Glamping options near Union, Kentucky offer several alternatives to traditional camping while still providing access to outdoor recreation. Located in the Ohio River Valley about 20 miles south of Cincinnati, this region features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds with varied accommodations. The area typically experiences humid summers with temperatures reaching the 80s and moderate winters where temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Water activities: Access to lakes and rivers for fishing, boating, kayaking. At Stonelick State Park Campground, campers have options for both lake activities and hiking trails. "The trail to the lake was right next to the site and that was lovely," noted one visitor who stayed at site 35. The park provides several water access points, particularly useful during warmer months.
Hiking trails: Paved and unpaved paths of various difficulty levels. Hueston Woods State Park Campground maintains multiple trail systems through mature forests. A visitor shared, "There are several hiking trails and biking trails. Streams were dried up at our visit. A cool restoration covered bridge was a short hop from the campground." The park's trails range from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes.
Playground access: Multiple areas designed for children. Most campgrounds in the region maintain playground equipment for families. One camper at Winton Woods noted, "There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies. I love the tall pines on the property. They made me feel like I was out west."
What campers like
Privacy options: Sites with wooded separation between campers. At Oak Creek Campground, some sites offer more seclusion than others. One camper recommended, "We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and is next to a stream." Sites along waterways typically provide more separation from neighboring campers.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings. Follow The River RV Resort receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice," reported a camper. Most facilities are cleaned daily, with some campgrounds offering updated shower houses with private stalls.
Year-round availability: Options for camping in all seasons. Several campgrounds in the area remain open throughout the year. One visitor to Oak Creek Campground mentioned, "Roughly 100 spaces to camp, some are pull through, most are back in and there are several primitive campsites. Year round spaces are available."
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable setup. At General Butler State Resort Park, site selection can be challenging. A camper warned, "At site 11 and a few others, they had no backstops at the back of the blacktop pad. If the site was level, it wouldn't have been as bad." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the area.
Weather considerations: Flooding potential near waterways. Paul Ogle Riverfront Park campsites sit close to the river and can be affected by rising water. A camper advised, "BIG WARNING would be that it floods tremendously because it is so close to the water! Be aware of rain and water rising!"
Reservation timing: Weekends fill quickly, especially during summer and fall events. Many campgrounds host special weekend activities, particularly in October. "Unknowingly, it appeared every weekend in October has a big Halloween emphasis, so the upper campground was sold out," reported one Hueston Woods visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Multiple options for different age groups. Winton Woods Campground provides various recreation possibilities. "Great campground and park. Plenty to do. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, splash park, etc.," shared one family. The park also has paved trails suitable for children on bicycles or scooters.
Site selection: Research specific locations before booking. When staying with children, site location matters significantly. A parent advised, "Heads up to check the map and Google Earth when booking. Some sites have a lot of room and others are super close to neighboring sites."
Swimming options: Not all parks allow lake swimming. One family at Winton Woods mentioned disappointment: "When we booked, no one thought to question if we could swim in the lake." Call ahead to confirm swimming policies, as some locations restrict water access or limit swimming to designated areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Not all sites provide full utilities. Three Springs Campground offers various hookup configurations. "They do have nice picnic tables. A fire ring. And a charcoal grill. The camp grounds use to be well maintained the staff use to be helpful and friendly," noted one RV camper.
Access challenges: Some parks have tight turning radiuses or steep approaches. Regarding Three Springs, a visitor cautioned, "Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together." RVers with larger rigs should call ahead to confirm site accessibility and maneuverability.
Pad size limitations: Concrete pads may not accommodate larger units. At A.J. Jolly Park, an experienced RVer observed, "It's a shame they are worthless—they are too small to park the average RV on and are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side."
