100 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Covington, Kentucky span both Kentucky and Ohio, with several established sites within a 30-minute drive of the city. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground in Union, Kentucky offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, showers, and drinking water, while Winton Woods Campground in Cincinnati provides cabin options alongside traditional camping. The area features a mix of state parks, county parks, and private campgrounds, with most offering developed sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with many sites operating from April through October. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is open seasonally from April 1 to October 31, while others like East Fork State Park Campground remain open year-round. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies from lakeside settings to wooded areas, with some campgrounds offering water recreation opportunities on lakes and rivers. A visitor noted, "Winton Woods campground has spacious paved RV spaces with full hook-ups, fire ring, and picnic table. They also have cabin and tent camping. The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe."
Campers report high satisfaction with water-based recreation opportunities at several sites. East Fork State Park Campground and Winton Woods both provide boat access, with Winton Woods featuring a harbor with boat rentals and snack bar. Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities and offer family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and hiking trails. One camper shared, "The park has a nice 'campground' feel set in large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites." Several reviews mention the convenience of being close to urban amenities while still enjoying a natural setting. Visitors particularly appreciate campgrounds with paved walking and biking trails, with Winton Woods receiving praise for its tall pines that create a western forest atmosphere despite being in an urban park setting.
"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."
"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."
"However I decided to focus on the positive. The trees are big and mature. The restrooms extremely clean, the shower a pressure washer. All good things in my book."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."
"Not much in the surrounding area."
"This place sits beautifully near the river and other than some bugs is family fun for everyone."
from $25 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails"
"Close to Cincinnati but each site is wooded and on lake front , lots to do!"
"The campground fills up fast and there were plenty of shaded electric sites close to the lake. There were also plenty of pull through sites for the big rigs."
"Playground and walk path well kept."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability"We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and os next to a stream."
"We were THRILLED to leave our cicada-infested northern Kentucky home and find that this park was blissfully free of Brood X cicadas. It was so peaceful, and we were able to fully enjoy the outdoors."
"Primitive tent camping is back in its own little part of the park near the lake (there are a few lakeside sites if you have a small kayak or raft to use while there) and while we liked the privacy the"
from $22 - $35 / night
Check Availability"It sat at one end of our site but right up against the site next to us, so trying to sit around a campfire would have been a little awkward. There wasn't any shade on the pull thru sites."
"There are showers, an awesome library, a store, laundry and walking trails"
"Our spot was right next to a small Pollinator trail that lead to the water. My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean."
"Couldn't be happier, nice site, nice bathhouse, lake side, wooded, nice people 👍. A hidden getaway."
from $27 - $70 / night
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ScoutWe found this campground on The Dyrt and called when we were about an hour away. Super friendly folks who gave us a spot which was just right for us as we only needed an overnight stay on our way to Michigan.
TravelerThe reviews I’ve read are pretty accurate. Most sights are not very level. The water is too far away. Nice park, the trails are rugged, we walked uphill both ways. Trails are not well marked either, it’s an interesting feeling getting lost in such a small space. Restrooms/showers could use an update. But hey, we’re camping. Overall recommended.
GuidePros: natural setting, clean bathrooms Cons: unlevel campsites, no sewer hookups, self-check in, outdated, non-air conditioned bathrooms, no laundry facilities
ScoutTent camping is great, and there are lots of camper lots that are big rig friendly, with all of the hookups. Shower house and restroom are very clean. They have a laundry mat as well. Staff is super friendly and very helpful.
ScoutWe didn’t have reservations but Tammy and Billy were wonderful. The bathrooms are nice and clean. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot this is it.
Legend62 full hookup sites in the C Loop. 388 electric sites.
We stayed at site 58 which is a large sunny site by the bathroom/shower house. This would be a great site for a family- lots of room for kids to run around.
Bathroom/showers were disgusting! Just filthy, even for a state park. We only saw them "cleaned" once on Friday afternoon.
There's a boat launch just for campers. Actually several boat launches on the East side of the lake.
This is a big park for fishing & boating. My fisherguy did catch fish. There's a beach. Several hiking trails. The Glidewell Trail goes past an Indian Mound.
The camp store is really nice!
There's no nature center, but they have interpretive programs that meet at trailheads or the camp store.
This campground had a lot of empty sites, so it may be less popular than Whitewater Memorial State Park. Aside from the bathrooms, we had a good time there.
GuideCouldn’t get in to the Craser Lake campground because it was full came here as an alternative. Wooded sights are nice, large enough for trailer. No potable water. Pit toilets but they constructed a new modern outhouse but as of my visit not open. It’s an Equestrian friendly so lots of people with horses.
ScoutCan stay lo g or short term great people and quiet
ScoutGreat flat gravel spots.
Camping options near Covington, Kentucky range from small private facilities to larger state parks within a 45-minute drive. The region sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, with campgrounds scattered across the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. Most campgrounds in the area close between late October and early April due to freezing temperatures that typically range from 20°F to 40°F during winter months.
Fossil hunting: 1.7 miles away at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground, where visitors can learn about prehistoric animals. "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," notes Suzy M.
