Lakeside camping near Cincinnati

It doesn't take much to find a natural hideaway just outside Cincinnati.

99% (307 reviews)
99% (307 reviews)

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Under $50

11 top lakeside campgrounds near Cincinnati

96%
(51)

Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

21 sites · RVs, Tents153 acres · Sparta, KY
Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more. Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property. Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground". Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com) We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only. The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people. Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com). But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig Buffalo Trace Distillery Neeley Family Distillery Belterra Casino Clifty Falls State Park Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone and so much more.... And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you. We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation. We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery. Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our featured campsites: REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years. A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring. The premier site on our property. THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name. This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season. THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people. Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season. WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting. Drive in and out, fires in season. Suitable for a family sized tent. THE PENNINSULA: This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY. You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards). One of two remote sites. It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite. Fires permitted in season. TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY. A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING. NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SO WHAT'S OUR STORY? https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you. We hope to see you here.
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$25
 / night
100%
(319)

Lake Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents44 acres · Bethel, OH
The Lake Farm is 44 acres bordered by farmed land and woods.  This farm has been in our family for over 50 years.  Although there is no residence on the property, this farm is filled with family memories.  For generations, family and friends have gathered at the farm to camp; share meals; fish or float on the lakes; play with our dogs; and enjoy the seasons in a secluded outdoor setting.  We have hosted family gatherings for all occasions and seasons including an incredible Winter Camp a few years back with historical tents and recipes.  As our children have grown older, the farm now provides a secluded space for solitude; fishing or floating in the lakes; cooking together; sitting around a table and visiting; reading a book; or taking a nap.  The two lakes on the farm host much wildlife - morning time is often filled with deer stopping by for a drink or a run across the fields and geese families teaching their children - the regiment of landing on lakes or making abrupt turns while floating on lakes.  Sometimes if you watch closely - a beaver can be spotted as he/she is slowly moving a tree branch across the lake or a turtle sunning on a tree stump.  The East Fork Horse and Hiking Trail borders our farm and makes the perfect morning walk.  This farm has been our refuge and blessing for many years.  We have developed 4 camping sites and an additional site -  in case our own family needs what we call farm therapy spot whether it be overnight or simply for an afternoon.  The Lake Farm neighbors East Fork Lake State Park and allows quick access for kayaks and canoes as well a horse and hiking trail.  Additionally, Lake Farm is 30 minutes drive from the Ohio River - where you can access the river at different points.  Please feel free to ask for recommendations on good food and local interest.
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$24
 / night
100%
(13)

RoNilaVon Farm

1 site · RV85 acres · Madison, IN
We have owned this property since 2003.  We are now opening this wonderland up to select few campers to enjoy what we have.  You will have the place to yourself.Hike, swim, relax at our home away from home.  NO cell service at all.  Learn more about this land:This campsite has 20 amp power. Enough to run a small AC and unit.  City Water available.  The site has a fire ring. Wood for sale or bring your own. This site backs up to the lake. There is a sand beach within 20 feet. Nice Dock to set on or fish. Catch and release. Quiet hours from 11p to 7am.  You are just 11 miles from Madison.  Madison has many festivals all summer and fall.  Close enough to drive yet out of the crowded campgrounds and noise.  Bring your floats and enjoy the lake during summer. Must wear an approved life jacket.  Kids must be supervised as there is NO life guard on duty.Fires must be put out when done.   Major Holidays require 3 nights stay.
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$40
 / night
98%
(113)

Camp Kokovoko

2 sites · Tents150 acres · Corinth, KY
Kokovoko is a breeding farm which specializes in Swedish Gotland Ponies and Lincoln Longwool sheep, both rare breeds. We're a sustainable family farm, and love the idea of sharing the land with people who aren't as fortunate as we are to live here!Once the land of Daniel Boone, then tobacco and cattle farms, now it's yours to explore and enjoy. Come visit, bring your bicycle and binoculars.Learn more about this land:Season nearly over! Last date 11/10. Pitch your tent and enjoy a campfire on a gorgeous north central Kentucky farm just 5 miles off I-75 halfway between Lexington and Cincinnati.Owner specializes in rare breed ponies and sheep. You're welcome to book a tour! You'll have 150 acres to romp on, explore nature, run the dog, go for a rural bike ride, or just sit back and enjoy the gorgeous sky and relax.Fields and pond, woods, hills and creeks teeming with wildlife are waiting for you to enjoy. You can park your tent wherever you wish.Nearby fishing, antiquing, bourbon trail, wineries, Toyota plant, KY Horse Park, Lexington and Cincinnati -- All within an hour's drive.
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$30
 / night

Primitive Camping Retreat

3 sites · Tents25 acres · Butler, KY
Mawhe Acres Camping Retreat has two primitive camp sites just inside the tree line of an open field, each with a 16' x 16' crushed limestone pad for tents. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and access to a compost toilet (in outhouse). There is no potable water or electric. However, for a nominal fee, we can provide a water hose to the campsite. There's easy access with the ability to drive through the field to the campsite or guests can walk in with their gear from driveway. We're fine with car camping too - we just want to keep things as natural as possible. Mawhe Acres - a 25 acre farm, much of which is raw land and woods in their natural state, undeveloped and not farmed for decades - is an official National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat™ site. NWF recognizes our commitment to sustainably providing the essentials of wildlife habitat - natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young. The abundant wildlife around includes deer, squirrels, red foxes, turkeys, chipmunks, groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, woodpeckers, owls, and birds of prey (mostly red-tailed hawks and vultures). We have a small lake with good fishing and acres of woods to explore. There are some footpaths for easier walking. We want to share our beautiful land for our guests to enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the forest which can help you relax. In fact, it’s possible that time in the great outdoors can boost both your mental and physical health. For example, the science on "forest bathing" (also called "forest therapy") makes a convincing argument that spending time communing with nature can improve stress, anxiety and depression. For those who want a little action, we sit behind a new football facility where you may be able to catch a game or two if you're interested. Find the schedule here: https://www.maxpreps.com/ky/falmouth/pendleton-county-wildcats/football/schedule/
Pets
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$25.50
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Cincinnati guide

Overview

If you're looking to camp near Cincinnati, Ohio and have a preference for a lake, look no further than Hipcamp. With over 350 options in the area, you'll be sure to find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Some of the top campsites, like Hidden Lake Farm (359 reviews), Fruitdale Farm (352 reviews), and Lake Farm (106 reviews), have received rave reviews from other campers. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and potable water. And if you're looking for some outdoor activities, you'll be able to explore historic sites, go hiking, and even try out wind sports. So get ready to enjoy the beauty of nature while camping near Cincinnati, Ohio!

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