The best camping near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Bone Lick State Historic Site adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.

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Community favorites near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

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Hones Pointe

22 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Pendleton, KY

Hones Pointe was established in 1988. It was built by four insurance agents to elude our sales managers in a unique natural setting. Over the years, we have planted many different varieties of trees and perennials to observe. Also evidence exists of this area being an Indian camp long ago as suggested by arrowheads and an old handmade rock wall. Primitive camping where you can pick your own scenic spot. We will furnish picnic table, fire ring, garbage can, and charcoal grill during your campout.Welcome!

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(73)

Quiet Creek Valley

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Camden, OH

Welcome to our serene oasis in Preble County! Our property features wide-open farmland leading back to a tranquil forested creek, nestled in a valley teeming with wildlife. Enjoy playing in the creek, exploring the woods, and immersing yourself in nature's beauty. This property is in a flood plain and you could be moved to higher ground. Feel free to message us if you have questions. We offer several primitive campsites, allowing you to choose whether to camp solo or with a group. If you're interested in exploring the farm and trails on the upper half of the property, we would love to show you around.

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Away at Green Hill

9 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Union, KY

Hipcamp Best Camping Runner Up 2023 and 2024! Fall Sweet Fall! Book now and enjoy the privacy, the convenience, and the changing colors of Away at Green Hill. Entry point to western Boone County in Northern Kentucky, neighbor to Cincinnati, Indiana and the Ohio River, this 27 acre property marks a geographical change from rolling farmland to steep, forested hillsides. Our end-of-the road, ridgetop property means privacy. Our isolated campsites are surrounded by woods full of turkey, deer, owls, and woodpeckers. Onsite there are wide, easy strolling paths, a growing number of single-track hiking trails, open fields, and forest. And if not booked, a historic log home to explore and do some porch sitting. A great place for solo campers, friends, and families, whether newbies or experienced. Drive-in sites make unloading/loading easy peasey. Standard amenities include privacy - we only book two sites at any time, which are far apart from each other and surrounded by woods. Also, an exceptional outhouse, tables, fire rings, lanterns, Welcome kit (paper, fatwood, lighter, candle). And we have onsite firewood that can be purchased during booking or onsite purchase. Site 1 - Open Sky can accommodate the solo or the group. And it comes with extra amenities: a hammock, trampoline, badminton (spring, summer, fall). It's also closest to the cabin, strolling trails, firewood shed, and outhouse. Site 2 - Gobbler's Knob is a more cozy space - a small rise surrounded by forest. A short walk from the outhouse and firewood shed. It can accommodate pop-ups, small pull-behinds, tents, hammocks. Vehicles can park on site or park at site entrance, just 50'. Site 3 - Henry's Holler. By request only. For 4WD and overlanders only. Read site description in full before requesting. The choice is yours. Boating, kayaking, biking, hiking, museums or lazing about in a tiny riverfront town are minutes away, The curvy, scenic roads lead quickly out of the paved civilization of Union, Kentucky to us and onto the Rabbit Hash General Store, the Ohio River, the ferry to Indiana, the historic Dinsmore Homestead and State Nature Preserve, Middle Creek Park, and Big Bone State Park "Home to Modern Vertebrate Paleontology". Do nothing or do something.

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Riverside Adventures

6 sites · RVs, Tents67 acres · Morrow, OH

Join us at Riverside Adventures for your next getaway. We are located on a 67 acre farm located on the Little Miami River in the heart of Warren County Ohio, also known as "Ohio's playground". We have 4 camp sites total, all with with river front access. Each site has its own stone patio, fire ring, and picnic table, with other amenities also available. We welcome both small and large groups and can help you plan events here such as family reunions, bachelor(ette) parties, and corporate retreats. With two canoe liveries within two miles of us (Morgan's Canoe Rental and Little Miami Canoe), you can drop your canoe or kayak in upstream and make your campsite a pit stop before getting picked up downstream by their shuttles. You can also rent a tube from us and go up and down our property or hang out on your tube anchored by the beach. We can also shuttle you upstream on Saturdays and Sundays. You can hike on our property to get scenic views of the Little Miami River Valley or spend time exploring Halls Creek (just down the street), the Fort Ancient Mounds, and others. We know other special local spots we can let you in on, too. We are just a 1/2 mile from the Little Miami Bike Trail and close to Caesar's Creek, Cowan Lake, YMCA's Camp Kearn, and Camp Joy. Plain Folk Music Cafe, Fresh to Morrow, Valley Vineyards, and Little River Cafe, are also short drives if you want to grab a bite to eat and vibe on some cool, local hangouts. We're just a 15-minute drive from King's Island and an hour or less drive from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. It's great out here, ya'll--join us! We look forward to helping you with your next outdoor adventure!

