Camping options near Glencoe, Kentucky range from developed state parks to more rustic experiences along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. The region sits at elevations between 500-900 feet and experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the area remain accessible year-round, though water systems may be winterized from November through March in certain locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kincaid Lake State Park Campground, campers can enjoy shoreline fishing from waterfront sites. "There are few campsites right on the water for fishing reserve early! The grounds are well kept, clean well lit restrooms," notes a camper who visited this park located 25 miles east of Glencoe.
Historical exploration: The Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offers educational experiences beyond camping. "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," writes one visitor. Another adds, "We love the live bison," highlighting the park's unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Scenic hiking trails: Clifty Falls State Park Campground offers challenging terrain approximately 30 miles from Glencoe. A reviewer notes, "The trails are really fun/rough. We did a ten mile training run there and it was great." For less intense options, another camper mentions, "There are a lot of little trails that criss cross each other and a lot of informational signs."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The bison herd at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground consistently ranks as a top attraction. "Great Attraction, you can walk the trails and even get the excitement of seeing REAL LIVE BISON. Pretty sweet experience!" writes one enthusiastic visitor. Another camper mentions, "Big Bone Lick State Park Union, Ky is a very cool little park... the bison one of the dogs thought the tar pit display was real animals."
River access: Two Rivers Campground in Carrollton provides direct access to both the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. A camper shares, "Nice, easy, and pretty walk to where the KY River and OH River meet and to historic downtown Carrollton." Another adds, "We brought our two dogs and they loved swimming in the rivers and running on the acres of freshly mowed park grass."
Clean facilities: Northern Kentucky RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. A visitor notes, "We only stayed one night and came in after the office closed, but we had a great experience in the time that we were there. The grounds are neat and taken care of and have plenty of shade." Visitors appreciate the reliable basic amenities when traveling through the area.
What you should know
Limited services: Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve offers free dispersed camping but minimal amenities. "Great free camping. This property was great. Gravel roads and grass trails to the campsites. Evenings were quiet," notes one camper. Another mentions, "There is no hookup, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring... We look forward to exploring the miles of trails on this park."
Road and rail noise: Some campgrounds in the area experience traffic and train noise. At Northern Kentucky RV Park, a reviewer cautions, "We spent one of three nights booked here and left. The freeway traffic is very loud 24 hours and the train comes at least 2 times per night (2am and 5am Sunday night anyway) blowing its horn."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful setup due to uneven terrain. At Clifty Falls State Park, a reviewer warns, "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work. Sore needed gravel, it was mostly sticky dirt that got tracked into our travel trailer immediately after sweeping."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Follow The River RV Resort offers excellent facilities for families with children. "There is pool access, a tree for shade at every lot, a picnic table at every lot and water access as well," writes one visitor. "There is a playground for kids," adds another reviewer highlighting amenities beyond just camping.
Kid-friendly attractions: Three Springs Campground features natural water features that appeal to children. One visitor mentions, "They have a few hiking trails and a creek the kids caught crawfish in," providing a simple but engaging nature activity for younger campers.
Affordable activities: Oak Creek Campground offers budget-friendly recreation options. "The camp sites we seen are all gravel but mostly level. There is a small stream that runs through the camp ground also a playground, pool and the host other events," notes a visitor describing amenities available for families without additional cost.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Oak Creek Campground, RVers should choose carefully. "Roughly 100 spaces to camp, some are pull through, most are back in and there are several primitive campsites... The only real downfall is there is no sewer hookups, but they do pump out 2-3 times a week," advises one RVer detailing the layout and services.
Hookup availability: Three Springs Campground offers mixed reviews on services. One RVer notes, "Park is nice with lots of trees and water... I deducted a star from overall and value rating only due to no direct sewer connection. Although they do have a dump station, I prefer to have a direct hook-up."
Space considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. A camper at Three Springs observed, "Sites too close together. Clean showers and restrooms. Not much for a family to do," highlighting how site proximity can affect the camping experience even when facilities are well-maintained.
