Grand Lake St. Marys State Park and surrounding campgrounds offer luxury glamping near Minster, Ohio within a short 15-minute drive. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
What to do
Fishing at multiple spots: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park provides ample fishing opportunities with designated areas. As one camper noted, "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 by many park accesses to Grand lake for fishing."
Water sports on the reservoir: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers water recreation with multiple beaches. "The reservoir seems like the big draw for this park," mentions one reviewer. Another adds, "We also used the camper beach but to the left of it to launch our kayaks. Which was nice because you could back up to the pathway and park."
Nearby attractions: Visit local points of interest including the Neil Armstrong birthplace museum in Wapakoneta. "Neil Armstrong was born in nearby Wapakoneta so there are some sights to see there, and the towns of Celina and ? one other are cute too," states a camper who explored the area.
What campers like
Swimming amenities: Natural Springs Resort features a spring-fed quarry with exceptionally clear water. "Very nice and clean Campground. The lot we stayed in was a good size and was right on the spring," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "This camp ground has a beautiful spring fed quarry with clean and clear water."
Spacious campsites: Indian Lake State Park campsites offer generous spacing. A camper describes, "Roomy sites, plenty of shade. Not a lot of privacy. There is a sand beach for swimming (even a separate doggy beach!) or a new in-ground pool."
Family activities: Kamp Modoc delivers organized weekend events. "We went here Memorial Day weekend and had a great time even though it was chilly and rainy. The pond was great with the inflatables and water toys available for use," shares a family who visited despite poor weather conditions.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: The lake at Grand Lake St. Marys has ongoing water quality issues. A visitor warns, "the entire lake stinks of pig poop. All the air smells like poo. You feel like you are breathing feces when you approach the water. We were right on the water so we couldn't escape the smell."
Varying shower facilities: Wapakoneta KOA maintains clean shower houses. One camper observed, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Some amenities close during off-peak times. "Definitely my favorite place to camp primitive or electric tent camp," notes a visitor, while adding "but everything is closed from covid."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash pad access: Wildcat Woods Campgrounds offers clean facilities. A visitor shared, "Very clean and friendly! They have the nicest cleanest camp bathrooms/shower house I've ever seen. Fishing, pond swimming, trails."
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience. "The camping spot was great. It was very close to the pool and playground. The sites were pull through which was nice for have young kids. Could sit at our spot and watch our kids at the playground," advises a parent.
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds schedule activities specifically for children. "Do you have kids? They have it covered, from playground, to lake with inflatables, train rides, Holiday fun," reports an enthusiastic camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Huggy Bear Campground requires advance planning for premium spots. "Clean! Tons to do especially for kids, pet friendly, definitely get rowdy on the weekends- book ahead to snag the best sites," recommends an experienced RVer.
Leveling considerations: Look for campgrounds with level pads. A visitor to Buck Creek notes, "This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn't super crowded. Our space was nice and level."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at some campgrounds. One camper at Indian Lake advises, "Full power both 30 and 50 amp at almost all site and strong wifi where I was...lots of things going on up until about 10 pm. Then it quiets down."
