Discover the best campgrounds near Hamilton, Ohio with horseback riding

A former industrial hub now dubbed the “City of Sculpture,” Hamilton is revitalizing its bustling city center with the arts. Over 40 public sculpture installations, bold murals, and the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park are prime examples of the booming arts scene—and tent camping just outside the city allows for a taste of local culture along with an array of outdoor activities. From swimming and fishing in Brookville Lake to archery and fossil hunting in East Fork State Park, there’s something for every Hipcamper. And with plenty of space for pull-through RV parks, yurt glamping, and primitive backpack camping, Hamilton offers a range of accommodations from roughin’ it to laid-back luxury.

Where to go

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Only a 5-minute drive from the city center, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park delivers 300 acres of awe-inspiring art to explore. Stop by a traditional 1820s pioneer house, the iconic outdoor sculpture collection, and a museum gallery showcasing both ancient and contemporary works. Campers can walk or drive (personal vehicle or an art cart golf cart) the 1.75-mile loop through the highly accessible park. Although there’s no camping within, nearby rustic cabins, tent campsites, and RV sites with parking pads can be found.

Brookville Lake

Home to Mounds State Recreation Area, Brookville Lake is just across the border in Indiana, a 40-minute drive from Hamilton. It’s recognized worldwide for producing 450 million-year-old Ordovician fossils set over 11,000 acres with 25 miles of hiking trails and 10 preserved earthworks created by prehistoric First Nations. Admission is free, though camping reservations are required. Nearby tent campsites and full-service RV parks with dump stations and electrical hookups can also be found, while two beaches, paddleboard rentals, a shooting range, archery ranges, and fishing keep campers busy.

East Fork State Park

Book a pet-friendly cabin and bring the dog to East Fork State Park (just keep them on-leash and off the beach). It’s an hour drive from Hamilton, but state park camping is available for the closest access to its amenities. Take a speed boat to Harsha Lake, where unlimited horsepower is allowed, and spend the day swimming or fishing before heading back to the campground. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or backcountry camping (a permit must be purchased from the Administration Office). Reserve campsites online to snag the best spot.

When to go

The heat peaks in Hamilton in July and August, making water temperatures desirable for swimming. Things cool off toward the end of September, so accommodation pricing is slightly cheaper as the peak season ends. Winter temperatures hit below freezing in January and February, but snow is common starting in November. The driest months are August, November, and February, with the rainiest months in spring (March through May), so if traveling during this time, break out the umbrellas and raincoats.