment and offers an excellent workout.

The Wibit is for those who are 45 inches and taller. Life jackets are provided. Those who do not meet the height requirement and are under 6, have other Wibit options. There is a Wibit frog hand and a mini slide for younger guests.

Something for everyone.

Marsha recalled how high school sports teams have been brought to the lake on buses, and spend the day conducting team-building exercises, followed by enjoying a picnic lunch. Any area sports teams interested in taking part in a day such as this will be welcomed, the Cables replied.

Austin Lake houses five pontoon boats available to rent, two of which are equipped with ski tubes that can pull guests around the lake. Three of the pontoon boats are strictly for fishing and cruising. Reservations are taken for either a half day or all day.

The progress made throughout the past year continues.

Two new professional playgrounds have been installed, adding to the park’s total. Another new playground will soon be built, Bill said. These playgrounds add to the enjoyment of the younger guests, and consist of swings, monkey bars, rock climbers, slides, tubes and balancing beams.

There is even artwork throughout the park, with pieces being added each year. Metal dinosaur sculptures that were created by junior welding students under the direction of instructor Todd Packer, at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, are spaced in various locations. Students designed, cut and welded the steel pieces together, each ranging in length from 4 feet to 16 feet.

Chainsaw carvings have been created for the park, as well, including several Bigfoot, eagles, buzzards and woodsmen. This new woodsman carving is 2 tons and was formed from a black walnut stump. Demonstrator Bill Schaudt of Zelienople, Pa., created the piece. Schaudt performs demonstrations at the park once a year.

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.

A majority of its employees are high school, college and adult students who assist inside the park. Their duties include working at the reservation desk, as lifeguards, concession stand and food service employees, maintenance workers, beach and waterfront attendants and hospitality staff. The Cables said their employees are always friendly and interact with the public professionally.

Perhaps the greatest progress made to Austin Lake RV Park and Cabins is the addition of Austin Cable. A student at the George O’Leary National School of Outdoor Hospitality, he is in his second year at the school to earn his OHP. As a second-generation educator, Austin taught school for 20 years, managingh the park during what free time he had. He decided it was time to take a step back from his teaching. Now, he sits on the opposite side of the desk. His return to school provides him the opportunity to be at the park full time.

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.