Disc golf: Short course located near Indian Springs Campground. "There was a nice walking trail around the lake. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," explains Dan G., who visited Winton Woods.
Equestrian camping: Dedicated sites available at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground. "Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind," reports Judy B., who appreciates the horse-friendly facilities.
Water activities: Multiple options for kayaking and fishing. "The campground is set in Winton Woods County Park which is about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati... Within walking distance of the campground is Winton Woods Lake which has a harbor with boathouse, snack bar, boat rentals and playgrounds," shares a visitor.
River views: Waterfront sites at Tucker's Landing provide boat traffic entertainment. "Site 22 had a beautiful view of the ohio river. The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river. It was very quiet and peaceful. Sites were very clean," reports Lindsey S.
Pool and recreation: Kid-friendly amenities at Oak Creek Campground include "Pool and new dog park with a very nice play area for the kids. We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and is next to a stream," according to Doug and Terri C.
Level concrete pads: Well-maintained sites at many campgrounds, especially for RVs. "Each plot also has it's own concrete slab for your RV, so you don't have to worry about parking in the mud," notes Daniel G. about Tucker's Landing.
Urban proximity with nature feel: Best of both worlds at Winton Woods Campground. "Very nice campground inside the urban loop in Cincinnati. Close to everything, yet quiet and secluded camping experience," shares Kenneth D.
Seasonal limitations: Variable operating seasons impact availability. "We went the first weekend it was open this year and had a great experience. Stayed Friday-Sunday on a full hookup site against the woods," notes Kelli B. about East Fork State Park Campground.
Site levelness: Bring leveling equipment as many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites I'm at are on a hillside so think theatrical style site. None are level looking so you will need to know what your doing to level your rig," warns Bobby C. about A.J. Jolly Park.
Lake access challenges: Distance varies between camping areas and water. "The State Park is on one side of the Lake and the Campground is on the other. There is no public road between the two. The campground is nice but it's an extremely long walking distance to the lake," explains Karen J. about East Fork State Park.
Reservation difficulty: Some campgrounds have complicated booking systems. "We needed to stay on a Monday night and tried all weekend to book a site online. Both the mobile site and the full website didn't work," reports a camper about Winton Woods.
Off-season visits: Less crowded experience at popular parks. "When we were there over Labor Day weekend and it was a quiet park except for the occasional golf cart late at night going by," notes Andrea F. about East Fork State Park.
Educational opportunities: Fossil exhibits at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offer learning experiences. "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," recommends Shelly S.
Activity planning: Multiple recreation options at state parks. "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. Our kids enjoyed the playgrounds, the mini golf, the museum, and the trails to see the salt springs and the bison," shares Tiffany D.
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas. "There are playgrounds in several loops (I saw them in C and G)," notes a visitor to East Fork State Park.
Site selection: Research campground layouts for the best experience. "All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation," advises Lee D. about East Fork State Park.
Full hookups: Limited availability at Stonelick State Park Campground. "There are a number of good sites, but some with a significant slope that leveling would be an issue. There are a few sites close to the water but are more compact. Plenty of well kept restrooms spread throughout the camping area," notes Craig C.
Pull-through options: Better for larger rigs at several campgrounds. "Level pull-thru spots. Staff is very nice. Only stayed 2 nights. Great for passing through the area," shares Jerry S. about Indian Springs Campground.
Water/electric positioning: Be prepared for unusual setups at certain parks. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," warns Jeffrey about A.J. Jolly Park & Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there good tent camping and fishing spots near Covington, KY?
The Covington area offers several excellent options for tent camping combined with fishing. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground provides lakeside tent sites with good fishing opportunities in its 200-acre lake. Stonelick State Park Campground is another great choice, featuring tent sites near a small pollinator trail leading directly to the water, making it convenient for anglers. The park maintains clean facilities and is family-friendly. Additional options include Jim Terrell Park along the Little Miami River for primitive camping and fishing, and East Fork State Park which offers both tent sites and excellent fishing in one of Ohio's largest lakes. Most of these locations require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What RV parks and pull-through campsites are available near Covington, KY?
Two Rivers Campground offers excellent RV accommodations near Covington, featuring full hookup sites with about half being pull-through. All sites are on level pads with adjoining concrete areas and picnic tables. Located close to I-71 and adjacent to the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, it provides convenient access. Indian Springs Campground is another solid option with level pull-through full hookup sites spacious enough for tow vehicles. Other RV-friendly options include Northern Kentucky RV Park with neat, shaded grounds and playground facilities, and Three Springs Campground which offers excellent access for visiting the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. Most RV parks in the area provide water, electric, and sewer hookups, though availability can be limited during peak season.
Where are the best campgrounds near Covington, KY?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive from Covington. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offers a family-friendly environment with mini golf, swimming pool, and accessible hiking trails. Just across the Ohio River, Winton Woods Campground provides level sites with plenty of shade, a 1.7-mile paved trail perfect for walking or biking, and fishing opportunities. Other noteworthy options include A.J. Jolly Park for its lakeside setting, Two Rivers Campground with its convenient interstate access, and Cowan Lake State Park which offers a strategic location between Cincinnati and Columbus. Most campgrounds in the area provide standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
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