The best camping in Cowan Lake State Park, OH

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Top-rated campgrounds

Fruitdale Farm

99%
(1186)
29mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bainbridge, OH
Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. FIREWOOD and seasonal farm goods are available for purchase at a self-serve stand (several payment options available). There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved (go to sauna to reserve a time). Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets (not flushing). A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN (with the exception of site #1). ***Please take note that this is private property and the host lives on site. If you are looking for a place to be loud and party into the night, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to spend some quality time in nature, welcome. There are rules.
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from 
$30
 / night

Home Afarm Co-op

96%
(84)
34mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Seaman, OH
Come relax atop the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. Enveloped in the heart of the Tranquility Wilderness Area, our 11-acre property features a mix of native pawpaw, peach, pear, and persimmon trees, deciduous forest, cedar woods, wild meadows, a small swimming pond, and a large accessible field for tents and space to play. Trails through the woods are being developed, and facilities expand gradually with the seasons. Enjoy the mellow soundtrack of birds, crickets, and frogs, along with incredibly clear night skies ideal for stargazing. Nearby, visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, foraging, fishing, hunting, and swimming on site and at several state parks and historic sites within 10–30 minutes of the farm. Amish country is close, with bakeries, markets, furniture shops, and greenhouses. Our primitive campsites are spaced for privacy. A gravel parking area is available near the Cottage, with additional grass parking in the upper field. Sites may be walk-in only depending on weather and ground conditions. We hope you'll enjoy sharing the orchard, meadows, forest, and pond with us. Home Afarm is a rustic, eco-conscious retreat — perfect for quiet reflection, nature immersion, and small gatherings under the stars. "Roads go ever ever on, under cloud and under star. Yet feet that wandering have gone turn at last to home afar(m)."
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from 
$20
 / night

The Viking Longhall

100%
(539)
40mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 11 sites · Tents, Lodging · Peebles, OH
The Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen. The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also. The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles. Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.
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$40
 / night

Riverside Adventures

97%
(195)
12mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 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!
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from 
$60
 / night

The Land of Milk And Honey

99%
(84)
39mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Brookville, OH
Welcome to our serene campsite nestled beside the picturesque Wolf Creek! Set amidst a wooded backdrop and a hay field, our one and only campsite offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Please stop at the 2-story brick farmhouse before you head to the campsite. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the tranquil sounds of the creek and the lush greenery of the surrounding woods. Our campsite offers pastures and some wooded trails to walk through while on farm, inviting you to explore the beauty of the countryside at your own pace. For your comfort and convenience, we provide amenities such as an outdoor shower*, fire pit, picnic table, and outhouse with a sink. Whether you're roasting marshmallows around the fire or enjoying a picnic by the creek, our campsite offers the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. We assure you that the tranquil setting and natural beauty of our farm make it well worth the visit. Our small hobby farm adds to the charm of your stay, with Highlander cows, potbellied pigs, roosters, hens, turkeys, peacocks, and a garden to explore. Feel free to bring along your furry friends, as long as they are friendly with our animals. Located across from Sycamore State Park, our campsite provides close proximity to hiking trails and fishing ponds, allowing you to further immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Downtown Dayton is less than a 30-minute drive away so you'll have the best of both worlds – the tranquility of the countryside and the excitement of the city. We invite you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the beauty of nature at our charming campsite along Wolf Creek. We look forward to hosting you soon! *The outdoor shower is located on the side of the barn ~ facing the chicken coop. It is not located at the campsite, but you can see it from the campsite and get to it by a short walk. It is solar-powered so the water temperature is weather dependent. It is not available year round due to the Ohio climate.
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$48
 / night

Cabin and Company (RV/Campers only)

