Best Camping near Paulding, OH

Searching for the best camping near Paulding, OH? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Paulding is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Paulding. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Paulding, OH (88)

    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    88 Photos
    161 Saves
    Albion, Indiana

    Nine connecting lakes will be the center of your adventures at Chain O’Lakes. This is lake country and a small boater’s paradise. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 23 miles of forested trails, fish the electric-motors-only lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, visit the park's historic one-room Stanley Schoolhouse, or explore the Nature Center. Other facilities available for visitors to enjoy include Chain O' Lakes Campground, beach and picnic shelters.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pokagon State Park Campground

    2. Pokagon State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    80 Photos
    185 Saves
    Angola, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground

    3. Johnny Appleseed Campground

    14 Reviews
    22 Photos
    41 Saves
    Fort Wayne, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodbrige Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    5. Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    45 Photos
    82 Saves
    Fayette, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Independence Dam State Park Campground

    6. Independence Dam State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    26 Photos
    18 Saves
    Defiance, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $18 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground

    7. Sauder Village Campground

    8 Reviews
    25 Photos
    85 Saves
    Archbold, Ohio

    Our Sauder Village Campground is a beautiful respite in the heart of rural, Northwest Ohio. Only a brief stroll from the Historic Village, great shopping, bakery, inn and restaurant, you'll find our 87-site campground featuring many amenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $54 / night

    • No image available

      8. Blue Water Campground

      2 Reviews
      2 Saves
      Grover Hill, Ohio
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Campground

      9. Indian Springs Campground

      9 Reviews
      13 Photos
      27 Saves
      Garrett, Indiana

      Indian Springs Campground with over 350 sites has seen many improvements and upgrades within the last 10 ten years, We are a great family campground, but we are also so much more! We are a great location to hold parties, reunions, retreats, and a great spot to have just a day away from it all. Sites: From Tents to Class A's we have sites that can accomodate you! We have nice areas for tenters, but the majority of our sites are 20/30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer, from long pull-thru sites, back-in sites, sites with concrete parking, patios and more! Accomodations: One of our Rustic Cabins, Travel Trailers, Park Model Villas, or our own tiny house "The Lodge" are perfect lodging options if you or your family members do not have a camping unit or do not feel like tenting it. Banquet Hall / Event Center: Ideal for almost any gathering, this large hall can accomodate 200 people. It has large patio doors leading out to a massive deck overlooking our lake, fully handicap accessible including bathrooms, and features a large kitchen. Talk to us about all the great reassons why Indian Springs Campground may be the perfect place for your event! Pavillions: We have two large open-air pavillions that can handle medium or large groups, as well as three small picnic pavillions with mounted grills and picnic tables to have a day away! Store: We have one of the largest and best stocked camp stores that you will find, including a snack shack with hand dipped ice cream, ice, propane fill station, firewood, bait, and so much more! FREE WI-FI hotspot! Fun: Check out our large Sandy Beach with our War Path Water Slide, swim raft, sand volleyball courts, and lounge chairs. We also have available to rent: Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPS), Kayaks, Paddle Boats, Fishing Boats, Canoes, and more! Recreation: Hiking, biking, basketball, horseshoes, beach volleyball, and a large updated playground. Golf Cart Friendly: Available to rent, we have newer four (4) seat electric golf carts with lights and battery level indicator, great for those that want to take it easy! Convieniently located: Near Shopping, Museums, Wineries, Breweries, Golf, Auburn Auctions America, Auburn Automobile and WWII Museum, and much more even on rainy days there is plenty to do or not! Activities: The young and young at heart will enjoy the wide range of activities and events that we have throughout the season, special events, hayrides, potlucks, tournaments, crafts, bingo, and so much more! So whether you want to just relax around the campfire or come join in the activities, we are sure that you will have a fun and enjoyable experience!

