Tent camping near Millbury, Ohio offers a mix of state park and metropark options within a 20-mile radius. The region sits on the western edge of Lake Erie's coastal wetlands, with elevations rarely exceeding 650 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open April through November, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season and spring months often bringing muddy conditions due to the area's clay soil composition.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Oak Openings Preserve offers a 15.5-mile Scout Trail loop accessible directly from White Oak Campground. A camper noted, "I was able to park my car here in the morning, hop on the trail (which runs right through the campground), and return later in the day."
Bird watching: Lake Erie coastal wetlands attract diverse migratory species. "This on a bay on the very western side of Lake Erie among a wildlife refuge and wilderness area. I came for the birding and wasn't disappointed," reports one visitor to Maumee Bay State Park.
Fishing: Several lakes and the Maumee River provide fishing opportunities. According to a camper, "Wiregrass lake was a very nice camping atmosphere... The lake offers great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax."
What campers like
Free firewood: White Oak Campground provides complimentary firewood, a rare amenity in the region. "The firewood is free, which is amazing. There is also a dish washing station near the restrooms, with a huge sink and hot water," writes one camper.
Weekend treats: Some campgrounds offer special weekend amenities. A visitor to Maumee Bay State Park mentioned, "They even have coffee and donuts every Saturday and Sunday for a small fee."
Private camping experience: Despite relatively close sites, strategic landscaping creates privacy. "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," notes a Maumee Bay camper.
Small camping areas: Most tent camping areas remain uncrowded. One camper at Wiregrass Lake Metropark noted, "There are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you're not packed in like sardines. The atmosphere is very calm, quiet, and relaxing."
What you should know
Marshy conditions: Low-lying areas can become waterlogged in spring. "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 a Maumee Bay camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. A White Oak camper noted, "MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night."
Limited amenities: Most tent sites near Millbury have basic facilities. For Independence Dam State Park, a camper mentioned, "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."
Insects: Proximity to wetlands means bugs are common. "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake," advises a Maumee Bay visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Several parks offer family programming. "Brought the kids and had a blast! We loved the hiking, bike trails, playground at Mallard lake area, and the kids liked exploring the sand dune area," shares a White Oak camper.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters are common but generally harmless. A parent camping at Cannaley Treehouse Village reported, "This little village was so much fun for my 2 little people! I think 1 night is plenty as the site itself doesn't offer a ton of amenities but there are some trails that you can walk/bike without leaving base."
Bathroom access: Restroom facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Wifey says the bathrooms were Excellent (most important for her)," noted one camper at Maumee Bay State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer limited RV accommodation. A Maumee Bay visitor observed, "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."
Hookup options: Electrical access varies by campground. "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," notes another Maumee Bay camper.
