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4.0

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44 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

Nice Campground

Big Bone Lick Campground inspired us to attempt poetry:

Little Miss [me] sat on her chair,

Handing out chocolate and grahams,

When along came beside her,

A sly, little bandit,

Who stole all her chocolate away.

So maybe we aren't poets, but we did meet our new friend Robert (for robber) The Chocolate Eater. He surprised us one night by joining our campfire before running into the woods with our chocolate. He came out a few minutes later looking for the grahams (see video).

We stayed here for 2 nights and did end up with one of only 2 or 3 sites that were on a slope (#32) and the one below it, toward the entrance. We found a level enough spot to have a good night's sleep. The campground has a nice little pool, a store, laundry, showers, and small playground. The sites are roomy, but in a grass field between the trees--so not necessarily private. The camp host was super friendly.

Oh, and apparently, as we found out the next morning, the raccoons are fairly common and "friendly". I guess they are used to campers feeding them and like to visit. My take: guard your chocolate!

Site32
Month of VisitJune
  • Robert the Chocolate Eater
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  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Celina M., June 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Celina M., June 12, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2018

No Tent Pads

We enjoyed exploring the park, but were surprised not to find tent pads. We had to pitch the tent in the grass on a slope. What happens to the grass if you stay a week or so? Those of us sleeping on mats woke up with wet hair from sliding into the tent wall or totally off the mat from sliding downhill. Restrooms were adequate. I also prefer more privacy than the sites have in this campground. We were ready for bed long before our neighbors. They weren’t particularly loud, but the light made it hard to sleep.

Site14
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2018

Where the bison roam

Big Bone Lick State Park Union, Ky is a very cool little park. There is a lot to do in this one little area except long distance hiking. There are some nice short intersecting trails through out the park. The longest one is 2 miles around Big Bone Lake.

There is a pool, mini golf, and tennis plus some play areas for the kids. Just realize that it’s not quiet and there’s not a lot of privacy. The showerhouse has laundry facilities available and there is a campstore.

The museum and gift shop have a lot of educational stuff which would be excellent for a home schooling trip. A good interactive grade school age children campground.

The funniest part of our visit was when after visiting the bison one of the dogs thought the tar pit display was real animals, he was really getting into it;)

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Shelly S., June 8, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

Filled with Natures Wonder

This this is a great Campground, there was plenty to do as far as nature goes lots of hiking and trails and wild buffalo as well as a Visitor Center and museum. There was a pool which was very clean and a playground for children.

We we were alone without kids so we didn't need those amenities but if we would have had young kids with us it would have been great!

The the park was clean and quiet.

SiteS11
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Nice campground

Stayed 2 nights in #51 shady and level. Had full hookups electric and water but need long water hose to reach for that site. Campground well kept. Quite a few good hicking trails, fishing lake and pool. There is gift shop and a bison heard near area the gift shop. Nice hike back to see bison. There is camp store with basics and putput golf at campground. Bathhouse and laundry services. Overall good area to camp.

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by marie E., May 22, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2017

Wonderful natural history

This is a small and simple park with a lot of opportunities to learn. There are a lot of little trails the criss cross each other and a lot of informational signs and a little museum. This is not a destination for serious hiking, but is perfect for families. Nice for a quick stop on a road trip just to see the exhibits or for a weekend of simple camping.

Yay: We love the live bison.

Nay: There are a lot of families here, which is ok because they are hopefully learning some things, but it can get a little loud and crazy. Most of the sites are not very private. Despite those things, we absolutely love this park.

Surprise: Loved the orienteering course.

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2017

Ranger Review: Beard Born Beard Comb at Big Bone Lick State Park

Campground Review

When it’s the height of summer and there’s a campground that offers mini golf and has a pool, it’s usually a good place to stop in for the night. There’s also some hiking and biking trails accessible from the main turnoff from the highway, so there’s plenty to do in the area if you’re stopping on through or staying a few days. I even noticed a root cellar to explore, and there’s a camp store near the main entrance to stock up on basic supplies and munchies. They sell ice and firewood. There’s a playground and the shower facilities also offer laundry services. The campground itself has 59 spots, separated into a large section surrounding the amenities like the pool and showers, and then a back area with about 15 spots. I chose the more secluded area for some privacy and break from a lot of the families camping nearer the main entrance. All the facilities were clean, and the pool was open until 8pm. The camping price was a little high ($23) compared to normal state parks ($15-20) but good value considering the activities available like swimming and mini golf. I recommend a spot near campsite 59, since it has a huge fire pit and seating area behind it. The rec area on site is nice for large groups to do meals or activities, and near it there’s an entryway to the lake.