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs

      $35 - $60 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Delphos Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 18-19)
    Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Paulding

    Recent Reviews in Paulding

    341 Reviews of 88 Paulding Campgrounds


    • Brian O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
      Nov. 5, 2024

      Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

      small campground away from it all

      Little four site camping area on the shore of Rivir Lake (not a typo). It can be accessed either by parking and walking in on the wide, well tended trail (#4 on maps) or by boating. The nearest boat launch is Miller lake, a mile west. Sites 3 & 4 are right on the lake with the best access, Sites 1& 2 are across the trail which is along a raised berm with a bridge over the passage to Mud Lake. I'd give this a higher review, but most people wouldn't appreciate the primitiveness of the sites. It's distance from most amenities could be a turn off, but also could be perfect for others

    • Christie S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Johnny Appleseed Campground
      Oct. 27, 2024

      Johnny Appleseed Campground

      Suppppppper Bathroom s

      They have the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds.You can even look out at the skylight at the sky.Why you take a shower and while you go to the bathroom is well.It's a beautiful bathroom very well kept.Thank you so much to the campgrounds....

    • Brian O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

      Idyllic small location, deserves higher review

      Little four site camping area on the shore of Rivir Lake (not a typo). It can be accessed either by parking and walking in on the wide, well tended trail (#4 on maps) of by boating. The nearest boat launch is Miller lake, a mile west. Sites 3 & 4 are right on the lake with the best access, Sites 1 & 2 are across the trail which is along a raised berm with a bridge over the passage to Mud Lake.
      I'd give this a higher review, but most people wouldn't appreciate the primitiveness of the sites. It's distance from most amenities could be a turn off, but also could be perfect for others

    • Brian O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

      Can be crowded, but a good park overall

      We were a bit surprised that despite having a paid reservation , we still had to pay a $20 Day usage fee to enter the park, but no matter. This is a sprawling and sometimes confusing campground to find your way in. But the sites are generally shady if a bit close together. There are five facilities with showers and running water and six pit toilets. drinking water is accessible throughout the park.
      The majority of sites have six person tables, though some, especially in the new 385-416 loop have little four person tables. These are also the least shaded.
      Campground and facilities are clean and well maintained.
      The General Store is one of the most impressively well stocked I have ever seen. Equipment, toys, tools, food souvenirs, you name it. Good dry firewood is $6.50 a bundle in the store, $7 on the honor system after hours. It burns fast, so you might want to buy more than you think. The store is open until 9:00 Friday & Saturday, but only 2;PM on Sunday and never on Monday. Keep that in mind if you're doing a 3-day weekend as we did. When checking out, look up to see the beautiful wooden canoe with wildlife inlaid wood.
      Fire pits are mostly round iron with non-adjustable swing-away grills. Booking is through Indiana DNR/ Reserve America so you can see photos of the site you pick.
      This was our second experience with an Indiana state park, and like our first (Pokagon, in the winter) we were impressed with the clear marking of the hiking trails (and canoe trail for that matter) there was a map and guidepost at every junction.
      There's a beach, concession stand and boat rentals on Sand lake, the Park's largest. Lastly, there's a fish cleaning shed with running water outside the campground entrance that anyone in the park can use, something I wish more parks would provide.

    • Kris
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lake Campground
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Blue Lake Campground

      Great place

      Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. I particularly enjoyed the fishing opportunities and the peaceful nature trails nearby. I actually recently wrote an essay about the natural beauty of Indiana for my geography class, and it was really great to have the helpfull resource https://stateofwriting.com/uk/geography-writing-service. They have some great guides and tips for geography essays. 

      Definitely a place I’d recommend for families and nature lovers!

    • BluePitMom O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sauder Village Campground
      Oct. 7, 2024

      Sauder Village Campground

      History Lovers Heaven

      There's so much to do at the village! What a wonderful place for history lovers and/or kids. In addition to the village, there is a splash pad, a pool (in the nearby inn), and a couple of hiking trails.

      We stayed in Site 23. The sites are sizable, level, and well maintained. The shower house and restrooms were extremely clean.

      The campground was peaceful. It was full during our stay, and the other campers were very courteous. Nobody was loud and obnoxious.

      We were able to catch the Northern Lights!

    • Susan B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa Metro Park Campground
      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.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottawa Metro Park Campground
      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.

    • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Harrison Lake State Park Campground

      Great site!

