Best Tent Camping near Lima, OH

Recent Tent Reviews near Lima, OH

157 Reviews of 6 Lima Campgrounds

• 

  Daniel

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 21, 2020

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

  Favorite place

  Second time out love this place has a swimming pool and splash pad for the kids and lots of parks and horseshoe pits bike rentals and put put golf but everything is closed from covid definitely my favorite place to camp primitive or electric tent camp

• M

  Mike B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 9, 2021

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  Our Favorite Campaite of the Summer

  State parts are usually good parks, but Indian Lake was our favorite of the summer. A large lake, and large campground. Lots of trailer and tent camping, complete with a beach, boat dock and commissary. The campground had an ice cream stand and showed a movie on Saturday evening for kids in their amphitheater. We will definitely return!

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 8, 2019

  Mary Jane Thurston State Park Campground

  Decent campground on the Maumee River

  Only 30 minutes down the river from Independence Dam State Park, this park was markedly different. Because there was a two-night minimum reservation on weekends and we were just passing through, we decided to try and roll the dice and see if we could slide into a spot for just a night without a reservation. Alas, the only spots still available were walk-in tent sites which would not work for us. This park was laid out more like an RV park with the sites very close together and no privacy between them (Site 16 looked to be the best one for privacy). Except for the walk-in tent sites, electric and/or electric/water hookups were available. As we pulled in, the host immediately greeted us and was very friendly (she genuinely wanted to find us a spot). There is a marina/store close-by and the quaint town of Grand Rapids (which you could walk to if you wanted) had several shops and restaurants. We would have stayed here for the night if a site had been available, so make sure you make reservations if you are coming on a weekend (and can stay for two nights).

• 

  Andrea F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 20, 2021

  Adventure Bound Pleasant View

  Wagner Subscriber Campout

  We stayed at this campground in the group camp area. The sites are tight but do provide water and 30 amp electric.

  The campground offers a pond for fishing , swimming pool , bounce pad , inflatable lake fun, dog park and mini golf.

  Since we were there as a group event we didn’t use any of the extras but it all looked nice and clean plus lots of fun.

  Cell coverage was spotty but you could usually get some kind of signal.

  The campground has a lot of seasonal sites as well as primitive tent camping and standard rv sites.

• 

  Mandi B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 9, 2018

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  May be good for a family

  Our experience with Indian Lake was tough, unfortunately we suffered a pretty severe thunderstorm while we were tent camping, it looked like a tsunami coming in. Despite the weather, our experience was still not the greatest one, the trail was confusing and we were eaten alive by mosquitos, even with bug spray. It also was not a very long hike, just a confusing one. The campground had cut down most of the tree coverage, and it was like we were camping with our neighbors. This may be a great family friendly park with a beach and kid activities, but we dont have kids and prefer a more quiet and secluded atmosphere. We will not be returning.

• 

  Casi O.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 26, 2017

  Venture Out Resorts Arrowhead Lakes Resort

  Big rigs to tents

  We stayed here for free for 10 days as a part of a promotion that came with the purchase of our rig. Not sure about normal pricing though, as this campground is owned by Venture Out Resorts and they are a timeshare company (we had to sit for a hour long "pitch" to get our free days). They have 50amp, full hookup, pull through sites (and we saw 40+ ft rigs there) to tent camping to cabin rentals. The campground was clean (shower houses always looked great) and grounds were maintained. Amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna (close at 10p), but we did not partake because it was so overridden by children, chlorine, and no open windows - didn't seem worth any effort whatsoever in the July heat. 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). The company recently bought the property, so you can see what they inherited vs what it will probably eventually be like based off their sister properties (they recently added the putt putt and a big jungle gym) so it could evolve more as time passes. Regardless, in its current state as active 30 somethings, we were pretty bored. 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. I'd say if you fall into a category where you want to sit beside your rig all day or want your kids entertained (playgrounds, kids programming - it was luau week so they had a Moana movie night and other kid activities), go on and book a longer stay. If you're only looking for a spot to stay overnight by the highway, do it! It is simple to pull in and have full hookups to take advantage of but a 10 day stay is too long if you're paying. Other things to know: Walmart, Aldi, Lowes, and several automotive chain stores are at max 5 min away, which made grabbing some needed supplies super easy. That said truck stop above was very convenient to get into to fuel up our rig too. Fun fact: Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum is also a max 5 min drive away if you want to get your inner astronaut fix.

• 

  Patrick M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2018

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

  great facility

  great like campground on Ohio’s biggest inland lake

• 

  Ralph L.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 4, 2018

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  Good Site with STRANGE Wildlife !