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(74)

Carriage House Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · North Bend, OH

We are an Ohio Century Farm located in historic North Bend, Ohio. Single-family owned since 1855, our farm is located only 20 minutes outside of downtown Cincinnati but feels as if you are in the country side. Our campsites are located within a easy 5 minute walk of our on-farm distillery, winery, market, and food truck. Part of our 300 acre property is part of the conservation easement that makes up the "Oxbow," a migratory bird and waterfowl area that is popular among birdwatchers in the spring and autumn seasons. We have a large eagle population along with a host of other raptors.

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Secluded Mt. Airy Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Cincinnati, OH

Campsite in the Heart of Mt. Airy Forest Escape to nature at our serene campsite nestled in the hills of Cincinnati’s Mt. Airy Forest. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, our site provides a peaceful retreat while being just steps away from adventure. **What We Offer:** **Campsite Amenities:** Enjoy a cozy campsite equipped with a fire pit, and available firewood. Need breakfast? We’ve got fresh eggs available! **Nature Access:** Step right from our property onto miles of scenic hiking trails that weave through Mt. Airy Forest’s 1,459 acres. **Local Attractions:** Explore the area with several picnic spots, a disc golf course, and a multi-use mountain biking trail. Don’t miss Ohio's only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse, a stunning arboretum, and an enclosed dog park for your furry friends. Need a night out on the town? We are located approximately 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati where you can enjoy dinner, brewery’s, events and so much more! **Capacity:** Our site comfortably accommodates up to 10 people. Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, we’ve got you covered with an electrical hookup. (The electric hookup and parking of a Camper Van is on our gravel driveway, not at the campsite) **Privacy:** While our home is located on the property, your campsite is tucked away in a secluded meadow, ensuring peace and quiet during your stay. We look forward to your visit and are here if you need anything! Welcome to the Queen City!

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Camp Cedar

260 sites · Lodging, RVs53 acres · Mason, OH

Conveniently located just one mile from Kings Island Amusement Park in Deerfield Township near Mason, Ohio, Camp Cedar is a place where families can refresh, reconnect, and escape the grid—without forgoing life’s luxuries. Be our guest and enjoy an urban camping experience, thrilling activities, modern, comfortable accommodations, capacious RV campsites, and delightful amenities. After a day of exciting thrill rides at Kings Island Amusement Park, exploring Mason and Warren County, or a long day of travel, take refuge at Camp Cedar outdoor resort, featuring comfortable cottages, one of our new rental RV's or the option to relax in your own RV traveling accommodations. At Camp Cedar, we deliver big on fun! Explore our family fun attractions, programs, and activities, subtle but appreciated indulgences, and first-rate guest service so you can focus on the most important part of vacation—having fun! Enjoy the Hornbeam Lodge for socializing and activities, take a dip in our multiple pools, dine at our on-site restaurants, shop at our retail store, relax in our resort features such as fitness centers and pools, or upgrade to a private cabana. We look forward to welcoming you and making your stay a memorable one.

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(15)

Handyland

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · KY

Handyland is tucked away in the rolling hills and valleys of Northern Kentucky. We're conveniently located near the Ark Encounter, the Kentucky Speedway and of course the Bourbon Trail. If you're looking for a perfect getaway...bring your camper / rv or simply a tent and unwind with the surrounding beauty.

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(154)

Hidden Valley River Camp

4 sites · Tents7 acres · Westport, KY

Beautiful valley on the Ohio River with 300 feet of beach front, private boat dock, covered 20x30 community pavilion and a large fire pit. A beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Beautiful private Valley setting on the Ohio River with private boat dock. Creek bed with rocks and fossils. 2 covered pavillions and fire pit and eagles and wildlife There is a mile gravel road and steep hill is why no rv's. Cars and trucks have no problems.

