The best campgrounds near Hamilton, Ohio with swimming

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.

99% (437) • 26 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamilton

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.

99% (437) • 26 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamilton

1. Riverside Adventures

97%

(195)

25mi from Hamilton · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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 one canoe livery within two miles of us (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!

2. Rustic Retreat

97%

(135)

36mi from Hamilton · 4 sites · Lodging

Enjoy three vintage airstreams on an 1870s farm property. Lots of wildlife including a variety of birds, birds of prey like owls and hawks and deer. The local Little Miami Scenic bike path is the largest in the nation and is within 2/10 of a mile away. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, trail running, bike rental and rock climbing. Guide services available.

3. Todd’s Fork Adventures

100%

(344)

24mi from Hamilton · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

This property was the original location of Todd’s Fork Bluegrass Festivals back in the 70’s and is directly on Todd’s Fork with 1/2 mile of River frontage. We reside within the Village of Morrow, walking distance to restaurants and stores. The little Miami Bike Trail is approximately 1/4 mile from our entrance. This property is tucked away and you wouldn’t even know you’re close to town once you’re on site. Valley Vineyards is right down the road to enjoy a bottle of wine and cook your own steak dinner nights. Take a trip to visit Fort Ancient with a day hike. A Native American earthworks complex, the largest hilltop enclosure in the world and soon to be a World Heritage site! Enjoy some canoeing on the Little Miami River a State and National scenic river which is within walking distance. We have kayaks on location for the kids to play in the creek and creeks to hike with numerous fossils deposits. Southwestern Ohio is famous for its Ordovician fossil deposits. Kings Island is approximately 20 minute drive and the Ohio renaissance Festival is near. Caesars creek state park in Cowan lake state park is within a short drive. Smallmouth Bass fishing is awesome on Todd’s Fork and we have plenty of area to Wade fish.

4. Hueston Woods State Park

100%

(2)

24 sites · College Corner, Ohio

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5. Brookville Lake

100%

(1)

437 sites · Brookville, Indiana

Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. The Cedar Lodge Parking

100%

(6)

34mi from Hamilton · 15 sites · RVs

Our property is tucked away in the small village of New Paris in Southwestern Ohio, with wooded grounds and a picturesque pond - and plenty of birding opportunities, we've been told! The entrance to this area is on the Maverick Tiny Homes property, there is signage posted to help you navigate to the appropriate areas.

7. Stargazer Glamping Campsite

100%

(6)

45mi from Hamilton · 1 site · Lodging

Private gated entrance onto our beautiful wooded campsite overlooking our creek from a large deck with a large stargazing bell tent fully furnished with a queen bed , bistro table and chairs ,coffee maker ,coffee and sugar, plates ,cups ,utensils . Outside on deck is a propane grill ,dining table for 4 ,accent lighting , shower area with cold and hot enclosed area,sink .stairs lead down to a fire pit ,hammock and across the campsite is the clean porta potty fully lit at night as is the shower area,Creek could be used for small mouth bass fishing ( Ohio fishing license)or swimming when water is up or floating around.Firewood is not provided .

8. Graystone Ranch

100%

(1)

43mi from Hamilton · 4 sites · Lodging

Take it easy at this unique, private and tranquil getaway with 26 wooded acres & a gorgeous park-like setting. Experience a Conestoga wagon with a fantastic view of the swimmable stocked pond for fishing. Peddle boat & John boat available for use. Stroll through wooded trails or hang out on the lawn for picnics & games. Enjoy the Winery down the street or stroll by the shops in Downtown Greenville. A perfect mixture of the rustic Old West, nature and luxury. check Bio for more lodging options! Follow us on fb or ig. @graystonecabins

9. Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

100%

(1)

42mi from Hamilton · 357 sites

Discover the charm of Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park, a unique family-owned gem in Richmond, Indiana, where generations have created lasting memories for over 60 years. This inviting campground stands out for its commitment to providing exceptional accommodations, engaging activities, and top-notch facilities, all nestled in a serene rural setting. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque scenery and a gently flowing river that enhances the natural beauty of the park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. With a variety of outdoor activities nearby, including swimming holes and hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, making it easy to explore the area. Your hosts at Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park are eager to welcome you and ensure your stay is memorable!

