95 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Union, Kentucky provide both rustic and modernized overnight accommodations within 20 miles of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offers electric hookups, drinking water, and well-maintained amenities just outside Union's city limits. This state park campground supports both tent and RV camping with dedicated sites across multiple loops. Additional options include Northern Kentucky RV Park and the privately-operated Oak Creek Campground, which features glamping accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The broader region includes several developed campgrounds with diverse facility levels.
Camping availability extends primarily from April through October at most developed campgrounds, with Big Bone Lick State Historic Site operating seasonally from April 1 to October 31. Several campgrounds feature varying terrain and site conditions that may require preparation. Water hookups at Big Bone Lick often require lengthy hoses as connections are shared between sites. Camp sites throughout the area frequently present leveling challenges for RVs and tent campers alike. Reservation requirements apply at most locations, with weekend availability becoming limited during summer months. Cell service can be limited in certain areas of the region. A camper shared this insight: "Spent the Week at BBL. Very nice park with nice hiking trails, hosts were wonderful and no bugs! They must do an awesome job of spraying. Downside is absolutely no cell service for me or my wife."
The developed campgrounds near Union generally receive positive reviews for their cleanliness, scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers particularly appreciate Big Bone Lick's proximity to historical attractions, hiking trails and the resident bison herd. Swimming pools are available at several campgrounds, providing family-friendly recreation during summer months. Sites range from open, grassy areas to partially shaded locations with varying privacy levels. Proximity to Cincinnati attractions represents a key advantage for many visitors. A recent review noted: "We stayed here with some friends while on a road trip to check off another baseball stadium on the bucket list. We found this campground and were pleased with the less than 1 hour drive to get to the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati." Most tent and RV sites in the region provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
"Big Bone Lick State Park Union, Ky is a very cool little park. There is a lot to do in this one little area except long distance hiking."
"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and os next to a stream."
"This is 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."
"The main road was nice to drive on, but the others were pretty rough. Had spots for hammocks, and the portopotty was well maintained. The spots were all pretty secluded. Great remote location!"
"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!"
"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"
"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."
"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."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The store was super close by and there you are not too far from the nearest town. Super beautiful and spacious especially since you’re close to the river as well!"
"Nice pull through close to the pool and bathrooms. Quiet during the week."
"Not much in the surrounding area."
"This place sits beautifully near the river and other than some bugs is family fun for everyone."
from $25 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Search Northern Kentucky RV Park for the correct website. 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."
"It was neat and orderly but right on I-75 and next to RR tracks . We pulled in right at dusk and left after we got up , so we didn’t have time to explore."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis KOA has been around ever since I can remember. The grounds are kept nice. Staff was super friendly. Lebanon is a great centrally located town. Near Cincinnati, Dayton and Kings Island. It’s also very close to the scenic Little Miami River. That’s great for paddling. There are also a few canoe liveries on the river not far.
ScoutWe enjoyed our stay at Winton Woods. There was not much shade in the site and it was scorching hot! The sites were roomy however. We had no problem pulling our 34ft trailer and truck in the site. We even had an extra car that fit in the lot with nothing hanging out. Lots were level. Bathhouses were clean. We only stayed for a couple days as we were passing through but it will definitely be an option if we pass through again.
GuideStarting with the good, it is reasonably close to the freeway yet far enough away not to be bothered by road noise. Wi fi was mostly usable. Electrical power was stable. Estimate , if the park was probably half full of campers , some long term , some transit. Was quiet. On the other hand, the place was unmowed with grass 6 to 8 inches high throughout the entire facility. A zero turn mower set unused vext to the office. Some of the water spigots were broken and hoses were strewn about so that people could get it water from different spigots to different sites. What's the worst was the bathroom in showers. A couple of people here and said they were clean , but either there definition of clean was different , or they've been a significant lack of labor to keep them up. In the men's side, there was mold all along the floors at the caulking edges.There was wadded up wet toilet paper smashed on the wall of 2 of them.The ceilings were covered in old cobwebs and fresh spider nests. The floors were quite dirty. Over half of the sites aren't level, so if you use this place bring leveling chocks/plates for your tires if not hydraulically leveled. This facility has a great deal of potential with a bit of money and some elbow grease.
