Stonelick State Park Campground sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the gently rolling hills east of Cincinnati. The 500-acre park features a 170-acre lake and nearly 250 acres of woodlands. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days reach into the 80s with moderate humidity. The campground provides both water views and forested sites with varying levels of shade and accessibility.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stonelick Lake offers good fishing for bluegill and catfish. According to one visitor at Stonelick State Park Campground, "Amazing views of the water and surrounding wooded areas. Good place to fish for bluegill and catfish." The lake has multiple access points including fishing docks.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system at Winton Woods Campground includes both paved and unpaved options. "A 1.7 mile paved walking trail is great for walking, running and biking. A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners," notes a camper.
Paddling access: Multiple launch points make kayaking and canoeing easy. "The boat ramp and parking lot is easy to use and has a good layout. They do have some tent sites close to the boat ramp area and you can see the lake from those tent sites," reports a camper at Cowan Lake State Park Campground.
Halloween events: October features themed camping weekends. A visitor to Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA shared, "Third year attending this weekend for Halloween. I never decorate for Halloween but with everything going on in 2020 I said what the heck."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise for maintenance. A visitor to Camp Cedar noted the "campground was just completed Aug 2021. There are no big trees and lots are on top of one another. However, if this doesn't bother you it's really close to the Kings Island Amusement Park and also has a nice pool and activities."
Site spacing: Many campgrounds offer well-separated campsites. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "the lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included."
Natural settings: Wooded areas and water access enhance the glamping experience. "Despite the rain and the wind we had a great time! 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," wrote a Stonelick Lake visitor.
Proximity to attractions: Most glamping sites near Milford are within 30 minutes of Cincinnati. One Winton Woods camper appreciated that "it's close to restaurants and shopping."
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Some locations have recently lost trees. At Cowan Lake, a camper observed "nice place, spread out, plenty of room between sites, very little shade as they have cut down a whole lot of trees."
Seasonal limitations: Water activities are restricted at certain times. At Morgan's Riverside Campground, a visitor warned "they didn't call ahead of time and let us know they weren't letting people on the water which is the only activity they have available so there was nothing to do."
Weekend crowds: Most glamping locations fill quickly during summer weekends. "This park is a vantastic campground with a variety of things to do there. It sits on a lake with a kayak launch site right in the campground," reported a Winton Woods camper, who also noted it "fills up fast."
Varying levels of privacy: Some luxury sites offer minimal separation. A Camp Cedar visitor observed the "lots are on top of one another," while others reported more spacious arrangements at state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple playgrounds accommodate different age groups. A visitor to Hueston Woods State Park noted, "There was a playground in walking distance too. Great crappie fishing in early May just steep cliffs to get down to the water."
Biking opportunities: Paved paths are available for younger riders. "Winton Woods is a fun place to go with the family. There are playgrounds, trails, boat rentals... there's Parkys farm which is fun for little ones! We love it!" reported one visitor.
Safety considerations: Water access requires supervision. "It is small enough to let my kids roam a bit on thier bikes and feel comfortable not having eyes on them 24/7," noted a Stonelick visitor, though others warn about steep access points at some waterfront locations.
Equipment rentals: Many parks offer kayak, canoe and bike rentals on-site. One Morgan's Canoe visitor mentioned, "They have been around for a few generations and provide canoeing, rafting, and kayaking at different trip lengths for a great price."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some older campgrounds require extra equipment. At A.J. Jolly Park & Campground, an RVer reported "expensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It's a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on."
Hookup accessibility: Electric and water connections aren't always conveniently placed. "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," noted one A.J. Jolly visitor.
Winter camping options: Several locations offer year-round access. A Hueston Woods camper mentioned "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."
Reservation windows: Booking systems vary between parks. Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA received this feedback: "They have a jump pad for the kids very small dog park. The sites are very close together but we are here during the week so that's not an issue."