10. Caesar Creek State Park

93%

(7)

25 sites · Harveysburg, Ohio

Boasting clear blue waters and steep ravines, put on that toga friend, because you'll feel like Roman royalty at Caesar Creek State Park. Practice old-school hunting techniques at the archery range, or snag your dinner like the ancients did with those fishing tricks up your sleeves. With swimming opportunities galore, a 1,300-ft public beach provides the perfect milieu to bronze that sculpted body. Hike, bike, or horseback ride one of several trails, where you can study the region's limestone and shales leftover from a dried up sea millions of years ago. Modern amenities sneak their way in as well, where you can motorboat the 2,830 acre lake with gusto. Hail Caesar Creek State Park!

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Stonelick State Park

24 sites · Newtonsville, Ohio

Nestled along forested highlands, Stonelick State Park's 1,058-acres of serene land is the perfect spot for that librarian conference you always wanted to attend but never planned. Hike the fairly short trails around the park or even rent a bicycle if you're ready to switch gears. Four different species of fish are ready for the taking with an Ohio state fishing license, and boats with electric motors are welcome on the lake once you're ready to explore all corners of the 200-acre body of water. If you're hoping for some quality animal sighting, consider driving over to the nearby Crooked Run Nature Preserve, where glances of blue herons and bald eagles are what classic stories are made of.

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12. East Fork State Park

67%

(3)

25 sites · Williamsburg, Ohio

Load up that car and never look back. Located only 25 miles from Cincinnati, East Fork State Park brandishes the badge as one of Ohio's largest state parks. Find yourself in marshy grasslands, swamp forests, rocky cascades or brambly hills, this location boasts a wide variety of natural beauty at your disposal. Rev up your unlimited horsepower boat to explore more than 2,000 acres of the William H. Harsha Lake, or angle for a hybrid striper or largemouth bass. A 1,200-ft beach means you can sprawl out that towel as much as you like. Navigate the trails by horse, bike, or foot, and we have a feeling you'll get a thrill out of the steep hills and switchbacks along the way.

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13. Cowan Lake State Park

75%

(4)

25 sites · Wilmington, Ohio

Picturesque inlets adorned with lotus water lilies will transport you to tranquility at Cowan Lake State Park. Study bloodroot and trillium wildflowers as you listen to the coo of herons and pheasants on the resident lake. With a 1,000-ft long beach for waterfront activities and limited horsepower on boats that traverse the waters, this place is sure to keep its cool. Cast a line for the plentiful bounty of fish or hike one of the six trails to choose from—this is your vacation, after all. Bring some looseleaf tea and a pair of chopsticks, and you're ready to go zen.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

14. Follow the River RV Resort

48mi from Hamilton · 11 sites

Follow the River stands out as one of Indiana's premier RV parks, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities that make it an ideal vacation destination. With a variety of amenities designed to keep guests entertained, this campground ensures that every member of the family has a memorable experience. Guests can spend their days fishing in serene waters, unwinding by the pool, or embarking on scenic hikes and bike rides along picturesque trails. One of the park's highlights is the exciting jumping pillow, a favorite among children that guarantees hours of fun. In addition to the park's attractions, visitors can take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Belterra Casino Resort and Spa, providing easy access to dining, entertainment, and relaxation options. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Follow the River RV park has something for everyone.

15. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

100%

(2)

60 sites · Kentucky

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

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Electrical hookup

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16. Versailles State Park

100%

(3)

220 sites · Versailles, Indiana

Discover Versailles State Park's rich history and outdoor adventures.

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Toilets

Campfires

17. Kincaid Lake State Park

159 sites · Falmouth, Kentucky

Discover Kincaid Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Seth

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Adventures

Great site, host brought firewood. The site is easy to access, but also very quiet. We saw a buck crossing the field in the morning. The stars were incredible at night because there is very little light pollution.

James

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

The land is very private, we were able to access the property with ease. The camp sites were distanced very nicely as we didn’t really hear or see anyone else. Access to the creek was easy, the creek water was very clear in nature. We did some fishing and caught 4 large mouth bass and a species I never dealt with before. After few forums the fish was skipjack herring know. As poor mans Tarpon. You can hear the coyotes late at night hunting animals. We didn’t encounter any wildlife like deer, or raccoons. The owner greeted us very next day. I would def come back during the summer time and do some fishing. Camp site 3 was excellent cause we like being away from people and being on our own. The location took me by surprise. The owner gave us a tip on hot tent camping, I had a stove was too close to the ground. He recommended some stone or concrete blocks. We went to Home Depot and got some cheap stone stepping stones and fixed our problem with the stove.

