Mercer County Fairgrounds
Well kept
Nice small town fairgrounds with modern amenities.
Camping in the Brookville, Ohio area spans from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several established campgrounds providing cabin accommodations. The Dayton KOA Holiday, located in Brookville, features 223 sites with options for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals in a tree-lined setting. Other nearby options include Wright-Patterson FamCamp in Fairborn and Natural Springs Resort in New Paris, approximately 20 miles west of Brookville, which offers cabin, tent, and RV camping with year-round availability.
Reservations are highly recommended for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during the peak camping season from April through October. Many facilities operate with limited services or close entirely during winter months, though some like Hueston Woods State Park Campground remain open year-round. Road access is generally good throughout the area, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. Full hookup sites for RVs are common at private campgrounds, while state parks typically offer electric hookups with centralized water and dump stations. One camper noted, "Very clean showerhouses. Great basecamp to explore the Dayton area."
The camping experience varies considerably between the private and public facilities near Brookville. State parks like Sycamore State Park and John Bryan State Park Campground provide more natural settings with access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. Five Rivers Metroparks offers tent and RV camping with basic amenities and proximity to nature trails. Private campgrounds like the KOA provide more amenities but sites tend to be closer together. According to one visitor at the Dayton KOA, "Campsites are shaded and pretty level," while another mentioned, "Spacious pull thru sites with plenty of length for our 45' fifth wheel and dually truck." Several campgrounds feature water features, with ponds, lakes, or creeks enhancing the camping experience across multiple locations in the region.
"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."
"This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "
"It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state. We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."
$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"
"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."
"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."
$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!"
"Literally not even two feet around the fire pit on all sides. Luckily they were quick to accommodate our complaints and move us."
"The lake and beach area are great. Clean water for swimming. The campground spots are small (too close together) and they don't enforce the quiet time curfew."
$15 / night
"I spent my time at Argonne Lake but you will notice folks fishing at that lake and the other smaller lakes onsite. "
"It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean."
"All RV wrapped and under the tall tree; behind the campground have a running creek, cross the creek is farmland, sometime saw group of goats eating grass on the field."
"If you are retired or active duty military, you have access to recreation sites maintained adjacent to many bases."
"Surprisingly it was not noisy being near the flight line. The site is clean and well maintained. There is a lot to do and visit on and off post."












Nice small town fairgrounds with modern amenities.
The campsites are shaded and pretty level. I am using a pull through and it is long enough for my RV and 24’ trailer. There is a very nice cement slab with a nice fire pit and picnic table.
The sites are paved and level, had full hook ups, WIFI, cellular, shower house. Surprisingly it was not noisy being near the flight line. The site is clean and well maintained. There is a lot to do and visit on and off post. Unfortunately the Air Museum was closed because of the budget shut down but all other services were available (commissary, BX, etc). I would recommend staying here if you are active duty or Veteran.
Do you have kids? They have it covered, from playground, to lake with inflatables, train rides, Holiday fun.
Adults? I see Cornhole every weekend, Campfires, Holiday Events, Golf Cart Parades, DJ's or Live Bands on the weekend, Friendly Seasonal Folks always up for a good time.
Ameneties? Bath Houses, Laundry, General Store, Small Grill and Pizza Oven. (Pizza is not half bad either).
Amish make their presence felt on a few weekends throughout the season, from fresh Bakery Goods to a Healthy Sized Sausage Egg Biscuit. (You won't be disappointed)
Food Trucks on a few weekends throughout the season.
Its an ok park. The water is shared with your neighbor, so be sure to have a lo g hose. The showers were sketchy. I wouldn't use them personally. Wecsaw a couple of unattended fires smoldering in empty campsites. And we paid for an overnight reservation. Came in around 5pm. They charged us $7 for day use. I dont think you should have to pay for day use ANYWHERE that you've paid an overnight reservation. We are through travelers and its just plain irritating to me.
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.
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.
