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Best Campgrounds near Paulding, OH

363 Reviews

Campgrounds near Paulding, Ohio range from established facilities with full hookups to primitive dispersed camping areas. Woodbrige Campground and Blue Water Campground provide electric hookups, water, and amenities for both tent and RV campers. The Delphos Section of the Buckeye Trail offers free primitive camping for hikers seeking a more rustic experience. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find additional options including Independence Dam State Park Campground along the Maumee River and Johnny Appleseed Campground in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Most camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several sites offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased campground occupancy, particularly at waterfront locations like Harrison Lake State Park. Most developed campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, though some like Huggy Bear Campground remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended during peak summer weekends and holidays when popular sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region but is generally reliable at established campgrounds. One camper noted, "We like this place a lot. Tucked away in NW Ohio, close to the Michigan and Indiana border. Sites are all level, many very spacious which is unusual for Ohio state parks."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Independence Dam State Park Campground stretches along the Maumee River, offering sites with river views and access points for kayaking. Several campgrounds feature fishing ponds or lake access, though water quality concerns exist at some locations. A review of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park mentioned water quality issues affecting swimming and recreation. Campers seeking quieter experiences may prefer the more secluded sites at Chain O' Lakes State Park or the primitive camping along the Buckeye Trail. Mixed-use campgrounds like Sauder Village combine camping with historical attractions and additional amenities. A visitor described it as having "really clean" facilities where "sites were well-spaced" with "a nice walking/biking trail and full hook-ups."

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Best Camping Sites Near Paulding, Ohio (88)

    1. Woodbrige Campground

    4 Reviews
    Paulding, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 399-2267

    "Lake front sites are hard to come by as most were for permanent sites. The beach and swimming area were very nice. Our boys loved the water slide anchored in the lake to play on."

    "Nice pools and small lake with beach. Place was swarming with sweat bees while we were there"

    2. Blue Water Campground

    3 Reviews
    Grover Hill, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 587-3186

    "The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site."

    "Pool, lakes, very dog friendly, activities, food, washer and dryer, showers!"

    3. Delphos Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 18-19)

    1 Review
    Grover Hill, OH
    13 miles
    Website

    "You're learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to know where and how you can camp along the trail."

    4. Independence Dam State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Defiance, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 956-1368

    $18 - $25 / night

    "The paved path that goes along the camping sites is very nice and makes for a great walk or bike ride.  

    We stayed in campsite 16 which has its pros and cons. "

    "Most sites are on a small elevated bank on maumee river, (you can walk down the path but not put a kayak in)

    There are no hookups, only vault toilets, no staff only very nice camp hosts ( there are next"

    5. Johnny Appleseed Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wayne, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 427-6720

    "Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping. The River Greenway path cuts right through the park, and there is also a boat launch for the river."

    "For $24, we got a day of drive in spot with electrical + water hook-ups and wifi. The campground is well-maintained and very clean."

    6. Huggy Bear Campground

    3 Reviews
    Van Wert, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 968-2211

    "If you you’re going for family friendly fun where you can sit around a fire wIth friends and family, this is the place. There is swimming and family activities to keep everyone busy."

    7. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $12 - $80 / night

    "If you're traveling with kids or enjoy the community of being near your fellow campers this is a great option. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat this may be a bit loud and busy."

    "I’ve been coming to Chain O’ Lakes with my family ever since I can remember. We’ve been camping countless times, swimming, canoeing, hiking, you name it!"

    8. Barefoot Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    Paulding, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 399-7415

    $30 - $75 / night

    9. Pokagon State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $16 - $480 / night

    "There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!

     "

    "It's better than Ohio's only National Park!

    Note: the DNR trail maps are inaccurate but well worth your time, so research your trials well or you'll get a bit lost."

    10. Powell Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Defiance, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 393-2091

    $35 - $40 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Paulding, OH

86 Photos of 88 Paulding Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paulding, OH

363 Reviews of 88 Paulding Campgrounds

  • Rebecca H.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Wapakoneta KOA

    Out Standing

    Wonderful facility! Pool, pool table, games for kids and adults. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is super friendly and helpful! Oh and in the laundry room they even have a sink for washing dishes! Great for tent campers ar those with small units that don't have kitchens.

  • Megan M.
    Aug. 27, 2025

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

    Campground is fine but the lake reeks of POO

    First the good: the campground is big and spacious. Some areas were like RV parking lots- no trees, no shade, but there was a grassy area in the middle with nice big trees and shade. There is a nice pool and splash pad. Weirdly, the pool closed from 4 to 5, leaving us with nowhere to go on a 90+ degree day. 

    Now, the not-so-good: we stayed in a camper cabin and it was very shabby and dirty. It had bunkbeds, a full size fridge, and a folding table and folding chairs, which was nice (and rare in Ohio state park camper cabins). The bathrooms were average. Not new, not especially sparkling clean, but fine. Not gross, at least.

    Now, the terrible: 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. 

    This lake is notorious for having algae blooms that prohibit swimming. So I did a google search before our trip and the Ohio Department of Health reports that the bacteria level in this lake is dangerously high, and no one should swim in this lake. However, when we walked to the campground beach, there was no sign or warning or anything indicating the bacteria in the water- and people were letting their children and dogs swim in it!! 

    We opted to not kayak or paddleboard in the lake because it was clear that it was full of poop. So we had nothing to do at the park except go to the pool (it was too hot to do anything else). We ended up driving around the country roads and seeing the sights so we could escape the smelly lake and hot poo fumes. 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. 

