Camping near Mason, Ohio offers opportunities for outdoor recreation within a 20-mile radius where the terrain varies from lakeside settings to wooded areas with elevations between 500-1,000 feet. The regional climate features humid summers with average highs in the 80s and mild spring and fall temperatures, making April through October the most comfortable camping months. Many campgrounds in this region maintain well-marked trails that connect directly to larger regional trail systems.
What to do
Kayaking on Little Miami River: Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventure provides kayaking trips at different lengths for reasonable prices. "They have been around for a few generations and provide canoeing, rafting, and kayaking at different trip lengths for a great price. There are plenty of spots along the beautiful Little Miami River Valley to pull your canoe off to the side and sit and hang out," notes a camper.
Fossil hunting: At Caesar Creek State Park Campground, visitors can obtain permits to search for fossils. One camper mentioned, "We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too." The park has designated fossil collection areas where you can keep what you find after obtaining the free permit from the visitor center.
Biking on paved trails: Several campgrounds connect to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. A visitor at Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins shared: "We were also super close to Kings Island and took a day trip." The bike trail is paved and accessible for all skill levels, making it ideal for family outings.
Disc golf: Winton Woods has a short course perfect for beginners. As one camper reports, "A short 18 hole Disc Golf course is close by. It is a easy course great for beginners." The course is free to use and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at Stonelick State Park Campground. "We have camped here several times in the last year. It is small enough to let my kids roam a bit on thier bikes and feel comfortable not having eyes on them 24/7. Quiet and Clean," shares one regular visitor.
Clean facilities: The bath houses at most campgrounds receive positive reviews. A camper at Olive Branch Campground noted, "Very well kept campground with a lot of shade trees. Good separation of seasonal and overnight campers. Pull through and back ins available with full hookups."
Fishing opportunities: Many local lakes offer good fishing without needing a boat. At Stonelick State Park, a visitor mentioned it's a "Good place to fish for bluegill and catfish. Awesome place to swim during daytime hours, just remember to us caution and don't go out of designated area."
Proximity to attractions: Campers value being close to area attractions while still enjoying nature. "This camp site, is far enough to get away but close enough. This means that everyone can easily get there after work," explains a visitor about Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventure.
What you should know
Flooding can occur: Riverside campgrounds may experience periodic flooding. A camper at Morgan's Riverside notes, "We stayed in early May, which is usually when they do their Triathlon. The Army Corps of Engineers decided to let water out of the dam up river, so it was flooded for a couple days."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Get your ideal site early during busy season," advises a visitor to Winton Woods.
Site variations: Cowan Lake State Park Campground has significant variety in sites. "There are plenty of shady campsites, sunny ones, electric, primitive, pet-friendly, handicapped, and pull-throughs," explains a regular camper. Some sites have lost trees due to emerald ash borer damage.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly. At East Fork State Park, a camper reported, "For a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Winton Woods Campground offers excellent facilities for children. "Great campground and park. Plenty to do. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, splash park, etc.," notes a family camper.
Check swimming conditions: Lake beaches vary in quality and safety. One visitor cautions, "Even though camp ground seems to have beach. Its beach area is just mud and murky water." Check with rangers about current water conditions before planning water activities.
Visit pioneer village: Near Caesar Creek, families can explore historical sites. "We also went to a nearby pioneer village," mentions a camper who found this an educational alternative to typical outdoor activities.
Reserve cul-de-sac sites: At Cowan Lake, one camper noted, "Nice cul-de-sac areas for groups with areas for kids to play. Ground is pretty level so bringing a bike for kids to ride on is nice. There is a playground in walking distance too."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: East Fork State Park offers paved sites. "Camp sites are all blacktop, level, and clean. Nice bath houses, and playgrounds," reports an RVer, though they mentioned sites have "not a lot else to see."
Site selection matters: At Caesar Creek, "The sites are big and roomy. Plenty of room for a camper, tents, and outdoor games (cornhole, Kan jam, etc). The sites do not have much shade with trees lining the back."
Hookup positioning: Check utility locations before setting up. At Olive Branch, one RVer noted, "All hookups are in the middle of the site my standard cord was not long enough. Water pressure very good, wifi but they want no streaming?? 50 amp service was addaquid."
Road conditions: Interior roads can be challenging at some campgrounds. "The entry road is one lane. If you meet another vehicle someone has to back up. That's just poor design. The roads in the campground need grading. Lots of holes and ruts," warns a camper about Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA.
