Best Campgrounds near Belmont, OH

Campgrounds near Belmont, Ohio include several state parks and private facilities within driving distance of the city. Caesar Creek State Park Campground in Wilmington offers year-round camping with both tent and RV sites, while John Bryan State Park Campground in Yellow Springs provides a more primitive camping experience with access to hiking and mountain biking trails. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds with varying amenities, from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, and even cabin accommodations at locations like Dayton KOA Holiday and Wright-Patterson FamCamp.

Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall color season. The Five Rivers Metroparks system manages several camping areas with unique amenities, including complimentary firewood bundles with site reservations. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some tent-only areas may require short walks from parking areas. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping from April through October, with some facilities operating year-round. Vault toilets are common at more primitive sites, while developed campgrounds typically offer shower facilities and electric hookups. As one visitor noted about Twin Creek Metro Park, "This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."

Campers consistently rate the region's water access as a significant draw. Several campgrounds provide lake or river proximity, with Cowan Lake State Park receiving positive reviews for its kayaking opportunities and lakeside tent sites. The area's fall camping season earns particular praise, with one camper stating, "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio." Many campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational trails, though privacy between sites varies considerably across facilities. State park campgrounds typically offer more spacious sites than private alternatives, but may have less shade in some areas due to tree management for emerald ash borer. Mountain biking trails near John Bryan State Park receive high marks from visitors, with one reviewer noting they are "easy, so for all levels. Nice camping for families."

Best Camping Sites Near Belmont, Ohio (91)

    1. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

    2. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    "Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."

    3. Dayton KOA Holiday

    21 Reviews
    Brookville, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 833-3888

    "They have a short path in the woods which is a nice little loop. Great location with lots to do!"

    "Best tent sites are 320 and the ones next to the creek. Quietest tent sites are 408, 409 and 410, but those are also furthest from the bathroom. Very clean showerhouses."

    4. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    8 Reviews
    Germantown, OH
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 - $28 / night

    "This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks.  We were alone but had plenty of park supports."

    "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"

    5. Narrows Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Alpha, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 562-6440

    "Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade."

    "My buddy, James, and I parked next to the Nature Center and trekked in. You can opt to park in the lower parking lot where there is a kayak launch too."

    6. Possum Creek Metro park (Five Rivers Dayton Metro Park)

    1 Review
    Liberty, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 275-7275

    $15 / night

    "I spent my time at Argonne Lake but you will notice folks fishing at that lake and the other smaller lakes onsite. "

    7. Buck Creek State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, OH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 322-5284

    $23 - $35 / night

    "A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."

    "I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."

    8. Wright-Patterson FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Medway, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 271-2535

    "If you are retired or active duty military, you have access to recreation sites maintained adjacent to many bases."

    9. Sycamore State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Brookville, OH
    11 miles
    Website

    "This park has such a variety of things to do. there’s a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such."

    10. Olive Branch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-2267

    $47 - $75 / night

    "This campground is shady, quiet with plenty to do in the surrounding area. There is a pool, laundry room and large field with a playground and basketball court."

    "There is a nice walking trail through the woods, a small pool, playground, and a pond for fishing."

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Recent Reviews near Belmont, OH

640 Reviews of 91 Belmont Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buck Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet park with level spaces

    This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn’t super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.

  • 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.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • 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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Kiser Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet

    The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. There is a new shower house that’s pretty nice, but the other bathrooms are pretty nasty. For $29 nightly it’s a good campground. They do things with kids on many weekends. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats. No motors permitted on the lake.

  • Jessica W.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Grandpas Farm Camp Ground

    Nice camp

    I only spent one night in my car here but the camp was nice. It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean.


Guide to Belmont

Camping near Belmont, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to spacious campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hueston Woods State Park Campground. “There are some pretty cool trails in the woods,” said one camper, highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Fishing: Head to Buck Creek State Park Campground for a day of fishing. A visitor mentioned, “The marina, archery range, and trails to the lake are covered with shade,” making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Disc Golf: Enjoy a round of disc golf at Cowan Lake State Park Campground. One camper noted, “Frisbee golf is onsite too,” adding to the fun activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground said, “The showers are clean and the staff is friendly.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground mentioned, “Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another,” which is a big plus for those seeking privacy.
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One camper at John Bryan State Park Campground remarked, “The park and facilities are beautiful,” making it a picturesque spot for camping.

What you should know:

  • Reservation Fees: Be prepared for additional costs. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, “The online reservation system is clumsy to use at best,” and mentioned a $6.50 reservation fee.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Deer Creek State Park Campground shared, “It was busy & loud like you'd expect,” so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
  • Wildlife: Be cautious of raccoons and other wildlife. A camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, “The sheer number and boldness of raccoons” can be a nuisance, especially at night.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational activities. A camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “There’s a playground nearby,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Crowds: Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during the week. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground noted, “Weekends were a bit crowded, but by Sunday night the place was cleared out.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks on hand. A camper at East Fork State Park Campground suggested, “Be vigilant with your food!” to avoid attracting wildlife.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure to verify the length of your RV site. A camper at Stonelick State Park Campground advised, “Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length.”
  • Use Electric Hookups: Opt for sites with electric hookups for convenience. A visitor at Winton Woods Campground mentioned, “The site I had was clean, included water, electricity, sewer and wifi.”
  • Avoid Busy Weekends: If possible, plan your trip for less busy times. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, “The campground and flowing river through the campground” can get crowded during peak times.

Camping around Belmont, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Belmont, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belmont, OH is Caesar Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 52 reviews.

What parks are near Belmont, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Belmont, OH that allow camping, notably Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir and West Fork of Mill Creek Lake.