Hueston Woods State Park Campground provides a variety of camping options within 3,000 acres of natural landscape near Camden, Ohio. The park features distinct camping areas, including an electric loop and a non-electric primitive section. Sites range from full sun to heavily wooded, with varying levels of privacy. During peak season from April through October, campers should reserve well in advance, especially for weekend stays when the Halloween-themed events fill the campground to capacity in October.
What to do
Boating and fishing on Acton Lake: Hueston Woods State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities and boat rentals. "The camp site was ok. Don't expect flush or shower at non electric site. I don't mind as our purpose to find a camp site gave us most privacy and shade just for weekend," notes a visitor to Hueston Woods State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system at Hueston Woods supports both beginner and intermediate riders. "Just explore this place last weekend on non electric site, this park is amazing for mountain biking trail to go with water sport at lake," reports one camper who visited the park.
Disc golf course: Winton Woods Campground features an accessible 18-hole disc golf course. "A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," according to a review of Winton Woods Campground.
Nature center visits: Explore local wildlife exhibits and educational programs. "It poured rain but despite that I had a great time hiking the trails and visiting the nature center!" shares a recent visitor to Hueston Woods.
What campers like
Private horse camping area: The equestrian section at Whitewater Memorial offers exceptional spacing between sites. "I came here and stayed in my tent (family had their horse trailer with camper) for a night during the chilly nights of October. I wish all campsites were like these - very, very spread out!" notes a camper at Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground.
Spring-fed quarry swimming: Natural Springs Resort features uniquely clear water for swimming. "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," explains a visitor to Natural Springs Resort.
Modern restroom facilities: Some campgrounds feature recently updated facilities. "The campground facilities are newly updated with two large shower/bath houses. A few of the campsites are buddy sites that allow you to camp with a friend and share the same area," reports a Whitewater Memorial camper.
Accessibility for kayakers: Water access points make launching personal watercraft convenient. "Whitewater Memorial State Park is located close to Liberty Indiana and is our favorite between the two major parks on Brookville Lake. It has water access to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes," adds another Whitewater visitor.
What you should know
Primitive site limitations: Non-electric sites often have basic facilities. "Don't expect flush or shower at non electric site," notes a Hueston Woods visitor about the primitive camping area.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for active wildlife, especially after dark. "Watch out for the raccoons they are pretty aggressive and were all over our campsite. Clearly they are used to getting handouts, so keep your foodstuffs in you vehicle or well secured," warns a camper at Whitewater Memorial.
Seasonal bathroom closures: Some facilities may be unavailable in shoulder seasons. "First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order," reports a visitor to Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park.
Site spacing variations: The proximity to neighboring campers varies significantly between campgrounds. "This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks," notes a visitor to Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground variety: Multiple play areas cater to different age groups. "From walk in camping to painball hueston woods has it all. Lots of trails and creeks, biking, boating, play grounds, swimming, food, store, movie nights mini golf and more! They even have an animal preserve," shares a Hueston Woods camper.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer beach and pool access. "Whitewater Memorial State Park is a great place to swim, very quiet. There are plenty of places for picnics and a nice campground," notes a visitor.
Educational trail markers: Some trails feature informational displays. "I loved the informational boxes and tags that they had on the trees or plants. This is helpful if you have little ones with you or if you are like me and just like to learn about the animals/plants on the trail," explains a visitor to Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Lending programs: Several parks offer unique borrowing opportunities. "The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features for this park," adds another Cowan Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment. "The site we were given wasn't level, and it took a bit of maneuvering to get level," reports a KOA visitor.
Electric hookup varieties: Check amperage requirements before booking. "Our site was level and the roads were easy to navigate in our motorhome. The paved trail around the lake was great for walking/jogging and perfect for launching our kayaks," shares an RV camper at Winton Woods.
Dump station access: Many campgrounds have well-maintained dump stations. "Plenty of well kept restrooms spread throughout the camping area. Bath house is clean and modern. There is potable water in multiple sites and a double sided dump station," notes a visitor to Stonelick State Park Campground.
Road condition awareness: Internal campground roads vary in quality. "The roads in the campground need grading. Lots of holes and ruts," warns a KOA visitor about spring conditions.
