Best Campgrounds near Yellow Springs, OH

State parks and nature preserves surrounding Yellow Springs, Ohio provide a range of camping experiences within a compact geographic area. John Bryan State Park Campground, located just minutes from downtown Yellow Springs, serves as the primary camping destination with 60 sites (17 electric and 43 non-electric) suitable for both tents and small RVs. The campground operates year-round and connects directly to hiking trails along the Little Miami River. Additional options include Buck Creek State Park Campground about 20 miles north near Springfield, Caesar Creek State Park 30 miles south, and the more secluded Jacoby Road Canoe Launch, which offers primitive tent camping with direct water access.

Reservations are essential during summer months and fall weekends when the region's colorful foliage attracts visitors. Most campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities, with John Bryan offering vault toilets and water spigots but limited shower facilities. As one camper noted, "The sites are close together and there are few trees for privacy in the actual campsites." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly with raccoons that have become habituated to campers. Multiple reviews warn about food storage: "Beware of the raccoons. They are adorable but will literally steal your food right in front of you." Summer temperatures can become uncomfortably hot, while spring brings occasional flooding along river corridors.

The proximity to Yellow Springs represents a significant draw for many campers. The town provides dining, shopping, and cultural attractions within a short drive or bike ride from most campgrounds. The Little Miami Scenic Trail offers 76 miles of paved biking paths connecting multiple camping areas. Mountain biking trails at John Bryan State Park receive consistent praise from visitors, with one noting, "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails. It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway." Nearby natural attractions include Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, and Young's Jersey Dairy, which many campers mention visiting for ice cream and cheese curds during their stay.

Best Camping Sites Near Yellow Springs, Ohio (86)

    1. John Bryan State Park Campground

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

    "the location is awesome adjacent to Clifton Gorge and Yellow Springs. lots of great hiking. sites are small but well maintained. the town of Yellow Springs is adorable and the nearby Young’s Dairy Farm"

    "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.  "

    2. Buck Creek State Park Campground

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

    $23 - $35 / night

    "We visited the Ohio Caverns. The tour is worth the money, the "gem" mining was fun for our younger kids. There are two swimming beaches, the public one and one in the campground."

    "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."

    3. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    19 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!"

    4. Jacoby Road Canoe Launch

    2 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    1 mile
    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."

    5. Sky Lake Resort and Fishing

    3 Reviews
    Springfield, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 210-9750

    $65 / night

    "Sky Lake Resort is a very nice little campground nestled in among a series of 4 or 5 lakes. The views are fantastic and if you like to fish, this is the place for you!"

    "We loved our time at Sky Lake! It’s a beautiful property, well maintained, and easy to make a reservation. We will definitely be back!"

    6. REI Lakes Campground

    4 Reviews
    Springfield, OH
    9 miles
    +1 (407) 729-1848

    7. Wright-Patterson FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Medway, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 271-2535

    "If you are retired or active duty military, you have access to recreation sites maintained adjacent to many bases."

    8. Narrows Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Alpha, OH
    10 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."

    9. Morris Bean Reserve

    1 Review
    Yellow Springs, OH
    2 miles
    Website

    10. Enon Beach Campground

    3 Reviews
    Medway, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 882-6431
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Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yellow Springs, OH

575 Reviews of 86 Yellow Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Yellow Springs

Camping near Yellow Springs, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Alum Creek State Park Campground, provide great opportunities for boating and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "Amenities include boating, fishing, disc golf, MTB trails, live music select evenings, etc."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at John Bryan State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The location is awesome adjacent to Clifton Gorge and Yellow Springs. Lots of great hiking."
  • Disc Golf: If you enjoy disc golf, check out Delaware State Park Campground. A camper shared, "They put in a putt-putt course recently, had disc golf."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. One reviewer at East Fork State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and plenty of room between sites."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Caesar Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are spacious. The full hookup sites are a bit smaller."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Hueston Woods State Park Campground noted, "Park Staff was great and very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "No one seemed to care about the 10 pm quiet time."
  • Reservation Fees: Be prepared for additional costs when making reservations. One visitor at Buck Creek State Park Campground pointed out, "There’s a $6.50 reservation fee for self-made online reservations."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Raccoons can be a nuisance at some sites. 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:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Delaware State Park Campground mentioned, "Each section has its own playground for the kids."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Alum Creek State Park Campground highlighted, "Trivia night was fun and a free pancake breakfast on Saturday morning."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at East Fork State Park Campground suggested, "Watch out for the yellow jackets!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Caesar Creek State Park Campground noted, "The electric only sites were priced at $33/night."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Hueston Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Limited level campground with full and electric hookups."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Indian Lake State Park Campground shared, "Dump Stations at Park exit have complimentary hoses."

Camping near Yellow Springs, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Yellow Springs, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Yellow Springs, OH is John Bryan State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 42 reviews.

What parks are near Yellow Springs, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Yellow Springs, OH that allow camping, notably Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir and Deer Creek Lake.