      Our first time at this park and got lucky with our site. The pad was a little unlevel but easy to fix. The fire ring was fantastic and had pea gravel around it so if it rained it wasn’t a muddy mess. Great site with grass for tents and no one behind us besides a cornfield. We had a sidewalk next to us to the bathroom but there were so many bathrooms we didn’t have very many people pass by. It had pretty decent shade but unfortunately a sweet gum tree nearby so watch out if you’re barefoot. The shower house was nice but no benches in the stall and only had curtains. They were very clean and the camp hosts were friendly. We are headed back in September!

    • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Grand Lake St. Marys State Park — Grand Lake St Marys State Park
      Aug. 24, 2024

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

      One nighter

      We were just passing through for one night and we’d been there before but this is a new site to us. It had a decent level pad and plenty deep enough for our camper and tow vehicle. The site has a large side and backyard with a great view of the lake. The shower house was just a short walk. Check in was easy and so was finding our site.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Sun Valley Family Campground
      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.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake

      Great Family Campground

      We brought down 2 30’ campers and we had 4 adults 3 children and two dogs and stay right next to the craft barn. It is a really nice camp ground with lots and lots for the kids to do. My son had a blast and said this was the best campground he has ever been to. My only complaint is that it is quite costly to stay.

    • Tony T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Harrison Lake State Park Campground
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Harrison Lake State Park Campground

      Great Campground

      The sites in the tent-only section were well sized and shady. We were on the lake side and were able to get some nice views of Harrison Lake. There were families on either side of us with little kids who were well behaved, albeit a little noisy (i.e a really young child was screaming for about 2 minutes straight non-stop at 9 am until finally the parents said something). Bathroom facilities (single occupancy with shower) were about a 3 minute walk and were clean. Good stay!

    • ABBI S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake

      Primitive camping right by a busy highway

      This was my husbands, and my 2 small babies first camping trip. We chose Jellystone in Fremont Indiana because it was only an hour from our home and has so many fun family activities. We wanted to do something close by in case things went awry, I am Glad we did that. We got to the site and we had booked primitive camping. From the map online you could not tell it was directly next to an extremely busy highway. So instead of the sound of nature we heard blaring 16 wheelers for hours on end. Our campsite was not labeled with our site number so we had to guess what site we had booked. The camp sites were on a slight hill and my youngest isn’t even 2 and is accident prone. This was dangerous given the fact that the picnic table was sloped right by the fire ring for a dangerous combination. Our chairs were unsteady and sitting around the fire in general was dangerous. We couldn’t relax at all and had to continuously be cautious of my 1.5 year old falling into the fire! It is currently June and the temps are high which we expected but the heat combined with the highway traffic at night led to no sleep for our children or us. Not to mention at 10:30 construction vehicles pulled up right next to the campsite and began their work. By 11:15 we had had enough. We decided to go home. It was the worst 7 hour experience of our vacation history. We called the next day and relayed our experience to the registration cabin and paid to have a cabin. The point of this thread is, I personally Feel like I paid to be homeless next to a highway for the week. I am Angry, camping should not be next to a busy highway. The entrance needs to be relocated to where the primitive camping is and the camping needs to be in a more secluded area. People are paying for this experience and it was the most chaotic/ anxious trip I have ever been on. We have not experiencedthe fun activities yet because we have had such a horrible time at the actual campsite we drove home and are coming back the next day so we could actually get some sleep. When we paid for a cabin and relaid our experience the woman working registration did not even apologize for our bad experience. We were not met with any form of compassion or understanding for the chaos we paid for. If you are going to keep booking primitive camping next to a busy highway, inform your guests! Be aware of construction schedules! Know what is happening in your area for the sake of your guests and their quality experience! Do not let your park become a thing of the past because you are neglecting to remember our experiences keep us coming back!

    • Mary S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Shadylake Campground
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Shadylake Campground

      It's unfortunate that I have to give them even 1 star.