  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 ! There is even lots of wildlife especially of the pink vriety !

• 

  Lindsay B.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 30, 2015

  Ottawa Metro Park Campground

  Swimming and Family Fun

  The 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. Wouldn't travel far out of my way, but if you're around, you won't regret stopping by.

• 

  Meredith S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 2, 2020

  Wapakoneta KOA

  Local base camp

  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. Not far from highway but no real traffic noise. Check out the Template of Tolerance a few miles away in Wapakoneta. Definitely with a visit.

• S

  Sue B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 17, 2019

  Heritage Springs Campground

  Friendly

  This was a good overnight stop on a cold windy night through Ohio. Front desk people were extremely friendly and helpful. Bathrooms were very clean and hot shower. We would stop again as a pass-through Campground. Level sites.

• T

  Tori W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 6, 2019

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  Average

  Campground had a nice well maintained pool with lifeguards. Campground had clean bathrooms and showers, and everything was well maintained. Would have liked more hiking trails. Only hiking trail is rather boring. The camper hosts nag about a lot of minor things that we’ve never experienced out of the several Ohio state parks we’ve camped out. So I would say average place.

• 

  Lindsay B.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 30, 2015

  Van Buren State Park Campground

  A gem in Northwest Ohio

  Van Buren State Park is very easy to access from I-75. It has tons of trails and a pond. There are a few places to car camp or RV camp nearby. I love getting out of town and visiting Van Buren State Park, and I have lots of good memories. It gets 4 stars because I now live in Montana and Montana camping outshines Ohio, but I can't bash on Van Buren State Park at all.

• 

  Gary J.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 5, 2020

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  Indian Lake State Park Campground

  Very nice campground with larger campsites. Campers varied from tents to large RV’s. Most sites are shaded with large trees and at the end of the cul de sac’s were canals that let you access the lake from the campground. Even had docks for boat campers. A very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere here. Park and restrooms were clean and the showerhouse in “B” section seemed to have been just remodeled. Some fast food and restaurants were close by with unique places like the “Tiltin Hilton” which offered a selection of sandwiches and beer. Nice large playground for the kids as well. Always seemed to have a breeze through the campsites.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 8, 2019

  Independence Dam State Park Campground

  Not feeling the love

  When researching our trip, I came upon this state park right on the Maumee River and was very surprised to find it had not been previously reviewed. The website indicated the sites were tent only but when I called, I was told we could park and sleep in our campervan. When I tried to make reservations, there was a two-night minimum on the weekends and we were just passing through so I decided to see if we might be able to snag one night if there were sites available. 

  There is a two-mile road to the campsites once you enter the park and along the way, we passed many pull-out day-use picnic areas on nicely manicured grounds. Once we reached the campsites, there seemed to be less attention paid to the area. Turns out that there were only a very few sites that had paved pads that would accommodate our van; the rest were clearly for tents only (but there was no way to tell this from the website). Even though I had seen that about half of the sites were reserved, there was no one there at 4:30 on a Friday. There did not seem to be any staff or rangers on-site and there is self-registration. The rates seemed kind of steep ($19 on weekdays; $20 weekends and $22 on holiday weekends) for sites with no hookups and only porta-potties. We saw some people fishing near the dam and perhaps the campground would be suitable for these folks and/or people boating/kayaking in who portage down the river (there is a marina) but it just did not feel like a place we wanted to camp.

• 

  Megan M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 12, 2024

  Lake Loramie State Park Campground

  Pretty lake. Parking lot campground

  First, the lake here is beautiful. It has many islands, coves and inlets and is perfect for a couple of days of paddling or fishing. That's where the two stars come in. 

  BUT. There are many buts. The campground is like a giant RV lot. The sites are tiny. We were in a tent-only site and we had two families right on top of us on either side. We could hear the entire conversations of one family, plus there were 11 people there, three cars, and they were partying the first night and extremely noisy.

  The reservation map is incorrect. When I reserved, it showed #13 as being on the end of the tent only area. When we arrived, I found out there was a site #14 that wasn't even pictured on the reservation map, and this is where the giant screaming family was parked! I thought I was going to be on the end- it is not very accommodating for a variety of reasons for a reservation map to be so incorrect. 

  The air everywhere reeks of sewage, ranging from what you smell outside a giant pig farm, to what you smell outside of a porta potty, to rotten egg smell. I don't know where these smells were coming from but it was nonstop. 

  The bathrooms were extremely dirty. It looks like they haven't been renovated since the 80s. 

