Campsite options near Medway, Ohio range from primitive tent camping to developed RV parks within a 30-minute drive. Most sites in this region sit between 800-1,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains available at several locations, though water systems may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trail connections: At John Bryan State Park Campground, campers can access multiple interconnected trail systems. "Great hiking, clean campground, and close to Yellow Springs for local brews and good eats," notes one visitor. The park features direct trail access to both Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Clifton Gorge.
Fossil hunting: Caesar Creek State Park Campground offers a unique paleontological experience with fossil collection permits available at the visitor center. "We even got a permit to collect fossils," reports one camper. The park sits on an ancient seabed with abundant Ordovician period marine fossils dating back 445 million years.
Water recreation: Buck Creek State Park includes a designated swimming beach specifically for campers, separate from the main public beach. "There are two swimming beaches, the public one and one in the campground. The campground one is smaller a short hike to get to it," explains a visitor. The park also provides boat rentals and fishing access at the 2,120-acre reservoir.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers generous camping areas that accommodate outdoor activities. "Great rv spots and even better tent/non electric spots... my sons love camping here for the trails and large areas to ride their bikes," shares one camper. The non-electric loop typically has more shade and privacy than the main campground.
Proximity to Yellow Springs: The bohemian town of Yellow Springs attracts many campers staying at nearby parks. "Not only is there a great place to camp and hike, there is a cute little hippie town not too far away! If you wanted a relaxing day in the woods it's there but you're not too far away from the town," explains a visitor about John Bryan State Park's location just 3 miles from town.
Level, well-maintained sites: Wright-Patterson FamCamp receives consistent praise for its campsite conditions. "The sites are paved and level, had full hook ups, WIFI, cellular, shower house. Surprisingly it was not noisy being near the flight line," notes one military visitor. Though restricted to military personnel and veterans, the base campground offers some of the most developed sites in the area.
What you should know
Raccoon management: Wildlife encounters require preparation at several area campgrounds. "The raccoons are out of control," reports one John Bryan visitor, while another mentions "raccoons at John Bryan becoming problematic after dark." Campers should store food securely and use airtight containers even during meal preparation.
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds near Medway implement varying reservation policies. Caesar Creek State Park Campground allows reservations up to 6 months in advance, with holiday weekends typically filling within days of the reservation window opening. "Large, quiet campground with trails and a lake. The sites are big and roomy," notes one visitor who secured site 189.
Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary significantly between parks. "Bathrooms are smelly, like from many feet away," warns one Caesar Creek visitor, while others note clean facilities at the same park during different seasons. John Bryan uses vault toilets rather than flush facilities in some camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dayton KOA Holiday offers dedicated family-focused amenities. "Great KOA! had lots of activities, great pizza, really nice showers and it's beautiful. There's a large pool and a creek," reports one family. The campground maintains a recreation schedule during summer months with organized activities each weekend.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide shore fishing access with no boat required. "We were fishing all day. Coming back to a nice camp was clutch," shares a John Bryan visitor. Sky Lake Resort specifically caters to fishing enthusiasts with multiple stocked ponds accessible directly from campsites.
Child-friendly hiking: Jacoby Road Canoe Launch offers a riverside primitive camping area with gentle trails. "Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities," notes a camper. The site provides direct access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail for biking with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites throughout the area require minimal leveling equipment. "The sites are paved and level, had full hook ups," notes a Wright-Patterson visitor. Caesar Creek provides gravel pads with most requiring only minor adjustments for comfortable parking.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds experience water system fluctuations. "When 1 rv uses water the next has low pressure and makes your shower hot," cautions an Enon Beach visitor. RVers frequently recommend using pressure regulators at several area campgrounds.
Dump station access: Buck Creek provides a centralized dump station rather than full hookups at most sites. "Nice medium size campground. Must reserve online as they are still doing everything virtual. Camp spots were decently sized but no cover between camp spots and little shade," reports one RVer about their experience at site 108.