    Overall, I will not return to this lake or this part of the state. If you can't get in the water, paddle board or kayak, the only thing left to do is ride around in a boat and hope the water doesn't get anywhere near your mouth or your skin. No thanks.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    River Trail Campground II

    Just So-SO

    We stayed 3 nights. Our site was a dirt pads. There are mostly full-time residents. There is the smell of a massive Chicken coup at our site. THERE ARE A TON OF FLIES!!!!! We had flies for days!. We kill 3 and 5 more would pop-up in our trailer. I was so happy to leave this fly infested site. 

    It's very hard for me to give them less than 5 stairs because, everyone was so nice. We had them filled up our propane tanks and they actually brought them to us and hooked them up while we were gone. Someone even brought us wood planks for stabilizing our trailer. However, truth be told…. our spot was horrible-right next to the laundry room in direct sun and it stunk! The women's shower was gross too. ( I ended up, not using their shower room.)

    We never used their pool.

  • Shawna T.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    chainolakes

    Camp out

    I loved how neighborly and extremely kind our camping neighbors were. Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience

  • L
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Johnny Appleseed Campground

    Great location, but no privacy

    The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. Most of the sites are very close and no vegetation to allow any privacy. On the positive side, the bathrooms were very nice and clean. The staff was also very helpful.

  • Paula S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Blue Water Campground

    Our stay at bluewater

    The staff is extremely friendly, and try to accomadate with anything you could need. The campesites are fairly large with gravel pads. They offer water and electric hook-up for 30&50 amps. There is not a sewer hook up but they do offer a weekly pump out for a small fee and a dump station on the way out. The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site.

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Ottawa Metro Park Campground

    Most Excellent Municipal Campground

    This is a beautiful, peaceful campground that's not a parking lot like many city campgrounds. It's clean as clean can be, including the bathrooms. The bath house has men's and women's bathrooms as well as a largish entry room with water fountains (one accessible to those in a wheelchair or child), a vending machine, information about the park, an event calendar, and brochures. While we were there, there was a Blue Grass music event scheduled at the nearby amphitheater.

    I was very impressed with the design of the restrooms regarding accessibility. I don't have a physical disability, but I always consider what the experience would be for someone who does. Everything in the bathrooms was intentionally designed for accessibility, not a thoughtless retrofit. The accessible shower is amazing.

    The campground is first-come first serve, but don't worry about getting a site. There are plenty. Pick up a registration envelope from the mailbox at the entrance sign, complete the triplicate form and follow the instructions. Money and form goes into an envelope and is dropped into the payment slot at the bathhouse.

    If you need firewood, there is an open shed to get some, and instructions on how to pay for it. This is so smart to keep people from bringing in and using their own possibly infested firewood.

    There is a dumpster and water available between sites. Each site comes with a picnic. And the fields around the park are filled with bunnies!

    The sites are well spaced and beautifully maintained. We picked site 30 because it had ample trees on its west side to create nice shade in the afternoon.

    A very relaxed, nice park host lives onsite. The entire vibe is chill. It seems to be run more like in an honor system, but they do have rules. Honor the rules to keep this campground special.

    This campground is only one part of a larger Metro park with lots to offer. Pick up a copy of the booklet (in the bath house) about the entire park system and what it offers.

    The price when we stayed was $30/night with a $5 discount for seniors, and a limit of 30 days (which is incredibly generous).

    We stayed for 11 nights and will return again next time we're traveling through this area.

  • Allie H.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Huggy Bear Campground

    Overall a great experience

    Clean! Tons to do especially for kids, pet friendly, definitely get rowdy on the weekends- book ahead to snag the best sites. We stayed 5 days and it was awesome. Mini golf, fishing, 3 pools, inflatable in the water, they have a whole schedule for the weekends here. It’s great!

  • Ray L.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Bixler Lake Park & Campground

    Quiet.

    This is by far the place to just relax. It does have its moments..Holidays and special events. Even then campers here live by the lights out code. Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back.

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 are the fees and reservation requirements for camping in Paulding, Ohio?

Camping fees and reservation requirements vary across Paulding area campgrounds. At Ottawa Metro Park Campground, campsites are reasonably priced and cater primarily to RVs. For a more rustic experience, Independence Dam State Park Campground offers affordable sites but has no hookups, only vault toilets, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. Most state parks in the region require reservations during peak season (May-September), while offering more flexibility in the off-season. For exact fees and reservation information, check the specific campground's website or contact them directly as prices and policies change annually.

What amenities are available at Woodbridge Campground in Paulding, Ohio?

Woodbridge Campground in Paulding, Ohio provides basic camping amenities including reservable sites, water access, and toilet facilities. For those seeking more amenities in the general area, Sauder Village Campground offers clean facilities, well-spaced sites, walking/biking trails, and full hook-ups. It's associated with Historic Sauder Village, adding a cultural dimension to your stay. Another option is Wapakoneta KOA, which provides shaded sites, a clean swimming pool, and a quiet atmosphere despite typically being full with families.

Where is Paulding Campground located in Ohio?

Paulding is located in northwest Ohio, close to the Michigan and Indiana borders. While there isn't a specific 'Paulding Campground,' the area offers several camping options. Independence Dam State Park Campground is a notable option in the region, stretching along the Maumee River bank with plenty of trees and shade cover. For campers looking for options in Paulding County, Harrison Lake State Park Campground is another excellent choice in this corner of northwest Ohio, tucked away in the rural landscape.

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