
There's no "off-season" for outdoor adventures in Ohio. In fact, once the weather cools off, and the autumn colors inch past their peak in late fall, many of our parks and trails become less crowded, making this an amazing time of year to experience solitude in nature. Be sure to check out these great campgrounds for a late fall adventure in the Buckeye State!
6301 Park Office Road, College Corner, OH 45003
Less than an hour from Cincinnati near the Indiana state line, Hueston Woods State Park is known as one of the best parks for fall foliage in Ohio. It's also a great place to camp, with over 250 campsites, including primitive tent sites as well as RV sites with electrical hookups. The campground is open year-round, making it a perfect spot for a late fall trip. Hueston Woods State Park also includes a charming covered bridge, popular fossil hunting beds, access to Acton Lake, and more than 12 miles of hiking trails.
3305 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
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Alum Creek Lake is a major destination for summer recreation in the Columbus area, but the fun isn't over when the swimming and boating season ends. In fact, fall is a great time to visit the lovely Alum Creek State Park if you want to beat the crowds. Camping options here include more than 300 electric campsites, as well as camper cabins and a group camp. Late fall is a great time to hike in the park or paddle a canoe along the shoreline and enjoy the last days of fall. Alum Creek lake also offers some excellent fall fishing opportunities for bass, saugeye, crappie, and catfish.
3301 Lane Road, Painesville, OH 44077
Located less than 45 minutes from Cleveland in Northeast Ohio, Lake Erie Bluffs offers spectacular lake views that can take your breath away in any season. Operated by Lake Metroparks, Lake Erie Bluffs offers two rustic tent camping sites that can each accommodate groups of up to eight people. The sites are located atop the 40-foot lakeside bluffs and are available by reservation from May 3 to November 30. In addition to an incredible view of Lake Erie from your campsite, you can also spot up to 90 bird species as they migrate south along a major flyway. Bald eagle sightings are common.
3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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A short drive from both Cincinnati and Dayton, John Bryan State Park has been called the most scenic park in Southwest Ohio. It spans 752 acres and is most famous for the rugged limestone gorge along the Little Miami River. Hiking trails both above and below the cliffs provide outstanding fall scenery, and a launch site just outside the park provides allows paddling access to the river. John Bryan State Park includes a cozy family campground with 16 electric and 40 non-electric sites. It's open year-round, but water isn't available during the off-season, so plan accordingly.
20635 State Park Road 20, Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
A beautiful park in any season, Deer Creek State Park provides a unique blend of the modern and the rustic. In addition to 200 electric campsites and a remote primitive camping area, the park also offers luxurious accommodations at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center. Either way, you'll find brilliant fall foliage, more than 20 miles of trails, and abundant fishing and boating access to 1,277-acre Deer Creek Lake. This park is often bustling with activity in summer, but late fall is a great time to enjoy it in peace and quiet.
3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842
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Autumn is a great time to explore Mohican State Park, a beautiful Northeast Ohio Park that spans over 1,000 wooded acres. Located about halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Mohican State Park sits at the intersection of the Clear Fork and Black Fork rivers, which join to form the Mohican River. There's amazing scenery long after the fall foliage has peaked, and the rivers offer excellent paddling and fishing. This park also includes a vast network of hiking trails and a thrilling 25-mile mountain biking trail. The campground in the park is shady and secluded, with over 150 sites ranging from primitive to full-hookup.
651 Lakeview Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Noted for its fall foliage and just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Cincinnati, Winton Woods is a great option for Hamilton County residents looking for camping opportunities close to home. This 2,555-acre park offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, from hiking and horseback riding trails to picnic areas and an 18-hole golf course. Campsites and rustic cabins are open until November 26 for late fall camping, with amenities ranging from electric-only to full-hookup. Water will remain turned on, weather permitting, as long as the campground is open.
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The Hocking Hills area of Southeastern Ohio is one of the most celebrated landscapes in the state. There are few better places to experience it than Hocking Hills State Park, which is less than an hour away from Columbus. This unique place features distinctive landforms like cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations along the Allegheny Plateau, with over 25 miles of hiking trails. Few people visit the park in late fall, making it easy to reserve a campsite at short notice. Electric and full-hookup family campsites are available, as well as primitive hike-in sites.
Ottawa Point Driveway, Brecksville, OH 44141
Surprisingly, there are no camping opportunities in Northeast Ohio's spectacular Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But there are some great options nearby, including the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites. These rustic, secluded campsites are accessible a short hike in from the Ottawa Point Picnic Area in Brecksville and are located along the Buckeye Trail, making them popular among backpackers. Each of the three campsites can accommodate up to four people, and the minimal amenities offer a great opportunity to "rough it" for the night.
Where will you go camping in Ohio this fall?

Spring is in the air in the Cincinnati area, and you know what that means. It's time to get outside and enjoy it! After being cooped up all winter, we're all eager to see some greenery, unplug and get away from screens for a while.
