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Best Campgrounds near Franklin, OH

628 Reviews

Franklin, Ohio provides access to a variety of camping experiences within southwest Ohio. Established campgrounds like Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA and Caesar Creek State Park offer developed sites, while the Five Rivers Metroparks system manages several natural camping areas with more primitive options. The camping landscape includes accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals, with some areas like Olive Branch Campground specializing in cabin camping. Locations range from river valley settings near the Twin Creek watershed to lakeside sites at Cowan Lake and Caesar Creek State Parks.

Campground amenities vary widely throughout the region, with some offering full hookups and others providing more basic facilities. Most established campgrounds are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. A visitor commented, "Five Rivers Metro Parks really knows how to provide a great camping experience. They provide a bundle of firewood for each night that you have reserved the site." Water access should be considered when planning, as several backcountry sites in the Dayton Metro Parks require campers to bring their own water or filter from natural sources. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain that can affect trail conditions.

Campers frequently mention the relative privacy and natural settings available at Metropolitan Park campsites compared to more developed campgrounds. The Twin Valley Trail within Germantown MetroPark receives praise for its challenging terrain and backcountry camping opportunities. According to reviews, "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati." Several campgrounds provide family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities, particularly at the KOA properties. The region's camping areas benefit from proximity to Cincinnati, Dayton, and local attractions like Kings Island amusement park, making them popular for weekend getaways while still providing access to natural settings within a short drive of urban areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Franklin, Ohio (96)

    1. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

    2. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    8 Reviews
    Germantown, OH
    6 miles
    Website

    $15 - $28 / night

    "This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks.  We were alone but had plenty of park supports."

    "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"

    3. Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA

    10 Reviews
    Lebanon, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-7717

    "This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks."

    "Cute town Cons: sites are fairly close to each other."

    4. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    "This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "

    "It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state.  We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."

    5. Olive Branch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-2267

    $47 - $75 / night

    "This campground is shady, quiet with plenty to do in the surrounding area. There is a pool, laundry room and large field with a playground and basketball court."

    "There is a nice walking trail through the woods, a small pool, playground, and a pond for fishing."

    6. Dayton KOA Holiday

    21 Reviews
    Brookville, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 833-3888

    "They have a short path in the woods which is a nice little loop. Great location with lots to do!"

    "Best tent sites are 320 and the ones next to the creek. Quietest tent sites are 408, 409 and 410, but those are also furthest from the bathroom. Very clean showerhouses."

    7. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."

    "Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park.  It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "

    8. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    "Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."

    9. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    24 miles
    Website

    "Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."

    "The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls."

    10. Shredville Lodge

    1 Review
    Middletown, OH
    5 miles
    +1 (513) 290-9105

    $20 / night

    "Great place to stay if you want to be close to Cincinati without having to stay in the city and pay those crazy hotel prices or the overpriced campgrounds that just make you feel cramped."

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Recent Camping Photos near Franklin, OH

204 Photos of 96 Franklin Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Franklin, OH

628 Reviews of 96 Franklin Campgrounds

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice 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.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buck Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet park with level spaces

    This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn’t super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    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.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Jim Terrell Park

    Looks Good!

    8/13/2025

    NOTE: I did NOT stay here. I was going to, but decided to drive a little farther than I had initially planned. I did want to check it out though because there aren't many reviews. 

    This looks like a solid option to tent for a night though. The town looks very nice and quiet, and the park seems well-kempt. If the sites are on the river, just know there's a restaurant on the opposite bank that might be a source of noise/light at night, and the park itself is kind of close to the road. I'm not exactly sure where one would tent, but there did seem to be some flat space behind a rafting/kayaking shack to the left as you pull in.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We 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.

  • K
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cedarbrook Campground

    Wonderful stay w one hiccup

    This is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    Nice campground, well cared for

    The spaces are gravel and level. The campground is mostly RV with a few private apartments/houseboat.

    Quiet, most all of the waterfront sites were taken. We took a chance on last minute reservations and there were plenty of pull through spots. Easy to setup.

    Checkin/out no problem. They have a code for gate entry.

    Bathhouse bathrooms are date but clean. A bit on small side, not very comfortable.

    There is not much common area for grass/waterside…kinda feel like your in someone’s spot/yard area.

    There is a playground for young kids.

    About 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati…easy to get to a game.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Kiser Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet

    The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. There is a new shower house that’s pretty nice, but the other bathrooms are pretty nasty. For $29 nightly it’s a good campground. They do things with kids on many weekends. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats. No motors permitted on the lake.

Guide to Franklin

Camping near Franklin, OH, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Hueston Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "It's very clean and huge. Lots to do." The park is known for its lush greenery and beautiful landscapes.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Buck Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more."
  • Wildlife Watching: Cowan Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower houses. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. One reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Cowan Lake State Park Campground said, "Campground staff and volunteers are amazing! Friendly atmosphere beautiful scenery."

What you should know:

  • Raccoons Can Be Bold: If you’re camping at John Bryan State Park Campground, be cautious of raccoons. One camper warned, "They are lingering at the edge of the woods day and night ready to grab anything."
  • Limited Shade: Some campgrounds, like Buck Creek State Park Campground, have limited shade, which can be tough for tent campers. A reviewer noted, "Not many sites with shade, so for tents it was strategic to not be in the sun all day."
  • Booking Ahead is Smart: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground advised, "Book early for weekends which are almost non-existent during the summer for A and B areas!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground has a nice playground for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Cowan Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Frisbee golf was onsite too."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. One camper at Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, "The lodge is beautiful, but I did not like the food."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure to check the pad length before booking. A reviewer at Stonelick State Park Campground said, "Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, confirm availability at your chosen campground. A camper at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The full hookup sites are a bit smaller."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground noted, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."

Camping around Franklin, OH, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Franklin for tent camping?

For tent camping near Franklin, John Bryan State Park Campground is an excellent choice with its wooded setting and direct access to hiking trails. It's close to Clifton Gorge and the charming town of Yellow Springs, plus it features a frisbee golf course and children's playground, making it ideal for families. Another great option is the B site campground at Cowan Lake State Park, which is dedicated to non-electric tent camping and positioned away from RV areas for a quieter experience. These tent sites are conveniently located near clean beach bathrooms. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Jim Terrell Park in Milford offers basic tent camping along a bike trail. Most tent sites in the area provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.

Where can I find the closest camping options to Franklin?

Several excellent camping options surround Franklin, Ohio. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is a popular choice located near Wilmington with easy highway access, making it convenient for travelers. The park features lake access and has been undergoing recent improvements. Another great option is Caesar Creek State Park Campground, which offers wide sites though with limited privacy. For those seeking alternatives to state parks, check out Indian Springs Campground, East Fork State Park, or Hueston Woods State Park north of Cincinnati near the Indiana border. All of these campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Franklin and offer various amenities for different camping preferences.

How much do campgrounds in Franklin typically cost?

Campground costs around Franklin vary by amenities and type. Indian Springs Campground tends to be on the pricier side but offers full hookup sites with pull-through access, and they provide cash payment discounts. For more budget-friendly options, East Fork State Park Campground is a standard Ohio state park with reasonable rates that include basic amenities like parking, water access, and restrooms. State parks in the area generally range from $25-35 per night for standard sites, while private campgrounds can range from $35-60 depending on hookups and amenities. Some metro parks like Dayton Metro Parks offer more affordable alternatives. For exact pricing, check each campground's website as rates may vary by season and site type.

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