In 1971, Eric (Tipp) Long opened a small 25-lot campground with a beach and concession stand.� Though he wondered if anyone would find the small attraction, along Bell Hollow Road, 27 years later, Long's Retreat has grown into a 400-acre, 450-site campground with one of Ohio's most complete outdoor recreational facilities.

Several new amusements were opened in 1998 including a 238 foot long tube water slide, trampoline basketball, a driving range, a "Moonbounce" and two 3-bedroom deluxe cabins.� Other attractions include: a 20-acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing; two go-kart tracks; 13 cabins; miniature golf; bank shot basketball; an orbitron; volleyball; basketball; tennis courts; baseball field; a game room; horseshoes; hayrides; shelter houses, and plenty more.

At a time when Eric Long needed a job,Cave Lake inspired the idea for Long's Retreat. � In 1968, Eric graduated from Western High School, in Latham.� He worked for 2 years for his parents, Dwight and Rosalee Long, while he attended Ohio State University. � After realizing he needed a job, Eric questioned his father about putting a campground site on the family farm where they had created a lake.� The original barn and farmhouse are still in use, however the farmhouse has been converted to the present day game room.

After Eric received a business degree from OSU in 1973, he went back to school for a degree in education from Wilmington College. Along with running Long's Retreat, Eric has also taught at Western High School.� He was forced to stop teaching when Long's Retreat needed his complete attention.� Long's new attractions, future expansion plans, and current maintenance to ensure customer satisfaction is his main focus.

The new cabins are 2 bedroom with a loft with 2 beds, and they're completely furnished with fireplace, TV, VCR, kitchen, full bathrooms, and more.� The tube is an enclosed slide that winds beside the 341-foot underground slide.� The "Moonbounce" is for small children to bounce up and keep their opponents ball from going through the goal.

They also have a convenience store on site, a concession snack bar, propane, hot shower and restroom facilities, laundry facilities, and security guards.

All of this is waiting for you at Long's Retreat .. one visit is not enough!