Searching for the best camping near Hillsboro, OH? Hillsboro is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Ohio camping adventure.
"The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."
"Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."
"Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."
"An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."
"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. "
$29 - $30 / night
"This is your standard Ohio State Park campground. It has the usual parking, water, restrooms, camp store, and activities.
East Fork is rather nice as it has the lake and long trails. "
"Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."
"We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."
"Our spot was right next to a small Pollinator trail that lead to the water. My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean."
"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."
$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!"
"Right across from the North Beach of Rocky Fork Lake"
"Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park
Campground Review:
We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."
"The lake is smaller, but nice beach area and pedal boats are fun. We hiked the Greenbriar and CCC Trails. They are not too challenging but beautiful."
"There are 5 showers and a set of bathrooms close by the pool. All of which were VERY clean. This property is well taken care of and we will be back."
"Walking trails to lake. Will be back!"
ScoutWe had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return
GuideNice 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.
Guide8/13/2025
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.
Guide8/13/2025
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.
TravelerWe are full-time RVers and this is by far the best park we've stayed at! It's peaceful and beautiful, everyone (especially Management) is so friendly and fun! The laundry facility is one of the greatest amenities as we've stayed other places without one, so we truly appreciate it! The splash pad is fantastic for children and adults alike! There's a dog park, and a kids kangaroo jump pad as well. The view of the river is beautiful! On weekends there's entertainment and/or cornhole tournaments to bring everyone together. The park is maintained perfectly and I've enjoyed calling it home! By far the best park in Southern Clermont County! Must see!
ScoutReally disgusted with out last stay here. We ended up next to some tent campers who were homeless which isn't the issue because things in life happen it was the way they acted that just grossed me out. I spent the first few days listening to them arguing and fighting amongst each other about their welfare checks being spent on their cigarettes beer and weed. They had 2 kids one that was autistic that they called a retard the other one they called stupid and it was just heartbreaking. I ended up having to go inside my camper and turning my ac on to escape their screaming and yelling and fighting that went into the midnight hour. My dog has a heart murmur and it made him anxious. I felt like I was camping in the bottoms of Columbus Ohio. The camp host said they are there all the time which is disturbing that they condone this behavior and makes me question the integrity of this location. Luckily after contacting ODNR we were able to move to a location far from them and given a gift card for our troubles. This was after they moved their camp stuff practically across the front bumper of my 100,000 RV. My husband and I pay way to much for our RV and for our stays to put up with this trash. We'd be hard pressed to come back here and be exposed to this kind of drama again.
ScoutUnlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're for tent campers only. The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights. The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient. All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutThis 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!
Camping near Hillsboro, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic hikes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Hillsboro, Ohio, has its unique charm and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Hillsboro, Ohio campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Hillsboro offer diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Cowan Lake State Park Campground features multiple bathrooms, lake access for boating and swimming, and has been making significant improvements to facilities. Sites include both electric RV pads and a separate non-electric tent camping area (B loop) that offers more privacy. Long's Retreat Family Resort provides more extensive amenities, including water hookups, toilet facilities, and accommodations for big rigs. Most state parks in the area offer basic amenities such as potable water, restrooms, and shower facilities. Some campgrounds also feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat ramps for water access.
How much does camping cost near Hillsboro, Ohio?
Camping costs near Hillsboro vary by location and amenities. At Pike Lake State Park Campground, standard non-electric sites typically range from $25-30 per night, while electric sites cost $30-35. Tar Hollow State Park Campground offers more affordable primitive tent camping at their North Ridge area for approximately $20-25 per night. Private campgrounds like Beechwood Acres Camping Resort may charge $35-50 for standard sites and $45-60 for full hookup RV sites. Most Ohio state parks also offer discounts for Ohio residents and seniors. Reservation fees typically add $6-8 to your total. For the best value, consider weekday stays or camping during the off-season when rates may be reduced.
Where are the best campgrounds in Hillsboro, Ohio?
The Hillsboro area offers several excellent camping options. Rocky Fork State Park Campground is located right in Hillsboro and provides lakeside camping with boating and fishing opportunities. For those willing to drive a short distance, Shady Trails Campground offers a family-friendly environment with wooded sites. About 30 minutes away, Paint Creek State Park Campground provides another quality option with water recreation. Pike Lake State Park is also nearby, offering a more secluded camping experience surrounded by wooded hills. The region's natural beauty makes these campgrounds particularly appealing during autumn when fall colors enhance the camping experience.
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