Bluffton, Ohio's camping destinations span primarily across Allen and Hancock counties at an average elevation of 850 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters, making May through October the primary camping season. Year-round camping options remain limited to Adventure Bound Pleasant View and Van Buren State Park, though seasonal campgrounds offer the most diverse amenities for RV camping near Bluffton.
What to do
Fishing options: Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground maintains multiple fishing spots accessible to all ages. "Very welcoming campground with many seasonal RVs. Everyone was friendly throughout the stay. Multiple fishing spots for young and old," notes Brad R.
Outdoor activities: Ottawa Metro Park Campground connects to a 13-mile greenway trail system ideal for hiking and biking. "Beautiful park with bike and walking paths," confirms Laura M., while another camper mentions the "big swimming area, a fishing area... and walking trails."
Winter recreation: Cross-country skiing becomes available at Van Buren State Park Campground during snowy months. Kevin T. shares, "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathroom and shower facilities at Ottawa Metro Park receive consistent praise. "It's clean as clean can be, including the bathrooms. The bath house has men's and women's bathrooms as well as a largish entry room with water fountains," reports Don H.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous site sizes at many campgrounds. "Sites are large for the weekend campers. The seasonal ones all have back in and the weekends are pull through which is kinda nice," explains Bryatt S. about Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground.
Accessibility features: Some parks offer thoughtful accessibility accommodations. Don H. notes about Ottawa Metro Park: "Everything in the bathrooms was intentionally designed for accessibility, not a thoughtless retrofit. The accessible shower is amazing."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "Campground is first-come..no reservations. Water and electric 30 Amp and some 50 amps as well," explains Laura M. about Ottawa Metro Park.
Toilet facilities: Bathroom options vary significantly between parks. At Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds, Ashley R. notes, "The bathrooms come in two varieties. One is a outhouse type room... and the other is a porta potty."
Reservation systems: Registration processes differ by location. Don H. explains, "Pick up a registration envelope from the mailbox at the entrance sign, complete the triplicate form and follow the instructions. Money and form goes into an envelope and is dropped into the payment slot at the bathhouse."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites near play areas benefit families with children. "Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper," shares Scott F. about his experience at Van Buren State Park.
Swimming options: Sunset Springs RV Resort offers water recreation for children. "They have two ponds, one for fishing and one for swimming. The swimming one has a dock kids jump off but it only goes to about 3.5-4 feet deep at the deepest point," explains Bryatt S.
Special events: Check event calendars for family activities. "While we were there, there was a Blue Grass music event scheduled at the nearby amphitheater," mentions Don H. about Ottawa Metro Park.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Surface types vary by campground. Van Buren State Park features newly paved pads as Shannon G. describes: "The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end."
Pull-through access: For easier parking, choose appropriate sites. Tim G. notes about Arrowhead Lake: "While looking a bit narrow, it seemed some pull thrus for big rigs were adequate, with concrete pads and picnic tables. But all the driveways and pull thrus were gravel."
Overnight alternatives: Blue Heron Ohio Turnpike RV Lot offers convenient stays for travelers. "Simplicity at its finest. Highway stop is open 24 hrs so you have food and bathrooms all night. Everything is bright, nice and clean and feels very safe. Free overnight stay allowed and for extra $20 you can get electricity," explains Randall K.
