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Established Camping

Big Bone Lick State Park Campground

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Big Bone Lick State Park Campground, near Union, Kentucky, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that come with electric and water hookups, it’s a comfortable place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including well-maintained showers and restrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking or exploring. Many campers have mentioned the refreshing pool, perfect for cooling off on hot days, and the nearby hiking trails that lead to fascinating sights like the bison prairie and a historical museum. One visitor noted, “The trail to see the bison was great,” highlighting the unique experiences available right outside your tent.

For those who enjoy a bit of history, the campground is surrounded by intriguing historical sites and quaint communities, making it easy to pick up local provisions or souvenirs. While some sites may require a bit of leveling, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or taking a stroll through the park, Big Bone Lick State Park Campground offers a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Big Bone Lick State Park Campground is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

The park is located 22 miles southwest of Covington on KY 338, off US 42 - 127 and I-71/ I-75.

Address

3380 Beaver Rd
Union, KY 41091

Coordinates

38.88900078 N
84.74800028 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

32%
55%
12%
10%
0%

4.0

out of 5

44 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2024

Nice state Park

We stopped at the park for 2 nights (Sun, Mon). The park was peaceful and relaxing. We were able to pick up provisions and enjoy dinner in Walton. Site had electric and water. The dump station has 2 stations. One requires circling back through the campground after use.

Site29
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

Big adventures @ BBL

A well groomed and cared for campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails & other outdoor activities. Small, historical communities outside the campground within a short drive provide for shopping in quaint stores with one of a kind buys, notable pictures & great memories.

Site37
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Staci R., November 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Staci R., November 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Staci R., November 5, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2022

Pleasant Family Campground - Leveling Issues

This is a nice campground but most of the sites will require some extra leveling... I think we were about 4" off left to right before using our levelers.   The pool is smallish, but clean and well kept... bathhouse was also clean... the showers here are awesome, like standing under Niagara Falls!  I would definitely stay here again.

Site57
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by William S., July 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by William S., July 16, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Great State Park

Large camp sites. Water and electric hookup. Laundry and pool at the campground as well.

Site12
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2022

Nice family campground

Nice, large family campground at a historic site. Our site was level, nicely sized and lacked shade. Most sites looked level side to side but many were highly sloped front to back and some ofthe tent campers looked a little funny on such slopesm. The pool was refreshing and busy with kids in the afternoon. Showers/bathroom were clean and the shower heads and pressure were amazing! Also raccoons - bold and abundant they appear from the woods at dusk. Put ALL your food away! This isn't a secluded campground but if you need a quick overnight or a few days away in a nice area of KY it will be great.

Site37
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2022

Excellent family stopover or weekend spot

Very spacious sites. Ours was great with plenty of green space and woods behind it but it was very exposed, as were most here, so it was super hot. The trail to see the bison was great. The pool is small but very clean and refreshing. I loved how the friendly staff greeted us at the gate with a map and info. As others have stated, its a bit different to have a shared water spigot between sites, especially when the sites are so far apart. We luckily had an extra hose. 50 ft or more is needed at many sites. The lake being closed due to a dam leak was a disappointment. The museum is awesome. Learning about pleistocene era monsters is so cool. The inside part is small but it continues outside and there is so much fascinating history here. It's a cool and different campground!

Site39
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Greg S., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Greg S., June 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Greg S., June 22, 2022
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Great site, clean showers and restrooms

Thunderstorms several days of our stay. Nevertheless we enjoyed being there( Except for the 3 raccoons visiting at night)

Nice pool for the children. The pool was closed for repairs 2 days of our stay. Would have given it a 5 If pool and lake were open.

Site41
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Hiking and History

We stayed during the week following Labor Day. We had no problem getting reservations and the check in process was easy. There is a pool, laundry room, and putt putt golf course. Our site, #39, was fairly level. We needed our entire length of water hose, 100 ft., to connect to the water spigot. The hiking trails are challenging and fun. You can even hike to see their bison herd.

