Best Tent Camping near Melmore, OH

State parks and public lands surrounding Melmore, Ohio offer several tent camping options within a reasonable driving distance. Maumee Bay State Park Campground, located about 75 miles north near Oregon, provides walk-in tent sites with varying levels of privacy. Wolf Creek Park Campground in Fremont, approximately 30 miles north of Melmore, offers tent-only camping from April 15 to November 15. Tee Pee Family Campground in Upper Sandusky, just 15 miles west of Melmore, accommodates tent campers with sites that include basic amenities. Clearfork Marina & Campground near Mansfield, about 40 miles southeast, provides primitive tent camping options in a more secluded setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature level dirt or gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring campers to fill containers at central spigots. Bathhouse facilities are typically shared between multiple camping loops, which may require longer walks from more remote tent sites. At Maumee Bay, the ground can become soft and marshy in early spring, particularly in unreserved sites. Wolf Creek Park offers more basic facilities with vault toilets but no showers. Seasonal considerations include mayfly activity near Lake Erie in early summer and cooler evening temperatures even during warm months.

Tent campers frequently note the privacy features at Maumee Bay State Park as a highlight. According to reviews, "Sites are spaced far enough apart and usually with a divider of trees or bushes between sites to give more privacy than most campgrounds." The park's extensive trail system makes it particularly appealing for tent campers who enjoy hiking and wildlife observation. One visitor who stayed in a tent reported, "The landscape is beautiful, with smooth roads for sunset bike rides and bass ponds nearby." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's campgrounds, with deer, raccoons, muskrats, and various bird species commonly observed. Weekday camping in September typically offers quieter experiences with fewer crowds at most tent campgrounds near Melmore.

Best Tent Sites Near Melmore, Ohio (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Melmore, OH

6 Photos of 11 Melmore Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Melmore, OH

471 Reviews of 11 Melmore Campgrounds


  • R
    May. 3, 2021

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Perfect Ohio Oasis

    We camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.

    These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.

    We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!

    One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Mt Gilead State Park Campground

    Fall is here!

    Site 29 - this was a nice site in tall pine trees and colors all around. The pad was gravel and pretty level. We had trees in our site that could be used for hammocks as well. We were able to set up our ez-up and still have room to walk our dogs. It wasn’t the biggest site, but definitely not the smallest. We had electric for our camper. We had a good storm one night that caused a small pool of water out front and around the fire ring, but both areas drained very well the next day. There are vault toilets at the end of the road and a very nice shower house as you drive in that were clean all weekend. The park had a couple of playgrounds for kids, disc golf course and lots of hiking trails. The camp store is now open with limited hours. Wood is available but it’s all slab cut. There are also permanent cornhole boards. There are full hook up sites as well but are right next to one another and not a lot of trees. You can drive down to the lake and kayak and fish. It’s a very small campground with a very big park.

  • Skooma M.
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Findley State Park Campground

    Organized Group Site 2

    It was difficult to find pictures or reviews of the Findlay group sites. It honestly seemed to me that they didn't exist, so I thought I'd do the service of taking some pictures.

    The group sites are away from the main campsites, so you should have plenty of space for your group to set up and enough distance between them to not disturb the peace if you have a large group. OGA2 is heavily forested, I'm not sure about OGA1. There are plenty of trees so both hammock and tent campers should be accommodated. The fire pit is large and there are 4 picnic tables.

    The campsite is about 75 yards from the parking area, and there is a vault toilet right before the parking area.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 14, 2025

    Maumee Bay State Park Campground

    Very close to Toledo but you'd never know it!

    General: Large state park with 256 campsites, all with electric (20-30-50 amp) hookups. Sites 1-11 and 21-29 have full hookups (water, sewer, electric). Also, there are a lodge and cabins. The park is very well maintained. This park is close to Toledo and within spitting distance of several refineries although you’d never know it! 

    Site Quality: 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. 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. A wooden picnic table and fire ring complete each site. 

    Restroom/Shower house: Very clean, however, bathhouses are shared between two loops. Each bathhouse only has two shower stalls, which may necessitate a wait when the campground is full. A hook and a small bench but nowhere to put soap/shampoo in the shower. Good warm water. 

    Activities/Amenities: 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. A beautiful and extensive boardwalk constructed by the Ohio Civilian Conservation Corps is available only for foot traffic. Bike rentals are available. A small camp store. Laundry facilities. Donuts and muffins on the weekends. Several playgrounds. Bird houses and feeders are located throughout the park and especially in the spring, you can hear many varieties of birds chirping (however, you will also experience the by-products of so many birds!). Excellent cell service (Verizon). There is also a dump station.

    There was a warning that due to the proximity to an urban area campers, bikes, etc. should be locked up but I didn't feel that vibe.

    We enjoyed two stays at this campground, once in September and once in May. Even though this large campground was full when we were there on a weekend in September, we did not feel overcrowded. There were many empty campsites when we were there during the week in May (the week before Memorial Day); we very much enjoyed our stay both times!

  • Andrea F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2020

    Pleasant Hill Lake Park Campground

    Nice Quiet Campground with a lot to Offer

    We arrived Friday late afternoon and set up in the rain. Didn’t see much of the park on Friday,  but Saturday we went exploring and saw the marina, beach, horse camp area, and walked some of the bridle trails. They also have playgrounds that are open and some food trucks in case you don’t want to cook.

     This is the second park we have stayed at that is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District and so far I am impressed. Large landscape sites that are full hookup with large concrete pads. Each with its own picnic table and fire pit. They also have a boat dock for the campers to use.   The lightning bugs even put on a nightly show.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Findley State Park Campground

    Clean and great hiking

    Findley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating. About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups. We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors.

    Shower houses are clean. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Victoria B.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Camping on the cliff—a great get-away

    I recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children.  Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)

    The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.

    The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Very nice campground, it’s large so if you’re walking around, remember to take a map. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby. The sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 9, 2019

    Malabar Farm State Park Campground

    Rustic

    I found Malabar Farm in Lucas, OH on my way home from Mom’s house. Never heard of it before and I have been this way for over 20 years now. Louis Bromfield was a conservationist and among many other things (including winning a Pulitzer) he was in the forefront of organic and self-sustaining gardening. This place is amazing! ( and would be an excellent home schoolers camping trip!) Not your typical going hiking kinda campground (there are trails but they are not “major”) you come here to step away from city life and tour a working farm. Ohio countryside at its best. Primitive camping with a gravel parking pad and water, fire ring, picnic table and hitching post. No reservations, this is a first come campground. There’s also a small rentable cabin open year round. Definitely worth a visit and very family oriented events. ( your teenager will roll their eyes at you but probably secretly enjoy the visit)


Guide to Melmore

Tent camping near Melmore, Ohio offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to family-friendly amenities. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there are several campgrounds that cater to tent campers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a day of fun at the pond with a large inflatable slide at Tee Pee Family Campground, perfect for kids and families.
  • Explore the natural beauty surrounding Rockland Lake, where you can swim in a spring-fed quarry and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
  • Take advantage of the firewood and picnic tables available at Saulisberry Park Campground for a cozy evening under the stars.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

Specific local attractions

  • Visit the nearby attractions and enjoy the scenic views while camping at Clearfork Marina & Campground, which is close to various outdoor activities.
  • Experience the charm of Hanks Place Campground, where you can immerse yourself in nature and explore local trails.
  • Take a short drive to Family Camping Center for easy access to local attractions and family-friendly activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Melmore, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Melmore, OH is Tee Pee Family Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Melmore, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Melmore, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.