Winton Woods Campground offers year-round camping opportunities within 20 minutes of downtown Cincinnati. The 1,600-acre park features multiple camping areas with varying levels of amenities across both full-service and primitive sections. Winter camping remains available at most sites with the campground maintaining plowed access roads during snow events, though campers should verify availability during extreme weather conditions.
What to do
Kayak fishing: Launch directly from Winton Woods Campground onto the 156-acre lake for productive fishing. "Plenty of well kept restrooms spread throughout the camping area. Bath house is clean and modern... Fishing at the campground can get crowded but other fishing spots are a short walking distance away. A Boat/Canoe/Kayak launch is within the campgrounds and other launch point close by In the park," notes Dan G. from Winton Woods Campground.
Disc golf course: Access the free 18-hole course located near the Winton Woods camping area. "A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," shares Dan G. The course offers a mix of wooded and open fairways suitable for casual players.
Seasonal activities: Participate in organized weekend events during peak seasons. "We spent 3 nights here for our maiden voyage as we picked up a new travel trailer from their local dealer, 'Couch's RV Nation'. They had everything we needed for a pleasant stay," notes Rita J. from Winton Woods. Check the camp store bulletin board for current activities.
What campers like
Urban wilderness access: Enjoy quick escapes without long drives from Cincinnati. "Very nice campground inside the urban loop in Cincinnati. Close to everything, yet quiet and secluded camping experience," writes Kenneth D. about Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park. The park provides natural surroundings with city conveniences nearby.
Large RV sites: Find spacious sites that accommodate larger rigs. "The 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," shares Nancy W. Most full-hookup sites have 50-amp service with paved pads.
Yurt camping options: Experience yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional camping near Cleves, Ohio. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, "the tent camping area is fairly large. Been years since we have done that type of camping. Great for pop up campers and campers smaller that 28 ft," notes jeffrey D. The park's yurts provide a comfortable glamping experience about 30 minutes from Cleves.
What you should know
Reservation system challenges: Book well in advance during peak seasons. "We needed to stay on a Monday night and tried all weekend (Sat and Sun before) to book a site online. Both the mobile site and the full website didn't work," reports Denise from Winton Woods. Call directly if experiencing online booking difficulties.
Winter maintenance varies: Expect different plowing schedules across campgrounds. "When we arrived, we found that none of the back in sites had been plowed! All of the pull through sites were plowed and there were plenty open," notes Denise about winter camping at Winton Woods.
Noise considerations: Understand that proximity to urban areas means occasional noise. "Traffic noise is noticeable, especially during quiet hours. While not excessive, it's disruptive," explains Dave V. about Hueston Woods State Park Campground. Sites further from main roads typically offer more quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities for convenient play options. "There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies. I love the tall pines on the property," mentions Anne H. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area maintain playgrounds with modern equipment.
Multi-activity days: Plan combined water and land activities for balanced family fun. "Winton woods is a fun place to go with the family. There are playgrounds, trails, boat rentals... there's Parkys farm which is fun for little ones! We love it!" shares Kelsey L.
Swimming alternatives: Use splash pads during hot summer months when lake swimming isn't ideal. "Amazing place for the price and proximity to the city!! Just wish there was more hiking trails," notes Michaele K. about A.J. Jolly Park & Campground. Several parks offer water play areas when swimming conditions aren't favorable.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Verify sewer access when booking since availability varies. "Limited number of full hook-up spots - more would make this and even better site. Get your ideal site early during busy season," advises Kenneth D. Some campgrounds offer pump-out services for longer stays without sewer hookups.
Site selection strategy: Request specific site locations based on your priorities. "We had spot 47 which was a nice, big, shaded spot with neighbors on only one side. We had a view of the water and enjoyed our morning coffee watching fish jump and turtles swim," shares a visitor at Stonelick State Park Campground. End sites typically offer more privacy.
Level site challenges: Bring extra leveling equipment for some local campgrounds. "Nice campground, for a county Park. Full-hookups have little to no shade. Sites are pretty close together and small, but standard for a county Park," observes Mike H. Some RV sites require significant leveling, particularly in older camping areas.