      It's unfortunate I have to even give them 1 star. Absolutely horrible people to deal with and filthy place! The grounds were unkept and the pond, well, dont swim in it. We paid for the season and could not even get into our spot because he had rented out our spot to someone else! Every time we went out to make sure it was empty someone new was rented out to it. Filthy facility and the workers, when you could find one, were rude and obnoxious. We had to talk to the manager, who was hiding in the house, over a speaker. We couldn't hear him because of all the dogs barking in the background but he refused to come and speak to us.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Happy Acres Campground
      Jun. 4, 2024

      Happy Acres Campground

      Stay in the Skybox

      We rented site 95 in the “skybox” it’s on the backside of the property. Super clean campground with friendly workers and seasonal residents were so friendly. Enjoyed the pool, pickleball and walking the trails. Has a 9hole disc golf. Very cool place and Angola has a lot to offer.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
      May. 28, 2024

      Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

      Nice but older

      Our site was 21 inches unloved from front to back and 7 inches down on the passenger side! With poison oak all over the back of our site so bring a lot of leveling block and no kids! Other that that it was a decent park with lots of activities but a very hard campsite to navigate and a busy weekend forget about dumping lol your gonna be there a while. Also no Verizon signal but our friend had T-Mobile and he was ok signal.

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Twin Acres Campground
      May. 25, 2024

      Twin Acres Campground

      Good Time and nice place

      Stayed here with my family on memorial weekend. Nice campground with friendly staff. Would come again for sure.

    • Rick M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Adventure Bound Pleasant View
      May. 13, 2024

      Adventure Bound Pleasant View

      Scam company

      Place is a joke, ran by two little piece of shit trolls with a god complex to over come the lack of achievement in there lives. They have zero management skills and even less people skills. Must be overcompensating for something.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Powell Creek Campground
      May. 8, 2024

      Powell Creek Campground

      Old & dilapidated,

      Old campground with very little to do. Dirty shower building and dirty bathrooms( be sure to bring your own toilet paper because it's always empty). Activity building looks like it is about ready to collapse, with cracks in the concrete big enough to trip over. Run don't walk away from this place!

    • Tina G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Happy Acres Campground
      May. 2, 2024

      Happy Acres Campground

      Unexpected gem

      We made an last minute stop here on a Sunday night. The owners were helpful and went out of their way to help us. The campground looks awesome and makes you feel at home. They are also big rig friendly. We will stop back here again.



    Guide to Paulding

    Camping near Paulding, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

    What to do

    • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Ouabache State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River."
    • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a good spot. A camper shared, "There is also a place to fish at the boat launch, where we caught sunfish, large and small mouth bass."
    • Water Activities: For those who love water sports, Indian Lake State Park Campground offers plenty of opportunities. One reviewer noted, "The campground is nice, clean restrooms and showers. Plenty of shade."

    What campers like

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Johnny Appleseed Campground said, "Restrooms are very clean and comfortable."
    • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Pokagon State Park Campground remarked, "Staff is non-intrusive, and the site has plenty of room to camp about and roam."
    • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space to spread out. A review for Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground highlighted, "Our site was HUGE! Plenty of space to play bags with good canopy coverage."

    What you should know

    • Site Sizes Vary: Not all campsites are the same size. A camper at Ouabache State Park Campground mentioned, "Camp sites are tiny. We had site 88 and it was supposed to be full shade. It was full sun."
    • Water Quality: Some campgrounds may have issues with water quality. One visitor at Ouabache State Park Campground noted, "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter!"
    • Noise Levels: Depending on the location, noise can be an issue. A camper at Harrison Lake State Park Campground said, "No one seemed to care about the 10 pm quiet time."

    Tips for camping with families

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Site Specifications: Make sure to check the size and amenities of your site. A reviewer at Pokagon State Park Campground advised, "Check the site descriptions carefully."
    • Bring Long Cords: If you're using electric hookups, bring long extension cords. A camper at Lake Hudson Recreation Area mentioned, "Electrical hookups are far out from most sites, sometimes around 50-70 ft."
    • Dump Station Access: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Indian Lake State Park Campground said, "Dump Stations at Park exit have complimentary hoses."

    Camping near Paulding, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Paulding, OH?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Paulding, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Paulding, OH and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Paulding, OH?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paulding, OH is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 50 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paulding, OH?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Paulding, OH.

    • What parks are near Paulding, OH?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Paulding, OH that allow camping, notably Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir and Delaware Lake.