Although we only spent one night here during the week, the campground seemed very peaceful and quiet, even though there were quite a few campers. Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas. I would think a rig more than 31 or 32 feet long would have difficulty maneuvering around the curve at the end of the second loop. We are a 30ft. Fifth wheel and it was pretty tight for us. Lots of trees. The showers were your typical camp showers not great but not horrible. There was a large lake that one could enjoy fishing on. Also some great hiking trails in the area.
First the good: the campground is big and spacious. Some areas were like RV parking lots- no trees, no shade, but there was a grassy area in the middle with nice big trees and shade. There is a nice pool and splash pad. Weirdly, the pool closed from 4 to 5, leaving us with nowhere to go on a 90+ degree day.
Now, the not-so-good: we stayed in a camper cabin and it was very shabby and dirty. It had bunkbeds, a full size fridge, and a folding table and folding chairs, which was nice (and rare in Ohio state park camper cabins). The bathrooms were average. Not new, not especially sparkling clean, but fine. Not gross, at least.
Now, the terrible: the entire lake stinks of pig poop. All the air smells like poo. You feel like you are breathing feces when you approach the water. We were right on the water so we couldn't escape the smell.
This lake is notorious for having algae blooms that prohibit swimming. So I did a google search before our trip and the Ohio Department of Health reports that the bacteria level in this lake is dangerously high, and no one should swim in this lake. However, when we walked to the campground beach, there was no sign or warning or anything indicating the bacteria in the water- and people were letting their children and dogs swim in it!!
We opted to not kayak or paddleboard in the lake because it was clear that it was full of poop. So we had nothing to do at the park except go to the pool (it was too hot to do anything else). We ended up driving around the country roads and seeing the sights so we could escape the smelly lake and hot poo fumes. Neil Armstrong was born in nearby Wapakoneta so there are some sights to see there, and the towns of Celina and ? one other are cute too.
Overall, I will not return to this lake or this part of the state. If you can't get in the water, paddle board or kayak, the only thing left to do is ride around in a boat and hope the water doesn't get anywhere near your mouth or your skin. No thanks.
Camping sites near Brookville, Ohio spread across the Miami Valley, with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 800-1,100 feet. The region receives approximately 41 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for camping from spring through fall. Winter camping options remain limited, with temperatures averaging 20-30°F from December through February.
Disc golf adventures: At John Bryan State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the disc golf course alongside various outdoor activities. "We stopped here when passing through Ohio. Was a pleasant surprise how nice this park is! There is a disc golf course, lots of mountain bike trails and hiking trails!" reports Shane T.
Farm visits and animal interactions: Possum Creek Metro Park offers unique agricultural experiences alongside camping. "For those that need something interesting to look at you will find old abandoned items such as a pool and street car in the woods. The land has an interesting history you will want to explore," notes Kenpocentaur K., who also mentions the park's sustainable farm and demonstration gardens.
Fossil collecting: Caesar Creek State Park Campground provides permits for fossil hunting, a rare activity in Ohio campgrounds. "We also went to a nearby pioneer village. We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too," shares one visitor who found this educational opportunity particularly engaging.
Swimming options: Natural Springs Resort features a spring-fed quarry that campers consistently praise. "This camp ground has a beautiful spring fed quarry with clean and clear water. Easy going fishing spots, a pool, weekend activities and even a small camp store with grill/ice cream inside," mentions Daniele M.
Paddling opportunities: Wright-Patterson FamCamp offers recreational equipment rentals for water activities. "There is a full bath house with showers and bathrooms, a rec center with rental equipment for getting out on the lake, and a clubhouse," explains Janet R., noting the convenience for military families and veterans.
Level camping sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature relatively flat terrain for easy setup. At Grandpas Farm Camp Ground, visitors appreciate the practical amenities: "Bathhouse was on the primitive side but very clean. The pool, playground, and gaming covered shelter were closed for the evening, but were clearly in excellent condition," reports Jenny G.
