Campsites near Lisbon, Ohio range from spacious, wooded retreats to waterfront locations with fishing access. The region maintains mild temperatures from May through September, with summer highs typically reaching 80-85°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-1,100 feet, creating moderate terrain for hiking and exploring local waterways.
What to do
Fossil hunting: Visitors to Caesar Creek State Park Campground can obtain permits for collecting fossils in designated areas. A camper noted, "We also went to a nearby pioneer village. We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too."
Mountain biking: Access trail systems directly from certain campgrounds. At John Bryan State Park, a local visitor mentioned, "Great hiking, clean campground (and bathroom), and close to Yellow Springs for local brews and good eats." The park features multiple connected trail systems.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer lake or river access for fishing, swimming, and boating. One camper at Sky Lake Resort explained, "The views are fantastic and if you like to fish, this is the place for you! The sites themselves are nice and level, but a little on the small side."
Disc golf: Several parks maintain courses suitable for all skill levels. A visitor to John Bryan State Park Campground shared, "The campground is very nice, clean bathrooms, and showers. There is a disc golf course lots of mountain bike trails and hiking trails!"
What campers like
Campground beaches: Private swim areas provide convenient water access. A visitor to Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, "We also used the camper beach but to the left of it to launch our kayaks. Which was nice because you could back up to the pathway and park."
Evening activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events and entertainment. One camper at Buck Creek noted, "Camp host on I think lot 71 or there about were great at keeping the activities going. Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!!"
Non-electric tent areas: These sections typically offer more seclusion and natural surroundings. A visitor commented, "Over a late-August weekend, we found the non-electric loop to be pretty quiet and uncrowded. The grounds are level and grassy, with trees that provide partial shade."
Proximity to towns: Several campgrounds sit near interesting communities with dining and shopping. At Tomorrow's Stars RV Resort, a camper mentioned it was a "Fun location just off the highway. Perfect for a family, has swimming pool, putt putt, and other child friendly activities."
What you should know
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds have moved to online-only booking. A visitor to Sky Lake Resort and Fishing appreciated that "the entire reservation and check-in process was online, you didn't have to check in at the office, just put your info into the website and you were all set."
Limited shade: Several campgrounds feature open sites with minimal tree cover. A camper at Caesar Creek noted, "Nice campground but not alot of trees," while another mentioned sites have "plenty of space between them. But there isn't a lot of shade."
Beach conditions: Water access points vary significantly in quality. One visitor reported, "It is a little bit of a drive to get to the other parts of the park. You can access the mountain bike trails from the campground when they are open."
Site selection: Corner or perimeter sites typically offer more privacy. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground shared, "The camp sites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Some parks offer safe riding areas for children. A visitor to Buck Creek State Park noted, "My sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes."
Kid-focused amenities: Certain campgrounds maintain dedicated facilities for younger campers. At Alum Creek State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "We had an absolute blast at the campsite! We stayed in L and the kids loved being close to the water. The campground beach is an absolute must."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs and historical sites. A camper at John Bryan mentioned, "John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio. You can visit the near by historical town of Yellow Springs."
Campground events: Seasonal activities provide additional entertainment. One visitor reported, "They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Limited sites offer complete connections. A visitor to Jacoby Road Canoe Launch noted, "It is also important to know that the site does not have electricity or clean drinking water. You will need to bring in the water that you will need for cooking and cleaning during your stay."
Tree clearance: Some campsites have low-hanging branches that may interfere with larger rigs. One camper shared, "Pull through we were assigned had very low hanging tree limbs. I called the office and asked if we could use space 41 instead. No problem!"
Level sites: Most developed campgrounds provide relatively flat parking areas. A visitor to Buck Creek State Park mentioned, "Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds reduce services during winter months. One visitor advised, "Set up is 3:00 PM and Departure is at 12:00 PM. The reservation service fee was very reasonable and is less than what ODNR charges for their online reservations."
