Got a free weekend? Then you’ve got time to plan a camping trip to one of these favorite local spots.
- The RV Oasis: When it comes to local RV camping, it doesn’t get much better than Winton Woods. The park, located just 20 miles north of downtown, features 25 back-in sites and 12 pull-through sites with full water, sewer, and electric hookup for a maximum-comfort experience. Once you’ve staked your claim at the campground, head out for an action-packed weekend at the Adventure Outpost, which offers everything from water sports and archery to outdoor skills classes. 10245 Winton Rd., Greenhills
- The Fisherman’s Paradise: The lake is the main attraction at Stonelick State Park, a Clermont County mainstay located just a few miles outside Goshen. Families go for the 500-foot public beach and campgrounds, but local anglers know it’s just as good a spot for fishing. Largemouth bass, catfish, and bullheads are just a few of the catches reported at the park, which allows fishing both by boat and on the pier. 895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain
- Best Family Fun: Whether you’re looking to introduce the kids to camping or searching for a fun-filled weekend a short drive away from the city, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is one of Northern Kentucky’s best-kept secrets. Start your day with a walk around the lake and cool off at the museum, which features an outdoor diorama depicting models of some of the park’s prehistoric inhabitants. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the bison herd to get up close and personal with the largest of all North American land mammals. 3380 Beaver Rd., Union
- Perfect for First Timers: Accessible, comfortable, and in easy reach of the eastern suburbs, East Fork State Park is a great option for anyone looking to dip their toes into camping. Amenities at the campground—including showers, drinking water, and flushable toilets—are plentiful, and there’s more than enough to keep you busy. Go for a swim at the lake’s 1,200-foot beach, rent a boat, and take advantage of the park’s miles and miles of hiking trails. That wasn’t so bad, was it? 3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel
- For the Cabin Camper: Get ready to drive, but know that the destination is well worth the journey. Cincinnatians flock to Hocking Hills State Park for a reason—because when it comes to cabin camping within a 150-mile radius, there’s really no other option that can measure up. You’ll find hundreds of rentals available online, ranging from the primitive to the absurdly luxurious. But book fast—these cabins book quickly when fall colors begin their approach. 19852 State Rt. 664, Logan
- The Primitive Camper: Less than two hours outside town, just east of West Union, Shawnee State Forest is one of only a handful of sites in Ohio to allow primitive camping. With 8,000 acres of designated wilderness area to explore, you’ll find that peace and quiet abound in “Ohio’s Little Smokies.” Just make sure you secure a permit through the state’s Department of Natural Resources before you set out. 4404 State Rt. 125, West Portsmouth
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