Best Campgrounds near Union, KY

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Union, Kentucky (93)

    1. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground

    45 Reviews
    Patriot, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 384-3522

    $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Oak Creek Campground

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

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

    3. Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    5 Reviews
    Patriot, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 567-5691

    "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!"

    4. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Alexandria, KY
    16 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!"

    5. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    23 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."

    6. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    31 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."

    7. Follow The River RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Warsaw, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 427-3330

    "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."

    8. Tucker's Landing

    8 Reviews
    Fort Thomas, KY
    16 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."

    9. Northern Kentucky RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Williamstown, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 428-2000

    $40 - $80 / night

    "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."

    10. Away at Green Hill

    1 Review
    Union, KY
    5 miles
    +1 (859) 322-9085

    $35 - $120 / night

    "What a wonderful experience, Teri and Mike have a beautiful area tucked away in Northern KY. Plenty of space between campsites! We stayed at Henry's Holler. It's a 4x4 only site."

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Recent Reviews near Union, KY

630 Reviews of 93 Union Campgrounds


  • Dwaynes W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Batesville KOA

    THE WORST KOA I'VE EVER STAYED AT

    Bathrooms = -5 Showers = -100 Staff = 5 Campsites = 2. Could they make the sites any smaller? Camper next to you is right on top of you. Landscaping = 4 - just not kept up well at all. Dog Park = one, and it's a loooooooooooong ways away. I travel full-time. Stay at KOA's all the time. This is, by far, THE WORST KOA I have been to and, no matter what, I won't be back. Seriously bad. There's even a $10 charge if you leave the KOA and then try to return . What? I have to pay to get back to my things? It looks nice with the ponds... but truth be told, THE WORST KOA EVER - it's a dump compared to what is expected from a KOA. Uhg.

  • Dave C.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Follow The River RV Resort

    Don't ask for a refund if you can't park there!

    The manager at this RV park assaulted me and snatched my iPhone out of my hand! Are you kidding me?? The video was edited(shortened) because these review sites won't allow anything more than 30 seconds. BUT what was said by both of us beforehand and afterwards doesn't matter. The fact is she's supposed to be the professional and she not only called me a"d*ck" and an"a**hole", but she proceeded to violently take my phone out of my hand and refused to give it back. I ultimately talked her into giving it back but WHO DOES THIS? She later actually punched me in the face. Yeah! Right in the face. But unfortunately, the video started and when she got on me, I guess I accidentally hit the stop button I was so scared. What was I scared of? Because, in the professions I've had, you learn that people are capable of anything. I didn't know if she was armed. I know I wasn't. I called 911 and am going to pursue the prosecution of her for assaulting a person over 60 yrs old, which is a felony. These types of animals do not need to be on our streets much less managing a nice RV park. This all came about because the sewer pipe on my motorhome is only 5" off the ground when parked. The lot she gave me has a sewer inlet pipe that sits over a foot off the ground meaning the feces would have to flow uphill to work. When I pointed this out, this manager said,"that's your problem, you'll have to figure it out". When I asked for a refund, she said no way and started in on my calling me vulger names(she did this several times). What professional person dealing with the public does this? She also refused to move me to another site saying she doesn't have any, but anyone can look around and see the park is not even half full- so, that's a lie. Annndddd, there's more! But I'll be posting every day on this site(and many others), so I’ll address more tomorrow and in the coming days and weeks.

  • Patrick T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Hones Pointe Campground

    Amazing camp site

    Wonderful campsite. They put a lot of time and thought into this property. It’s truly incredible.

  • 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!

  • 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


Guide to Union

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground. Reviewers mention, "A well-groomed and cared-for campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails & other outdoor activities."
  • Fishing: Head to Cowan Lake State Park Campground for some fishing. Campers appreciate the "beautiful lake with the ability to rent kayaks."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Kincaid Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One visitor noted, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers rave about the cleanliness at Caesar Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at East Fork State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers at Cowan Lake State Park Campground appreciate the helpful staff. A visitor shared, "Campground staff and volunteers are amazing! Friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Kentucky Horse Park Campground, which has a playground and pool. One camper said, "Love this campground. It is definitely one of our top spots."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, one family enjoyed "Frisbee golf onsite."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A camper at Winton Woods Campground mentioned the camp store has "ice cream and other camping essentials."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Union, Kentucky, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a fun family adventure.

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 45 reviews.