Campgrounds within a 25-mile radius of St. Henry, Ohio offer a mix of seasonal accommodations and amenities in this largely agricultural region. The flat, glaciated landscape sits at approximately 975 feet elevation, creating natural lakes and wetlands that serve as focal points for many camping destinations. Weather patterns include hot, humid summers and cold winters, making mid-spring through early fall the primary camping season at most campsites near St. Henry, Ohio.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park features multiple fishing access points. "The campground is quiet; family friendly; no golf carts all over," notes Kim M., who appreciates the calm atmosphere that allows for uninterrupted fishing.
Swimming alternatives: With water quality concerns at some lakes, campers have other options. At River Trail Campground, "Nice swimming pool and clean pond for swimming and fishing" according to Susan S., offering safer water recreation than some larger lakes.
Paddling experiences: Lake Loramie State Park Campground provides canoe rentals for exploring its waterways. Ashley W. notes, "They offer canoe rentals, and bike rentals. The park also has beautiful cabins on the lake shore."
Trail exploration: For hikers, the St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail offers options for overnight trips. Jonathan W. describes, "This Adirondack shelter, located between Points 6 and 7 on the St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail... is large enough for six to sleep comfortably off the ground."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park receives praise for its layout. Ashleigh D. mentions, "Large spacious sites with cement or paved spots. Can be muddy after rain." Another camper, amber F., adds, "The site is huge compared to what we normally stay in."
Pool amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature pools as alternatives to lake swimming. At Wapakoneta KOA, a camper states, "Pool, pool table, games for kids and adults. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is super friendly and helpful!"
Camp stores: Convenience items are readily available at several campgrounds. Carol W. at Wapakoneta KOA notes its "store and restaurant" among other amenities that make it "a great place to stop and recover from the road."
Quiet environment: Smaller campgrounds often provide more peace. At River Trail Campground, visitors appreciate the "nice quite campground. Lots of permanent campers. But room for weekend campers also. Hiking and wooded paths. With small pond out front."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: While the existing description mentions issues at Grand Lake St. Marys, similar problems exist at other lakes. At Indian Lake State Park Campground, Andrea F. notes, "There were signs posted everywhere to use caution with the water because they were known to have blue green algae in the water so we had to keep the dogs away from it."
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity varies greatly by season. Andrea F. observed at Lake Loramie: "The bugs were really bad every time we were outside. There are several nice walking trails but the mosquitoes were so bad even in the day that we kept away."
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer little separation between sites. At Indian Lake, Mandi B. reports, "The campground had cut down most of the tree coverage, and it was like we were camping with our neighbors."
Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. Some campers, like Ross J., have experienced issues: "Made reservation online in February... Early March sent email using KOA site email address cancelling reservation... I was charged for the reservation."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. At Wildcat Woods Campgrounds, facilities are "Very clean and friendly! They have the nicest cleanest camp bathrooms/shower house I've ever seen. Fishing, pond swimming, trails."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. Shanda A. at Lake Loramie shares, "The kids loved the playground and had fun at the Fun Field Day activities! Plenty of fishing and relaxing!"
Splash features: Water play areas provide alternatives to lakes. Chad W. writes about Grand Lake St. Marys: "The camping spot was great. It was very close to the pool and playground. The sites were pull through which was nice for have young kids. Could sit at our spot and watch our kids at the playground."
Family-focused amenities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to children. Cyndi L. notes that River Trail Campground has "fun activities for Kids" and "nice sized sites," making it "great for families."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easy access sites. At Fireside Resort Campground, Ricardo F. reports, "My family and I have a blast every time we go there... The owners Jean and her husband make you feel like family."
Utilities and hookups: Most established campgrounds offer full connections. At Wapakoneta KOA, Ryan W. describes, "Had a back-in, water/electric spot that was roomy as we were on an end. Wood deck, picnic table, and fire ring included."
Site leveling: Prepare for potential adjustments at some campgrounds. Shannon G. at Indian Lake State Park notes, "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit."
Campground layout: Site arrangements vary widely. At Wapakoneta KOA, Zachary W. observes, "The actual sites are very small. Not much room to fit the trailer and vehicle. Basically the site is as wide as your awning."
