Tent campers near Edgewood, Kentucky often find better options by venturing into neighboring states rather than staying within the immediate vicinity. Several campgrounds within a 35-60 mile radius offer tent-specific sites with varying levels of amenities and natural settings. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for exploring the rolling hills and limestone landscapes that characterize the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana tri-state area.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Quakertown State Rec Area in Indiana, about 35 miles west of Edgewood, tent campers can enjoy easy access to Brookville Lake. One camper noted it's "a very nice place to stay and spend the weekend relaxing."
Water activities: Morgan's Outdoor Adventures provides riverside camping with direct water access. A reviewer shared: "We loved the views of Morgan's. Steps away from gorgeous river views. There is nothing like waking up and making breakfast while watching the river roll by!"
Hiking trails: The Twin Valley Trail in Dayton Metro Parks offers challenging terrain about 60 miles from Edgewood. A camper described it as "a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Twin Creek Metro Park in the Dayton system, the campsites are well-separated. One camper reported: "The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. It was a camp site that was flat enough for tents and did have trees to hang your hammock."
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at Cedar Ridge Backcountry Campsite received positive comments for their maintenance. "The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper," noted a frequent visitor.
Free firewood: A unique feature of the front country sites at Dayton Metro Parks is the included firewood. "The nice thing about the metro parks camp sites (front country only) is that they provide a bundle of fire wood free each night and you can purchase additional bundles."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many tent sites in the region have minimal amenities. At Quakertown, "Some of the picnic tables are small," according to one camper review, though they do have "nice clean bathrooms" and "a good amount of trees for shade coverage."
Water access issues: Most backcountry sites require campers to bring or filter water. For the Twin Valley Trail, one camper advised: "If there is one complaint, it would be that there is a dearth of potable water stations, so all water needs to be packed in from trailheads with water, the Welcome Center, or pumped from non-potable sources, filtered and/or treated."
Terrain challenges: The backcountry sites at Tree Line Retreat in Kentucky and throughout the region often feature uneven ground. Campers should bring appropriate gear for setting up on varied terrain and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer farm experiences for children. At Possum Creek in the Dayton Metro Parks system, a camper mentioned: "In addition to the lake, they also had a farm on the property that was enjoyable for the kids to see the animals. You can hear some of the animals but we enjoyed this aspect."
COVID-safe options: During pandemic times, some families found the more isolated sites beneficial. "We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area. We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of site from each other."
Multiple table setup: Some sites at Twin Creek Metro Park provide extra tables which helps with family organization. "The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated."
Tips from RVers
Non-functioning locations: Some listed campgrounds near Edgewood aren't suitable for camping. For Bullock Pen Lake Ramp, one visitor clarified: "This is just a boat ramp for a local fishing lake sitting near the local water departments pump station. There is no camping here at all."
Alternative sites: When searching for the best tent camping near Edgewood, Kentucky, avoid Boltz Lake Ramp. A reviewer warned: "There's only a boat ramp here! No camping at all... definitely good for a 'put in' but that absolutely it."
Closed facilities: Check current operating status before planning trips. Regarding Paramount's Kings Is Camp Ground, a recent visitor noted: "The park is closed and should no longer be listed on the app."
