Best Campgrounds near Xenia, OH

Camping options near Xenia, Ohio range from established state parks to smaller reserves along waterways and trails. John Bryan State Park Campground, located 11 miles northeast near Yellow Springs, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Caesar Creek State Park Campground, situated 13 miles south of Xenia, offers both primitive and developed camping with boat-in access. The Narrows Reserve in Xenia provides tent-only camping with limited amenities but direct trail access. Sites generally accommodate both RVs and tent campers, with several locations offering cabin rentals.

The camping season in this region typically runs year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and scenic conditions. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with state parks providing modern restrooms and showers while smaller reserves may only offer vault toilets. Several campgrounds feature water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities on lakes and the Little Miami River. As one visitor noted about John Bryan State Park, "This is a sweet campground near Cedarville/Xenia with quite a bit of space for campgrounds and has a few mild hiking trails and a meadow nearby."

Campers consistently highlight access to water recreation as a key feature of the area's camping experience. Caesar Creek and Cowan Lake State Parks receive particularly positive reviews for their lake access, with boating and fishing opportunities available. The proximity to the 76-mile Milford bike trail provides additional recreation options for cyclists and hikers. Sites at John Bryan State Park offer convenient access to mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels. While many campgrounds provide basic amenities, visitors should note that privacy can be limited at some locations. According to one camper, "The sites are close together and not much privacy, but convenient. Facilities are fine and there are nice outdoor fireplaces." Most campgrounds in the area are within a short drive of Yellow Springs, which offers dining and shopping options when supplies are needed.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Xenia, Ohio (78)

    1. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    10 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!"

    2. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    8 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."

    3. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    21 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. "

    4. Buck Creek State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, OH
    22 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."

    5. Narrows Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Alpha, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 562-6440

    "Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade."

    "My buddy, James, and I parked next to the Nature Center and trekked in. You can opt to park in the lower parking lot where there is a kayak launch too."

    6. Olive Branch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Oregonia, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 932-2267

    $47 - $75 / night

    "This campground is shady, quiet with plenty to do in the surrounding area. There is a pool, laundry room and large field with a playground and basketball court."

    "There is a nice walking trail through the woods, a small pool, playground, and a pond for fishing."

    7. Jacoby Road Canoe Launch

    2 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 562-7440

    $15 / night

    "This can be located in your Google Settings/Advanced/Accessibility/ and enable the captions.  

    Yellow Springs is a popular destination in Ohio. "

    "Beautiful spot for tent camping right next to the Little Miami River. Picnic tables and fire pit are also nice amenities. I just wish there were a trash can. Still had a great time, though."

    8. Frontier Campground

    2 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 572-4894

    "Wonderful gem close to Caesar’s Creek and historic Waynesville. Sites are level with plenty of shade."

    9. Constitution County Park

    2 Reviews
    Bellbrook, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 562-7440

    10. Mound Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    11 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Xenia, OH

600 Reviews of 78 Xenia Campgrounds


  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice big sites, fairly level. We camped at site 35 and it was very slopey, our levelers only helped a little. First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buck Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet park with level spaces

    This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn’t super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    Fine tenting, poorly kept

    8/13/2025

    Got here after dark, but navigated to a pretty secluded loop that's just for tenting (site 61 - see map). Stakes went in fine. Seemed to be a lot of different types of spiders, which was cool to see and even cooler that they didn't bug me. Less cool - the site wasn't very clean - bits of trash that a park attendant/ranger definitely should've been picking up. Moreover, there were stray cats living in that section (I saw three), which were very cute but I'm sure they're not living their best life and the wildlife probably don't appreciate them being around either. I called later to let the park know (nobody was around during my stay) and they said they'd get maintenance on it. If you stay here and see them, I'd urge you to let the park know again, or maybe call animal control.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Jim Terrell Park

    Looks Good!

    8/13/2025

    NOTE: I did NOT stay here. I was going to, but decided to drive a little farther than I had initially planned. I did want to check it out though because there aren't many reviews. 

    This looks like a solid option to tent for a night though. The town looks very nice and quiet, and the park seems well-kempt. If the sites are on the river, just know there's a restaurant on the opposite bank that might be a source of noise/light at night, and the park itself is kind of close to the road. I'm not exactly sure where one would tent, but there did seem to be some flat space behind a rafting/kayaking shack to the left as you pull in.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • K
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cedarbrook Campground

    Wonderful stay w one hiccup

    This is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Kiser Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet

    The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. There is a new shower house that’s pretty nice, but the other bathrooms are pretty nasty. For $29 nightly it’s a good campground. They do things with kids on many weekends. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats. No motors permitted on the lake.

  • Jessica W.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Grandpas Farm Camp Ground

    Nice camp

    I only spent one night in my car here but the camp was nice. It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean.


Guide to Xenia

Camping near Xenia, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to spacious campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Caesar Creek State Park Campground said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A visitor at East Fork State Park Campground remarked, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One reviewer at John Bryan State Park Campground said, "The park and facilities are beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Fees: Be prepared for additional costs when booking online. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The online reservation system is clumsy to use at best."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Deer Creek State Park Campground noted, "We heard coyotes and even saw a flying squirrel one night."
  • Wildlife: Raccoons can be a nuisance, especially at night. A camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Stonelick State Park Campground noted, "Some sites are really short. Be sure to check the pad length."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites. A camper at A.W. Marion State Park Campground mentioned, "The flush toilets are closed for the season so only the vault toilets were open."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground appreciated, "Dump stations at Park exit have complimentary hoses."

Camping around Xenia, Ohio, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping facilities are available in Xenia?

John Bryan State Park Campground offers tent camping near Xenia with basic facilities including fire pits, access to hiking trails, and a nearby playground for families. It's situated close to Cedarville and features mild hiking trails and a meadow. Another option is Narrows Reserve, which provides hike-in tent camping with water and toilet facilities. Both locations are suitable for last-minute getaways or group camping excursions, with John Bryan offering the additional benefit of connecting to mountain bike trails.

What are the best campgrounds near Xenia, Ohio?

Caesar Creek State Park Campground offers wide camping sites with lake access, though there's limited tree cover for privacy. Cowan Lake State Park Campground is another excellent option with dedicated tent camping areas in the B loop that provide a quiet experience away from RVs. It features clean facilities, lake access, and has undergone recent improvements. The park is conveniently located between Cincinnati and Columbus, making it ideal for meeting up with friends. Both parks offer water recreation opportunities and basic amenities typical of Ohio state parks.

Is there free camping available around Xenia, Ohio?

Free camping options are limited near Xenia, Ohio. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) offers camping at Twin Creek metro park (formerly Camp Hook) at very affordable rates, though not entirely free. Jim Terrell Park provides low-cost camping with registration required. For those seeking budget options, consider weekday camping during off-peak seasons at state parks when rates are lower. Always check with park offices about potential free camping opportunities for special groups like veterans or during promotional periods.