Cowan Lake State Park and Stonelick State Park sit within an hour's drive of Clarksville, Ohio, providing elevated camping experiences at around 900 feet above sea level. Aside from traditional tent and RV sites, yurt camping near Clarksville offers climate-controlled accommodations in a natural setting. The region features deciduous forests dominated by maple and oak trees, with most campgrounds operating from April through October.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Little Miami River: At Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventure, visitors can access multiple water activities. "My husband and I did our first year of cabrewing at Morgan's. We had a wonderful time. The price was reasonable and the staff was extremely helpful. We loved the fact that we were able to bring our own canoes," notes Allyson R.
Cycling on paved trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to regional bike paths. "There is a paved bike trail and Fort Ancient is nearby," says a Morgan's visitor. The trails accommodate all skill levels and connect to historical sites throughout the region.
Nighttime lake paddling: For a unique experience at Cowan Lake State Park Campground, consider evening water activities. "A friend and I were able to kayak on the lake the night of a Friday the 13th moon. It was beautiful," shares Kenpocentaur K., who enjoyed moonlight paddling as an alternative to daytime water sports.
What campers like
Large, spread-out campsites: Visitors consistently praise the spacious sites at Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins. "Beautiful large spots right on the river! We stayed in early May... the campsites are sooo large and spread out from each other, at least in the back, we had fun no matter," reports Amanda S., highlighting the privacy available despite river proximity.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness. At Beechwood Acres Camping Resort, one camper noted, "There are 5 showers and a set of bathrooms close by the pool. All of which were VERY clean. This property is well taken care of and we will be back."
Variety of site types: The region offers diverse camping environments. At Cowan Lake, "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," explains Kim H., providing options for those who prefer shade or sun exposure.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations and weather impacts: Heavy rain can affect camping conditions. "When we went to Riverside Campground our site was quite muddy but I guess that's to be expected when you are next to the river," notes one reviewer, suggesting spring visits might encounter wet conditions.
Tree coverage considerations: At Cowan Lake, a camper observed, "Nice place, spread out, plenty of room between sites, very little shade as they have cut down a whole lot of trees." Sites without shade can become hot during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: The proximity to water means increased wildlife activity. Multiple reviewers mention encountering various animals. "The trails here are easy and short. 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," shares one Cowan Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Stonelick State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean," says Jess H., highlighting features that keep children entertained.
Cabin options for mixed weather: For families uncertain about weather conditions, cabins provide security. At Cowan Lake, "The cabins aren't in the best of shape. Finding mouse traps and some maintenance within the cabin that should have been done was concerning with a toddler. Nice cul-de-sac areas for groups with areas for kids to play," reports Renée C.
Family activities beyond water sports: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. At Winton Woods Campground, "There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies... The park also allows for horseback riding, and a small water park for children in the summer," explains Anne H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have varying terrain. At Cowan Lake, "A bit rough getting RV setup, but pad is fairly level, so easily setup to use slides. Site 60, 46 feet max length, ours 39," notes Johnothan R., providing specific site information useful for larger rigs.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. "Internet here on t-mobile 5G home is 90Mbps down and 6 to 20Mbps up. Verizon on cellphone, only 10Mbs down, 1-3Mbps up. ATT cellphones are similar to Verizon," reports a Cowan Lake camper, showing good connectivity for those needing to stay connected.
Limited sewer hookups: Not all sites offer full hookups. Several reviewers note the need to use dump stations instead of sewer connections at multiple campgrounds, suggesting longer stays may require planning for waste management.
