Dispersed camping near Independence, Kentucky offers options within a short drive, typically 20-30 minutes in any direction. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with rolling hills and access to the Ohio River watershed. Sites range from basic tent locations with no amenities to full hookup areas for RVs, with seasonal availability varying between year-round options and those closed during winter months from November through March.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground provides opportunities to see live bison on the property. "Great Attraction, you can walk the trails and even get the excitement of seeing REAL LIVE BISON. Pretty sweet experience!" says Zoe S. in a review of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground.
Fishing spots: A.J. Jolly Park offers direct lake access from many campsites. According to jeffrey D., "Fishing isn't too bad. The park has a golf course. The other side of the camp ground had 4 or so yurts for rental." The park includes both shoreline fishing and boat access points for deeper water fishing.
Educational opportunities: The museum at Big Bone Lick provides natural history lessons appropriate for all ages. "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," shares Lynn G.
Water activities: East Fork State Park provides separate marina access for day visitors and overnight campers. According to Karen J., "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."
What campers like
Riverfront views: Tucker's Landing offers sites with views of the Ohio River and passing barges. "Site 22 had a beautiful view of the ohio river. The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river," notes Lindsey S., highlighting the unique river-watching opportunities not available at inland campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Winton Woods Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Jeremy K. shares that the "Campground was super clean and quiet. Bathhouses were very clean." This makes it an excellent option for tent campers or those without bathroom facilities in their RVs.
Secluded spaces: Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve provides more isolated camping experiences. Matt S. describes it as "an awesome quiet campground tucked away in northern KY along the Ohio River. There are 10-12 dispersed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables."
Multiple recreation options: Kincaid Lake State Park Campground offers diverse activities beyond camping. "Golf (both full size and mini) and fishing seem to be the main attraction, there are also sports fields, a pool, and some short hiking trails," according to Dan N.
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds in the area require additional equipment for leveling. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, jeffrey D. points out that "the sites are gravel and not level," while at Kincaid Lake State Park "most sites are pretty un-level," according to Brittany G.
Limited hiking options: While several parks offer trails, they tend to be shorter interconnected paths rather than extensive hiking routes. A reviewer at Big Bone Lick notes, "This is not a destination for serious hiking, but is perfect for families."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate with limited schedules. East Fork State Park remains open year-round, while others like Northern Kentucky RV Park operate from "March 1 to November 1."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have proximity to transportation corridors. At Northern Kentucky RV Park, Cari W. notes, "The freeway traffic is very loud 24 hours and the train comes at least 2 times per night blowing its horn."
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park offers organized activities for children. "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest," notes Andrea F., providing evening entertainment options for families.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer playgrounds and recreational facilities. At Big Bone Lick, Suzy M. notes "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."
Space considerations: Sites at Oak Creek Campground are relatively close together. According to Matt M., "Sites are fairly close together, gravel, and level," which means families should plan accordingly when setting up play areas.
Off-season visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider camping during shoulder seasons. Beth H. mentions about Big Bone Lick that "Staff was very friendly, and a nice little museum with activities and bison viewing."
Tips from RVers
Site selections: At Oak Creek Campground, Doug and Terri C. recommend "Site 18 which offers nice privacy and is next to a stream," highlighting the importance of researching specific sites when making reservations for pet-friendly camping near Independence.
Hookup configurations: Several campgrounds have unusual hookup placements. At A.J. Jolly Park, jeffrey D. warns "the power for site 7 is on the wrong side so your going to need an extension possibly," noting a common issue for RVers at several area campgrounds.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. At Big Bone Lick, Beth H. advises "There is also a pretty steep grade to enter the campground as well. If coming from the south into the campground, get off at the Richwood exit."
Length limitations: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. At Kincaid Lake State Park, sites may be better for "tent camping but iffy for others," according to Lisa S., who recommends bringing "extra leveling blocks."
