Best Cabin Camping near Hillsboro, OH

The adorable cabin fulfilled my tiny home dreams and camping craving! The cozy cabin had a queen bed, twin bunks and a sofa that made out to a full size sleeper. Kitchen included a fridge, sink and single cup coffee maker. Coffee k cups were provided in a few different varieties as well as sugar and creamer packs. Bathroom had tub/shower, clothesline to dry swim suits or hand-washed clothes, toilet, sand sink vanity. Bedding and towels were provided and were crisp, clean white. WiFi was a bonus and although it wasn’t the fastest it was very useful when looking up nearby activities. Our cabin had a grill, an outdoor table with four chairs, a swing and a fire pit which we enjoyed our last night there. Staff was friendly and helpful. There were laundry facilities within the park and lots of activities but we didn’t take advantage of any of that during our brief stay. Overall, we were very pleased and would gladly stay again!

After being cooped up, we (3 young adults) decided to get out and decided on this campground that was new to all of us. The campground was very low key and made for an easy going weekend! We weren’t too keen on most of the parks amenities, but enjoyed just sitting around the fire the whole time. Pros: -staff was cleaning common areas (bathroom and showers) either once or twice a day -campsite 12 was incredible space and had an added bonus of a deck structure over the creek

Other notes: -WiFi available, but only right by the main office/general store -no service for AT&T or Verizon -Fire tower not accessible -Lake tested high for a bacteria and swimming is not recommended

Corona Virus Notes: -only Ice and Firewood available for purchase at General Store -putt putt, boat and bike rentals, and game box rentals not available -nearby Hocking Hills trails were closed

Winton Woods campground has spacious paved RV spaces with full hook-ups, fire ring, and picnic table. They also have cabin and tent camping. 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. There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies. I love the tall pines on the property. They made me feel like I was out west. The campground is also near paved and unpaved trails in the park that surround more of the lake which allows for walking/running/hiking and bicycling, fishing, small craft boating, with small craft boat rentals available at the marina. The park also allows for horseback riding, and a small water park for children in the summer.

This is a great county park! It has a nice “campground” feel set in a large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites. The campground is set in Winton Woods County Park which is about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.

There are 123 campsites including RV sites, tent pads, and camping cabins. Most RV sites are back-in but there are 12 pull-thru sites. There is a myriad of sites here from 50-amp full hook-up with paved pads and patios to 30-amp gravel sites. Sites have fire pits, picnic tables. Campsites in the front section (1F – 25F and 1R – 12R) are big rig-friendly with paved roads wide enough to easily maneuver. All utilities worked accordingly and were well-placed in the site. Our 4G Verizon phone got good reception and we were able to get plenty of antenna television channels. The online reservation system is easy to use and gives you an array of sites/cabins to choose from. Be aware that lots of people use this park on the weekends so it can get quiet busy.

There are lots of amenities at this park. Within walking distance of the campground is Winton Woods Lake which has a harbor with boathouse, snack bar, boat rentals and playgrounds. There are miles of paved and rustic hiking trails. There is a camp store, dump station, laundry, restrooms/shower house, boat/kayak launch, and fishing access. Located in the park is a golf course and horseback riding center.

You are within a few miles of everything … grocery, gas/diesel, restaurants, and plenty of shopping. The park is close to I-275 and I-75 making for easy access to major interstates. One place you should not miss is Jungle Jims international grocery and market. This totally eclectic, sprawling "grocery store" has so much to offer. They pride themselves on providing unique foods from all over the world. I could spend hours in this store perusing the isles of which are sectioned off into country and region. There are entire sections on Indian foods, wines, cheeses that you have never heard of, and tanks with live fish ready for the filleting. Also within close proximity is Greaters -one of the country's best ice cream shops (according to Food and Wine). Just down the street is a new person favorite sandwich shop called Izzy's which is famous for their corned beef and delicious potato pancakes.

Loved this park because you have a very nice campsite with 50-amp full hook-up site with lots to do in the area. Our site was level and the roads were easy to navigate in our motorhome. The paved trail around the lake was great for walking/jogging and perfect for launching our kayaks.

We would definitely stay here again.

We paid extra to have a "Premium" site, which meant we got a deck. That deck held our picnic table,  but there was no room to put our camping chairs. And though we were close to the lake, you could not see it through the trees. We could barely get out of our trailer and into the driveway without falling into a ravine. The fire pit had to be put on the back side of our trailer next to the road as that was the only spot it could fit. We were told to check out other sites in case we want to come back. Ha. The staff knew no one who had ever been here would ever take this site! But... we won't need to check out other sites as we'll never come back.

Although it’s quite a bit off the main road, it was a nice place to stay. Gate was manned when we arrived just before 8:00 pm. Clerk told us to book online once we picked our spot, as she had just closed the register. We just chose an open spot that was level as we could see in the dark. Weary from a day of travel, we put our heads on the pillow and were fast asleep. Shortly after 9 we heard several rounds of gun shots; that was alarming because it was well after sunset. All in all it was a nice spot with electric only. Several gray water dumps were situated throughout the campground. Dumpsters were full from I’m sure what was a busy weekend of fall camping. The lake was beautiful with ability to rent kayaks. Frisbee golf was onsite too. Commissary for ice and basic sundries, with playground nearby. We didn’t visit the bathhouse, so I’m unsure of it’s condition. Tenant sites with no electricity were down by the lake. Cabin rentals were in a separate spot, off the lake. All in all, in was a nice place with lots of things to do. More of a destination park, for sure.

Site 57 - this site backs up to the ravine and is nice and large. It has a lot of shade and grass. We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground. It’s a little noisy but if you have kids, it works. The fire ring was nice, but trash was left inside of it. I found out that there Is no campground host. They did have park staff cleaning the bathrooms both the shower house and the drop toilets. All of the water fountains were closed due to COVID. There was one pump available for water. There are two trash bins on either side of the campground. There is another bigger playground right across from the campground with more parking. There is a small lake with a beach. You can kayak, but it’s really small. Lots of trails to hike and the camp store was open. I would recommend bringing your own wood as it’s just slab cut. The trees and shade were the best part - lots of birds and pretty views.

Cowan Lake State Park - A friend and I were able to kayak on the lake the night of a Friday the 13th moon. It was beautiful. Sadly, no pictures as I do not have a water proof camera. The next day we also went out for another paddle under the bright sun.  The boat ramp and parking lot is easy to use and has a good layout.  They do have some tent sites close to the boat ramp area and you can see the lake from those tent sites. 

Our campsite did not 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. Our campsite didn't have any shade but others did so you really have to pick wisely. 

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. 

The park also had a lending library and walking stick lending program. I thought these were simple but memorable features for this park. 

Our campsite was close to two different bathroom structures.  One right behind our site was toilets only. This did mean that sometimes folks would walk on the edge or through the camp site at times.  The other bathroom structure was further down the road and it had both toilets and showers.  The larger bathroom had an ADA shower in it as well. 

The camp store was well stocked and you could rent bikes from the store. These bikes were often all over the campground so be extra careful when driving in the park.  They do have the orange flag but as they are low to the ground it is hard to see them at times. 

The cabins here have both a fire ring and grill. This isn't the case at all Ohio State parks so it was a nice surprise.  They also have a porch that is screened in with a view of the lake. You are not able to walk down to the lake from the cabin but it is a lovely view. 

For those who want to "Walk-On" camp please take a look at the photo of the neon yellow paper as how the park approaches this will be different in the future. 

**Not all photos or videos uploading so some information may be missing. I will try to upload again later.