The region surrounding Loveland, Ohio features diverse terrain from urban parks to prairie meadows, offering tent campers access to the Little Miami Watershed. Campsites in this area typically sit at elevations between 700-900 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Many local campgrounds feature walk-in sites requiring short hikes from parking areas, creating more secluded experiences than traditional developed campgrounds.
What to do
Backpack challenging trails: The Twin Valley Trail in Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) connects multiple parks with over 25 miles of varied terrain. A camper noted, "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take on the TVT challenge."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes throughout the region offer fishing without requiring a license in some locations. At Possum Creek Metro Park, campers can access "fishing in both the lake and fishing ponds (no license required)," making it ideal for beginners or those without permits.
Explore historical remnants: Several parks contain interesting historical features from former uses. While hiking at Possum Creek Metro park, visitors can discover "old abandoned items such as a pool and street car in the woods. The land has an interesting history you will want to explore."
Water activities: The Little Miami River provides kayaking and cooling opportunities during summer months. At Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, campers enjoy "a beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River," with convenient water access.
What campers like
Firewood provisions: A unique feature at Five Rivers Metroparks sites is the included firewood. One camper highlighted, "Each night in the front country camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood. This is not the small sad bundle that you often buy at gas stations or other markets. This is a huge bundle."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between camping areas in the region. At Twin Creek Metro Parks, a reviewer noted, "Even then they are out of sight from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely). This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many sites maintain well-kept facilities. At Narrows Reserve, a camper mentioned, "The ranger checked in on me and also let me know he was closing the gate to the park. I had his contact information and felt safe and secure while camping here."
Riverside locations: Multiple tent camping options sit directly along the Little Miami River. At Constitution County Park, a visitor shared, "This park is a very small park running along the little Miami river, but that doesn't make it bad. Its literally right beside the river and it has a small ramp into the river."
What you should know
Distance from parking: Several tent campsites near Loveland require hiking in with gear. At Narrows Reserve, campers should be prepared as "the primitive campsites were 1.25 miles from the parking lot."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer basic facilities only. For Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, a camper advised, "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."
Privacy concerns: Some campgrounds have limited seclusion from public areas or roads. At Constitution County Park, a reviewer warned, "The road is extremely near and you can hear every car driving by. Anyone can pull in and see your entire setup just from the road or parking lot."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking through specific park systems. For Five Rivers Metroparks, campers must provide detailed information: "When you make your reservation online you will need to know the car make/model, year, and license plate number."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible campsites: Families with children should consider sites with easier access. Sycamore State Park Campground offers "a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such. Also includes playground and pond for kids to fish in."
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature farms or nature centers ideal for children. Possum Creek has "a farm on the property that was enjoyable for the kids to see the animals. You can hear some of the animals but we enjoyed this aspect."
Equipment rentals: Some locations offer camping gear for families without equipment. Five Rivers Metroparks has a rental program where "a set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag."
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children, select appropriate trails. One family recommended Possum Creek's "interesting trails from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few true RV sites exist near Loveland. Quakertown State Rec Area offers some RV-accessible sites but campers note they're "a little pricey at $30. A shooting range nearby is a little annoying."
Alternative accommodations: Instead of traditional RV campgrounds, consider metro parks with larger sites. Five Rivers Metroparks' Twin Creek site is "listed as a 10 person camp site. This is much more than what is allowed at our local state parks."
Site conditions: Know what amenities each location provides. At Quakertown, "A'll sites gave fire rings. Some of the picnic tables are small. Nice clean bathrooms. There's a good amount of trees for shade coverage."
Access considerations: Many roads leading to tent camping locations near Loveland aren't suitable for large RVs. Mill Bridge Launch and Bud Owens Landing have particularly limited parking areas that don't accommodate larger vehicles.
