The western Ohio landscape around Covington features gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging between 850-950 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds are situated near rivers or reservoirs, creating conditions where morning fog is common during late summer and early fall. Camping options within 30 miles of Covington, Ohio include a mix of state-operated and privately-owned sites, with some facilities open year-round despite the region's cold winters.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Kiser Lake State Park Campground prohibits motorized watercraft, creating ideal conditions for kayaking and canoeing. "The lake was calm and everyone was very respectful of us in our kayaks," notes one visitor. The park offers equipment rentals at reasonable rates during summer months.
Disc golf course: John Bryan State Park Campground features a full disc golf course alongside its hiking and mountain biking trails. A camper mentions, "There is a disc golf course, lots of mountain bike trails and hiking trails! As well as some other great amenities."
Fishing access: Multiple shoreline fishing spots exist at Poor Farmer's Campground. Located on well-stocked fishing grounds, one camper describes it as "Clean family oriented and spacious. Well run facility w good restrooms and showers plus electri hook up per site. Out in farm country so very little light pollution overall."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At On Cedar Pond, a small campground with only two tent sites, visitors enjoy maximum seclusion. One camper simply states, "The stay was amazing! So beautiful," highlighting the intimate setting not found at larger facilities.
Family-focused activities: Lake Loramie State Park Campground organizes regular scheduled activities for children. "We had a great weekend of camping! The weather was perfect, the kids loved the playground and had fun at the Fun Field Day activities," reports one family.
Proximity to Yellow Springs: Many campers value John Bryan State Park's location near the eclectic town of Yellow Springs. A local camper notes, "Great hiking, clean campground (and bathroom!), and close to Yellow Springs for local brews and good eats."
What you should know
Insect conditions: Bug activity can be intense during summer months at certain campgrounds. At Lake Loramie, one camper reports, "The bugs were really bad every time we were outside. There are several nice walking trails but the mosquitoes were so bad even in the day that we kept away."
Water quality concerns: Several lakes in the region experience seasonal algae issues. "There were signs posted everywhere to use caution with the water because they were known to have blue green algae in the water so we had to keep the dogs away from it," notes a visitor to Lake Loramie State Park.
Price variations: Dayton KOA Holiday charges premium rates for its amenities. "We paid $77 for a pull through with full hookups and a picnic table. The grounds are sprawling and the staff is friendly," mentions one camper, while another called it "Stupid expensive but nice."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds at Lake Loramie State Park provide entertainment options for children of different ages. A family reports, "The kids loved the playground and had fun at the Fun Field Day activities! Plenty of fishing and relaxing!"
Stream play areas: Poor Farmer's Campground features a small stream that provides natural water play. "A stream that runs through the campground is nice for the kids to play in when it's too hot for them on the play ground," notes one family camper.
Beach facilities: Lake Loramie State Park offers one of the larger swimming beaches among Ohio state parks. A camper observes, "The beach is one of the bigger ones I have seen in a state park and it was very clean."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Kiser Lake State Park Campground has electric hookups but no full hookup sites. An RVer reports, "The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved."
Ease of access: Most campground roads and sites near Covington are designed for standard-sized RVs. At Poor Farmer's Campground, one visitor notes, "I am pulling a 33 foot trailor and it was easy to park with 30 amp electric and water hookup."
Site spacing considerations: At Dayton KOA Holiday, RV sites offer varying levels of privacy. "Spaces are a little close," notes one RVer, while another mentions, "Mostly level sites. Grass, trees, and a pond all very well maintained."
