Best Campgrounds near Lima, OH

Campgrounds in the Lima, Ohio area range from state parks to private facilities, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations within a 30-mile radius. Notable options include Ottawa Metro Park Campground within Lima's city limits, providing water and electric hookups for both tent and RV campers, and Indian Lake State Park Campground about 25 miles southeast, featuring full-hookup sites, cabins, and glamping facilities. The area's camping landscape consists primarily of established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with most sites providing basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water.

Reservation requirements vary across campgrounds, with state parks like Indian Lake and Grand Lake St. Marys requiring bookings up to 144 days in advance, particularly during summer months. Private campgrounds such as Wapakoneta KOA and Lake Cody typically accept reservations year-round but may have seasonal operating schedules. Most campgrounds in the region feature relatively level terrain with paved or gravel pads suitable for RVs of various sizes. Weather considerations are important, especially around lake areas where algae blooms can occasionally affect water quality. One camper noted, "Ottawa Metro Park has a big swimming area, a fishing area, big campsites (mostly for RVs) and walking trails. It's nice. It's Ohio camping, but it's nice."

The waterfront camping experience emerges as a defining feature among Lima-area campgrounds. Several reviewers highlight swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and water access as key attractions. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, approximately 30 miles southwest of Lima, offers camping alongside Ohio's largest inland lake with boat-in access options, though water quality issues have been reported. Indian Lake State Park receives positive mentions for its swimming pool, camper beach, and boat launch facilities within the campground area. Campground privacy varies considerably, with some sites described as offering ample space and shade, while others are characterized as more open and field-like. A recent review of Ottawa Metro Park Campground stated, "Beautiful park with bike and walking paths. Camp hosts are very helpful. Bathrooms and showers are very clean."

Best Camping Sites Near Lima, Ohio (63)

    1. Indian Lake State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Lakeview, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 843-3553

    "This Ohio State Park is in a small quaint town. Good sites, nice beach + a real swimming pool. Many places for fishing from shore OR launching your boat !"

    "The campground was nearly empty so that was nice but the surrounding area was very crowded. There was nearly no area on the lake that didn’t have houses. The campground was clean and well maintained."

    2. Ottawa Metro Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lima, OH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 221-1232

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Beautiful park with bike and walking paths. Camp hosts are very helpful. Bathrooms and showers are very clean."

    "The bath house has men's and women's bathrooms as well as a largish entry room with water fountains (one accessible to those in a wheelchair or child), a vending machine, information about the park, an"

    3. Wapakoneta KOA

    7 Reviews
    Jackson Center, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 738-6016

    $42 - $55 / night

    "We stay here while visiting family nearby Ohio. Lots of shade and quiet even with families and usually pretty full, hosts are extremely nice and accommodating. Swimming pool is clean."

    "Great service and help getting the trailer positioned correctly. A few food options on site are nice. The actual sites are very small. Not much room to fit the trailer and vehicle."

    4. Lake Cody

    1 Review
    Lima, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 641-3782

    $35 - $40 / night

    5. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park — Grand Lake St Marys State Park

    14 Reviews
    St. Marys, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 394-3611

    "great like campground on Ohio’s biggest inland lake"

    "friendly staff, very clean restrooms, playground, could not swim in the water due to contamination which they have spent millions to repair and is slowly on the up and up, not too far from town, surrounded"

    6. Venture Out Resorts Arrowhead Lakes Resort

    4 Reviews
    Jackson Center, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 738-5000

    "No hiking, significant highway noise, yes a couple big ponds, but a truck stop and truck storage is behind both - so no views. Most of the campers we saw were elderly or had young kids."

    "Therefore no pool or other water amenities except for the lakes. It seems that the 50 amp sights are very spread out and randomly located."

    7. Robins Nest Campground

    1 Review
    Lima, OH
    8 miles
    +1 (419) 649-2267

    8. Sun Valley Family Campground

    1 Review
    Lima, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 648-2235

    9. River Trail Campground II

    6 Reviews
    Celina, OH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 795-1400

    $45 - $100 / night

    "Nice lake, you can bring golf carts nice size camping lots. We will go back again great experience beautiful place."

    10. Twin Lakes Park

    4 Reviews
    Bluffton, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 477-5255

    "Playground is great, lots to do, and the fishing and swimming lakes are nice. Caught some decent bass and kids enjoyed all the bluegill fishing. Bath house was very clean."

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Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lima, OH

175 Reviews of 63 Lima Campgrounds



Guide to Lima

Camping near Lima, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "The site has a large side and backyard with a great view of the lake."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Buck Creek State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The trails to the lake are covered with shade."
  • Disc Golf and Mini Golf: Check out the new putt-putt course at Delaware State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "They put in a putt-putt course recently, had disc golf."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Indian Lake State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The campground is nice, clean restrooms and showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many enjoy the helpful staff at Kiser Lake State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "We were incredibly impressed with the kind staff."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Van Buren State Park Campground appreciate the spaciousness. One review stated, "It's a smaller campground with only two loops of sites, but it's flat, shaded, and comfortable."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds, like Buck Creek State Park Campground, require reservations. A visitor noted, "Must reserve a spot by phone or online only, no walk-ins."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Lake Loramie State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A camper shared, "The campground is like a giant RV lot. The sites are tiny."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at certain campgrounds. One camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "No one seemed to care about the 10 pm quiet time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds, like Delaware State Park Campground, have playgrounds for kids. A reviewer noted, "Each section has its own playground for the kids."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities. One visitor at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park said, "The playground could definitely use some upkeep, but there was a lot for the kids to do."
  • Group Sites: Consider booking a group site at Kiser Lake State Park Campground for family gatherings. A camper mentioned, "We booked a group site which was perfect for us with our dog and our group."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, such as Buck Creek State Park Campground, are big rig friendly. A visitor noted, "Big site, clean bathroom. Worked great for our stay."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. One RVer at Van Buren State Park Campground mentioned, "Only electric on the sites."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, "Dump Stations at Park exit have complimentary hoses."

Camping near Lima, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Lima, Ohio?

The Lima area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Ottawa Metro Park Campground is a local favorite featuring spacious campsites primarily designed for RVs, a swimming area, fishing spots, and walking trails. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Van Buren State Park Campground is easily accessible from I-75 and offers numerous trails and a pond. Other notable options near Lima include Robins Nest Campground and Twin Lakes Park for a more secluded experience. These campgrounds provide a range of amenities from basic facilities to full hookups depending on your camping preference.

What outdoor activities are available at campsites near Lima, Ohio?

Campsites near Lima offer diverse outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Independence Dam State Park Campground provides excellent kayaking and river relaxation along the Maumee River with shaded sites in a narrow, green park. Indian Lake State Park Campground features swimming at both a beach and a maintained pool with lifeguards, plus abundant fishing opportunities from shore or by boat. Many area campgrounds offer hiking trails of varying difficulty, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. Water activities dominate in warmer months, with several lakes and rivers providing options for boating, paddling, and swimming.

Are there RV parks and camping facilities near Lima, Ohio?

Lima has several RV-friendly options nearby. Wapakoneta KOA offers shaded sites, a clean swimming pool, and is conveniently located near the highway without traffic noise. This well-maintained campground typically stays full, particularly with families. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park provides spacious camping on Ohio's largest inland lake with both open RV parking areas and shaded sites with trees. For those passing through, Heritage Springs Campground offers level sites and clean facilities, making it an excellent overnight stop. Most RV parks in the region provide water hookups, with many offering full electric and sewer connections for extended stays.