Best Camping in and near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

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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Stay at a public campground in Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

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Big Bone Lick Campground

60 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

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Hones Pointe

25 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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(41)

A Notch Above-RV Riverside Campsite

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Patriot, IN

If you enjoy camping right on the banks of a major river (Ohio), this may be the place for you! Relax on the riverside with a campfire and one of the best river views on the entire Ohio River! You can even throw in a fishing line if you want!

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Away at Green Hill

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Union, KY

Hipcamp Best Camping Runner Up 2023 and 2024! Spring is here and Summer isn't far behind. Book now and enjoy the privacy and the convience of Away at Green Hill. Entry point to western Boone County in Northern Kentucky, neighbor to Cincinnati, Indiana and the Ohio River, this 26 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 is wide, easy strolling paths, a growing number of single track hiking trail, 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. Onsite firewood for purchase makes the perfect campfire easy as well. Larger groups can also be accommodated including booking the entire site - just message us for details. Services are limited to space, an exceptional outhouse, tables, fire rings, lanterns, welcome kit (paper, fatwood, lighter, candle). Boating, kayaking, biking, hiking, museums or lazing about in a tiny riverfront town are all 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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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 Cincinati, 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 and Rabbit Hash. We have 2 dogs who walk with us on leash and recently added chickens! Learn more about this land: Level gravel area for RV parking, second plateau available for multiple tent sites. Campfires in designated area. Deer and turkeys are plentiful and often wander through. 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 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.

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Hidden Lake Farm

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents216 acres · Cynthiana, KY

Welcome to Hidden Lake Farm! We are a family-owned farm and hope you enjoy our little slice of heaven as much as we do. Whether you're a new, inquiring camper or a familiar face, we appreciate your support and wish to make your stay with us as memorable as possible. We offer primitive camp sites (most can accommodate various sizes of RV's), a primitive cabin, and hike-in sites surrounded by woods, a lake, ponds, and unforgettable views. Each site is unique and offers different experiences. Activities include hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. We also offer day passes for those wanting to enjoy the property without staying overnight and larger groups have the option to rent out the entire campground for a more intimate experience. Feel free to reach out for more information regarding these options or for any additional questions regarding our facilities.

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Bunker Farm

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ryland Heights, KY

Experience the best of luxury and relaxation in this secluded canvas tent at Bunker Farm, nestled within the picturesque creekside of the 7-acre farm in Ryland Heights, Kentucky. Step inside this furnished bell tent to discover a spacious retreat complete with a queen size bed. Marshall Road runs through the bottom third of our property making a secluded area along Decoursey Creek that feels like a you're way out in the woods, yet not far from the city. Our canvas tent is situated under large mature trees, secluded from the road. An open field located on the property along Decoursey Creek, which brings in a variety of flora and fauna. This 12 foot canvas bell tent is sure to take relaxation to the next level. Within this tent, a queen size memory foam mattress, lightweight sheets, extra blankets and paired with two firm and two soft pillows are provided. The door way is a double zip closure. For cooking, a gas burner and a small gas grill, a cast iron skillet along with acacia wood plates and bowls, utensils, and knives are available for use. For fresh coffee in the morning, an enamel Percolator and mugs are provided. An extra large cooler (100 gal) for your cold items is available outside of the tent. Please bring your own camping equipment if needing any items outside of what's listed. For your bathroom needs, we have a popup tent with a portable toilet and water station. The water in the sink is clean for washing but cannot be guaranteed safe to drink. Please bring water for drinking and brushing teeth. Toilet paper, hand soap and sanitizer will be provided. In addition to firelight from the campfire, the tent is lit by battery-powered a LED lantern, battery operated candles, decor and a pair of solar lamps. No electric is available at this site currently. One battery operated fan is provided. First load of wood is included with your reservation. $7 per bundle if you need more. We use the honor system for this, please send any extra money through HipCamp if more wood is used. We provide fire starting materials and a lighter, fire extinguisher is located in the trunk within the tent. Parking area is close to the tent, yet not right next to it. A large rolling cart is provided to help with getting belongings to and from the parking area. Please only park and drive on graveled area. Creekside Hideaway is nestled on Decoursey Creek, you will have access to the bottom area of the property along the creek. Rock steps have been put in along the creek for easy access down to the creek. This property is partially wooded, and has an open field as well. We are always pet friendly, but you must maintain control of your pets and you are responsible for them at all times. Decoursey creek is a natural waterway. It is frequented by wildlife and can be contaminated by runoff from local farms. DO NOT drink the water. Make sure to wash your hands after they have been in the water before eating and drinking. Pink tape on trees are to mark the approximate property lines, please remain within the property. The creek is part of the property but please do not go to the far bank, as the creek marks our property line.