The Cincy area offers virtually unlimited potential for adventures in the great outdoors, from hiking and biking to fishing and picnicking. These beautiful rustic campgrounds are perfect places to do all of the above, and they're all within a short drive of the city. That makes them perfect for a weekend getaway.
10174 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland, OH 45140
Just 20 minutes from Cincinnati, Lake Isabella is a great place to experience rustic camping without straying too far from the city. With 24 primitive tent sites, the campground is by a grove of trees not far from the lake. Each site has a picnic table, and each group of four sites shares a communal fire pit. Lake Isabella offers excellent fishing, and the campground is also within walking distance of a canoe and kayak launch on the Little Miami River.
2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
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Stonelick State Park sits less than 45 minutes from Cincinnati and offers a 1,058-acre wild getaway on the shores of Stonelick Lake. The park is home to one of the area's best family campgrounds for anyone who wants to get away from it all. Shady and secluded, the campground includes about 100 campsites, with a mix of electric and non-electric sites, including some right on the water. Primitive group sites are available too. Stonelick Lake is known for excellent bass, catfish, and bluegill fishing and also offers a public beach and boating for small craft.
651 Lakeview Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45231
A beautiful campground within the Cincinnati city limits? Yes, please! Winton Woods Campground is a perfect camping destination for families who don't have the time to travel to a far-flung wilderness. And while this campground may not exactly be "roughing it," they do offer lovely, shaded campsites for tents as well as RVs, with easy access to amenities like electricity, WiFi, and modern restrooms and showers. Its proximity to the city means this campground fills up fast on weekends, so book your site early!
8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
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One of Southwest Ohio's top destinations for swimming, boating, and water sports, Caesar Creek State Park overlooks the picturesque waters of 2,830-acre Caesar Creek Lake. The park's campground offers nearly 300 sites, including full-hookup RV sites as well as many that are designated tents-only. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. Caesar Creek State Park is known for having one of the most beautiful public beaches in the region, but it's also a great place for hiking and bird watching. The park is home to about 25 miles of hiking trails, which explore a diverse habitat rich in plant and animal life.
6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, OH 45003
Hueston Woods State Park offers more than 300 campsites, including both electric and non-electric sites, and even an equestrian group camp. The campground ranges from shady and secluded to open and spacious, and all campers have access to showers and modern amenities. Hueston Woods State Park offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, and a wide range of other activities. It's especially popular among fossil hunters, and its rich limestone beds yield rich deposits of fossilized marine life.
3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, OH 45106
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Offering one of the largest campgrounds in Southwestern Ohio, East Fork State Park is home to more than 400 campsites for tents as well as RVs. Electric hookups are available (a handful of sites also include water and sewer hookups), and all sites include picnic tables and access to drinking water. This spacious campground offers a mix of shady sites, as well as some that are more open. The park itself spans more than 4,000 acres and includes fishing and boating access to William H. Harsha Lake, as well as more than 50 miles of hiking trails.
130 Longworth St., Milford, OH 45150
Ohio's premier long-distance backpacking route, the Buckeye Trail is for campers who really want to get away from it all. The trail forms a 1,440-mile loop that circles the entire state, with lean-tos and primitive backcountry campsites all along the way for overnight hikers. One of the best places to start exploring the Buckeye Trail is the small town of Milford, Ohio. Just 25 minutes from Cincinnati, Milford is an official "Trail Town," and the Buckeye Trailhead at Jim Terrell Park is one of many prime entrances to the trail. Hikers can also get a permit to camp in the park overnight.
1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
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With a reputation for being one of Ohio's most beautiful state parks, Cowan Lake is a photographer's dream come true and a great place to spend a few days off the grid. The campground offers electric and non-electric sites, as well as primitive tent-only group camping areas. Several miles of trails meander through the woods and along the shore of Cowan Lake. Keep an eye out for waterfowl and inlets filled with blooming American Lotus water lily as you explore the lakeshore, and bring a fishing rod. The lake is known for excellent catches of Largemouth Bass.
9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH 45030
Just 25 miles northwest of Cincinnati, Miami Whitewater Forest is a 4,670-acre playground for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. The forest offers many miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, along with ample access for fishing and kayaking on 85-acre Miami Whitewater Forest Lake. Campers can choose among 45 campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and electric hookup, and all just footsteps away from the lake. Miami Whitewater Forest also includes an 11-acre dog park where you are welcome to let your dog run off-leash.
Where will you unplug and enjoy the great outdoors around Cincinnati?

There's no doubt that summer vacations will be different this year, but that doesn't mean you can't get out of the house and enjoy some family fun. If you're looking for the ultimate socially-distant vacation, camping is a great idea!
There are a ton of excellent campgrounds in Northeast Ohio, some of them with just as many amenities as a luxury resort. Take a look at a few of our favorite camping getaways.
