Camping options near New Bremen, Ohio include both privately-owned and state-managed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cold winters with frequent freezing conditions. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat camping terrain that's accessible for beginners and experienced campers alike.
What to do
Lake activities at Indian Lake State Park: The park offers a sand beach for swimming, an in-ground swimming pool, and dedicated boating areas. "Indian Lake State Park is my close to home camping get away. Right on Indian lake, you can enjoy the beach, boating, swimming, fishing and relaxing. Last year, the state park added a nice inground swimming pool," notes reviewer Angie B.
Fishing opportunities at Lake Loramie State Park Campground: Located 10 miles south of New Bremen, this park provides excellent fishing access with multiple species available. "We have stayed many times. Love being so close to the lake we can fish all the time. The beach is a bit of a walk from the campground but not too far," explains Ashley W.
Mini golf and recreation at Wapakoneta: Find family-friendly activities at local campgrounds. "The amenities we did checkout (close nightly at 8p) included their new 18 hole mini golf course, small arcade (4 games and pinball was broken), loaner bikes, and water toys (we liked the paddle bikes)," shares a reviewer from Wapakoneta.
Wildlife viewing at Kiser Lake State Park: This park features wetlands and natural areas for observing birds and wildlife. "It was absolutely stunning overlooking the water with the trees turning colors. They have some play areas for kids, a few hiking trails and a wetlands, but most people were fishing and kayaking," writes Alexandra F.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere at Kiser Lake State Park Campground: This park offers a peaceful setting with no motorized boats allowed on the water. "This park is known for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn't allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach, 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails," notes Andrea F.
Spacious campsites at Grand Lake St. Marys: Many sites provide ample room to spread out. "The camping spot was great. It was very close to the pool and playground. The sites were pull through which was nice for having young kids. Could sit at our spot and watch our kids at the playground," shares Chad W.
Clean facilities at River Trail Campground: The campground maintains well-kept amenities including a swimming pool. "We stayed there three nights had a very nice stay. They have a lot of sites, owners were very friendly, people at the camp ground were all friendly. Nice lake, you can bring golf carts, nice size camping lots," reports Monte M.
Trail shelter on Buckeye Trail: For backpackers, this area offers a dedicated shelter. "This Adirondack shelter, located between Points 6 and 7 on the St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail, is perfect for you. Built as an Eagle Scout project, it is large enough for six to sleep comfortably off the ground," describes Jonathan W.
What you should know
Seasonal water quality issues: Some lakes in the area experience algae problems during summer months. "This lake is notorious for having algae blooms that prohibit swimming. So I did a google search before our trip and the Ohio Department of Health reports that the bacteria level in this lake is dangerously high," warns one camper about Grand Lake.
Limited privacy at Indian Lake State Park Campground: Some camping areas lack natural barriers between sites. "Our experience was still not the greatest one, the trail was confusing and we were eaten alive by mosquitos, even with bug spray. The campground had cut down most of the tree coverage, and it was like we were camping with our neighbors," explains Mandi B.
Insect activity varies by season: Bugs can be problematic, especially near water. "I think for us this park might be better in the fall. 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," notes Andrea F. about Lake Loramie.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of restrooms differs significantly between campgrounds. "The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. There is a new shower house that's pretty nice, but the other bathrooms are pretty nasty," reports Aaliya B. about Kiser Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Most state parks offer dedicated recreational areas. "Family oriented, new pool, splash pad for kids, great playground area. Full hookups and very well kept clean campground," writes Carol T. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Weekend events at Wapakoneta KOA: This campground hosts regular scheduled activities. "We do not travel with children but the campground has a nice playground, nine hole puttputt, pool and other recreational activities. The campground is very clean and quiet at night so you can totally recover from the road," explains Carol W.
Swimming options for different preferences: Choose between pool or lake swimming based on your family's needs. "We had a great weekend of camping! The weather was perfect, the kids loved the playground and had fun at the Fun Field Day activities! Plenty of fishing and relaxing! We love the little ice cream shop/bait shop across the street," shares Shanda A. about Lake Loramie.
Site selection for supervision: Some campgrounds allow easy monitoring of children from campsites. "The papers were friendly and helpful. Friendly patrons throughout the park. Clean saltwater pool, a park and a clean pond with a swimming beach. Catch and release fishing allowed. Bingo on Saturday evening! We all enjoyed our stay," writes Amy B. about River Trail Campground.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Limited full hookup options exist within 30 minutes of New Bremen. "The pull through area is very cramped; more like a parking lot; the campground is quiet; family friendly; no golf carts all over," notes Kim M. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Site leveling considerations at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park: Be prepared to adjust for uneven sites. "Large spacious sites with cement or paved spots. Can be muddy after rain. Has a pool, playground, putt putt golf, boat docks, hiking trails, and some other great amenities," advises Ashleigh D.
Pad materials vary by park: Surface types range from gravel to concrete. "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit. The fire ring was nice but our picnic table was beat up. I went to move it and the seat pulled right off," shares Shannon G. about Indian Lake.
Off-season limitations: Services may be reduced outside peak season. "Due to off season and COVID the camp store is closed and there is no camper host or park office staff around. We did notice lots of downed trees on the poorly marked hiking trails," explains one camper about Kiser Lake.
