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Best Campgrounds near Yellow Springs, OH

580 Reviews

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.

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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"

    "John Bryan campground conveniently located near Clifton mills gorge, Glen Helen and yellow springs."

    2. Buck Creek State Park Campground

    33 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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Recent Camping Photos near Yellow Springs, OH

178 Photos of 86 Yellow Springs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Yellow Springs, OH

580 Reviews of 86 Yellow Springs 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.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Indian Lake State Park Campground

    Lots of sites

    Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit. The fire ring was nice but our picnic table was beat up. I went to move it and the seat pulled right off. We stayed on a Sunday night so it wasn’t packed. There are a ton of sites. Some had great shade and others didn’t have any at all. The bathrooms were flush toilets and they did have shower houses too. The camp store is really big and it’s right next to their pool. They have a dog park, place to dock your boat and a small beach. I would imagine this would be a pretty busy during the summer.

  • 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.

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

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Yellow Springs?

Budget-conscious campers can look to Scioto-Grove Metro Park which offers some free camping options, though it's seasonal and weekend-focused. Narrows Reserve provides affordable camping within the Greene County Park system not far from Yellow Springs. For truly free dispersed camping, options are limited in Ohio, and you may need to consider authorized rest stops for car camping in a pinch. Most campgrounds in the area are state parks with reasonable fees ranging from $20-30 per night, often with discounts for Ohio residents. Call ahead to confirm current rates and availability as budget options tend to fill quickly, especially during peak summer months.

What campgrounds are available near Yellow Springs, Ohio?

The most popular camping option near Yellow Springs is John Bryan State Park Campground, located just minutes from town with hiking trails connecting to Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Within a reasonable driving distance, you'll find Caesar Creek State Park Campground offering lakeside camping opportunities. Other nearby options include Buck Creek State Park, Hueston Woods State Park, and Wright-Patterson FamCamp. For those willing to travel a bit further, Cowan Lake State Park provides scenic waterfront camping. Yellow Springs' central location in southwest Ohio makes it an excellent base for exploring several state parks and nature preserves within a 30-45 minute drive.

What accommodations and amenities are available at Yellow Springs campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Yellow Springs offer varying levels of amenities. Cowan Lake State Park Campground features numerous small bathrooms and lake access, making it particularly pleasant during autumn. Hueston Woods State Park Campground provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, shower houses, and water access. Most area campgrounds maintain shower facilities, potable water, and dump stations for RVs. While primarily catering to tent campers, many can accommodate small to medium RVs. Some campgrounds feature playground equipment, making them family-friendly. Additional amenities at various sites include frisbee golf courses, mountain bike trails, and hiking access. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.

Can you camp at John Bryan State Park near Yellow Springs?

Yes, you can camp at John Bryan State Park Campground, which is a primitive campground with spacious, shaded sites nestled among large trees. The campground is small but well-maintained, offering basic amenities including a shower house, potable water, and a dump station. While primarily designed for tent camping, it does accommodate some small RVs with a limited number of electric sites. A major renovation including a new shower house was planned for late 2021. The campground provides immediate access to excellent hiking trails that connect to Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and Glen Helen. Its location just minutes from downtown Yellow Springs makes it perfect for exploring the charming town while enjoying nature.

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