Firewood provisions: Five Rivers Metroparks offers a unique firewood arrangement. "They provide a bundle of firewood for each night that you have reserved the site. In addition, you can easily purchase more wood that will be right there at the site for you," explains one camper, noting this differs from many state parks.
Water availability varies: Many primitive camping areas lack potable water. One visitor to Possum Creek noted: "The bathroom is simply a porta john. It is the accessible one and was fairly clean while I was at the site. No running water, electricity, or other perks such as being able to buy ice at the campground."
Camping gear rentals: For visitors without equipment, Five Rivers Metroparks provides rental options. "If you do not have camping gear but still want to get out and try it then you can rent it from them... A set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag."
Playground quality matters: Hueston Woods State Park Campground provides multiple recreational spaces for children. "We love Hueston Woods! We have been there twice now and tent camp. A lot of the sites are large and have enough space for everything you need! The beach is a short distance away and love that they also include a dog swimming area," shares Maddy B.
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness varies considerably across campgrounds. At Caesar Creek, one visitor noted, "Clean shower houses throughout the campground. There is a small beach for swimming and a boat ramp at the lake. The sites are big and roomy."
Rainy day alternatives: Many campgrounds offer indoor options for inclement weather. At John Bryan, proximity to Yellow Springs provides a backup plan: "I love everything about John Bryan State Park and the surrounding town. Not only is there a great place to camp and hike, there is a cute little hippie town not too far away!"
Site spacing concerns: At some campgrounds, proximity to neighbors becomes an issue. A visitor to Natural Springs Resort observed, "Full service campground. 30, 50 am full hook ups. Water and electric only hook ups, primitive RV and tent sites. Some sites are shaded, most of them seem to be year round rented. Most sites not shaded and small."
Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons offers more privacy. One camper at Hueston Woods noted, "Unknowingly, it appeared every weekend in October has a big Halloween emphasis, so the upper campground was sold out. I was advised the lower non electric loop would also be sold out...which reinforced my gratefulness for midweek camping."
Accessibility and navigation: Most Brookville area campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, but site specifics matter. At Wright-Patterson FamCamp, "The sites are paved and level, had full hook ups, WIFI, cellular, shower house. Surprisingly it was not noisy being near the flight line."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Brookville, Ohio?
Several excellent campgrounds are located near Brookville, Ohio. Dayton KOA Holiday is a popular option located right in the Brookville area, offering a variety of amenities for families and RVers. For those willing to drive a short distance, Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) at Twin Creek offers a more natural setting in what was formerly Camp Hook. The area features hiking trails and a more secluded camping experience than traditional state parks. Both provide convenient access to Brookville while offering different camping experiences.
What RV camping facilities are available in Brookville, Ohio?
RV campers near Brookville have several options with excellent facilities. Mounds State Recreation Area Campground — Brookville Lake offers electric sites and a limited number of full hookup sites with 50-amp power, though these book quickly. The campground features clean facilities, multiple bath/shower locations, and easy access to Brookville Lake. Another good option is Franklin County Park, which accommodates large RVs up to 36 feet and has clean bathrooms and shower houses. Both locations are reasonably priced and provide a good base for exploring the Brookville area.
Are there cabin rentals available in Brookville, Ohio?
While Brookville itself has limited cabin options, nearby Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers cabin rentals within a reasonable driving distance. The park has been making significant improvements to its facilities and is conveniently located between Cincinnati and Columbus. For those willing to travel a bit further, Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins provides cabin rental options in a scenic setting. Both locations offer comfortable accommodations for those wanting a cabin experience near the Brookville area.
Is there glamping or luxury camping available in Brookville, Ohio?
True glamping experiences are limited directly in Brookville, but nearby options provide upscale amenities. Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground offers a more comfortable camping experience with newly updated facilities, including large shower/bath houses. The park provides access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes, creating an elevated outdoor experience. Natural Springs Resort near New Paris also offers more amenities than standard campgrounds. While not glamping in the strictest sense, these locations provide more comfortable accommodations than basic tent camping for those seeking upgraded facilities near Brookville.
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