Site39
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Iris L., September 9, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2021

Fun stay, maybe a one and done

We spent a weekend here with a group. Our campsites backed up to each other so that was great to have extra room for the kids to run around. Sites are spacious, but quite a bit unlevel where we stayed. Some super nice campers helped us. Bring an extra long hose as the water hookups are very far from the sites. The bathroom was super clean and showers were hot. The museum and bison are neat to see once, it was a little less than we expected it to be though. Our only complaint is the museum staff are incredibly rude. We asked if they had camp stickers, since we collect them and she got an attitude and said "No! This isn't the camp! We have park stickers!!" Obviously she knew what we meant. They gave us nasty looks the entire time we were in there so we didn't buy and left. The pool was clean and my kids loved that too since it was 99 when we visited.

Site14
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Amber S., September 1, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2021

A quick overnight

Stopped while traveling north. Site and public areas could use a little TLC but it worked for what we needed.

Site59
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Elizabeth  P., July 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Elizabeth  P., July 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Elizabeth  P., July 29, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Beautiful ⛺️ camping trip

I had a great time camping  here! -  it’s a beautiful area and there’s lots to see!  I would highly recommend coming here!

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2021

Pleasant state park

We stayed two nights, 3 & 4 July. The park was very full and our campsite was at the very back of the park, but our "back yard" ran right to the edge of the woods so we were very secluded.

The park staff had our credentials ready when we arrived, and there was even a "Welcome" sign with our name at our site!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Frank M., July 3, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Bison and more at the park

The park has some great gems and also some areas that can use some TLC (Tender Loving Care).  Check in is at 2PM and Check out is at 1PM.  What really sticks out beside the Bison are the racoons. They also have a wide variety of playgrounds so if you need more than one big toy this is the park for you. 

The Bison is a must as you can take a short walk out to watch the herd from behind a fence.  It is a great experience for little ones.  If you are blessed to have seen them in Yellowstone then it won't have the same excitement.  They are penned in a small area similar to what you would expect for the common cow. 

The racoons are an issue at this park. We actually got so uncomfortable at one point that we went into the RV to get away from them.  Make sure you practice good food practices as they are out and more aggressive than I would prefer as they do get up close to you.  They kept walking up to where we were seated and too close for my comfort.  I did see others still feeding the raccoons even though the park has done an good job asking folks not to do so. 

Hiking information taken from state website

• Big Bone Creek Trail:.9 mile, easy.• Bison Trace Trail:.5 mile, easy.• Cedar Run Trail:.9 mile, easy.• Coralberry Trail: 2 miles, moderate.• Gobblers Trace Trail:.5 mile, moderate.

Check out the museum and the discovery trail while in the park.

Site32
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Kenpocentaur K., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Kenpocentaur K., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Kenpocentaur K., July 2, 2021
  • (40) View All
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2021

Great campground for a family

We spent a week here in August of 2020. The kids enjoyed seeing the buffalo and playing at the playground. Very clean park with friendly staff. We had deer come in right next to our tent the first morning.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Branden H., February 25, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2020

Halfway between The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum

This park is super convenient if you’re planning on going to the ark encounter and the creation museum because it’s about 30-45 minutes in either direction. The park itself is quiet, clean, fairly spread out, and has helpful staff. Only water and electric hookups, common for state parks, but that’s the only reason I couldn’t do 5 stars. Our kids enjoyed the playgrounds, the mini golf, the museum, and the trails to see the salt springs and the bison. Super neat area.

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Nice weekend stay

This park is very clean and well maintained. There is a mini golf course, paved roads and sites. Staff was very friendly, and a nice little museum with activities and bison viewing. The sites are a bit small (in length) and ours (49) was very un-level, and worst of all had no shade at all. Even with our awning out it was scorching until 730pm. There was a lot of “yard” space and plenty of room for the kids to play though. There is also a pretty steep grade to enter the campground as well. If coming from The south into the campground, get off at the Richwood exit. Our GPS routed us another way and Richwood would have been much easier. The campsite did not provide any specific directions, and I feel that would have been very helpful for anyone coming from out of town. All in all, the campground was nice, but It just will be a one time visit for us.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Beth H., July 19, 2020
Reviewed Feb. 29, 2020

REAL Bison 😳

Great Attraction, you can walk the trails and even get the excitement of seeing REAL LIVE BISON. Pretty sweet experience!

