Camping opportunities near Columbus Grove, Ohio include several county and state parks within a 30-minute drive. The area features mostly flat terrain with elevations around 800 feet above sea level and a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground offers multiple fishing spots for 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.
Hiking trails: Visitors to Van Buren State Park Campground can enjoy numerous trails through the woods. "I love this place. Its a smaller campground with only two loops of sites, but its flat, shaded, and comfortable," writes Joseph N. The park also offers cross-country skiing in winter.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer swimming options. At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, families can enjoy "a pool, splash pad for kids, putt putt golf, boat docks, hiking trails, and some other great amenities," according to Ashleigh D.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Ottawa Metro Park Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "This is a beautiful, peaceful campground that's not a parking lot like many city campgrounds. It's clean as clean can be, including the bathrooms," writes Don H., who also noted the accessible shower design.
Affordable rates: Campers appreciate the reasonable pricing at many Columbus Grove area campgrounds. "Overall a pretty nice camping spot. Oh and it was only $45 a night," mentions Bryatt S. about their stay at Arrowhead Lake.
Spacious sites: Many campers comment on the generous site sizes. Ottawa Metro Park offers "all sites paved with water and electric," according to Susan B., who added it's "a very nice bath and shower house" making it a "great place to spend a night or two."
What you should know
Reservation systems: Camping policies vary across the Columbus Grove region. Van Buren State Park requires advance booking as John P. discovered: "You must reserve a spot by phone or online only, no walk ins. I made my reservation while standing at the visitor cabin."
Bathroom facilities: Expect varying levels of restroom amenities. Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds has basic options as Ashley R. explains: "The bathrooms come in two varieties. One is a outhouse type room it's a concrete 'toilet' with a toilet seat on it that drops into a hole in the ground and the other is a porta potty."
Water quality concerns: Some lakes in the region have water quality issues. At Grand Lake St. Marys, one camper noted, "We couldn't swim in the water due to contamination which they have spent millions to repair and is slowly on the up and up."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, one family reported: "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."
Swimming options: Adventure Bound Pleasant View offers water recreation for families. "Great for family fun. There are some toys to enjoy on the water," notes Georgia, while Andrea F. mentions "a swimming pool, pond with inflatable slides, dog park, bounce pad and miniature golf."
Nearby activities: When camping near Columbus Grove, consider day trips to local attractions. The Neil Armstrong birthplace in Wapakoneta is within driving distance, providing an educational option when weather doesn't cooperate.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most rv campgrounds near Columbus Grove offer electric and water connections. At Lake Cody, campers can access full hookup RV sites with water and sewer connections according to Mark C., who simply stated the campground "has everything you need."
Pull-through convenience: RVers appreciate easy-access sites. At Arrowhead Lake, "The seasonal ones all have back in and the weekends are pull through which is kinda nice," as noted by one camper.
Overnight options: For those traveling through the Columbus Grove region, Love's Travel Stops offer RV hookup spaces for convenient overnight stays. While these aren't destination campgrounds, they provide "nice amenities close by" according to Brad H., though he notes they can be "a little loud at times."
