Camping near Eaton, Ohio offers varied terrain across both Ohio and Indiana state lines with elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most camping areas sit within 30 miles of Eaton, providing access to both wooded sites and water-based recreation opportunities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Whitewater Memorial State Park offers multiple access points to both Brookville and Whitewater lakes. "Awesome campground for Kayakers. 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," notes one visitor who appreciates the dual lake access.
Hiking options: The Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) system offers backpacking trails for all skill levels. "This was a lovely backpacking trail that is both challenging while not being too hard for new backpackers. They provided a common cooking area between the backpacking sites. Logs to sit on and cooking surface," explains a visitor about the trails at Germantown location.
Water activities: Natural Springs Resort features a spring-fed quarry 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," writes one camper who enjoyed the water recreation options.
What campers like
Privacy at select sites: Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers both social and secluded sites. "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 one satisfied camper about the spacious sites.
Family-oriented activities: Dayton KOA Holiday provides structured recreation for children. "Great KOA! had lots of activities, great pizza, really nice showers and it's beautiful. there's a large pool and a creek. Don't rent the bikes, they were terrible plus there's too many hills. Easy to dump black water," advises a visitor who enjoyed the amenities.
Cleanliness and maintenance: Grandpas Farm Camp Ground receives consistent praise for upkeep. "The owners are super nice, they have a nice pool and the playground is really big!" says one camper, while another notes, "This is a family owned and operated campground since 1964. Mark and Michelle take exceptional care of the grounds and go out of their way to make everyone's stay enjoyable!"
What you should know
Shoulder season advantages: Visiting during non-peak times can improve your experience at popular parks. A visitor to 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."
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. At Richmond KOA, a camper observed, "Nice people and beautiful sites. It's really close to the highway and LOUD! I like to hear nature when I came to destress not semis all night long." Similar comments appear for other campgrounds near major roadways.
Wildlife awareness: Brookville Lake and other area campgrounds have active wildlife. "No animal problems even though they had open trash bins," noted one visitor, though other campgrounds report raccoon activity. Secure food items regardless of campground policies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When booking, check proximity to play areas. "There is a beach here, with a concession stand. It was closed when we arrived. (They close after Labor Day and open back up in May," mentions a visitor at Brookville Lake, who also noted, "hard to get a site next to the playground - it's kinda out of the way."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Five Rivers Metroparks, a visitor explained, "The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation for children. At Grandpas Farm Camp Ground, a visitor shares, "I only spent one night in my car here but the camp was nice. It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Brookville Lake, a camper warned, "The camp sites are pretty far apart at least twice as far as in private campgrounds and so have ample room even for our two good sized dogs. The sites are black topped but narrow and short. More problematic is that most have slopes. A few too steep to level a trailer."
Campsite sizing: Check site dimensions before booking. At Mounds State Recreation Area, an RVer with a large rig noted, "We booked 5 days before and were pleasantly surprised at how good of a site we had. Pretty level, plenty of room for our 43' fifth wheel."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at most public campgrounds. One RVer at Archway Campground mentioned, "30 and 50 amp hook ups available. No sewer hookups but dump station onsite. Mostly pull through sites with lots of room between campers."
