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Best Tent Camping near Mason, OH

579 Reviews

The Mason, Ohio area features several tent camping options within a short drive, with Greene County parks and Five Rivers Metroparks system providing the most accessible tent sites. Constitution County Park offers a small riverside tent camping area along the Little Miami River, while Narrows Reserve provides walk-in tent sites approximately 1.25 miles from the parking area in a meadow setting. Most locations are within 30-45 minutes of Mason, making them suitable for weekend tent camping trips.

Tent campers should note that most sites near Mason require advance reservations through county or metro park websites. The Five Rivers Metroparks campgrounds include a complimentary bundle of firewood with each night's stay, with additional firewood available for purchase. Most tent areas have vault toilets or porta-potties rather than flush facilities, and potable water is limited or unavailable at primitive sites. According to visitor reports, rangers regularly patrol the campgrounds, providing both security and camping assistance. Campers need to display permits on vehicles and must pack in their own drinking water at several locations.

The tent camping experience varies significantly across sites. Jacoby Road Canoe Launch offers tent camping with picnic tables and fire pits directly beside the Little Miami River, creating a peaceful setting despite occasional paddlers passing by. Twin Creek Metro Park's backpacking trail provides more challenging terrain with backcountry tent sites featuring food-hanging posts and common cooking areas between sites. Many tent areas have limited or no shade, particularly at Narrows Reserve where one visitor noted, "Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade." Most tent sites accommodate between 5-12 people, making them suitable for small group camping trips.

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Best Tent Sites Near Mason, Ohio (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mason, OH

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mason, OH

579 Reviews of 17 Mason Campgrounds

  • John M.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Governor Bebb MetroPark Campground

    Roughing it by a creek and a pioneer village

    Basic car tent camping at several spots along a creek wIth picnic tables and fire rings (no hookups, portolet toilets, no showers.) There is a rustic scout cabin/group lodge reservable for scout, etc. groups. The park features a pioneer village with log cabins, including a blacksmith forge, etc. that have been moved to the site.

  • K
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Possum Creek Metro park (Five Rivers Dayton Metro Park)

    Peace and Quiet at the lake

    This is one of my favorite campsites in Ohio.  5 Rivers Metro Parks really knows how to provide a great camping experience.  They provide a bundle of firewood for each night that you have reserved the site.  In addition, you can easily purchase more wood that will be right there at the site for you.  "Your camping permit comes with one 2' x 2' bundle of firewood per night. Additional firewood available at checkout(+$10.00 per 1/32nd of a cord)." https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786297&api=facilities&type=camp

    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. We had an awesome conversation and I look forward to seeing him on a future visit. 

    I love how easy it is to put away the trash and recycle as this isn't something I see at the larger campgrounds within the state. It is refreshing to see the attention to small details such as this when camping. 

    The bathroom is simply a porta john.  It is the accessible one and was fairly clean while I was at the site.  No running water, electricity, or other perks such as being able to buy ice at the campground.  You are close enough that you can run into town to stock up on more ice and items. 

    I spent my time at Argonne Lake but you will notice folks fishing at that lake and the other smaller lakes onsite. 

    Buckeye my campsite is rated as for 5 parking spots and a capacity of 12 folks.  This is much more than what is allowed at our local state parks.  As I mentioned it is nice and easy for a group of us to camp here.  I have friends that come over from Columbus and I come up from the Cincinnati region.   It is an easy drive and the parking situation is much easier for all of us to drive ourselves from each city with our own gear no shuffling of items. This spot does have other larger campsites if you need to look into that for a larger group. 

    "This walk-in campsite is located near Argonne Lake parking lot. It features access to hiking trails, nearby sustainable farm and demonstration gardens, as well as fishing in both the lake and fishing ponds(no license required). This site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water and a restroom are located within 600 feet of campsite on the southeast side of the lake." https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786296&api=facilities&type=camp

    I have friends that love to explore the lake, ponds, sustainable farm, and the easy access to the trails.  For those that need something interesting to look at you will find old abandoned items such as a pool and street car in the woods.  The land has an interesting history you will want to explore. 

