Tent campsites near Goshen, Ohio offer both waterfront options and forested settings within a 30-mile radius. The region features limestone bluffs and creek watersheds, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring camping often requires preparation for muddy conditions along the Little Miami River and its tributaries.
What to do
Disc golf at state parks: Sycamore State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course with challenging hills. One visitor notes, "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."
Fishing without licenses: At Possum Creek Metro park, you can fish in both the lake and fishing ponds without needing a fishing license. The park includes Argonne Lake and several smaller ponds where locals regularly fish. A camper mentions the site "features access to hiking trails, nearby sustainable farm and demonstration gardens, as well as fishing in both the lake and fishing ponds(no license required)."
Kayaking launch points: The Jacoby Road Canoe Launch provides direct river access for paddlers with tent sites right alongside the Little Miami River. A reviewer states, "Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities."
What campers like
Uncrowded riverside camping: Many tent campers appreciate the quieter spots like Jacoby Road Canoe Launch. One camper shared, "This site was so low key and didn't have a lot of people. We saw a few cars and trucks during our weekend as it is a canoe launch. Locals also will stop here to hike and avoid the crowds in town."
Included firewood: Dayton Metro Parks provides substantial firewood with reservations. A camper explains, "The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle."
Historical exploration: At Constitution County Park, campers can enjoy the park's location near historic Spring Valley. A reviewer noted, "The little town across the way is a fun site to see and quiet." Additionally, Possum Creek features abandoned structures like an old pool and street car in the woods, adding historical interest to hikes.
What you should know
Varying privacy levels: The tent campsites offer different privacy experiences. At Constitution County Park, one camper warns, "It's way to open for my taste. Anyone can pull in and see your entire setup just from the road or parking lot."
Toilet facilities differ dramatically: At Narrows Reserve, campers should note the long walk from facilities. A reviewer mentions, "The primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot" and advises to "use that [port-a-potty] since there isn't one in the meadow, it's 'primitive' after all."
Reservation requirements: For Five Rivers Metroparks, reservations must be made through their website with vehicle information. A camper explains, "When you make your reservation online you will need to know the car make/model, year, and license plate number. This is done for safety reasons and to ensure cars are parked in the appropriate locations."
Tips for camping with families
Farm visits for kids: Sycamore State Park includes family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Also includes playground and pond for kids to fish in." Similarly, Possum Creek has a sustainable farm where children can see animals, with one camper noting you "can hear some of the animals but we enjoyed this aspect."
Gear rental options: Five Rivers Metroparks offers camping equipment rentals for families without gear. A full set for 6 people costs $50 for a weekend, including tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags. This makes tent camping accessible for first-timers or those traveling without equipment.
Site selection for children: When camping with kids at Possum Creek, consider site location. One camper advises, "We picked the site further away from the lake as we had little ones. We were still close enough so we could easily walk to the lake."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent campsites near Goshen, Ohio aren't suitable for larger RVs. The Dayton Metro Parks system allows small RVs at some sites, but many locations like Narrows Reserve and Jacoby Road are tent-only with limited or no amenities for RVs.
Multiple picnic tables advantage: For RVers who can access suitable sites in the Five Rivers Metroparks system, the multiple tables are beneficial. One camper explains, "The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated."
COVID-safe camping: For RVers concerned about shared facilities, Twin Creek Metro Park provides isolated sites. A reviewer shared, "During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area."
