Best Campgrounds near Bethel, OH

Bethel, Ohio provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including East Fork State Park and Stonelick State Park. The area features a mix of camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations like Stonelick offering cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region are situated near lakes or along the Ohio River, providing water recreation opportunities. The terrain varies from wooded areas to open fields, with many sites offering partial shade from mature trees.

Road access to campgrounds is generally well-maintained, with most sites accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping from April through October, though several parks like East Fork and Cowan Lake remain open year-round. "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio," noted one camper at Cowan Lake State Park, highlighting the seasonal appeal of the region. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and shower facilities, though amenity quality varies by location.

Campers consistently rate waterfront sites among the most desirable in the region. The Ohio River provides a unique backdrop at locations like Sandy Springs Campground, where visitors can watch barges and boats travel along the water. Several reviewers mentioned the cleanliness of facilities as a standout feature, particularly at state parks. "The bathrooms are a quick walk and very clean. The showers and park are a small walk but also super nice," reported a visitor to Stonelick State Park. While some campgrounds like East Fork offer expansive sites, others feature more densely packed arrangements. Many campgrounds in the area provide recreational opportunities beyond camping, including hiking trails, fishing access, and boat rentals, making them suitable for extended stays and family outings.

Best Camping Sites Near Bethel, Ohio (80)

    1. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / night

    "This is your standard Ohio State Park campground.  It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities. 

    East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "

    "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."

    2. Stonelick State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Goshen, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 625-6593

    "Our spot was right next to a small Pollinator trail that lead to the water. My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean."

    "This is a great park in southern Ohio, easy to reach, 20 minutes off the interstate 275. There are a number of good sites, but some with a significant slope that leveling would be an issue."

    3. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Falmouth, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 654-3531

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Primitive tent camping is back in its own little part of the park near the lake (there are a few lakeside sites if you have a small kayak or raft to use while there) and while we liked the privacy the"

    "we really enjoy Kincaid. nice and quiet. when we go its usually just to relax at the camper. most sites are pretty un-level. another downfall is nothing is within a true walking distance, the pool, mini"

    4. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Alexandria, KY
    17 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. The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Felicity, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 787-3240

    $50 / night

    6. Cabin Run Creek Campground, LLC

    3 Reviews
    Felicity, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 250-4744

    $22 - $44 / night

    "There was a little noise from highway near by when semi would go by but didn't disturb our stay at all."

    "They have a very clean shower house, campsites are nestled around woodland. Peaceful, close to most activities, stores etc."

    7. Tucker's Landing

    8 Reviews
    Fort Thomas, OH
    21 miles
    Website

    $25 - $54 / night

    "Site 22 had a beautiful view of the ohio river. The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river. It was very quiet and peaceful. Sites were very clean."

    "Not much in the surrounding area."

    9. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."

    "Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park.  It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "

    10. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground

    45 Reviews
    Patriot, KY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 384-3522

    $35 / night

    "We wanted to be close to the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. We found this campground and were pleased with the less than 1 hour drive to get to the stadium."

    "This campground is on top of a hill close to the Ohio river. Nice paved sites (not level, but most are not anyway). Water hookup is far away, but we don’t usually hook it up to our pop up."

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Recent Reviews near Bethel, OH

574 Reviews of 80 Bethel 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    Nice campground, well cared for

    The spaces are gravel and level. The campground is mostly RV with a few private apartments/houseboat.

    Quiet, most all of the waterfront sites were taken. We took a chance on last minute reservations and there were plenty of pull through spots. Easy to setup.

    Checkin/out no problem. They have a code for gate entry.

    Bathhouse bathrooms are date but clean. A bit on small side, not very comfortable.

    There is not much common area for grass/waterside…kinda feel like your in someone’s spot/yard area.

    There is a playground for young kids.

    About 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati…easy to get to a game.

  • John S.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park

    Worst RV park.

    Worst RV park I stayed at. By the way, it’s managed. People are living in sheds. When you there they don’t keep up on your lawn as cutting the grass and getting the weeds. Just not a place I will take my family again.


Guide to Bethel

Camping near Bethel, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Hueston Woods State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "There are some pretty cool trails in the woods and the sun too."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy fishing. A camper noted, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Big Bone Lick State Park Campground are surrounded by nature. One reviewer said, "A well-groomed campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails & other outdoor activities."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. One reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground said, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Sandy Springs Campground are geared towards family fun. A camper shared, "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"

What you should know:

  • Raccoons Can Be Bold: Campers at John Bryan State Park Campground warned about raccoons. One said, "They are lingering at the edge of the woods day and night ready to grab anything."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Kincaid Lake State Park Campground noted, "Only bad on RV site no have a sewer connection but public bath very close."
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Book early for weekends which are almost non-existent during the summer for A and B areas!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. One camper at Sandy Springs Campground said, "My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities!"
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Opt for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. A visitor at Cowan Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are two or three playgrounds."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Kentucky Horse Park Campground noted, "Amenities are great - pool, playground, you can rent a golf cart if you want."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Bethel, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bethel, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bethel, OH is East Fork State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 65 reviews.

What parks are near Bethel, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Bethel, OH that allow camping, notably West Fork of Mill Creek Lake and Paint Creek Lake.