Tent campers visiting Union, Kentucky should prepare for limited primitive camping options in the surrounding region. The area sits at roughly 850 feet elevation in the Ohio River Valley, experiencing hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Sites are generally spread across a 30-mile radius from Union, with most requiring drives into neighboring Indiana and Ohio.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Boltz Lake Ramp offers boating access for anglers, though no overnight camping is permitted. "There's only a boat ramp here! No camping at all.. definitely good for a 'put in' but that absolutely it," notes Noreen at Boltz Lake Ramp - DFWR.
Waterfront activities: Beyond fishing, waterfront camping is possible at select locations. "We loved the views of Morgan's. Steps away from gorgeous river views. There is nothing like waking up and making breakfast while watching the river roll by!" shares Lerin P. about Morgan's Outdoor Adventures.
Local exploration: The small town of Germantown, near some camping options, offers historic sites. "We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio," reports a camper at Five Rivers Metroparks.
What campers like
Private sites: Some camping areas offer secluded spots away from crowds. "The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. It was a camp site that was flat enough for tents and did have trees to hang your hammock," describes a visitor at Dayton Metro Parks.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. "Very nice place to stay and spend the weekend relaxing," notes Kimberly A. about Quakertown State Rec Area, where basic but functional facilities support tent camping.
Varied terrain: The region offers diverse landscapes from prairies to forests. "The Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park. Even then they are out of side from each other," explains a reviewer about Five Rivers Metroparks, highlighting the camping experience in wildflower prairies dotted with trees.
What you should know
Verify camping availability: Several boat ramps near Union are incorrectly listed as camping areas. "This is just a boat ramp for a local fishing lake sitting near the local water departments pump station. There is no camping here at all," warns Carl J. about Bullock Pen Lake Ramp.
Water supply limitations: Most tent sites near Union require campers to bring their own water. At Five Rivers Metroparks, one camper advises: "No water so be sure to bring your own."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. During rainy periods, some sites experience flooding issues, with one camper noting: "The creek runoff is managed by the Germantown Dam, and the park is upstream, so the heavy rains we'd been having had left the valley and banks very sloppy and muddy."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Some parks offer additional features beyond camping. "In addition to the lake, they also had a farm on the property that was enjoyable for the kids to see the animals. You can hear some of the animals but we enjoyed this aspect," shares a visitor to Five Rivers Metroparks.
Accessible hiking: Many camping areas offer trails suitable for children. "Interesting trails here from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking," notes a camper about the trails at Mimsey's Mayhem.
Multiple tables: Some sites provide extra picnic tables, helpful for family organization. "The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping sites near Union lack RV infrastructure. "This is the 5 easily accessible campsites and a few are near the lake. We picked the site further away from the lake as we had little ones," notes a camper at a primitive site without RV hookups.
Site access challenges: Many camping locations have terrain limitations. "My first real backpacking experience, shared with my boys. Ostensibly a 'city' park, Germantown MetroPark provides visitors with well-kept trails over rolling hills through old forests, leading down to lush river valleys of the Twin Creek watershed system," explains a visitor describing the rugged terrain that may be difficult for larger vehicles.
