Campsites around Ross, Ohio offer diverse camping experiences for both tent and RV campers within a 35-mile radius of the town. The region features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds with varying landscapes from riverside locations to wooded settings. Seasonal accessibility ranges from March through November for most campgrounds, with a few locations remaining open year-round for winter camping opportunities.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Hueston Woods State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy water recreation at the reservoir. "The beach is a short distance away and love that they also include a dog swimming area," notes Maddy B., making this a pet-friendly destination for summer visits.
Hiking trails: The park offers several marked trails for hiking enthusiasts. "With the vast old growth forests, dried/dead branches for firewood was plentiful for a chilly night(38) fire," mentions Dave V., highlighting autumn camping opportunities at Hueston Woods.
Riverside views: Tucker's Landing provides scenic Ohio River access. Marie B. shares, "This camp ground was clean, new and level. Great river views," while another visitor notes "We stayed on sites 78, 64, and 33. 33 was definitely our favorite with an awesome view of the river."
Family recreation: The region offers various entertainment options beyond the campgrounds. At Hueston Woods, "There is also a token tiny exercise center-Key card entrance for lodge stayers," while the lodge also features "an activity room for older kids complete with numerous arcade games, pool table, and ping-pong table."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Follow The River RV Resort receives consistently high marks for cleanliness. "Very friendly staff. The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice," reports Jessica G. The resort also offers additional amenities: "There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park."
Spacious sites: Campground layouts vary across the region. At Winton Woods Campground, one visitor appreciated the natural setting: "I stayed at an electric only spot nestled in the trees by the lake. I was the only RV in this section all week and it was so peaceful and private." Sites typically include "a fire ring, a picnic table and an oversized gravel spot with plenty of trees."
Proximity to cities: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to urban centers. At Tucker's Landing, a visitor notes: "Stayed here a night to go to the Reds game. Easy in and out. Nice sites. Confirmed it all over email. Ubered into the city and back." This makes the area ideal for combining outdoor stays with city attractions.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing access. Indian Lakes RV Campground draws anglers with good prospects: "Campgrounds spots for the most part are level fishing is very good reasonable priceing," reports Cujo S.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: While most campgrounds operate spring through fall, options exist for off-season stays. A camper at Thousand Trails Indian Lakes noted infrastructure challenges: "The only major potholes I have encountered are upon entering and exiting near the ranger station."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Northern Kentucky RV Park, Rodney L. mentions: "Its a nice place to camping the only bad a train noise," while another visitor elaborated: "The freeway traffic is very loud 24 hours and the train comes at least 2 times per night (2am and 5am Sunday night anyway)."
Reservation systems: Advanced booking may be necessary but can be challenging at certain locations. One visitor to Hueston Woods State Park reported: "Unknowingly, it appeared every weekend in October has a big Halloween emphasis, so the upper campground was sold out."
Site selection: Some campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Winton Woods, a winter visitor noted: "When we arrived, we found that none of the back in sites had been plowed! All of the pull through sites were plowed and there were plenty open."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Dayton KOA Holiday, families appreciate the kid-friendly environment: "Great KOA! had lots of activities, great pizza, really nice showers and it's beautiful. there's a large pool and a creek."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds provide water recreation opportunities. At Hueston Woods, one visitor mentioned: "Huge Park! Extremely large beach, always quite crowded though, boat rentals available, lots of places for peaceful fishing."
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with structured programs. Tucker's Landing visitors note potential improvements: "Would love to see some more amenities in the future! Maybe a playground?!? Not much to do for the kiddos. But so clean, great sites, convenient to the city, right on the river."
Kid-friendly terrain: Consider ground conditions when bringing children. One KOA visitor observed: "Gravel roads aren't great for small kids learning to ride bikes but ok for older kids and adults."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: RV sites throughout the region vary in utility offerings. At Swiss Haven RV Resort, options include "both full hook-up and electric, 30-50 amp with water sites on a daily, weekly or monthly rate."
Site leveling: Pay attention to pad construction when selecting a site. At Tucker's Landing, one RVer appreciated: "Each plot also has it's own concrete slab for your RV, so you don't have to worry about parking in the mud."
Big rig accessibility: Many area campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. At Follow The River RV Resort, a visitor mentioned: "I am using a pull through and it is long enough for my RV and 24' trailer. There is a very nice cement slab with a nice fire pit and picnic table."
Extended stays: Some locations accommodate longer visits. At Swiss Haven, travelers note: "The owners here are focused on growing their business and have just completed a new building to accommodate a store and reception area," making it suitable for extended stays.