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Zoe S., February 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Zoe S., February 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Zoe S., February 29, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Ranger Review: Grubstick Deluxe Kit Big Bone Lick

What a great camping experience! A little bit of everything. Large blacktop campsite with plenty of grassy area. We stayed in site 057 which was a little more secluded then the others. What impressed me most is how quite it was. Even with all the kids there ( it was the kids Mecca). Great pool, mini golf and great playground. Lots of hiking trails. We took a small hike to see the buffalo that live there. Nice museum on site that features a prehistoric Skelton of giant sloth. Small lake and plenty of wild life. Great shower house and bathrooms. This place is a 10! Be sure to visit Noah’s Arc which is only about 20 minutes away!

PRODUCT REVIEW : as a ranger with the Dyrt I get the opportunity to try and review products. I am reviewing the Grubstick. I absolutely loved them. They were light and compact and a lot of fun. We loved cooking over the open fire. They came in a great carry case. We tested each instrument with various foods. The round cage we made a hamburger and it cooked to perfection. We also made garlic bread, hot dogs and strawberry Twinkie shortcake. Of corse the normal s’mores. Easy to add or remove different tools cleanup was a breeze. Will make these a standard on every camping trip! https://grubstick.com

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Cathy S., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Cathy S., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Cathy S., September 20, 2019
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Friendly staff

We stayed at the state park last week and really enjoyed our time there. The pool was nice and the kids really enjoyed it. We had a nice time exploring the park to see the buffalo. I recommend attending one of their hikes to hear the history of the park. We loved it there and hope to go back.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Stephanie H., August 27, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2019

Small, Comfortable Campground

Very nice campground with somewhat secluded areas for rent campers. There is a pool and small play area for kids, nice restroom area, and friendly staff.

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2019

Great, small campground and family friendly

This campground is on top of a hill close to the Ohio river. Nice paved sites (not level, but most are not anyway). Water hookup is far away, but we don’t usually hook it up to our pop up. Large sites, and ours has a nice large maple that gave us shade (38). Nice little pool. Bath house was ok, mostly clean. One shower was shut down, so only two working in men’s. Putt Putt was nice, but old and cost 3.50 for adult, 2.50 for kids. Little much honesty. Museum, Bison, two other playgrounds and Ball courts can be found down the hill. Some nice hiking trails as well. Do you self a favor and check our Rabbit Hash general store while in the area. Would come back again.

Site38
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Bubba W., August 15, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2019

Nice Park

Spent the Week at BBL. Very nice park with nice hiking trails, hosts where wonderful and no Bugs! They must do an awesome job of spraying because we had no bugs for one week. Downside is absolutely no cell service for me or my wife. Took advantage of the cell free life! Great place!

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Joe M., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Joe M., August 3, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

💓☀️🏕

Beautiful views, mini golf course near campground, secure campground site! Also, for those interested in paranormal activity with legend of strange figures and nosies from woods surrounding campground 👻

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Reviewed Apr. 29, 2019

Awesome weekend

Great campground and park. We stayed during Camper Appreciation weekend. Lots of activities. Staff was super friendly. Park was clean. Bison herd was an awesome experience. The only down side was our site was quite unlevel. Aside from minor updating needed (like most KY state park campgrounds), this was a great visit.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Rosa B., April 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Rosa B., April 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Rosa B., April 29, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2019

Nice and Cozy

Great place to learn some history, hike a trail, and view the bison. There are places to have a picnic, and a small campground is available. A visitor center and gift shop is also onsite.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Lisa S., April 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Lisa S., April 5, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2018

Great park

This is clean and well maintained campground. The sites are large, and RV parking is easy. It's a long way to town, so be prepared. There were 2 camp hosts and they were responsive to campers.

Site42
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by JEANETTE M., September 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by JEANETTE M., September 24, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2018

Beautiful

This campground is in a quiet area with amazing scenery. The access to hiking trails is wonderful.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Park Campground by Lisa S., September 11, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2018

Great family spot close to Cincinnati

There is a museum and playground located on the property. You will also find a lake and a field with bison. The pool is tiny. There is also miniture golf available. It’s a fun place to hike and plenty to do in the area.

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

Rainy Weekend still Great

we really enjoyed Big Bone. we went to their museum center on Saturday afternoon and walked the Bison trail to see the baby bison they had at the time. it was nice to have something different to do. We had site 10 (i think) it was in the first loop. site was decently level and partially shaded. the pool was not open but the central location was nice. within walking distance of all sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Big Bone Lick State Park Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Big Bone Lick State Park Campground has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.