Best Campgrounds near Carey, OH

Campgrounds near Carey, Ohio feature flat terrain with good accessibility on paved roads. Northwestern Ohio's predominantly agricultural landscape lacks significant hills or mountainous features, providing level camping areas convenient for most vehicles. This region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and cold winters with regular snowfall, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Van Buren State Park Campground offers multiple fishing spots suitable for anglers of all ages. The park includes a stocked pond within easy walking distance from campsites. "I love this place. Its a smaller campground with only two loops of sites, but its flat, shaded, and comfortable," notes Joseph N.

Water recreation: Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground features two separate ponds with different purposes. "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. The swimming pond includes jumping platforms and recreational features.

Winter sports: Winter camping options exist year-round at select campgrounds. Van Buren State Park supports cross-country skiing on its trail system during winter months. "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 Kevin T.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Heritage Springs Campground receives high marks for maintenance. "Front desk people were extremely friendly and helpful. Bathrooms were very clean and hot shower. We would stop again as a pass-through Campground. Level sites," mentions Sue B., highlighting the consistent upkeep.

Riverside locations: Some campsites feature premium waterfront views. "We arrived and were able to upgrade to site #1 due to a cancellation, overlooking the Ohio River. No one between us and the river, and we had a grand view," explains Robert T. about his stay at Sunset Springs RV Resort.

Level terrain: Several campgrounds offer well-maintained, flat sites. "Wide roads, good guidance, quite at night, nice laundry, easy to get to. Good water and 30 Amp connection," notes Kim and Steve C. about Heritage Springs Campground. Sites with concrete pads provide stable foundations for all camping equipment.

What you should know

Limited amenities at state parks: State parks typically provide basic facilities without luxuries. "Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump," notes Nicole G. about Van Buren State Park. Some public campgrounds lack shower facilities entirely.

Site selection matters: Many campgrounds mix tent and RV sites with varying quality. "Some of the sites are small so you have to be careful which you site you reserve if you're a tent camper. The outside of the circle is your best bet and there's a few scattered in the middle," advises Brendan V.

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Carey close during winter months. Walnut Grove Campground operates from May 1 to October 31, limiting camping opportunities during colder months. Van Buren State Park remains an exception with year-round operation, though with reduced services.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Select campsites near recreational amenities for convenience. "If you can get a good middle spot it's nice if you have kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court," recommends Brendan V. about strategic site selection at Van Buren State Park.

Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds schedule special events during summer and fall. "My family enjoyed spending a weekend at Walnut Grove. Staff was very kind and informed. I will be coming back next season!" says RMR H. about Halloween-themed programming.

Swimming options: Pleasant View Recreation offers multiple water features for children. "The campground offers a pond for fishing, swimming pool, bounce pad, inflatable lake fun, dog park and mini golf," describes Andrea F., highlighting diverse recreation options beyond standard camping.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric service with variable amperage. "All sites had electric and water, no full hookup. There were only drop toilets and no showers," notes Shannon G. about Van Buren State Park's limitations for extended stays.

Pull-through accessibility: Some locations feature easier access for larger vehicles. "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's site configuration, which accommodates various RV sizes.

Price considerations: Campgrounds around Carey offer economical options compared to other regions. "Overall a pretty nice camping spot. Oh and it was only $45 a night," mentions Bryatt S. about Arrowhead Lake RV Park, highlighting the reasonable rates available for overnight RV camping.