    Another thing that is impressive is that they also have a rental program.  If you do not have camping gear but still want to get out and try it then you can rent it from them. https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/rentals/equipment/  A set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag.  If you only needed a tent for the weekend that would b e $30.00.   For folks that want to take advantage of their other campsites (backpacking) they have a full rental of backpacking gear for $40.00.  If you only needed the backpack and and tent that would be $25.00 and if you only needed a back pack tent for the weekend that would be $15.00

  • E
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    Hilly, beautiful and secluded

    My family stayed here because we were visiting the Ark Encounter.  I’m not sure if there are closer campgrounds, but we chose to primitive camp here for our visit.  We arrived with just enough time to set up up our tent and head back towards Alexandria for dinner and supplies at Walmart.  There is not much variety and choices very close.  The RV and tent area is very hilly.  Our tent ground sloped but it didn’t bother us very much.  The campsites are very close to each other but there was only two other tent campers and they were both over 4 sites over from us. The tent area has portable toilets.  I chose to drive to the shower house when I needed to use the restroom.  The shower house is typical of most campgrounds, a few cobwebs but generally clean with shower and toilet stalls.  There are two shower houses for the entire campground.  The lake is very pretty, a few camp grounds are right off the shore.  The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no water spigot in the main tent camp area.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Hidden Getaway

    This is an awesome quiet campground tucked away in northern KY along the Ohio River. There are 10-12 dispersed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No electric, no water, porti potti at park entrance. Would need to drive if camping at the top of the hill or bring a camp toilet. Great views and semi secluded.

  • Dave V.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    A Relaxing Shoulder Season, Weekday stay

    Hueston Woods State Park, Oh.

    http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/huestonwoods 

    Campground Overview: Hueston Woods State Park is very close to Miami University...in the Southwest area of Ohio. The direction we traveled from the south took us on numerous winding country lanes through farm country that actually meandered in and out of Indiana and Ohio.

    (Disclaimer: I am a tent camper, preferring backcountry sites of solitude and privacy...so take my reviews of campgrounds with a grain of salt). 

    The campground area is separated not only by roadway, but a short walk, ride or drive from the reservoir, docks, boat rental beach area and tiny nature center. 

    The Campground Office sits at the campground entrance and does offer quite a bit of camping items for its tiny size should you have forgotten anything. The cabins and lodge are on the opposite bank of the reservoir. The tent site area was sparsely occupied and the particular area was empty that I chose. 

    All campground sites are line of sight, no barriers or buffer between neighbors(something I do not enjoy)...the trees are mature and tall so offer no privacy. Noise/sound travels so when full, you’ll likely hear your neighbors conversations. 

    Unknowingly, it appeared every weekend in October has a big Halloween emphasis, so the upper campground was sold out. I was advised the lower non electric loop would also be sold out...which reinforced my gratefulness for midweek camping. 

    With the vast old growth forests, dried/dead branches for firewood was plentiful for a chilly night(38) fire. We evaded the impending rain for once and pressed on. Weekend campers experienced heavy storms as we left. 

    There are several hiking trails and biking trails. Streams were dried up at our visit. A cool restoration covered bridge was a short hop from the campground. The lodge has a restaurant, a gift shop, an outside pool and a nicely equipped activity room for older kids complete with numerous arcade games, pool table, and ping-pong table. There is also a token tiny exercise center-Key card entrance for lodge stayers. The A-frame lodge, though nostalgic, needs some TLC and updating(especially the exterior). 

    Traffic noise is noticeable, especially during quiet hours. While not excessive, it’s disruptive. 

    Deer sighting were plentiful as were chattering tree rats...ahem, squirrels, sorry. Woodpeckers stayed busy overhead. At dusk an overly friendly“masked trash panda” encroached seeking to share my delectable and perfectly toasted s’more...having to be chased off(unfortunately, it appeared he has been fed by campers to be that bold). Other small birds were plentiful as were migrating Canadian honkers. 

    Housekeeping notes: In the larger non-electric loop newer restrooms existed...modern bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked with TP. No paper towels offered, only electric hand dryers. Bathroom stalls, like the showers, utilized shower curtains rather than lockable doors. In my tent area...antiquated wood shed pit latrines...that truly needed razed. 

    I did not have time to walk any trails, but talked with mountain bikers that spoke favorably. There were several marked trails near the reservoir area. 

    Final Thoughts: It was a nice choice for a stop-over as I drifted north. However, I would not want to stay when it’s busy or on the weekends. The reservoir beach and watercraft fishing appears a big draw...and I wish I had brought both my bicycle and canoe.

  • S
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    Nice but hard to get good sites on weekends !

    Limited level campground with full and electric hookups (does have WiFi). Best areas are A (full hookups and B (electric hookups) with concrete pads, some with slight slopes. First sites #s on A side do have larger slopes! C through E are electric only but are hilly grass pads. Other areas are back in the woods with no WiFi connections and primitive bathrooms/ outhouses (no showers) But park has great recreational activities. Book early for weekends which are almost non existent during the summer for A and B areas! Also only one dump station in B area.

