Best Campgrounds near Erlanger, KY

Campgrounds near Erlanger, Kentucky range from state parks to county-managed recreation areas, with most sites located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site and A.J. Jolly Park & Campground offer established camping options with varying levels of amenities, while Winton Woods Campground in nearby Cincinnati provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. These developed campgrounds typically feature electric hookups, drinking water, and designated fire rings, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV camping.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site specifically operates from April 1 to October 31, while some facilities like East Fork State Park Campground remain open year-round. "The sites were level and had lots of shade and trees for hammocks," noted one visitor about Winton Woods, highlighting the natural features that attract campers. Road access to campgrounds is generally good, with paved roads leading to most established sites. Cell service is reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas of the larger parks. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend camping during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with several campgrounds offering lake access for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground features lakeside primitive tent sites that one visitor described as having "a beautiful view of the lake with Olympic sized pool as well as general store." Family-friendly amenities are common at developed campgrounds, with playgrounds, hiking trails, and recreational facilities available at most locations. Campers report clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, though some note that RV sites at certain campgrounds like A.J. Jolly can be uneven and poorly positioned. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons at Big Bone Lick, are frequently mentioned in reviews, with one camper noting they "got so uncomfortable at one point that we went into the RV to get away from them."

Best Camping Sites Near Erlanger, Kentucky (94)

    1. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground

    45 Reviews
    Patriot, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 384-3522

    $35 / 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."

    "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."

    2. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / night

    "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."

    4. Tucker's Landing

    8 Reviews
    Fort Thomas, OH
    9 miles
    Website

    $25 - $54 / night

    "Not much in the surrounding area."

    "This place sits beautifully near the river and other than some bugs is family fun for everyone."

    5. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Alexandria, KY
    14 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    6. Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park

    14 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 851-2267

    $43 - $73 / night

    "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."

    7. Oak Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Union, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 485-9131

    "We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and os next to a stream."

    8. Indian Springs Campground

    8 Reviews
    Greendale, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 353-9244

    "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"

    9. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Falmouth, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 654-3531

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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"

    10. Miami Whitewater Forest Campground

    9 Reviews
    Harrison, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 367-9632

    "Lake nearby with boat rentals and paved bike paths. Good family environment. Beware of sneaky raccoons. River access down path behind lot 129."

    "Beautiful park has a lake with kayaking/canoe/rowboat/paddle boat rentals and a few pontoon boats for rent but is otherwise just for non-motorized boats. good fishing both from the rental rowboats and"

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Recent Reviews near Erlanger, KY

699 Reviews of 94 Erlanger Campgrounds


  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice big sites, fairly level. We camped at site 35 and it was very slopey, our levelers only helped a little. First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Jim Terrell Park

    Looks Good!

    8/13/2025

    NOTE: I did NOT stay here. I was going to, but decided to drive a little farther than I had initially planned. I did want to check it out though because there aren't many reviews. 

    This looks like a solid option to tent for a night though. The town looks very nice and quiet, and the park seems well-kempt. If the sites are on the river, just know there's a restaurant on the opposite bank that might be a source of noise/light at night, and the park itself is kind of close to the road. I'm not exactly sure where one would tent, but there did seem to be some flat space behind a rafting/kayaking shack to the left as you pull in.

  • Rhonda B.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park

    Best full time campground on the Ohio River!

    We are full-time RVers and this is by far the best park we've stayed at! It's peaceful and beautiful, everyone (especially Management) is so friendly and fun! The laundry facility is one of the greatest amenities as we've stayed other places without one, so we truly appreciate it! The splash pad is fantastic for children and adults alike! There's a dog park, and a kids kangaroo jump pad as well. The view of the river is beautiful! On weekends there's entertainment and/or cornhole tournaments to bring everyone together. The park is maintained perfectly and I've enjoyed calling it home! By far the best park in Southern Clermont County! Must see!

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • Robert H.
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Northern Kentucky RV Park

    Nice place to stay on the way price is priced accordingly on the high side

    Very nice attendant helpful even tried to help me find a lower priced campground but the others were full

  • K
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cedarbrook Campground

    Wonderful stay w one hiccup

    This is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!

  • Kyle J.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clifty Falls State Park Campground

    High quality state park

    My only few gripes with this place. One all though the dnr staff is friendly I got pointed in the wrong direction 2 times about where to check in for camping. It is a very clean park. Just be sure if tent camping to hide your trash as wildlife is very brave to get up close and personal with your things

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    Nice campground, well cared for

    The spaces are gravel and level. The campground is mostly RV with a few private apartments/houseboat.

    Quiet, most all of the waterfront sites were taken. We took a chance on last minute reservations and there were plenty of pull through spots. Easy to setup.

    Checkin/out no problem. They have a code for gate entry.

    Bathhouse bathrooms are date but clean. A bit on small side, not very comfortable.

    There is not much common area for grass/waterside…kinda feel like your in someone’s spot/yard area.

    There is a playground for young kids.

    About 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati…easy to get to a game.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    General Butler State Resort Park

    Been going there for years. Sites are tight, but well ran park.

    Clean, professional campground. Sites loops are tight but people with big fifth wheels were able to manage just fine. The fish were biting the weekend I was there!


Guide to Erlanger

Camping near Erlanger, Kentucky, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails were really great! The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Cowan Lake State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Big Bone Lick State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "A well-groomed campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails & other outdoor activities."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Caesar Creek State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at East Fork State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers at Kentucky Horse Park Campground appreciate the helpful staff. One camper remarked, "The staff is friendly and the camp sites are spacious."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "We were in a group campsite and there were partiers on both sides of us."
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are level. A visitor at Kincaid Lake State Park Campground noted, "Most tent sites are not very level, it can be a bit tough with larger tents."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Stonelick State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A camper shared, "The camp store is closed on Mondays."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Winton Woods Campground, which has a playground nearby. One parent said, "The campground is clean, neat, with lots of wooded sites!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities like fishing or hiking. A family at Cowan Lake State Park Campground enjoyed, "Frisbee golf was onsite too."
  • Check for Amenities: Ensure the campground has facilities like clean bathrooms and showers. A camper at Kentucky Horse Park Campground mentioned, "Clean restrooms and quiet."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Erlanger, Kentucky, provides a mix of fun activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Erlanger, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Erlanger, KY is Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews.