105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The small town of Lebanon, Ohio, has several good camping spots within a short drive. Cowan Lake State Park Campground sits along the water, where many campers spend time kayaking and watching for birds and deer. Buck Creek State Park Campground works well for fishing and boating trips, and includes extras like a marina and disc golf course nearby. If you prefer a more basic camping experience, John Bryan State Park Campground has nice hiking trails through the woods and rocky areas. Kids tend to do well at all these parks since they have decent bathrooms and open spaces to play. The fall colors make September and October really nice for camping here, but July and August can get pretty hot - bring extra water and sunscreen if you camp then. You can reach all these campgrounds on regular paved roads without any trouble. Just check the state park website before you go, as some areas close during winter or for maintenance. The campgrounds around Lebanon have sites that work for both tents and RVs, so you have options regardless of your gear.
"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!"
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $70 / night
Check Availability"This campground is shady, quiet with plenty to do in the surrounding area. There is a pool, laundry room and large field with a playground and basketball court."
"There is a nice walking trail through the woods, a small pool, playground, and a pond for fishing."
from $47 - $75 / night
Check Availability"We had no idea how cute and historic Lebanon was! The park staff were great and we were able to top off our propane. Level sites, decent sized sites for a KOA."
"This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks."
"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. "
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by."
"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."
"Along the Ohio river Morgan’s is the perfect spot to camp if you enjoy nature. The wooded sites are very large even the small ones with mature trees."
"We were also super close to Kings Island and took a day trip."
"https://www.morganscanoe.com/ This site is close to King's Island and Fort Ancient. It also was next to a bike trail. "
"The location is amazing being right next to the river. The sites are just a tad close together so we felt on top of the other campers and didn’t have privacy. I will definitely return though."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The campground fills up fast and there were plenty of shaded electric sites close to the lake. There were also plenty of pull through sites for the big rigs."
"Playground and walk path well kept."
from $43 - $73 / night
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TravelerThe reviews I’ve read are pretty accurate. Most sights are not very level. The water is too far away. Nice park, the trails are rugged, we walked uphill both ways. Trails are not well marked either, it’s an interesting feeling getting lost in such a small space. Restrooms/showers could use an update. But hey, we’re camping. Overall recommended.
ScoutTheir sites are spacious and have many things for kids to do, swimming, scuba diving lessons, park, pool, splash pad, plus the float pads on the beach part.
Legend62 full hookup sites in the C Loop. 388 electric sites.
We stayed at site 58 which is a large sunny site by the bathroom/shower house. This would be a great site for a family- lots of room for kids to run around.
Bathroom/showers were disgusting! Just filthy, even for a state park. We only saw them "cleaned" once on Friday afternoon.
There's a boat launch just for campers. Actually several boat launches on the East side of the lake.
This is a big park for fishing & boating. My fisherguy did catch fish. There's a beach. Several hiking trails. The Glidewell Trail goes past an Indian Mound.
The camp store is really nice!
There's no nature center, but they have interpretive programs that meet at trailheads or the camp store.
This campground had a lot of empty sites, so it may be less popular than Whitewater Memorial State Park. Aside from the bathrooms, we had a good time there.
GuideCouldn’t get in to the Craser Lake campground because it was full came here as an alternative. Wooded sights are nice, large enough for trailer. No potable water. Pit toilets but they constructed a new modern outhouse but as of my visit not open. It’s an Equestrian friendly so lots of people with horses.
ScoutFirst and foremost, access is restricted active duty and retired military members. It’s quiet, clean and secure. The asphalted sites are closely spaced. This is not the sort of place we’d come for a scenic, back-to-nature getaway. We are on a long trip and needed a place to stop for several nights to take a break from travel days and catch up on chores. There is absolutely nothing negative about the campground. It’s just not “pretty.” Opinions may vary.
ScoutCan stay lo g or short term great people and quiet
ScoutGreat flat gravel spots.
ScoutThey have horseback riding trails , bring your own horses , witch they have accomidations for or rent from near by stables . Basketball courts , bike rental, Bridle Path , Cornhole , drinking water ,dumpsters. Hiking , kayak rentals , nature center , mini golf ,mountain bike trailhead parking , pickle ball , ping pong , playground ,recycling , shelter house , shower houses ,soccer , volleyball ,wifi , all play courts are ADA accessable , full hookups , electric only hookups , boat ramps both camping & public sandy beeches , Really Nice Eauestrian Camping , golf cart use 416 sites
ScoutGreat place to spend a night while traveling, easy on and off of interstate and sites are very spacious. Nice folks too!
Caesar Creek State Park Campground offers access to a 2,830-acre lake surrounded by limestone bluffs and rolling terrain. Located within 20 minutes of Lebanon, this destination attracts water enthusiasts during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Winter camping remains available but with reduced amenities as temperatures drop to the 20-40°F range from December through February.
