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Study shows cabins at East Fork State Park could clear occupancy threshold; county must resolve infrastructure and state land issues
Summary
A feasibility study recommended building at least three large 'reunion' cabins at East Fork State Park with estimated cabin construction costs about $800,000 each, but infrastructure costs and state ownership of much land mean the county must decide whether to fund site preparation or pursue private developer bids.
BATAVIA, Ohio — A feasibility study presented to the Clermont County Board of Commissioners on June 11 found that building large reunion cabins at East Fork State Park could meet occupancy thresholds and attract events, but major questions remain about infrastructure costs, land ownership and who would pay for necessary site development.
Jeff Blom of the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau summarized a CHM Government Services study, which found lodge construction was not viable (projected occupancy under 50%) but that a plan for large reunion cabins returned an occupancy estimate above 60%, the consultant’s threshold for a positive recommendation. The study recommended a minimum of three six‑bedroom “reunion” cabins.
“Each cabin was estimated at a little over $800,000,” Blom said. He and the presentation materials showed total cabin construction and outfitting at roughly $2.9 million for three cabins, with additional site development and utility costs varying by site and subject to inflation since the study’s 2023 completion.
Why it matters: cabins and an event pavilion could make East Fork a destination for family reunions, destination weddings and sporting events, and could support athletes training at the lake, Blom said. The proposal could also increase events such as rowing regattas and mountain-bike races and provide lodging for visiting athletes and event participants.
Barriers and next steps: the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) told the presenters it would not fund new construction at state parks but is open to a private developer building cabins on park land. Most of East Fork State Park land on the lake’s south side is controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Blom said, and ODNR said infrastructure (roadways, water, sewer, electric, internet) would need to be added to attract private developers. CHM’s site-development cost estimates ranged from about $2.7 million to more than $4.4 million depending on the site chosen.
Blom identified three candidate sites inside the park and noted an elevation restriction: nothing can be constructed lower than 795 feet above sea level, which limits buildable areas. He said CHM could meet with commissioners (in person or via Zoom) to review the study and that, if the county wants cabins, commissioners need to decide whether Clermont County will pay for infrastructure, pursue an RFP for private developers, or negotiate leases or sale terms with ODNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Commissioner Corcoran said she was in favor of meeting with CHM in person to review options. Commissioner Painter noted potential benefit to existing events at East Fork, including rowing competitions.
What remains unspecified: the county has not committed to funding site infrastructure; precise updated cost estimates were not presented at the meeting; whether land would be leased or sold to a private developer requires negotiation with ODNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Provenance: Jeff Blom presented CHM’s cabin feasibility findings and described cost, site and permitting constraints; the commissioners discussed next steps and possible RFP development.
