Best Campgrounds near Mason, OH

Mason, Ohio offers a mix of established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including state parks and privately-operated sites. Cowan Lake State Park Campground, Stonelick State Park Campground, and Caesar Creek State Park Campground provide camping opportunities ranging from tent sites to cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Winton Woods Campground and Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA also offering glamping options and cabin facilities for visitors seeking different levels of camping amenities.

The camping season varies significantly across these mixed-use campgrounds, with some operating year-round while others maintain limited availability from April through October. Most developed campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Water and electric hookups are common at the established campgrounds, though availability differs by location. Fire restrictions also vary, with some parks permitting campfires while others maintain strict no-fire policies. Visitors should verify specific amenities before arrival, as features like showers, sanitary dump stations, and water access differ between parks. One camper noted, "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."

The region's campgrounds offer varied experiences based on proximity to water features. Waterfront camping areas at Cowan Lake and Caesar Creek provide recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Several visitors mentioned the lakes as highlights of their camping experience. A recent review described, "The beach is clean (for a lakeside beach - there are geese, it's Ohio) and the lake was gorgeous!" Campground layouts range from more private, wooded sites to open areas with limited shade. Most public camping areas provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though privacy between sites varies considerably. Bathroom facilities generally receive positive comments, with many reviewers noting clean, well-maintained shower houses at the state park campgrounds. The camping areas near Mason provide convenient access to both natural settings and nearby attractions, making them popular for weekend getaways.

Best Camping Sites Near Mason, Ohio (98)

    1. Winton Woods Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Stonelick State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Goshen, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 625-6593

    "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."

    3. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "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!"

    4. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA

    10 Reviews
    Lebanon, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-7717

    "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."

    "Cute town Cons: sites are fairly close to each other."

    6. Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County Park

    14 Reviews
    Fairfield, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 851-2267

    $43 - $73 / night

    "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."

    7. Olive Branch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-2267

    $47 - $75 / night

    "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."

    8. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "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. "

    9. Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins

    5 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 899-2166

    "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."

    10. Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventure

    5 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 899-2166

    $30 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Mason, OH

674 Reviews of 98 Mason Campgrounds


  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice big sites, fairly level. 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. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Jim Terrell Park

    Looks Good!

    8/13/2025

    NOTE: I did NOT stay here. I was going to, but decided to drive a little farther than I had initially planned. 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. If the sites are on the river, just know there's a restaurant on the opposite bank that might be a source of noise/light at night, and the park itself is kind of close to the road. I'm not exactly sure where one would tent, but there did seem to be some flat space behind a rafting/kayaking shack to the left as you pull in.

  • Rhonda B.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park

    Best full time campground on the Ohio River!

    We are full-time RVers and this is by far the best park we've stayed at! It's peaceful and beautiful, everyone (especially Management) is so friendly and fun! The laundry facility is one of the greatest amenities as we've stayed other places without one, so we truly appreciate it! The splash pad is fantastic for children and adults alike! There's a dog park, and a kids kangaroo jump pad as well. The view of the river is beautiful! On weekends there's entertainment and/or cornhole tournaments to bring everyone together. The park is maintained perfectly and I've enjoyed calling it home! By far the best park in Southern Clermont County! Must see!

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • Robert H.
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Northern Kentucky RV Park

    Nice place to stay on the way price is priced accordingly on the high side

    Very nice attendant helpful even tried to help me find a lower priced campground but the others were full

  • K
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cedarbrook Campground

    Wonderful stay w one hiccup

    This is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    Nice campground, well cared for

    The spaces are gravel and level. The campground is mostly RV with a few private apartments/houseboat.

    Quiet, most all of the waterfront sites were taken. We took a chance on last minute reservations and there were plenty of pull through spots. Easy to setup.

    Checkin/out no problem. They have a code for gate entry.

    Bathhouse bathrooms are date but clean. A bit on small side, not very comfortable.

    There is not much common area for grass/waterside…kinda feel like your in someone’s spot/yard area.

    There is a playground for young kids.

    About 30 minutes from downtown Cincinnati…easy to get to a game.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails Indian Lakes

    Needs new management

    Terrible management. Pics are outdated and most everything is run down. Only one pool open during short hours. No gas station, no slide, nasty lake water & nobody takes the trash/dumpsters out. Completely inundated with annual spots being reserved by weekend warriors meaning minimal availability for people who want to be here during the week. There are SEVERAL dozen spots available and we were told if the spot we got didn’t work we could pick something else. At 8pm during dinner we were disturbed by a park ranger and forced to move to a spot half the size with no hookups. She literally brought us to an overflow area that our rig doesn’t fit in. She made us pack up our entire camp site to move so someone else could have the spot, even though there were MULTIPLE spots available. Had to be extremely persistent to get a FHU spot only to see dozens continue to be available for the rest of our 2 week stay.

    They also charge you $5 per package to pick up your own mail from the building and $10 for a key card to access the park. Management is certainly skimming off of customers here. Will travel further to another TT campground to avoid this place in the future.


Guide to Mason

Camping near Mason, Ohio, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while having access to amenities that make your stay comfortable.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Hueston Woods State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "It's very clean and huge. Lots to do." The park features lush greenery and plenty of paths for all skill levels.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Buck Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more."
  • Wildlife Watching: Cowan Lake State Park Campground is a great spot for spotting deer and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The lake was beautiful with the ability to rent kayaks."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower houses. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground said, "Campground staff and volunteers are amazing! Friendly atmosphere beautiful scenery."

What you should know:

  • Raccoons Can Be Bold: At John Bryan State Park Campground, raccoons can be a nuisance. A camper warned, "They are lingering at the edge of the woods day and night ready to grab anything."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Hueston Woods State Park Campground noted, "Only A & B loop are suitable for campers."
  • Busy on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded during weekends. A camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground has a nice playground for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground said, "Great hiking trails and people are friendly."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy can keep the little ones happy. One camper at Big Bone Lick State Park Campground mentioned, "We were able to pick up provisions and enjoy dinner."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Stonelick State Park Campground advised, "Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, confirm availability before booking. A camper at Caesar Creek State Park Campground noted, "The full hookup sites are a bit smaller."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re camping on a holiday weekend, expect a lively atmosphere. A visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground shared, "It was so rowdy we left early."

Camping around Mason, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any affordable or budget-friendly campgrounds around Mason?

Several budget-friendly options exist near Mason. Jim Terrell Park in Milford offers primitive camping along the bike trail at very affordable rates. The park requires a simple registration permit and provides basic facilities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) provides economical camping options with basic amenities in a peaceful setting. These campgrounds offer good value for budget-conscious campers while still providing access to nature and recreational activities.

Where are the best campgrounds near Mason, Ohio?

Mason is surrounded by excellent camping options. Cowan Lake State Park Campground stands out with its recently improved facilities, lake access, and convenient location between Cincinnati and Columbus. The park offers both electric and non-electric sites, with the B loop providing quiet tent camping areas close to clean beach bathrooms. For those seeking full hookups and amenities, Indian Springs Campground offers level pull-through sites with full hookups, though at a slightly higher price point. Both locations provide good access to outdoor recreation while being within easy reach of Mason.

What state parks can I visit near Mason, Ohio?

Mason is ideally positioned near several excellent Ohio state parks. John Bryan State Park Campground offers a wooded setting with access to hiking trails, mountain biking, and a frisbee golf course. It's located near the popular Clifton Gorge and charming Yellow Springs town. Hueston Woods State Park Campground is another option north of Cincinnati with camping facilities and a Raptor Center. For water activities, East Fork State Park Campground provides standard state park amenities including restrooms, a camp store, and various recreational opportunities.