100%
(51)
42mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 1 site · Lodging · West Alexandria, OH
Our beautiful 1800’s cabin was moved to the property in the 1970’s by a former neighbor who owned the property at the time. The same neighbor also had a historic train depot moved to the property where she sold antiques out of for several years. It is not sure what the cabin was used for at that time but it certainly added charm to the antique store property. When we acquired the property years later, the cabin was in need of work. It sat for a few years until we decided to restore this lovely cabin back to it’s beautiful charm and character. Jim spent a couple years on the project working in his free time and added the porch using old wood in keeping with the natural look and feel of the cabin as well as some interior areas. Upon completion, we opened the cabin as a gift shop selling unique items including antiques, primitives and decor for a few years. We decided to transition the cabin into a place of retreat for traveling guests and still keep some of the goods we sold in the shop available for purchase. We hope that you find the cabin and property a place of peace and tranquility and will want to return. Whether passing through for a night or a few days stay, you’re always welcome in our neck of the woods. Learn more about this land: Make a stop back in time to our quiet woodland retreat with an updated 1800’s log cabin nestled on the property. At Cabin and Company, you will be parked beside this beautiful cabin and will be allowed access at your leisure for a place to sit and relax. (No overnight sleeping allowed inside) Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea (provided) while watching tv or on our covered porch outside. You may also select a movie or two from our large selection of DVDs or find a book to read among our stash of books. Play cards, engage in one of the other games provided, or just sit in the quiet of it all and rest your mind. There is a golf chipping area as well as basketball. We have WIFI at our residence on the adjacent property and some areas of the camp will pick it up better than others. There is a fire ring on site with an adjustable grate for cooking and plenty of seasoned firewood available.. We will have a few items available for purchase inside the cabin including local honey (when available) apple butter, coffee, hand crafted walking sticks and you won’t want to leave without some of these goodies. This semi secluded property is a gem and we hope you will enjoy this piece of history as much as we do. You may see wildlife such as whitetail deer and of course, there are plenty of birds and squirrels around. You won’t be disappointed in this cozy Midwest retreat and will want to make this one of your places while passing through our beautiful Ohio. Most of all, relax and enjoy.
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from 
$60
 / night

Deer Haven

90%
(41)
45mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
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$15
 / night

Camp Cedar

97%
(15)
20mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 231 sites · RVs, Lodging · 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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from 
$50
 / night

Bear Pond

98%
(43)
43mi from Cowan Lake State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · West Union, OH
Serene, Rolling Hills, Fresh air. Hiking Buzzards Roost, Canoe/Kayaking @ MoonDoggie LIVERee, visiting Family Traditions Animal Zoo, Miller’s Amish Furniture and Bakery, Shawnee National Forest, Adams State Lake, Serpent Mound, Tranquility Wild Life Shooting Range, or even just stargazing. Your away from everything but close to what ever you want. Bigfoot Country (Sasquatch Hunting is allowed, however like fishing, they are catch and release only😎) . https://www.cincymagazine.com/3d-flip-book/adams-county-2024/ Nice private spot accommodates Tent Camping, Car camping, or even if your taking an Overland Trip. Bear Pond will accommodate small RVs and Travel trailers. Nola's Cabin is a New availability as an Extra. Nola's Cabin is a Cozy small quiet cabin situated at the end of the gravel driveway under the trees. Overlooks the small valley down into the hill across the creek. Nice cozy place out of the elements. Water and Electric is available on site, with only Electric in Nolas Cabin. Nolas Cabin accommodates 4 people nicely. Twin (1) over full bunk (2) with Trundle (1). 6 inch Memory foam pads with liners are present on beds. Get a good nights rest while on your getaway, and still enjoy your outdoor cooking, fishing and star gazing. During inclement weather, a single serve K cup style coffee maker and Microwave are available to start your morning off. Bear Pond does have garbage bags upon request. But we ask you carry your refuse out with you due to the wildlife. Bear Pond is Furry Family Friendly. Just be mindful of possible wildlife if your Furry family members is off leash.
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from 
$35
 / night

Other options near Cowan Lake State Park

The best camping in Cowan Lake State Park, OH guide

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About

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.

75%
4 ratings · 1 review