Campgrounds near Belmont, Ohio range from state park facilities to military-affiliated recreation areas within a 45-mile radius. The region's rolling hills and waterways offer camping opportunities at elevations between 700-1,100 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with daytime temperatures ranging from 65-85°F during prime camping season and overnight lows typically in the 50-60°F range.
What to do
Fossil hunting access: Caesar Creek State Park Campground provides unique permitted fossil collection opportunities. "We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too," reports Kenpocentaur K., highlighting educational activities beyond standard camping amenities.
Mountain biking trails: John Bryan State Park Campground offers trail access for riders seeking varied terrain. Shane T. notes, "There is a disc golf course lots of mountain bike trails and hiking trails! As well as some other great amenities." The park's proximity to Yellow Springs provides additional recreational options.
Fishing without license required: Possum Creek Metro Park offers fishing access without requiring a state license. According to Kenpocentaur K., "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)."
Rope swing activities: Narrows Reserve offers swimming spots with natural recreation features. "Up towards the parking lot was a kayak launch site and about halfway toward camp was a rope swing that can be accessed from opposite side," reports Chelsie B., describing river recreation options on a 1.25-mile trail to campsites.
What campers like
Free firewood bundles: Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) provides complimentary firewood with campsite reservations. Kenpocentaur K. explains, "The nice thing about the metro parks camp sites (front country only) is that they provide a bundle of fire wood free each night and you can purchase additional bundles." The quality exceeds typical commercial offerings: "This is a huge bundle. It is dry and cut in an easy to use manner."
Multiple table setup: Twin Creek Metro Park (part of Five Rivers) offers spacious sites with multiple picnic tables. "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," notes Kenpocentaur K.
Proximity to outdoor towns: John Bryan State Park Campground offers convenient access to nearby communities. Grace D. appreciates this flexibility: "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 to go in to grab a bite to eat for dinner."
Historic exploration: Possum Creek Metro Park features remnants of historical sites within hiking distance. As Kenpocentaur K. describes, "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."
What you should know
Shade limitations: Caesar Creek State Park Campground has limited tree cover at many sites. Nick C. reports, "These sites have plenty of space between them. But there isn't a lot of shade. Partial shade is very generous for the B Loop." The campground offers space between sites but limited natural shade coverage.
Tree removal concerns: Some campgrounds have reduced tree coverage. At John Bryan State Park, Mandi B. notes, "They had cut down the few trees that were there, and there was no sense of privacy or feeling of seclusion. You literally camped on top of each other."
Primitive facilities: Narrows Reserve offers basic amenities requiring preparation. Austin R. explains, "You can opt to park in the lower parking lot where there is a kayak launch too. You can also find a water fountain and port-a-potty there. I suggest you use that since there isn't one in the meadow, it's 'primitive' after all."
Trail traffic variations: Some campgrounds experience variable visitor numbers on trails. At Narrows Reserve, Chelsie B. reports, "Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade. There was two fire pits provided within the meadow but enough space for quite a few tents. Tons of traffic with Bird watchers and joggers."
Tips for camping with families
Beach quality considerations: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers swimming areas with varying appeal. Leon H. advises, "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. Both are ok, but nothing impressive."
Equipment rental options: Five Rivers Metro Parks offers camping gear rental for families trying camping for the first time. Kenpocentaur K. explains, "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."
Kid-friendly biking conditions: Some campgrounds have limitations for young cyclists. At Dayton KOA Holiday, Melissa B. observes, "Gravel roads aren't great for small kids learning to ride bikes but ok for older kids and adults," while Buck Creek State Park receives positive mentions for bike-friendly terrain.
Evening programming: Holiday weekends often feature organized activities. Melissa M. describes Buck Creek: "Camp host on I think lot 71 or there about were great at keeping the activities going. Every night there was a movie and you could buy root beer floats for $1!! And the kids loved it."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing variations: Wright-Patterson FamCamp offers military-affiliated camping with varying site configurations. Janet R. explains, "There are many sites with hookups for RV's, an area for RVs that dont need hookups, basic tent sites, and also a number of camper cabins by the lake."
Electrical connection placement: Olive Branch Campground presents some utility connection challenges. Bryan Y. notes, "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."
KOA pricing considerations: Dayton KOA Holiday commands premium rates for its amenities. Jenifer K. reports, "We just stopped in for the night. We paid $77 for a pull through with full hookups and a picnic table. The grounds are sprawling and the staff is friendly."
Site leveling issues: Some campgrounds require additional setup effort. At Olive Branch Campground, Bryan Y. observed, "Busy ample space between campers but most are not level," suggesting RVers should bring leveling equipment.
