Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cynthiana, OH has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cynthiana, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Cynthiana, OH. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."
"An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."
"We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."
"The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."
"Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park
Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
$25 - $35 / night
"Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area. Check them out and show them some love!"
"Right across from the North Beach of Rocky Fork Lake"
$25 - $30 / night
"We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."
"Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."
$29 - $46 / night
"There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."
"If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."
"We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it. It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there. Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "
$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."
GuideNice 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.
Guide8/13/2025
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.
TravelerWe 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!
ScoutReally disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.
ScoutUnlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're for tent campers only. The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights. The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient. All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.
TravelerWe 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.
TravelerWe stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.
Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.
Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.
The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.
The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.
ScoutWorst 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.
ScoutI stayed a short time at this RV park and very disappointed. Management didn’t know what they was doing. People are living in shed not very clean. Tried to find out who owned it before I sent this review in and cannot find anybody. To talk to Pictures look good but if you stay a while, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Not a good environment.
Camping near Cynthiana, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly resorts, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Cynthiana, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping options in Cynthiana, Kentucky?
While Cynthiana itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within an hour's drive. Shawnee State Park Campground is located just across the Ohio border and offers secluded tent sites nestled in the trees. Another nearby option is Pike Lake State Park Campground, which provides drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites. Both parks offer scenic settings for outdoor enthusiasts looking to camp near Cynthiana. For the best camping experience, it's recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
What amenities are available at Cynthiana campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Cynthiana offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Cowan Lake State Park Campground provides numerous bathrooms, lake access, and has undergone recent improvements. The park features both electric and non-electric sites, with tent-only areas situated away from RV pads for a quieter experience. East Fork State Park Campground offers standard facilities including water access, restrooms, a camp store, and recreational activities centered around its large lake. Most nearby campgrounds provide basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while many also feature hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities.
Is RV camping available in Cynthiana?
RV camping is available near Cynthiana at several campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers RV sites separate from their tent-only areas, with a general store where you can pick up permits and supplies. Long's Retreat Family Resort is another nearby option that welcomes RVs and is big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. When planning an RV trip to the area, check ahead for reservation requirements and specific site dimensions to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Most nearby campgrounds that accommodate RVs also offer electric hookups and dump stations.
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