51900 Portman Road, Amherst, OH 44001
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If you're looking for a full-service campground with plenty to do, Timber Ridge is a great option. They have 30- and 50-amp RV hookups, and you can choose from either shaded and wide-open spaces.
The entertainment options at this campground are virtually endless, from game rooms and playgrounds to an indoor lap pool and a catch-and-release pond. Gather up the family to enjoy some time on the shuffleboard and basketball courts and don't forget to set aside some time for adult activities like cornhole, bingo, and musical entertainment.
5960 Vandemark Road, Medina, OH 44256
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A campground known for its Christian Family Values, Pier-Lon is popular among both overnight and seasonal campers. One of the most popular attractions is the 5-acre lake where you can swim and enjoy catch-and-release fishing.
Other fun things to do here include paddleboard, hayrides, horseshoes, ladder golf, disc golf, baseball, and volleyball. There are also plenty of craft opportunities and planned activities. The campground offers full hookup sites, water/electric sites, and group camping areas.
2678 S. Hametown Road, Norton, OH 44203
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A favorite among locals since 1955, The Lake is a fun, family-friendly campground where you'll find weekly social events, a gorgeous 6-acre swim lake, a goat petting zoo, batting cage, miniature golf, and an arcade. The campgrounds also offer basketball, tennis, disc golf, and GaGa ball.
There's no tent camping here, but if you have an RV, you'll enjoy the daily, monthly, or seasonal campsites with both water and electricity.
1921 Tall Timber Road NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
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If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, you'll love the 157-acre Wood's Tail Timer Resort. A favorite among locals and visitors, this campground features a 7-acre lake and incredible amenities including miniature golf, ziplining, and a target range. You can also go fishing, boating, or hiking and the kids will love the playground and game room.
This resort offers a wide variety of camping experiences, including tent camping with no electricity and 30- and 50-amp electric RV hookups. If you're looking for a bit more luxury, you can also rent a house, cottage, mini-cabin, or a camper cottage.
23 Township Road 1300, West Salem, OH 44287
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For a fun and relaxing getaway with your family and friends, you can't go wrong with Hickory Lakes Campground. The grounds feature several private lakes where you can boat, fish, and swim. There's also a swimming pool and bike trails. You'll never have to worry about getting bored — there are plenty of fun planned activities that are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.
This campground offers tent camping with water and electric, RV hookups, or cabin rentals. They also have a recreation barn that's perfect for larger activities.
10787 Molter Road, Shreve, OH 44676
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Located in Ohio's Amish Country, this huge campground is popular among both locals and visitors. They have 300 campsites, most of which are in wooded areas, 30-amp RV hookups, and A-frame and trailer rental cottages.
You'll love spending your time at the swimming beach, fishing in the five lakes (the largest is 23 acres), and enjoying live entertainment. There's also a game room, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and rowboat and paddleboat rentals.
9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City, OH 44656
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This campground offers both RV and tent camping, patio cabins, and vacation cabins. It's also known for its incredible amenities including a beach, fishing pier, playgrounds, activity center, basketball court, sand volleyball, shuffleboard, and even a dog park!
If you want to get out and enjoy the area, you can spend some time on the campground's hiking trails or climb up the observation tower to take in the incredible review.
17273 Avon Belden Road, Grafton, OH 44044
American Wilderness offers primitive camping, tent and RV camping with electric and water, and cabin rentals. The campsites are all quite large, giving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peace and quiet.
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You'll never get bored here — there's a swimming lake with a sandy beach, an 11-acre stocked fishing lake, two playgrounds, and a huge game room. You can also try your hand at adventure gem mining, rent a boat, go hiking or biking, play basketball or volleyball, or spend some time at their adventure park! There are plenty of planned activities for campers and pets are also welcome.
13190 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666
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This 500-acre facility gives visitors plenty of space to spread out. They offer cabin rentals, motorhome camping, "glamping" tents, travel trailer camping, and traditional tent camping. Best of all, when you rent a space, you'll also get access to the resort's 10-acre Adventure Water Park.
This resort also features an indoor heated pool, 18-hole miniature golf, and 20-acre fishing lake. You can also visit John O's Restaurant and Pub, visit the country store, rent a boat, and rent golf carts to get you from place to place. Looking to get active? Pick up a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball, or head out to the trails to go hiking or biking.
12712 Hoover Ave. NW, Uniontown, OH 44685
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Located in Stark County, this campground offers visitors over 80 tent camping and RV sites and 8 luxury cabins. Once you're settled in, there's plenty to do, including an 18-hole miniature golf course, a giant activity barn, a gem mine, and even visits from Yogi Bear! They even have a shop where you can enjoy handmade ice cream and rootbeer.
If you have children, you'll definitely want to consider this exciting family-friendly adventure.
Are you ready for your next summer camping adventure?