Camping near Loveland, Ohio offers opportunities within several Great Miami Watershed parks, with most sites situated 100-400 feet above sea level. The region sits at the convergence of the Little Miami River and Ohio River watersheds, creating varied terrain for both tent and RV camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Jim Terrell Park provides direct river access for paddlers. "Each year this trail keeps getting better and better. It is 76 miles long so if you are a person that likes to bicycle and camp this could be an option for you. The very same thing can be said if you like to boat. Check out the Little Miami river," notes one visitor to Jim Terrell Park.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds connect to both paved and dirt trails. "What a great campground! Sites are spacious and ours backed up to a wooded area. There is a nice walking trail through the woods... The campground was only about three miles from a trailhead on the Little Miami Scenic Trail," reports a camper at Olive Branch Campground.
Fossil hunting permits: Caesar Creek State Park allows visitors to collect fossils with proper authorization. "Lots to do here and keep in mind that not all of it is right in the campground. Great place to hike to a cool bridge and waterfall. We also went to a nearby pioneer village. We even got a permit to collect fossils," explains a camper at Caesar Creek.
What campers like
Private cabins: Some parks offer cabin accommodations with lake views. "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," mentions a visitor at Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Wooded tent areas: Sites with natural shade are highly sought after. "It has a nice 'campground' feel set in 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," according to a review of Winton Woods Campground.
Accessible waterfront: Many campsites include direct water access for fishing. "We spent 3 nights at site 268 and 269. The sites are spacious with plenty of room for cornhole games. Showers were nice and hot and bathrooms were clean. Had a good time at the beach and caught a few fish at a couple different fishing spots," shares a visitor to Caesar Creek State Park.
What you should know
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds have complex booking procedures. "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," explains a visitor to Jim Terrell Park.
Tree coverage varies: Recent forestry management has affected shade availability. "Nice campground but not alot of trees. Beautiful park and camping if you like a parking lot for RVs. Lots of families and pets. Not great for tents but theres a couple ok spots. Not secluded. Very little shade but lots to do at the park and its very clean," reports a camper at Caesar Creek State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness differ significantly between parks. "The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn't seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated," notes a visitor to East Fork State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly parks: Several campgrounds have dedicated paths for children. "The nice thing is that this camp site is close to the Milford Bike Trail as in one cross walk away. Tucked away by the Little Miami river. I will often walk into town for ice cream," comments a visitor to Jim Terrell Park.
Wildlife education: Some parks offer nature programs for children. "The nature center offered movies in the evening for guest. The park was very clean and maintained. Trails were well marked and the camp hosts were very friendly," shares a camper at East Fork State Park.
Playground access: Many sites include play structures near camping areas. "Nice park in Cincinnati with lots to do for Everyone. Tent/RV sites were level and had lots of Shade and trees for Hammocks. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," explains a visitor at Winton Woods Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most parks offer varied electrical service options. "All campsites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds. Some trails but not a lot else to see. Close to food and shopping areas. We stayed in 69 and 70. C loop is all nice," notes an RVer at East Fork State Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment for larger vehicles. "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," reports an RVer at Stonelick State Park Campground.
Pull-through availability: Limited pull-through sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Very nice campground inside the urban loop in Cincinnati. Close to everything, yet quiet and secluded camping experience. Limited number of full hook-up spots - more would make this and even better site. Get your ideal site early during busy season," advises an RV camper at Winton Woods.