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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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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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Harbor Park

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Cincinnati, OH

Enjoy a beautiful river view and access to fishing , kayaking , etc. One of a kind private area but unique to be within walking distance of three restaurants. Learn more about this land: Enjoy a beautiful river view and access to fishing , kayaking , etc. One of a kind private area but unique to be within walking distance of three restaurants. Two minutes away from Coney Island Water Park, River Bend Music Center, Bell Terra Casino, California Golf Course, 10 min from downtown Cincinnati, 45 min from the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, California Nature Preserve and many other parks and hiking areas. Tiny river village nestled next to city accessibility. WiFi available.

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Misty Ridge Farm

3 sites · RVs, TentsCamp Springs, KY

My farm is a family friendly horse boarding and lesson farm. We are unique in that we specialize in recreational riding for all ages. Trail riding is a great way to experience horses and since we camp in all parts of the country we though it made sense to let others pitch a ten here. We have loads of possibility around the farm to camp. You can stay close to bathroom and civilization or take a hike to the top of one of our 800 foot hills!Learn more about this land:We have a grassy flat area out behind our barn for tent camping. Parking is within 200 feet from camp site. But adventurous people are able to hike up an 800 foot Hill and camp up on a ridge with a beautiful view of the area. In winter you can see Ohio River. Possible tent site locations along a large creek.We are a working horse farm first! So camper space is not always available. Just depends on hay and horse trailer activity. Sorry!!

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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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Ohio River experience

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · OH

California, Ohio is a community on the Ohio River about a twenty minute drive upstream from Cincinnati. Actually the eastern-most neighborhood of Cincinnati, it has it's own small town or quaint village atmosphere. Safe, flat, scenic and walkable, California boasts several dining experiences, one a brewery, and quite a variety of recreational experiences. Riverbend, a music venue in season, is a mile away, possible walking distance, as is Belterra, a race track and casino. The bike trail is a few blocks away and connects to all the other area bike trails including the Loveland Bike Trail along the Wild and Scenic Little Miami River. A local nature preserve, California Woods, offers hiking and nature programs, and there is even the California Golf Course. If watching baseball leagues play games is your cup of tea, there is a large sports complex with ball fields in California. A town park with trees and large, grassy open spaces and small playground is a few blocks away. Bring your game of horse shoes, corn hole, a frisbee to throw, your skateboard, golf cart, or some bikes just to cruise around and take in the scenery. Nearby, and right the Wild and Scenic Little Miami River is Armleder Park, also with walking and biking trails which also connect to the 5 mile loop around Lunken Airport. I have two properties which offer two different kinds of camping, which I have itemized separately in the Hipcamp listings. RV Campers will park on the upper level at the Panama Street address , and have one set of amenities. It is a short walk lead down to the Ohio River where there is a small patio with table and chairs overlooking the river. Tent campers set up their tents right beside the river and have a different set of amenities, as itemized on this website. It's an unusual set up, as perhaps Hipcamper spots often are. It is interesting and relaxing to watch the barges and pleasure boats go by. On one hand I feel like I am in the middle of nowhere when I am on these (small, very not fancy) properties by the river. On the other, there are planes, trains, barges and pleasure boats, and motorcycles passing by at times. The River can be mesmerizing and serene, shimmering in the western sun, or busy with weekend pleasure boats and barge traffic. Take a walk around town, then sit by the river and watch the boats go by. Relax, set up your grill and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Ohio River. Perfect for river rats. Downtown Cincinnati is 15 or 20 minutes away with no traffic, and there are two or three ways to get there. There is a lot to do in Cincinnati. My place in California is just a few minutes from the I 275 exit.

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.