Campgrounds near Bowling Green, Ohio sit in the flat terrain of Ohio's northwestern plains, offering easy access to several water features including the Maumee River, inland lakes, and Lake Erie. The region ranges from 650 to 700 feet in elevation with limited topographical variation, creating predominantly level campsites. Groundwater levels remain high throughout the region, which can lead to soggy conditions after rainfall, particularly during spring camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails: Oak Openings Metropark offers multiple trail options for hikers and campers at White Oak Campground. "I camped at this campground after completing the 15.5 mile Scout Trail loop (aka 'Hiking Trail' and Yellow trail) that runs through Oak Openings. I was able to park my car here in the morning, hop on the trail (which runs right through the campground), and return later in the day," reports one camper.
Water activities: The Maumee River provides opportunities for fishing and paddling at Mary Jane Thurston State Park Campground. Campers can enjoy shoreline fishing or boat from the nearby marina. "We had spot 8 and it was a good spot. It was a pull through spot that could fit a pretty large RV. View of the river was beautiful," notes a recent visitor.
Winter recreation: When snow conditions allow, cross-country skiing becomes available at some parks. "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," reports a visitor to Van Buren State Park, showing the year-round potential of camping near Bowling Green.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer natural barriers that create separation. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, "your spots are close together which is great for safety, however with the bushes and brush, it feels super private. My grandparents were in the site next to me in their camper and I had to walk a ways to see their spot."
Free firewood: Uncommon in many camping areas, White Oak Campground provides complimentary firewood. "The firewood is free, which is amazing. There is also a dish washing station near the restrooms, with a huge sink and hot water," shares a tent camper who appreciated these unexpected amenities.
Boardwalks and nature viewing: The wetland ecosystems around Maumee Bay State Park Campground feature extensive walkways. "A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic," notes one visitor, while another adds it's "a swamp on the very western side of Lake Erie among a wildlife refuge and wilderness area. I came for the birding and wasn't disappointed."
What you should know
Restroom and shower facilities vary: The campgrounds show significant differences in bathroom facilities. Twin Acres Campground offers "showers and flush toilets," while Van Buren State Park has "only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don't think I'd want to do more than a weekend there," according to one camper.
Reservation timing and early arrival fees: Some campgrounds enforce strict check-in times. At Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA, "We were charged $10 because we arrived at 1:25 PM and check-in is at 2 PM. The park was close to empty so arriving early was not an inconvenience."
Seasonal variations impact ground conditions: Spring camping often means dealing with saturated soil. A camper at Maumee Bay noted, "We stayed there in early May, we didn't have reservations so they had three sites open. We took the driest spot we could find. The ground was soft and marshy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have play areas for children. At Van Buren State Park Campground, "Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper," and the campground has "a nice playground for kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court."
Bike-friendly parks: Flat terrain makes biking accessible for various ages. A camper at Maumee Bay State Park Campground shared, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths," making it ideal for family cycling.
Swimming options: For summer visits, water recreation areas provide relief from heat. Big Sandy Campground features "a great little lake to swim another area to fish," though one camper noted "the kids said the lake was getting a little more fishy and less swim friendly" during a recent visit.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites in the area require minimal adjustment. At Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA, campers noted "nice gravel semi level spot. Full hookup but sewer connection was at very back of spot. We used dump station."
Hookup varieties: Different campgrounds offer various hookup options. Mary Jane Thurston State Park Campground has sites with both electric and water but "no full hookup," while Pleasant View Recreation offers group camping areas that "provide water and 30 amp electric."
Size accommodations: Large rigs can navigate most area campgrounds. At Mary Jane Thurston, a camper noted, "We have a Xtra large 5th wheel and dualy truck. It can be tough to find comfortable campgrounds. My husband parked the 5th wheel fairly easily."
