Tent camping near Findlay, Ohio offers options across several counties with varied terrain from flat, sandy riverside sites to wooded settings around small lakes. The northwestern Ohio region sits at elevations between 700-850 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Local campgrounds often feature primitive sites with basic amenities that cater to tent campers seeking natural surroundings.
What to do
Kayaking on the Maumee River: Access the river directly at Independence Dam State Park Campground where "sites 11-15 are the best" according to camper Amanda M., who notes that "site 13 has direct access to the river on a small walking path."
Hiking the Scout Trail: Explore the 15.5-mile loop trail that runs through White Oak Campground. Camper Cassandra C. shares, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Wiregrass Lake Metropark, which Joe C. describes as offering "great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax."
Beach activities: Visit the lakefront at Maumee Bay State Park Campground where Daniel U. highlights the "HUGE beach on lake Erie, the inland Beach, the 2-mile boardwalk through the wetlands, the Big Hill, and the nature center."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at Maumee Bay State Park Campground. Kayla H. notes, "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: Several campgrounds provide complimentary firewood. According to Lisa T., White Oak Campground offers "FREE firewood available. Grey water sinks for dish cleaning. Picnic table and fire ring at each site."
Uncrowded camping: At Wiregrass Lake Metropark, Joe C. appreciates that "there are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you're not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer good bird and wildlife watching opportunities. Dan N. says about Maumee Bay, "This on a bay 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
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. Lisa T. warns about White Oak Campground: "MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night."
Terrain conditions: Be prepared for potentially wet ground at some sites. Jeffery R. notes about Tee Pee Family Campground, "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."
Noise levels: Road and air traffic can be heard at some locations. Kevin K. shares about White Oak Campground: "There definitely is some road noise from 295 nearby and we did hear and see one plane in the morning but we were already up eating breakfast so it didn't bother us."
Security considerations: Take precautions with valuables at some locations. Jacob N. warns about Wiregrass Lake: "Unfortunately we woke up to someone's car window being smashed and looted when I took the children to use the bathroom in the morning... The ranger and police did not say they were surprised..."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Tee Pee Family Campground offers water fun for kids. Bryatt S. shares, "The pond was fantastic. Has a large inflatable slide and a dock that you can jump off of in the middle. Kids loved it."
Bike-friendly paths: Maumee Bay State Park provides excellent biking opportunities. Kayla H. recommends, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths."
Sand dune exploration: Kids enjoy the unique terrain at Oak Openings. Kevin K. notes about White Oak Campground, "We loved the hiking, bike trails, playground at Mallard lake area, and the kids liked exploring the sand dune area."
Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent, especially near water. Kayla H. advises about Maumee Bay, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for space: Choose campsites carefully for adequate room. At Cannaley Treehouse Village, Leah R. suggests, "This little village was so much fun for my 2 little people! I think 1 night is plenty as the site itself doesn't offer a ton of amenities."
Hookup availability: RVers should note which campgrounds offer connections. Marla S. points out that Maumee Bay State Park has "Full hook ups, 50,30,20. Sewer. Water. Handicap sites too!!!"
Accessibility considerations: Many sites have specific pad types and configurations. Lee D. observes at Maumee Bay, "All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs. Some have concrete pads for picnic tables, although the sites in our loop did not."
Campsite privacy: Vegetation provides varying levels of seclusion between RV sites. Marla S. describes Maumee Bay sites as "Large sites, private by trees. Gives each on your own yard. All Back of sites are fields. No one behind."
