17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent campgrounds dot the landscape around Franklin, Ohio, with Five Rivers Metroparks offering some of the most accessible tent camping options in the region. Dayton Metro Parks maintains multiple tent-friendly sites within a short drive of Franklin, including Possum Creek Metro Park and Twin Creek Metropark, which features former Boy Scout camp facilities. Constitution County Park provides a small tent camping area along the Little Miami River, while Sycamore State Park Campground offers more developed tent sites with electric hookups and water access.
Most tent sites in the Franklin area include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Five Rivers Metroparks provides a generous bundle of firewood with each night's stay at their front-country tent sites, with additional bundles available for purchase. Primitive tent sites at Narrows Reserve require a 1.25-mile hike from the parking area, with no water or electricity available. A camper noted, "The primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot" with "a super easy hike in." Vault toilets or porta-potties are common at most locations, though backpacking sites may have more limited facilities. Reservations are required for most tent campgrounds, with fees typically ranging from $5-30 per night.
Tent campers at Possum Creek enjoy access to Argonne Lake for fishing, with nearby sustainable farm and demonstration gardens adding interest to the camping experience. The Twin Valley Trail connects Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks, creating over 25 miles of hiking opportunities directly accessible from tent sites. As one visitor described, "This was a lovely backpacking trail that is both challenging while not being too hard for new backpackers." Walk-in tent sites at Narrows Reserve place campers in a meadow setting with river access, though the area sees day hikers and bird watchers passing through. Most tent campgrounds in the region offer good tree coverage for shade, with sites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy, particularly at the backcountry locations within the Five Rivers Metropark system.
"It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping."
"This was a lovely campsite with 4 picnic tables, fire ring, and a very clean latrine. The other two group camp sites were far enough away that you couldn't hear or see them. "
from $15 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This walk-in campsite is located near Argonne Lake parking lot."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"This park has such a variety of things to do. there’s a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such."
from $23 - $200 / night
Check Availability"My buddy, James, and I parked next to the Nature Center and trekked in. You can opt to park in the lower parking lot where there is a kayak launch too."
"Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade."
"Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities. I just wish there were a trash can. Still had a great time, though."
"This can be located in your Google Settings/Advanced/Accessibility/ and enable the captions. Yellow Springs is a popular destination in Ohio. "
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
TravelerThis is a nice little campground. There is a lot of space between campers, and the spots are asphalt and somewhat level. It didn’t feel crowded at all. There are plenty of good hiking trails around and it’s fun to go look at the dam. Highly recommend going to the overlook at sunset!
ScoutThe bathrooms are very clean and the showers work good. The place is very clean and the owner is accommodating.
GuideA large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
ScoutThere are a lot of people here, but even during the day we hardly hear any loud noises coming from any of the other campers. Walking the property (as much as I can with my cane) everyone is so friendly. The grounds are kept very clean. The people from the office actually do garbage pick-up anytime during office hours! Just place your trash bag/ other items to be thrown away at the front of your site and they take it away. They even have recycling, but you have to take that up yourself. They won't just tell you where it is, they will show you. I haven't been to a KOA site in 15 years and the one I went to was not a great experience, but I highly recommend staying here if you're passing through Cincinnati.
RangerThis is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
RangerAlways great time here. The upper part has more wooden areas then the lower part. But those spot are close to the lake. They a great playground. They have a big camp store with a putt putt, big lake we’re boating, fishing and kayaking. Multiple shower houses very clean kept up. Nice campground to ride bikes around.
ScoutRestrooms awful (full of spider ) . There is no shade . And too expensive
RangerThis one is the closest to home! We love it here. Great Lake/reservoir for boating, kayaking swimming and fishing. Two Nice shower houses. Playground. Camp store! Updated fhu sites. Has a good size marina with Store in nature Center. Park is great for riding bikes.
RangerVery small campground, not much privacy between the sites. But is very nice all around. Nice big lake, nice shower house, nice camp store. It has a nice beach. Very well maintained lake .
The Franklin area offers over 2,000 acres of natural woodlands along the Little Miami River watershed and Twin Valley Trail system. Tent camping near Franklin, Ohio combines river access opportunities with varied terrain ranging from prairie meadows to wooded ravines. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, creating comfortable camping conditions from May through October.
Kayaking access points: Jacoby Road Canoe Launch provides direct river access for water activities. A camper noted, "Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities."
Farm and garden tours: Visit the sustainable farm and demonstration gardens at Possum Creek Metro Park for a different outdoor experience. The park "features access to hiking trails, nearby sustainable farm and demonstration gardens, as well as fishing in both the lake and fishing ponds."
Disc golf course: Enjoy the disc golf course at Sycamore State Park during your camping trip. According to a visitor, "This park has such a variety of things to do. There's a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling."
Bundled firewood service: Campers appreciate that the firewood comes included with sites at the Metro Parks. One camper shared, "The nice thing about the metro parks camp sites (front country only) is that they provide a bundle of fire wood free each night and you can purchase additional bundles."
Communal cooking areas: Five Rivers Metroparks offers dedicated cooking spaces in backpacking sites. A backpacker mentioned, "They provided a common cooking area between the backpacking sites. Logs to sit on and cooking surface."
River swimming spots: Narrows Reserve has natural swimming options along the trail. A visitor explained, "Along the trail there were spots where you could jump in the river and even a rope swing. I didn't bring my swim trunks, but I wish I had!"
Hiking distances to primitive sites: Some tent sites require significant walking. At Narrows Reserve, "the primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot" with "a super easy hike in," according to one reviewer.
Limited facilities at some locations: Constitution County Park has minimal facilities. A camper mentioned, "The only issue I could see with the park is that it is right beside the road. Like, the furthest point from the road is only 100-200ft."
Water sources and filters: Bring filtration systems for backpacking sites. A backpacker at Twin Valley Trail noted, "We also used the near by river to filter some additional water for our return trip which was nice. No water or fire wood is provided as this is a back country camp site."
Equipment rental options: For families new to camping, rental gear is available. "If you do not have camping gear but still want to get out and try it then you can rent it from them. A set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag."
Educational farm visits: Kids enjoy the animal encounters at Constitution County Park. "The little town across the way is a fun site to see and quiet. There is only one site to camp at, so you won't have to worry about other campers the park is all yours."
Historic trail features: Children find motivation on trails with interesting landmarks. One camper shared, "Interesting trails here from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking."
Spacing between RV sites: Most Metro Parks offer good separation between sites. A camper at Twin Creek noted, "Even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance."
Parking accommodations: Group campsites have adequate parking for multiple vehicles. "Paved parking lot for the larger groups which is nice. Near by within walking distance a lake, amphitheater, and more as this was once a boy scout camp ground. Capacity is 25 individuals and ample parking."
RV site privacy levels: The Metro Parks system provides more private camping than standard campgrounds. As one camper described, "I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, OH is Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Franklin, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Franklin, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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