Road Trips Starting from Cincinnati, OH
Best National Parks Near Cincinnati, OH
While you won't find any national parks in the direct vicinity of Cincinnati, there are a few excellent options to consider if you don't mind driving for several hours.
One you may want to check out is Mammoth Cave National Park, which is located about 185 miles southwest of Cincinnati. The unique park, which lies in Central Kentucky, is home to the world's longest-known cave system, spanning over 400 miles of explored caverns, plus more that still need to be documented. There are many cool areas of the cave that visitors can check out, including the Frozen Niagara area and massive chambers like the Rotunda and Gothic Avenue. You'll need to embark on a guided tour to explore the caverns, but fortunately, the park offers a wide variety of tour options. Visitors to the park can also enjoy activities like fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
If you travel roughly 300 miles northeast of Cincinnati into Southern Canada, you can visit Point Peele National Park. Situated on the coast of Lake Erie, the park covers 3,860 acres and boasts a diverse environment featuring forests, beaches, and marshlands. During spring and summer, the park's scenic nature trails are perfect for hiking and biking. If you visit in the winter, you can partake in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Additionally, the park offers guided canoe tours during the summer and early autumn.
Located approximately 285 miles south of Cincinnati, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular and scenic national parks in the country. In addition to its majestic mountains, the park features rushing streams, lush forests, and a wide variety of unique plants and animals. The park's many streams and rivers provide excellent opportunities for fishing and paddling. There are also many miles of peaceful nature trails where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Popular State Parks Near Cincinnati, OH
One state park near Cincinnati is Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, which you'll find approximately 25 miles southwest of the city. The site was once home to fascinating prehistoric creatures, such as mastodons and wooly mammoths. Today, the huge fossils of these creatures are on display at the park for visitors to see up close. At the on-site museum, visitors can check out the realistic dioramas and learn about the area's history. The park also offers opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and observe the bison that roam the area.
Approximately 25 miles southeast of Cincinnati, you'll find East Fork State Park, which comprises 7,480 acres, making it one of Ohio's largest state parks. The park surrounds Harsha Lake, which is a great destination for boating, swimming, and fishing for bass and crappie. Other common activities for visitors include hiking, geocaching, biking, stargazing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Another wonderful state park to visit is Kincaid Lake State Park, situated roughly 35 miles south of Cincinnati. The 850-acre park offers hiking trails, a well-maintained campground, a camp store, sports courts, and even an amphitheater. There's also a multipurpose building that can accommodate up to 240 people. The park is located on the shores of Kincaid Lake, which is a superb destination for fishing, boating, and paddling. Plus, there is a nine-hole golf course located right inside the park.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Cincinnati, OH
There are several unique landmarks in the Cincinnati area that are worth checking out during your visit. One great example is the Cincinnati Music Hall, which was originally built back in 1878. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the music hall is known for its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture and the countless artists who have performed on its stage. You may have to search a bit to find parking for large RVs near the site, but the music hall is well worth the walk.
Another landmark conveniently located in Cincinnati is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. It spans 1,643 feet and dates back to 1866. The impressive bridge allows visitors to cross the Ohio River either on foot or in a vehicle, and you're welcome to drive your RV across it.
If you travel approximately 85 miles east of Cincinnati, you can visit Hopeton Earthworks National Historical Park. This well-known archaeological site was settled by Hopewell Native Americans over 2,000 years ago. Today, visitors can learn more about the fascinating history of the site and the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The park is very accessible for RVs of all sizes.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
The Cincinnati area is home to plenty of excellent RV parks and campgrounds. For example, there is Kings Island Camp Cedar, which is located near Mason, Ohio. The campground features full-hookup RV campsites, multiple pools, on-site restaurants, picnic tables, fire pits, and a camp store.
You could also camp at Beyonder Getaway Rising Sun, located near Rising Sun, IN. This campground, about 25 minutes from Cincinnati, has full-hookup RV campsites available and provides a peaceful setting along the Ohio River. Guests have access to numerous amenities, such as a large fishing pond, swimming pool, playground, pavilion, golf cart rentals, basketball courts, a convenience store, and more.
Another quality camping option is the FMCA Campground, which lies on the east side of Cincinnati. This RV park has 15 RV campsites available with full RV hookups. The campground offers access to a lovely private lake, and they have a dump station.
RV Dump Stations Near Cincinnati, OH
When you need to dispose of your RV waste, you'll be able to stop at one of the many convenient RV dump stations in the Cincinnati area. One option is the Winton Woods Campground, which is less than 20 miles north of the city. The campground provides free dumping for registered guests but charges a $7 fee for other visitors.
Another convenient dump station is the Flying J Travel Plaza in nearby Walton, KY, about 22 miles away. This location is open 24 hours a day and has overnight RV parking available. The site charges a $5 dumping fee for visitors with Flying J cards and a $10 fee for other visitors.
If you're hoping for free RV dumping and heading to Dayton, you may want to stop by the Greene County Sanitary Facility. This free dump station in Beavercreek, OH, is 65 miles north of Cincinnati.
