Best Campgrounds near Fort Thomas, KY

Camping options near Fort Thomas, Kentucky range from developed park campgrounds to riverside sites, with most facilities located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Several notable options include Winton Woods Campground in Cincinnati, offering both tent and RV sites with full hookups, and Tucker's Landing, which provides concrete pads with river views. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground in Alexandria represents one of the closest options to Fort Thomas, featuring tent camping, RV sites, and even glamping yurts. The area contains a mix of state parks, county parks, and private campgrounds primarily concentrated along waterways.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across campgrounds in the region, with most developed sites requiring advance booking, especially during warmer months. The camping season for many facilities runs from April through October, though several campgrounds like Winton Woods remain open year-round. Water access represents a common feature, with many sites situated along the Ohio River or near smaller lakes and waterways. Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, as most campgrounds maintain paved or well-maintained gravel access roads. "This is a great county park! It has a nice 'campground' feel set in large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites. The campground is set in Winton Woods County Park which is about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati," noted one visitor about Winton Woods.

Several campers mention the proximity to urban amenities as a significant advantage of staying near Fort Thomas. Waterfront sites consistently receive praise, with concrete pads at Tucker's Landing offering views of barges traveling the Ohio River. According to one camper, "Site 22 had a beautiful view of the Ohio River. The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river." Despite the urban proximity, many campgrounds maintain a natural feel with wooded areas and wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers seeking both outdoor experiences and access to Cincinnati attractions find the location particularly convenient, with multiple reviews highlighting the balance between nature settings and city amenities. Noise levels vary significantly, with riverfront locations sometimes experiencing boat traffic sounds while more wooded sites offer greater tranquility.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Thomas, Kentucky (97)

    1. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    19 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."

    2. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    13 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. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground

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

    $40 / 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."

    4. Tucker's Landing

    8 Reviews
    Fort Thomas, OH
    1 mile
    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. Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park

    14 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    13 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."

    6. 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!"

    7. Stonelick State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Goshen, OH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 625-6593

    "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."

    8. Jim Terrell Park

    3 Reviews
    Terrace Park, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 831-4192

    $5 / night

    "The Milford bike trail is part of a paved bike path that is 76 miles long.  This campsite is tucked away as in across the street from the bike trail."

    9. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

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

    $22 - $35 / 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
    20 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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 97 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fort Thomas, KY

630 Reviews of 97 Fort Thomas 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!

  • 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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails Indian Lakes

    Needs new management

    Terrible management. Pics are outdated and most everything is run down. Only one pool open during short hours. No gas station, no slide, nasty lake water & nobody takes the trash/dumpsters out. Completely inundated with annual spots being reserved by weekend warriors meaning minimal availability for people who want to be here during the week. There are SEVERAL dozen spots available and we were told if the spot we got didn’t work we could pick something else. At 8pm during dinner we were disturbed by a park ranger and forced to move to a spot half the size with no hookups. She literally brought us to an overflow area that our rig doesn’t fit in. She made us pack up our entire camp site to move so someone else could have the spot, even though there were MULTIPLE spots available. Had to be extremely persistent to get a FHU spot only to see dozens continue to be available for the rest of our 2 week stay.

    They also charge you $5 per package to pick up your own mail from the building and $10 for a key card to access the park. Management is certainly skimming off of customers here. Will travel further to another TT campground to avoid this place in the future.


Guide to Fort Thomas

Camping near Fort Thomas, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful parks and campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Clifty Falls State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing. A camper noted, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks," adding to the fun on the water.
  • Frisbee Golf: Cowan Lake State Park Campground also features a frisbee golf course, which is a hit among families. One reviewer said, "Frisbee golf was onsite too," highlighting the recreational options available.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground said, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another," which is great for privacy.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground noted, "Camp Coordinator Linda has a great group of people on board."

What you should know

  • Raccoons: Be cautious of raccoons, especially at John Bryan State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may require leveling, particularly at Kincaid Lake State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Most tent sites are not very level, it can be a bit tough with larger tents."
  • Entry Fees: Some parks charge an entry fee in addition to camping fees. A camper at Clifty Falls State Park Campground noted, "I had to pay the $9 fee to drive into the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Winton Woods Campground, which has a playground and is close to trails. A parent shared, "The site I had was clean, included water, electricity, sewer and wifi."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground mentioned, "A well-groomed and cared for campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground noted, "The park has great recreational activities," which can keep everyone entertained.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure to verify the length of your RV against the site dimensions. A visitor at Stonelick State Park Campground advised, "Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper at Kincaid Lake State Park Campground suggested, "Wound suggest bringing leveling blocks."
  • Know Your Amenities: Familiarize yourself with the campground's amenities. A reviewer at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The full hookup sites are a bit smaller," which is good to know for RVers.

Camping near Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Fort Thomas, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Thomas, KY is East Fork State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 65 reviews.