  • T
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great Secluded Spot

    Stayed here two nights. The first night at campsite #10, which didn't really have level ground, so we moved to #8 for night two. Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring. The main road was nice to drive on, but the others were pretty rough. Had spots for hammocks, and the portopotty was well maintained. The spots were all pretty secluded. Great remote location!

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    Twin Creek Metro Parks (Geronimo camp site)

    This is part of the Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metro Parks) and it is at the Twin Creek metro park.  This is an old boy scout camp (Camp Hook) back in the day. 

    During these COVID-19 times we wanted a place to park that wasn't the traditional Ohio State Parks camp site. We didn't want to share a common bathroom/bath house or playground area.  We picked this as the Twin Creek camp site only has 3 camp sites within the park.  Even then they are out of side 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 or put on masks.  We were alone but had plenty of park supports. We had two great park volunteers/security stop by to make sure we had everything we need. 

    The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county 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. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner. It is also kept in a little box so it is dry even if you do have weather while camping. If you wish to add an additional bundle of firewood the price is very reasonable at $10.00. I do this every time I camp there to support their campsites/metro parks. I have yet to use up their firewood in the box when I camp for a whole weekend. It is also nice that we don't have to put it in our cars so less clean up after camping. It also helps with the whole burn local fire wood so you are not transporting bugs. Or you don't have to cross your fingers and hope someone close by sells firewood. 

    The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance.  When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated. We also were able to have kids do craft at one of the tables while we were preparing meals. This camp site is listed as a 10 person camp site. There is no water on site so make sure you bring all the water that you will need. 

    We also were able to hike the easy trails around the camp site. No need to put the kids in the car unless we wanted to.  Which we still did:) 

    We drove into town and discovered a covered bridge that I had missed on an earlier camping trip. (Germantown).  This town also has the Florentine which is one of the oldest inns in Ohio. It was closed while we were in town but it is well worth a stop. The town also has a community pool as well that you can buy a day pool pass. 

    The campsite does have two spots that would be neat for a wedding. You can reserve an amphitheater. 

    The campsites during peak season are $20 during week days and $28 for weekends. I still find this to be one of the best values for camping in Ohio. Especially, when you consider the level of privacy that you have on these sites.  The vault toilets are one of the best as they are always clean. We have hand sanitizer and toilet paper. We didn't have to share our vault toilet with any other family units. 

    All of these small touches really made COVID-19 camping with kids much easier. We look forward to being back at this camp site in the fall. 

    Here is the website to make a reservation https://www.metroparks.org/rentals-permits/reserve-a-campsite/?id=786190&api=facilities&type=camp

  • Nicole L.
    Sep. 4, 2021

    John Bryan State Park Campground

    Not bad, just disappointed

    Visited twice in May 2021 (sites 54 & 39) bookending our camping roundtrip from Virginia to Kansas and this was one of the worst places we stayed. We lived in Dayton for a number of years and Yellow Springs is one of our favorite places. That being said, we were quite disappointed at the set up.

    There is no privacy between campsites, at all. If someone on one end of the campground is having a party, everyone in the campground is going to be up all night (our first night). On our last night there, we (and the poor family with young kids in a tent 15 feet away) were audibly assaulted by a very amorous and inebriated couple in a tent until the wee hours. With no trees between sites, you have no buffer and good god what I would have given for a buffer.

    Pit toilets have those heavy doors that help keep things less buggy (positive) but because they are on a raised area in the middle of an almost treeless campground, the clang of them shutting echoes throughout the night.

    No showers.

    No dedicated tent-pads. We were car-top camping so I can't speak to ground conditions for tent camping but do know our two spots would have put us on some sort of slope. (Unless we set up a tent right next to the road on 54).

    Like I said, it wasn't bad. Definitely wasn't great.

Guide to Mason

Tent camping near Mason, Ohio centers around the Little Miami River system, with most sites situated between 700-900 feet elevation in mixed hardwood forests typical of southwestern Ohio. The camping season runs from early April through late October, with summer humidity levels often reaching 75-85% at night. Several locations offer primitive riverside sites with limited facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.

What to do

River activities: Explore the Little Miami River at Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, where you can tent camp near the water. "Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities," notes Logan, who enjoyed the riverside location.

Local hiking: Try the Twin Valley Trail system for challenging terrain with elevation changes. As Charles notes about Germantown MetroPark: "The Twin Valley Trail is actually a collection of trails... interconnected by a rugged, heavily wooded trail with switchbacks managing the climbs and descents over the limestone bluffs and cuts overlooking the downstream portion of the Twin Creek."