  The employees in the office never seemed to be able to tell us what we needed to know. We asked on Friday evening where the Saturday morning naturalist paddle would be, and we were told to come back Saturday morning and ask someone else. On Saturday, the person in the office told us to go to a location that was miles away- we spent 40 minutes in the car driving around, trying to find where this activity was, only to give up and find out it was actually adjacent to the campground, not down the road in a different part of the park. 

  Last, the lake is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. You can see houses around the edge of the park while you are sitting in your campsite. It is not remote, and there is a noisy, busy highway running along the side of the campground. 

  I enjoyed the lake but I will not camp here again.

• 

  Jonathan W.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 24, 2019

  St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 6-7)

  On the trail Adirondack shelter

  You're learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to take the first steps towards that without worrying about the physical load you're going to have to carry. You can drop the tent on this portion! 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 by Parker and Keaton Cole of Troop 95 (in Sidney), it is large enough for six or to sleep comfortably off the ground. You cannot miss it as you go along the trail. There is a fireplace (stone, make sure you check that the chimney is not blocked) large enough to cook your hotdogs and keep you happy as you sit in the shelter.  There is deadfall from the trees around you that will serve as kindling and fuel for the fire.  If you start in Lockington or Fort Loramie, this shelter is approximately 10 miles in and the right place to break a two-day backpacking trip.

• 

  Alexandra F.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 3, 2020

  Kiser Lake State Park Campground

  Great Campground

  With this being my first time camping, I don’t have much to compare it to, but I really enjoyed my stay! I had spot 66 (non-electric standard) and I just had my tent and my car and I would definitely pick that spot again! It was absolutely stunning over looking the water with the trees turning colors. I went the first weekend in October so they had a lot of families there because they had all sorts of Halloween activities going on, so it wasn’t very quiet, but I still enjoyed myself. Got in on a Thursday and it was decently quiet that day. They have some play areas for kids, a few hiking trails and a wetlands, but most people were fishing and kayaking. There is a store, but I didn’t go in. Tons of spots to camp, from very secluded to right in the middle of the action. Very family friendly place. I think some small rules were broken here and there by some of the families, but it was just little things, so no harm no foul. Overall a great campground!

• 

  Buck B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Ottawa Metro Park Campground

  Want to go back

  Stopped by while in the area , will make a point to go back

• L

  Laura M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 26, 2024

  Ottawa Metro Park Campground

  Wonderful spot

  It is first come..no reservations. Water and electric 30 Amp and some 50 amps as well. Beautiful park with bike and walking paths. Camp hosts are very helpful. Bathrooms and showers are very clean.

• 

  Susan B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Ottawa Metro Park Campground

  Nice, clean campground, adjoining a big greenway

  Very clean and pleasant campground, not far off the interstate. A 13_mile Greenway passes by there. Very nice bath and shower house. All sites paved with water and electric. Great place to spend a night or two.

• Y

  Yanna C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 11, 2023

  Ottawa Metro Park Campground

  So peaceful

  Stopped here for the night on a road trip. It was the best decision to make! It is such a nice peaceful campground! The sites were nicely spaced along with a wonderful bathroom. Its definitely one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever been to!

• M

  Mark C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 7, 2022

  Lake Cody

  Very nice

  Has everything you need

• 

  Gregory P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 28, 2020

  Robins Nest Campground

  Nice place

  Nice place spent 3months there last year nice people

• J

  J G.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 21, 2024

  Sun Valley Family Campground

  Clean facilities, poor book keeping

  Making the reservation didn’t go very smooth, the person taking the information didn’t sound like they knew what they were doing… They charged our credit card, and lost our reservation, however they did honor our word and allowed us to camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean. The camping area had portable toilets that were clean! For just overnight it was OK, not a place I would vacation at.

• 

  Zachary W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 8, 2022

  Wapakoneta KOA

  Nice Campground

  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. Basically the site is as wide as your awning.

• L

  Lisa D.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Wapakoneta KOA

  Impressive!

  Super clean KOA with level gravel sites (no weeds popping up through gravel!) 2 Fenced dog areas, nice playground, game room, giant chess set outside, clean pool.. you name it, this KOA has it! I was impressed when Mike helped me back into my site.. it had a little wooden deck with a picnic table (I did not request nor pay extra for this perk!) I noticed something that I've not seen at other campgrounds: each of the waste connection covers had a 'fake' rock over the top. Very clever! The KOA is very tidy and well kept. 

  Nice folks here. I would highly recommend it!