Camping in northwestern Ohio offers multiple options on Lake Erie shorelines and inland recreational areas. Located in eastern Ohio, campsites near Martin, Ohio provide access to state parks, service plazas, and private facilities within a one-hour drive. The region has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, making April through October the primary camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails and boardwalks: Maumee Bay State Park Campground features extensive boardwalks constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps. "A beautiful and extensive boardwalk... is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available... Several trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking," notes Lee D.
Birding opportunities: The region attracts diverse bird species, particularly during migration seasons. "Maumee Bay State Park. Let me state: Awesome park... birders Haven, wild life preserve, a scenic hill to climb," explains Marla S. at Maumee Bay State Park Campground.
Water activities: Access to Lake Erie provides multiple recreation options. "The park has a rocky beach (shoes NECESSARY) which is actually a nice swimming area if you aren't looking for sand under your feet or blanket. That beach is a great area though to launch a kayak or sailboard to use in the cove," reports Stephen S. about South Bass Island State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite relatively close spacing, many campgrounds offer natural barriers. "One of my favorite things about this campground is that 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," writes Kayla H.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Excellent park... Bathrooms, showers houses. Clean and kept up. Each area has one," notes Marla S. at Maumee Bay State Park Campground.
Diverse camping options: The region offers various accommodation types. "All sites are very generous in size and appear to be spaced with a decent amount of space apart with foliage providing varying levels of privacy. Some have beautiful trees that in peak fall color would be stunning," describes Lee D. about East Harbor State Park Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions can affect camping experiences. "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening," advises Kayla H.
Ground conditions: Some sites experience drainage issues. "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," reports Jeffery R. about Maumee Bay.
Ferry information: Island campgrounds require additional planning. "The slow ferry to the island (Miller) is the car ferry and it has free parking if you can leave your vehicle behind on the mainland and transport your stuff to the campgrounds via a bike trailer or some other way (about a mile+ from the ferry dock to the state park)," explains Stephen S.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated family areas. "So much to do! Several lakes are good for fishing or boating. Many trails, some grassy and some paved are good for walking, running, and biking... Several playgrounds," mentions Lee D.
Bicycle-friendly environments: Flat terrain makes cycling accessible for all ages. "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths. You are also close to the lake which I love," says Kayla H. at Sterling State Park Campground.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have specific hazards to note. "About twenty of the tent spots overlook the cliffs with great views of the water... families with young children, unstable adults, and those who like to party would find these sites profoundly dangerous. The tents are two feet from the edge of the cliff," cautions T S. about South Bass Island.
Tips from RVers
Overnight travel options: Service plazas offer convenient alternatives to traditional campgrounds. "Simplicity at its finest. Highway stop is open 24 hrs so you have food and bathrooms all night. Everything is bright, nice and clean and feels very safe. Free overnight stay allowed and for extra $20 you can get electricity," reports Randall K. at Blue Heron Ohio Turnpike RV Lot.
Site specifications: RV campers should note specific site features. "The flattest RV sites with fair to good locations are Sites 57 and 44 (although even these will require a little leveling)," advises T S. about South Bass Island State Park.
Utility access: Understanding hookup locations can prevent frustration. "Full hookup but sewer connection was at very back of spot. We used dump station," notes Jackie M. about Toledo East-Stony Ridge KOA.