Product Review

As a Ranger on TheDyrt, I get products to test from time to time, and with Beard Born, I was given a discount coupon to purchase their beard comb and try it out. I've had the comb with me on this road trip, seeing how it would handle my beard and the growth along the trip. Overall, it's a very good comb. You can check out the unboxing video and the video review here. The wood it's made from is Argentine sandalwood, and it smells great. It also is very sturdy, so you don't worry about the teeth getting caught in your gnarly facemask and pulling your hair along for the ride. It gets the job done, and with teeth of two different sizes you're face and head are in good hands (or is it teeth?). It's great to use to help with grooming, if you're someone who's looking to keep your beard trimmed as it grows, since it can highlight stray hairs after a few brushes. I use beard oil and am finding after a few weeks now the oils have seeped into the wood, giving it a great finish and smell.

The carry case is a nice touch. I didn't think I would wind up carrying this thing around with me, but once your beard get's pretty thick it's nice it's something that you can carry in your pocket, protected, and with another pouch for your wallet belongings. I don't think I'll use it to replace my wallet, but I see how if you wanted to keep this comb is a bag with your other toiletries, the case keeps it protected from other stuff in your bag. You don't want toothpaste getting on your comb's teeth - that's not how toothpaste works.

Road Trip Update - Time for the passport!

After a few days of sweating without showering and talking more to my dog than to other humans, this was a great spot to cap off the road trip. It was nice to have only a 4 hour drive from Land Between the Lakes to Big Bone Lick as well so when I arrived I still had the daylight with me to go for a hike and try for the new low score at the on-site mini golf course. Tennessee and Kentucky has been an interesting experience and states I need to spend more time in. I missed out on Jack Daniels, horse racing, and all of Nashville. I had a deadline to keep and I’m certainly looking forward to the family time up in Canada, but to drive all these miles and hours and not have enough time to check out the music or liquor seems a little sacrilege. Whether it’s a Kentucky Derby or another camping expedition, I’ll certainly be back.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Daniel  B., August 5, 2017
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2017

Big bone lick camp ground

So, big bone lick park was great, clean and friendly. The campground though was ROUGH. The lots of land are pretty close together, so we heard our camping neighbor snoring and our other neighbors cranking out the toons. So be prepared for close proximity camping. The bathrooms weren't great either. I would say they were "clean" but they needed attention and they are old. The night we stayed there 1 of 3 female toliets was backed up. To their credit, it was up and working the next morning. But again, there are 3 toliets to begin with. Overall I gave it a 3 because despite the close quarters and old bathrooms people were friendly and the place was pretty at night.

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2016

Natural history galore

This is a great place to learn about the natural history of the area thanks to the museum and interpretive displays. Pros: awesome orienteering courses for all ages, some easy hiking trails, pool, showers, clean, lovely lake, not far from Cincinnati (great zoo & natural history museum there, to continue the learning). Cons: campsites aren’t very private or shady.

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2016

Close to Cincinnati attractions

Stayed here with some friends while on a road trip to check off another baseball stadium on the bucket list. We wanted to be close to the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. We found this campground and were pleased with the less than 1 hour drive to get to the stadium. We didn't want to do the hotel scene so enjoyed the summer weather and camped here in a pop up camper, party of 3. Nice, clean campground. You enter the campground from the north and is made of 2 main loops and then a small road to the south end of campground with another loop of campsites. The bathrooms, showers, and pool are located between the 2 center loops. We did a little hiking but otherwise didn't do much at the campground other than sleeping and relaxing directly at our campsite. Seemed like a neat museum for families and kids interested in fossils. We as adults didn't take in the museum. Otherwise a nice stay while in the area!

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Leasa W., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Leasa W., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Leasa W., September 30, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Bison and bones

Archeology exhibits of extinct animals plus real live bison---something for everyone!

  • Review photo of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground by Kim B., August 31, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Big Bone Lick State Park

Excellent family campground with so much to do and learn about. The kids LOVED all the fossils and the exhibits had info for both kids and adults to appreciate and learn from plus some trails and sculptures. Even live buffaloes! The campgrounds were excellent, very clean and pretty much whatever amenities you’d need to have a nice time, keep everyone clean, and have fun...pools!

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

A welcoming place

Nice place to take your family. This is a good place for beginner campers could be a little dull for the extreme outdoorsman. Cool history to read and awesome seeing all the wild bison. Very clean, well maintained and welcoming.

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2016

museum attraction

We met up with friends from Cincinnati for a long weekend of camping fun. This park was a nice place to stay. The main attraction seemed to be the museum. There was also mini golf and pool to use :) The whole campground had an older feel to it, but it was still a decent place to spend the weekend. We did some hiking in the park which was nice as well.