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Best Campgrounds near Washington Court House, OH

683 Reviews

State parks and recreation areas surround Washington Court House, Ohio, providing a variety of camping experiences within an hour's drive. Paint Creek State Park, located just 15 miles southwest of the city, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Cowan Lake State Park in nearby Wilmington features lakeside camping with both primitive tent areas and full-hookup RV sites. Rocky Fork State Park, approximately 20 miles south, provides similar accommodations with the addition of glamping options. Most campgrounds in the region include standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and restroom facilities, with many also offering showers, dump stations, and camp stores.

Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer and fall when Ohio state parks experience peak visitation. As one camper noted, "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio," highlighting the region's colorful fall foliage. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Paint Creek State Park maintains heated bathrooms with showers available for winter campers. Cell service varies considerably between parks, with some offering reliable connections while others provide limited or spotty coverage. Weather conditions typically include hot, humid summers and cold winters, with spring often bringing significant rainfall that can affect site conditions.

Lakeside recreation dominates the camping experience in this region, with multiple parks featuring water access for fishing, boating, and swimming. Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters, particularly raccoons at John Bryan State Park, which one reviewer described as "unbelievable" after dark. Site privacy varies significantly between parks and can be limited during busy periods. According to visitor reports, many Ohio state park campgrounds have relatively close site spacing, especially in RV sections. Several parks offer separate tent-only areas that provide more seclusion. Trail systems connect many campgrounds to natural features, though trail markings receive mixed reviews from hikers. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, disc golf courses, and organized activities are common at larger parks.

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Best Camping Sites Near Washington Court House, Ohio (84)

    1. Paint Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paint Creek Lake, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 981-7061

    "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."

    "An excellent disc golf course, hiking and beautiful lake views. Just past the town of Bainbridge, Ohio is Seip Mound to explore and hike the trails."

    2. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

    3. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    "Great place to visit has three parks in one John Bryant and Glen Helen nature preserve and Clifton Gorge are some of the best hiking trails in south west Ohio."

    4. Deer Creek Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Mount Sterling, OH
    15 miles

    "Not only one but was using 4 buckets at a time before dumping keeping in her camper before caught dumping behind camper and trying to fit it down a small hole where the honey pots go that you are suppose"

    "The lake was pretty. Watching the herons was relaxing.

    The people in our section were courteous. All seemed to obey the quiet hours."

    5. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."

    "Cowan Lake State Park is near Wilmington, Ohio and they have been making a lot of improvements to the park.  It is a great location between Cincinnati and Columbus with easy access from the highway. "

    6. Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hillsboro, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 393-4284

    "The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."

    "Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."

    7. A.W. Marion State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Circleville, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 869-3124

    $21 - $25 / night

    "They had a scavenger hunt which made us really experience the nature around us, going through the woods off trail, going to the lakeside, walking around looking for different things on a list."

    "October weekends in Ohio State Park campgrounds are super popular so we weren’t able to make a reservation here. "

    8. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    48 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / night

    "There are lots of caves, trails, camping options and activities in the area. Be careful, however, every year someone is injured or dies going off trail, often falling from a cliff."

    "If you stay away from the main roads, you might feel like you're in a smaller campground."

    9. Buck Creek State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 322-5284

    $23 - $35 / night

    "A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."

    "I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."

    10. Sun Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chillicothe, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 775-3490

    "We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it.  It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there.  Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "

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Recent Reviews near Washington Court House, OH

683 Reviews of 84 Washington Court House Campgrounds

Guide to Washington Court House

Camping near Washington Court House, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From spacious campgrounds to beautiful natural settings, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, “Several trail heads start all around the site, both on top and at the bottom of the hill” at Caesar Creek State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes for fishing and swimming. One camper noted, “We enjoyed fishing and swimming from the beach” at Caesar Creek State Park Campground.
  • Disc Golf and Archery: At Buck Creek State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a disc golf course and an archery range, making it a great spot for those looking for some fun activities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A reviewer at John Bryan State Park Campground said, “The showers are clean and the staff is friendly.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. One camper mentioned, “Camp sites are spacious” at John Bryan State Park Campground.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Cowan Lake State Park Campground said, “Campground staff and volunteers are amazing! Friendly atmosphere beautiful scenery.”

What you should know:

  • Close Proximity of Sites: Some campgrounds have sites that are quite close together. A camper at A.W. Marion State Park Campground noted, “Sites are close together unless you’re in the loop at the end of the loop.”
  • Raccoon Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons, especially at John Bryan State Park Campground. One camper shared a story about “a mob of fighting/growling raccoons” that caused quite a stir.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “There is no shower house,” which could be a downside for some.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A visitor at Olive Branch Campground mentioned, “Nice Playground, on-site pond,” making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Paint Creek State Park Campground noted, “Children’s play area was very nice - my kids loved playing on the equipment.”
  • Check for Group Sites: If camping with a larger family or group, look for campgrounds with group sites. A camper at Rocky Fork State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are large, most with concrete pads,” which can accommodate families well.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookup Sites: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Cowan Lake State Park Campground appreciated the “electric only” sites, which are convenient for RVs.
  • Check for Accessibility: Make sure the campground can accommodate larger RVs. One camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground noted, “Big rig friendly,” which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Reserve in Advance: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, “Must reserve online as they are still doing everything virtual,” highlighting the importance of planning ahead.

Camping near Washington Court House, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities and facilities can I expect at Washington Court House campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Washington Court House typically offer a range of amenities. At Cowan Lake State Park Campground, you'll find both electric RV sites and a separate, quieter non-electric tent camping area (B site). The park features clean bathrooms, lake access for swimming and boating, and multiple small restroom facilities throughout. Many area campgrounds provide basic facilities like water spigots, restrooms or pit latrines, and parking. Some, like Tar Hollow State Park Campground, offer a more secluded experience with pit latrines and a camp general store. Amenities vary by season, with many parks reducing services during winter months.

Are there any private campgrounds near Washington Court House for weekend getaways?

For private campgrounds near Washington Court House suitable for weekend getaways, consider Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins, which offers a more private camping experience than state parks. Deer Creek Camping Resort is another private option featuring reservable sites, water, and toilets with both drive-in and boat-in access. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Sun Valley Campground near Chillicothe provides private camping with big-rig-friendly sites. These private campgrounds typically offer more amenities and fewer restrictions than public options, making them ideal for weekend getaways, though they generally charge higher fees than state parks.

What campgrounds are available near Washington Court House, Ohio?

Several campgrounds are available within driving distance of Washington Court House. John Bryan State Park Campground offers a basic camping experience with wooded surroundings, frisbee golf, access to hiking trails, and a children's playground. It's conveniently located near Yellow Springs. East Fork State Park Campground provides typical state park amenities including parking, water, restrooms, a camp store, and lake access with extensive hiking trails. Other options include Caesar Creek State Park, Paint Creek State Park, and Deer Creek State Park, all offering traditional camping experiences with varying levels of amenities and recreational opportunities.

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