Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and glamping options within its 3,000-acre property situated in southwestern Ohio. This state park features a 625-acre lake with boating facilities and multiple hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 900 feet above sea level and experiences all four seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Campers can access both electric and non-electric sites throughout different camping loops.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Hueston Woods provides extensive trails for biking enthusiasts. "Lots of trails and creeks, biking, boating, play grounds, swimming, food, store, movie nights mini golf and more! They even have an animal preserve," notes one visitor to Hueston Woods State Park Campground.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Several parks offer water recreation on various lakes, providing different experiences. At Whitewater Memorial State Park Campground, "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... Many fishermen and kayakers frequent the lake trails."
Scuba diving opportunities: Natural Springs Resort provides unique underwater exploration in their spring-fed quarry. One visitor noted, "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."
Hiking with informational markers: The trail system includes educational components about local flora and fauna. "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 or if you are like me and just like to learn about the animals/plants on the trail."
What campers like
Private tent camping areas: Some campgrounds offer secluded spaces for tent campers seeking quiet. At Natural Springs Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Very nice and clean Campground. The lot we stayed in was a good size and was right on the spring. The staff was very friendly and helpful!"
Clean, modern bathhouse facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. One camper at Winton Woods Campground shared, "Campground was super clean and quiet. Bathhouses were very clean. Entrance was gated. Nice campstore."
Proximity to water access points: Campsites with lake views or quick access to water are highly valued. "I stayed at an electric only spot nestled in the trees by the lake. I was the only RV in this section all week and it was so peaceful and private... The sounds of nature serenaded me throughout the week."
Lending libraries and unique programs: Some parks offer unexpected amenities. "The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features for this park."
What you should know
Site selection varies significantly: Many campgrounds have diverse site types with varying levels of privacy and amenities. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, one camper noted: "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."
Seasonal tree coverage issues: Several parks have experienced tree loss. "Our campsite didn't have any trees but they have planted a lot of new trees. I assume this due the previous trees having to be cut down due to Emerald Ash borer damage."
Bathroom quality varies by loop: Different sections of campgrounds may have different facility types. "In the larger non-electric loop newer restrooms existed...modern bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked with TP. In my tent area...antiquated wood shed pit latrines...that truly needed razed."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife, particularly in the evening. "At dusk an overly friendly 'masked trash panda' encroached seeking to share my delectable and perfectly toasted s'more...having to be chased off (unfortunately, it appeared he has been fed by campers to be that bold)."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Many parks feature dedicated areas for children. At Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA, one camper mentioned, "It has a jump pad for the kids very small dog park. The sites are very close together but we are here during the week so that's not an issue. They have gaga ball a basketball court a laundry area."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Popular times fill quickly at most parks. "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."
Bring bikes for paved loops: Many parks feature bike-friendly camping loops. "The campground is nice, packed in like sardines in places... Nice place to swim in the lake with a dedicated dog swimming area."
Educational trail opportunities: Nature programs enhance family camping experiences. "In the primitive camping the bathrooms are just outhouses, but I had so much fun here! I used to come to their beach all the time as a kid, so this trip was so nostalgic to me! It poured rain but despite that I had a great time hiking the trails and visiting the nature center!"
Tips from RVers
Uneven site leveling: Many RVers note leveling challenges at certain sites. At Stonelick State Park Campground, "This is a great park in southern Ohio, easy to reach, 20 minutes off the interstate 275. There are a number of good sites, but some with a significant slope that leveling would be an issue."
Internet connectivity options: Cell service and internet access vary by carrier and location. "Internet here on t-moble 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."
Site layout and hookup placement: Some campgrounds have challenging hookup configurations. "The only odd feature was the placement of the sewage. If you're not careful you can easily park your RV on top of the drain, so keep an eye out for it."
Dump station quality: Not all facilities maintain their dump stations equally. One camper noted, "Dump station was so bad we did not stop," while others mentioned, "Has water to fill tanks and Dumping Stations to empty as needed, so great semi-boondocking."