Fossil hunting excursions: Caesar Creek requires special permits for fossil collection, available at the visitor center. "We also went to a nearby pioneer village. We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too," notes one camper at Caesar Creek State Park Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Morgan's Canoe provides equipment rentals with transportation back to camp. "They have been around for a few generations and provide canoeing, rafting, and kayaking at different trip lengths for a great price. There are plenty of spots along the beautiful Little Miami River Valley to pull your canoe off to the side and sit and hang out," reports a visitor at Morgan's.
Mountain biking trails: Accessible directly from camping areas during seasonal openings at several parks. A camper at Cowan Lake mentions, "You can access the mountain bike trails from the campground when they are open. They have converted some sites to premium, but most only offer electric."
Spacious sites: Enjoy above-average distance between campsites at select locations. At Morgan's Riverside Campground, campers appreciate that "the wooded sites are very large even the small ones with mature trees. So close to everything Cincinnati has to offer but beautiful scenic river views."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom buildings with hot showers. A visitor to Winton Woods Campground noted, "Bathhouses were very clean. Entrance was gated. Nice campstore."
Proximity to attractions: Stay within easy driving distance of Kings Island amusement park and historic sites. "This site is close to King's Island and Fort Ancient. It also was next to a bike trail. Close to the Little Miami Bike Trail this was easy to walk on with my friend and her two little ones," shares one camper from Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventure.
Water conditions vary: Lake swimming areas often have natural bottoms that may be muddy or unclear. A camper at Caesar Creek notes, "We hiked down to the beach, which is mucky on the bottom. It is a little bit of a drive to get to the other parts of the park."
Shade availability: Many campgrounds have lost trees to disease and offer limited shade. "Not a big fan of the park. Good fishing," notes a camper at East Fork State Park Campground.
Weekend crowds: Reserve well ahead for summer weekends when many parks reach capacity. "It was at least our 3rd time staying there. Place is usually pretty full on weekends and the staff are there to make sure you have a great time," reports a visitor to Olive Branch Campground.
Playground access: Choose campsites near recreational facilities for easier supervision. At Stonelick State Park Campground, "My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean. The showers and park are a small walk but also super nice."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs and wildlife viewing areas. "Amazing views of the water and surrounding wooded areas. Good place to fish for bluegill and catfish. Awesome place to swim during daytime hours, just remember to use caution and don't go out of designated area," shares a Stonelick camper.
Safety considerations: Lakes and rivers require close supervision of children. A visitor to Morgan's Canoe mentioned, "We were a little nervous as the cabin is so close the river. This is part of the charm but when you have a 3 year old in your group then it is smart to keep an extra sharp eye on the kiddo as the river is a huge draw."
Full hookup availability: Olive Branch Campground offers complete services with 50-amp power. "Very well kept campground with a lot of shade trees. Good separation of seasonal and overnight campers. Pull through and back ins available with full hookups. Friendly and helpful staff," notes one RV camper.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require significant adjustment to level properly. "Hamilton County Park that offers a beach, canoes, fishing, and camping. Sites are drive-up with plenty of room for a tent or two and fire-rings. Some sites may have trees for hammocks," reports a camper at Winton Woods.
Dump station access: Plan for end-of-stay procedures if not in a full-hookup site. "RV Sites are gravel w electric hookups. Close to major highways. Staff were friendly," mentions a visitor at Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp at Lebanon, Ohio campgrounds?
Camping costs around Lebanon vary by campground type and amenities. At Indian Springs Campground, full hookup sites typically run higher than standard rates but offer level pull-through spaces with picnic tables. State parks like East Fork State Park Campground generally charge $25-35 per night for standard sites, with premium or full-hookup sites costing more. Some private campgrounds offer cash discounts. Public campgrounds like those in the Dayton Metro Parks system might offer more budget-friendly options. Prices typically increase during peak season (summer) and on weekends. Many campgrounds also charge additional fees for pets, extra vehicles, or premium locations near water features.
What campgrounds are available in Lebanon, Ohio?
Lebanon offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. The Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA provides convenient access to both Lebanon's historic downtown and Cincinnati attractions. For nature lovers, Cowan Lake State Park Campground near Wilmington offers lakeside camping with easy highway access. Other nearby options include Indian Springs Campground, Caesar Creek State Park, and Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins. The region also features East Fork State Park, Hueston Woods State Park, and John Bryan State Park - all within driving distance of Lebanon. These campgrounds offer various amenities including full hookups, tent sites, and recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
Are there tent camping options near Lebanon, Ohio?
Lebanon-area campers have several excellent tent camping options. John Bryan State Park Campground offers wooded tent sites with access to trails, a frisbee golf course, and is near the popular town of Yellow Springs. The campground is surrounded by woods and provides a more rustic experience. At Hueston Woods State Park Campground, tent campers can enjoy sites north of Cincinnati along Ohio's border with Indiana, featuring attractions like the Raptor Center. For a more secluded experience, Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) offers tent camping in a former Boy Scout camp setting. Most of these locations provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
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