R

Rendering To

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rustic Retreat

We really enjoyed camping here , the vintage airstream campers were very nice. The outdoor setting with fireplace area was an added bonus. Will definitely be back.

E

Eric

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

What an awesome piece of property! Great for all ages and groups! Will definitely be back!!

K

Katelyn

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

Great experience! The campsite was beautiful, private, and well maintained. Listened to the babbling of the creek and stared up at the stars. Not much more you could ask for from a tent camping experience. I would definitely book a site at this campground again.

J

Jack

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

This was an amazing camping experience! the sites are very private and spacious. the hosts were kind and have taken time to make sure you have a comfortable stay. The land is beautiful, the creek is accessible and lovely. This was our first stay and we will be back! There are a couple nice restaurants near by (we ate at Fresh to Morrow) and an awesome bike path we will check out next time. We picked up records at a near by record store in an old elementary school building and enjoyed beers and a taco truck at the brewery 3 minutes away. We can’t wait to return and bring friends! Thank you to Fred and Glenn! You are doing this right and we are grateful! Jack and Aubrey (and our Escape 5.0)

G

Greg

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverside Adventures

Excellent spot by the river. Plenty of space to spread out and the hosts were friendly and accommodating.

S

Seth

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Todd’s Fork Adventures

This spot is peaceful, beautiful, and comfortable! I would definitely stay here again.

B

Brent

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

When you find a great site with great hosts… You don’t actually want to give a good review on the fear too many people may book it up and it not be available for return visits. 😁 We had a great time. I’ll definitely be back. Thank you!

Vintage airstream with all the modern amenities!

natalie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Rustic Retreat

Super cute AirStream with outdoor living room and fire pit. It was easy to find and well maintained. Bring your own water to drink.

C

Cindy

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Todd’s Fork Adventures

Very pretty surroundings and very well maintained property

S

Spencer

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

Great little camp site. Loved the stream. Close to Cincinnati but felt very far away. Thanks!

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Nathan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

Phenomenal property to stay on. The peace of the creek, open space to have to yourself, and separated from the nearby neighborhood made this location seem more than remote than it really is. Already have given a referral to a friend and am excited to try to come back for the Revival in 2026 after talking to locals at the many great businesses/activities in the surrounding area!

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John

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Todd’s Fork Adventures

I really enjoyed my camping experience at Todd's Fork Adventures. The property was clean, well maintained and I found it very relaxing. The owners were also very helpful and responded quickly to my questions.

J

Jennifer

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

We enjoyed our stay. The site was clean and easy to set up. We tent camped. The site is right next to the river, our kids loved it. Both owners stopped by to say hello and check on us. Friendly and attentive. They told us about a swimming/fishing hole, didn't catch anything but we had fun trying. Our only confusion was firewood; a 2x4 bundle is one of the squares in the firewood holder. There are 12 bundles in the holder. Sharing if that's helpful. We texted the owner and he replied back right away. Both owners said it was fine to cut and burn any fallen trees etc as well. Would definitely recommend. Fun little area.

Jeff

September 2025

9 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

Great place to camp. Sites are really spread out . Porta Johns always clean and the hosts always come by to check on you and say hi.

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

Fred was a really cool host and the site was pretty secluded. Sites seemed to be pretty far away from each other so you didn’t have to worry too much about neighbors. Definitely a good vibe all around.

B

Bill

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

This is a great primitive camping spot. I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice, quiet area along a river.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Todd’s Fork Adventures

My friends and I had such a fun time. I would absolutely return to Site 3. Definitely my favorite out of the tent sites. Perfect location to be in nature but still have easy access to the local town.

S

Sam

September 2025

24 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Todd’s Fork Adventures

Fred was a fantastic host, very personable! Our campsite was quiet and secluded. We could not see or hear the other campers that were there. Our site was surrounded by trees and right on the edge of the Todds’s Fork Creek. After kayaking the Little Miami River, we grabbed dinner and live music at “Fresh to Morrow”, a local restaurant that Fred recommended. With plenty of wood available, we really enjoyed the campfires at night.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Hamilton with swimming guide

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.