Farm visits: Tour educational farm facilities at Possum Creek Metro Park, where campers can see demonstration gardens and livestock. "In addition to the lake, they also had 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," reports one visitor.

What campers like

Firewood provisions: Free firewood at Five Rivers Metroparks campsites saves packing space and ensures dry fuel. "They provide a bundle of firewood for each night that you have reserved the site. In addition, you can easily purchase more wood that will be right there at the site for you," explains one camper.

Privacy: Separated camping areas reduce noise from other groups. "The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that... even then they are out of side from each other. You can somewhat hear the other two camp sites (rarely)," notes a camper about Twin Creek Metro Park.

Historical exploration: Discover remnants of past structures while hiking trails. "Interesting trails here from Prairie land and to a forest with former amusement park remains. Lots to see to motivate short legs to keep hiking," mentions a visitor about Possum Creek.

What you should know

Water access: Plan for limited potable water at most tent sites near Mason. "No water so make sure you bring your own," reports a camper about Narrows Reserve, where the tent sites are in an open meadow setting.

Walk-in requirements: Some sites require hiking with gear. At Narrows Reserve, campsites are "1.25 miles from the parking lot" according to Austin R., making preparation crucial for tent camping.

Toilet facilities: Most locations have basic facilities only. "The bathroom is simply a porta john. It is the accessible one and was fairly clean while I was at the site," notes a camper about Possum Creek, which is typical for the area's tent camping options.

Tips for camping with families

Easy access fishing: Choose sites near stocked ponds for kids to fish without licenses. "It features access to hiking trails, nearby sustainable farm and demonstration gardens, as well as fishing in both the lake and fishing ponds (no license required)," notes information about Constitution County Park.

Multiple picnic tables: Select sites with extra tables for activities and meals. "The nice thing about their site is the additional tables made it easy for us to socially distance. When I camp at local state parks and we only have one table it can be tricky to keep coolers, food, and people separated," explains a visitor.

Trail difficulty: Match hikes to children's abilities. "This was a lovely backpacking trail that is both challenging while not being too hard for new backpackers," shares a camper about the Twin Valley Trail, making it suitable for families with older children.

Tips from RVers

Equipment rental options: Try camping without buying gear through Sycamore State Park and Metro Parks rental programs. "If you do not have camping gear but still want to get out and try it then you can rent it from them. A set of 6 is $50.00 for the weekend. This includes the tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bag," explains a regular camper.

Site selection: Choose drive-up sites for convenience with supplies. "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," notes Daniel about Constitution County Park, making it easier to unload tent camping gear.

Advance reservations: Book early for weekend camping as most tent sites near Mason fill quickly, especially for riverside locations. "The small riverside tent camping area along the Little Miami River" at Constitution County Park offers "the perfect launching point for anyone wanting to take a kayaking trip down the river."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping spots in Mason, Ohio?

For excellent tent camping near Mason, Narrows Reserve offers primitive sites in a peaceful meadow setting with access to a kayak launch and rope swing. The reserve features established fire pits and provides an immersive natural experience. Another great option is Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, which offers beautiful tent camping spots right beside the Little Miami River, complete with picnic tables and fire pits. These locations provide tent campers with scenic water access and basic amenities while maintaining a natural outdoor experience. Within a short drive, you'll find several other quality options in the greater Cincinnati/Dayton corridor, making Mason an excellent hub for tent camping adventures.

What amenities are available at Mason, Ohio campgrounds for tent campers?

Tent campers near Mason can find various amenities depending on the campground. At Quakertown State Rec Area, you'll find fire rings at all sites, clean bathrooms, and ample shade from trees, though some picnic tables are on the smaller side. For a more primitive experience, Morris Bean Reserve offers basic amenities focused on natural surroundings. Many Five Rivers MetroParks locations provide well-maintained facilities including fire rings, picnic tables, and clean latrines. Some parks even supply a bundle of firewood for each night reserved. More rustic sites typically offer flat tent pads, fire rings, and access to water sources, while developed campgrounds may include shower facilities, potable water, and communal cooking areas.

When is the best season for tent camping in Mason, Ohio?

Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping weather in Mason, Ohio. May through September provides ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Possum Creek Metro park is particularly lovely during late spring and summer when the vegetation is lush and the natural surroundings are in full bloom. The Dayton Metro Parks system remains popular throughout the summer and early fall, with many campers enjoying the changing foliage in October. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms in summer months, and check for seasonal closures or limited services during winter, as some campgrounds reduce operations during the colder months.

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