TravelerWe stayed at this campground and had several issues. Raccoons were a real problem—they kept trying to get into our tent, weren’t afraid of people, and caused a lot of havoc around the site. The showers and bathrooms were dirty, and the shower timer was frustratingly short at just 15 seconds. The campsites were also very small, which made the experience feel cramped.
ScoutI would highly NOT recommend staying at Still Waters Campground based on my experience with management. Today I rolled through a stop sign in the campground. I understand that was my mistake, and I accepted being told not to do it again. However, what happened afterward was completely unnecessary. Instead of simply speaking with me later at the office or sending a text, management chose to chase me down in a vehicle. I was driving around the campground speed limit, yet I was accused of speeding because they claimed they had to drive 30 mph to catch me—even though they had to turn around before following me. What made it even more frustrating was that I was told to“lead by example” while the manager herself admitted to driving around 30 mph in a 10 mph campground just to catch up to me. That felt incredibly hypocritical. What bothered me most was the way the situation was handled. I tried to walk away to avoid escalating the confrontation, but the manager continued arguing with me. She even told me to“go get my boyfriend,” as if I couldn’t speak for myself. I’m a grown woman and didn’t appreciate being dismissed like that. Later, after I had calmed down, my boyfriend and I went to the office so I could apologize for raising my voice and explain my side of the situation. Unfortunately, management wasn’t interested in having a productive conversation and came across as condescending and unwilling to listen. It also seems like the rules are enforced inconsistently. We have watched plenty of other people roll through that same stop sign without being stopped or chased down. If safety is truly the concern, the rules should apply EQUALLY to everyone instead of selectively enforcing them. Overall, this experience left a VERY bad impression. A simple warning then walking away could have resolved everything, but instead it turned into an unnecessarily confrontational situation. Customer service and professionalism from management were extremely disappointing.
TravelerWe found this campground on The Dyrt and called when we were about an hour away. Super friendly folks who gave us a spot which was just right for us as we only needed an overnight stay on our way to Michigan.
TravelerThe reviews I’ve read are pretty accurate. Most sights are not very level. The water is too far away. Nice park, the trails are rugged, we walked uphill both ways. Trails are not well marked either, it’s an interesting feeling getting lost in such a small space. Restrooms/showers could use an update. But hey, we’re camping. Overall recommended.
GuidePros: natural setting, clean bathrooms Cons: unlevel campsites, no sewer hookups, self-check in, outdated, non-air conditioned bathrooms, no laundry facilities
ScoutTent camping is great, and there are lots of camper lots that are big rig friendly, with all of the hookups. Shower house and restroom are very clean. They have a laundry mat as well. Staff is super friendly and very helpful.
Established campgrounds surround Union, Kentucky with several state and private options in the area. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water connections at most sites. Located approximately 5 miles southwest of Union, this campground features historical attractions including a bison herd and natural history exhibits. Northern Kentucky also hosts several private campgrounds including Oak Creek Campground in nearby Walton and Northern Kentucky RV Park in Crittenden. Most developed sites in the region include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathroom facilities.
Camping in the Union area operates primarily from April through October, with Big Bone Lick State Historic Site closing its campground during winter months. Several private campgrounds like Oak Creek remain open year-round for those seeking off-season accommodations. Most sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when family camping reaches peak popularity. The campgrounds near Union provide varying levels of amenities - from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 50-amp service. Cell service can be limited at some locations, particularly in more rural settings. "Spent the Week at BBL. Very nice park with nice hiking trails, hosts where wonderful and no Bugs! They must do an awesome job of spraying because we had no bugs for one week. Downside is absolutely no cell service for me or my wife."
Campers highlight the natural and historical attractions as primary draws to the area. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site receives particular attention for its educational opportunities, with one visitor noting it's "a great place to learn about the natural history of the area thanks to the museum and interpretive displays." The bison herd represents a unique feature not commonly found at campgrounds. Swimming pools at several campgrounds provide summer recreation, while hiking trails throughout the region offer exploration opportunities. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and mini-golf courses make the area particularly suitable for camping with children. Sites vary in privacy and levelness across campgrounds, with several reviews mentioning that Big Bone Lick's sites are relatively close together with limited shade in some areas. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Union, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union, KY is Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
Keep Exploring