Booked 7 times

Riverside

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Burlington, KY

Riverside is an 8 acre property on the Ohio River in Burlington, KY. Originally built as Lock and Dam 38 in 1926 it is now a nulti family apartmetn property with a large field and plenty of room to camp. Currently there are two sites and a outside community area. Each have a picnic table annd fire ring. You can pull your car right up to your site. Bring your canoe or kayak as wee have access to put yur boat in right on the property. Or fish from the river bank. There is access to the indoor common area where you will find a bathroom with shower and a place to relax or get in from the weather. There are two coin operated laundry rooms and a soda machine onsite as well. This historic location is just 8 minutes to Rabbit Hash, 18 minutes to Big Bone Lick State Park, and 22 minutes to the Creation Museum. Either myself or one of my staff are onsite everyday if you have any questions or concerns.

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Serenity Now

3 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Laurel, IN

Down a long winding road you'll find Serenity Now. Situated in a holler along Little Salt Creek in Western Franklin county. Come enjoy the 25+ acres of forested hills, green meadows, babbling Little Salt Creek. Catch a glimpse of wildlife such as deer, turkey, fox and eagles to name a few. But most of all enjoy the piece and quiet. There are spots up in the forest to relax and unwind in nature. There are trails to hike throughout the property, with more being added. End the day around a camp fire under dark night skies, where the star gazing is incredible if conditions are right. You're minutes away from quaint towns like Metamora, Oldenburg and Brookville. Franklin county has many activities and places of interest. Explore the historic White water canal, unique shops and dining spots, horseback riding, boating and kayaking as well as offroading. The camp sites are primitive. Fire rings at each site. Firewood is available for purchase (first fire is on the house). A clean portolet is on property. Sites can accommodate tents, truck campers, camper vans and small pull behind campers. 15 foot trailer max. 6 people per site max, 2 vehicles per site max. Pets are welcome if well behaved.

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Deer Haven

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Independence, KY

We recently moved from the next county over and are enjoying making this place ours and improvements for guests. Property is 15 minutes south of Cincinnati, close to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG), close to restaurants and attractions such as Kings Island (approximately 1 hour), Creation Museum (approximately 25 minutes) and The Ark (approximately 25 minutes). Also nearby are several state parks and local favorites such as Big Bone State park, Rabbit Hash,and Riverbend. We have 2 dogs who walk with us on leash and recently added chickens and goats! Elmer and Clyde do like to wander and explore. They are very friendly. Learn more about this land: Gravel driveway leads up to both spots. We do try to keep it maintained, but frequently rain causes ruts faster than we can fill. It should not impede drivability, but use caution and feel free to ask if you have any concerns. #1 improvement planned is paving driveway. You may also experience some vehicle noise from roadway. Typically, as we are on a back road, it is fairly quiet but some drivers may be louder than others and some evenings see more traffic. Level gravel area for RV parking, second plateau available for multiple tent sites. Campfires in designated area. Deer, wild turkeys, opossums and raccoons are plentiful and often wander through. Less common are foxes and bald eagles that make their home at Doe Run Lake nearby. Main home on property but only close enough for assistance, not interference. Homesteading in progress with many improvements being added. Property is close to Creation Museum and the Ark. 10 minutes from restaurants and expressway but feels like a retreat. Wi-fi, trash, private area for camp toilet, fire ring, water, camp stove (available in extras). Optional tent and chair rentals.

The best camping near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site guide

Overview

About

“Cool, cool, mega cool,” might be all you can muster saying at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, and not just because of its Ice Age past. Start at the museum and visitor’s center to grasp the full effect of what you’re witnessing. Any prehistoric fans in the family? Oh they are going to love this place. Walk through the displays ranging from fossils, Ice Age mammal bones, and Native American artifacts. Once you’re ready to explore outside, hike the trails and walk in the footsteps of creatures long before our time. Time your trip with the exciting programs going on like archeological digs and ghost hunts. Wild, right?

When to go

The ideal time to visit Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is during the spring and fall when mild temperatures complement outdoor activities. Summer brings warmth perfect for hiking, though be prepared for the occasional hot day. Winters can be cold, with some facilities possibly closed, so check ahead for the best experience.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions and park alerts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on nature trails and exploring the historic areas.
Bring water and snacks, as options may be limited within the park.
Review the photo and drone policy to capture memories without disrupting the environment.
Consider volunteering or supporting the park through sponsorship opportunities.