The Morning View camping region offers several primitive campsites scattered throughout northern Kentucky's rolling hills. Located 20 miles south of Cincinnati, this area sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level with the Ohio River creating a natural boundary to the north. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-40°F with summer highs averaging 75-85°F, though humidity can make camping in July and August more challenging.
What to do
Horseback riding access: At Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground, campers can explore the orienteering course and nearby trails. "We love the orienteering course," shares one visitor who appreciated this unique feature not commonly found at other campgrounds.
Educational opportunities: The archeological focus at Big Bone Lick offers families a chance to learn while camping. "This is a small and simple park with a lot of opportunities to learn. There are a lot of little trails that criss cross each other and a lot of informational signs and a little museum," notes a camper who visited with family.
Fishing variety: Kincaid Lake State Park Campground provides both shoreline and boat fishing opportunities. "There are few campsites right on the water for fishing - reserve early!" advises one camper who appreciated the waterfront access.
Golfing options: Several campgrounds near Morning View offer golf courses as recreational amenities. "Golfing in Falmouth Kentucky! Plenty of primitive camping! Few on the lake," notes a visitor to Kincaid Lake State Park, which features both a full 9-hole course and mini-golf.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The bison herd at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground ranks as a top attraction. "Great Attraction, you can walk the trails and even get the excitement of seeing REAL LIVE BISON. Pretty sweet experience!" shares one enthusiastic visitor.
Shaded sites: Several campgrounds offer tree cover for summer heat relief. At Three Springs Campground, campers appreciate "lots of trees and water, very calming" with sites "gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through."
Lakefront camping: A.J. Jolly Park & Campground features waterfront sites that campers highlight. "Close to Cincinnati but each site is wooded and on lake front, lots to do!" mentions one camper who enjoyed the proximity to water.
Boat access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for kayaking or canoeing. "What a great place to stay! Plenty of water front sites for kayaking and fishing, clean bathhouses, easy to get to, beautiful lake!" notes a visitor at Kincaid Lake.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful preparation for RVs. At Kincaid Lake, "most sites are pretty un-level" according to regular campers, while another advises "I would definitely bring extra leveling blocks" for successful setup.
Limited reservation windows: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (May-September). "Sites are fairly close together, gravel, and level. Our neighbors were actually parked in the grass on our site," notes a visitor at Oak Creek Campground, suggesting booking well in advance.
Noise considerations: Train and highway sounds affect some campgrounds more than others. One visitor to Northern Kentucky RV Park notes "The freeway traffic is very loud 24 hours and the train comes at least 2 times per night (2am and 5am Sunday night anyway) blowing its horn."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At East Fork State Park, campers report "for a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: East Fork State Park Campground offers multiple play areas throughout the grounds. "Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G)," notes one visitor who appreciated the options for children.
Educational stops: Big Bone Lick provides family-friendly learning opportunities beyond typical camping. "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," shares a visitor.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming for cooling off during summer visits. Oak Creek Campground features a pool that families appreciate, with one visitor noting "Campground was well kept. Bathhouses clean with washer and dryers available. Fishing, boating and swimming available."
Halloween celebrations: East Fork State Park hosts special seasonal events. "There was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground," reports a camper, noting this annual tradition draws large crowds.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Tucker's Landing offers reliable electric service but with a unique billing system. "They charge extra for electrical usage," notes one RVer, recommending budgeting for this additional cost.
Water access locations: At Three Springs Campground, water hookup placement requires planning. One visitor shares that staff are "extremely friendly staff who will go out of their way to help you set up. (Was offered hoses and power cords if needed)," suggesting bringing extension equipment.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide dump stations rather than sewer hookups at sites. "Although they do have a dump station, I prefer to have a direct hook-up," notes an RVer at Three Springs Campground, recommending planning accordingly.
Pad sizing: Concrete pads vary significantly in size between campgrounds. A visitor to A.J. Jolly Park & Campground explains, "Pad are about 12 x12 concrete so that's a plus but the location of the pads if you want to use your RV awning means your wheels in whatever you're using are going to be nearly off the level area or in the grass."
Guide
