Tent camping near Perrysburg, Ohio offers options on sandy terrain and around small bodies of water. Located in the Oak Openings Region, this area features a rare combination of oak savannas and wet prairie habitats not found elsewhere in the state. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F during daytime, but can drop to 50-60°F overnight, making proper sleeping gear essential even during warmer months.
What to do
Trail connections: At White Oak Campground, campers can access the 15.5-mile Scout Trail loop directly from the campground. "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," notes one camper who completed the full loop.
Fishing opportunities: Wiregrass Lake Metropark offers fishing from the shoreline near the primitive campsites. A visitor mentions that "The lake offers great fishing opportunities and doubles as a nice spot to sit by the water, enjoy the local wildlife and relax."
Water recreation: Independence Dam State Park Campground provides river-based activities along the Maumee River. A camper highlights that "there is an opening near the middle of the campsite which allows access, along with access for kayaks, which is pretty cool."
Biking trails: Many parks in the area feature flat, paved trails suitable for biking. At Maumee Bay State Park Campground, "It is also an amazing place to ride bikes, everything is flat and there are also plenty of bike paths," with bike rentals available on-site for those who don't bring their own.
What campers like
Free firewood: White Oak Campground provides complimentary firewood, a rare amenity. "The firewood is free, which is amazing. There is also a dish washing station near the restrooms, with a huge sink and hot water," reports a satisfied visitor.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing and natural barriers between sites. At Wiregrass Lake Metropark, "There are only 3 camping spots around the lake so you're not packed in like sardines. Each site has a raised gravel pad for your tent, a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash and free wood box that is fully stocked."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain their facilities well. A visitor to Maumee Bay State Park noted, "Wifey says the bathrooms were Excellent (most important for her)," while another camper at Independence Dam was "quite impressed with the bathrooms, for what they were."
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. "I came for the birding and wasn't disappointed," mentions a visitor to Maumee Bay State Park, which sits "among a wildlife refuge and wilderness area."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Lake Erie shoreline can experience rapid weather changes. A Maumee Bay camper advises, "My only tip would be to bring plenty of bug spray in the summer, there are lots of bugs that come off the lake. Also make sure you bring jackets and blankets, even in the summer it can get pretty cool in the evening."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, with varying policies. White Oak Campground has specific reservation deadlines: "MUST RESERVE ONLINE BEFORE 4PM. There is no walk-up service, and online site goes down after employees go home at night."
Limited facilities: Some campgrounds offer only basic amenities. Independence Dam State Park has "no hookups, only vault toilets, no staff only very nice camp hosts," according to one reviewer who frequently visits.
Site selection matters: At Independence Dam, "Sites 1-6 are misleading on the site, they are not on the river bend, there is a gravel trail/road between them and the river bank. Sites 11-15 are the best in my opinion."
Tips for camping with families
Sand dunes exploration: Cannaley Treehouse Village area offers unique geology for kids. "This little village was so much fun for my 2 little people!" Though noting "the site itself doesn't offer a ton of amenities," there are "some trails that you can walk/bike without leaving base."
Playground access: Several parks have play areas for children. A White Oak camper shares, "We loved the hiking, bike trails, playground at Mallard lake area, and the kids liked exploring the sand dune area."
Nearby nature centers: Educational opportunities exist at several parks. At Maumee Bay, "the nature center, shore swimming, and wilderness is still very nice," providing learning experiences for children interested in local ecology.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with kids, consider site location relative to facilities. One camper notes that at Independence Dam, site 16 "is situated right next to the toilets," which can be convenient for families but comes with "a lot of foot traffic from others using the bathroom."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For RV campers requiring water, electric and sewer, select sites at Maumee Bay State Park offer complete services. "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)," notes one RVer.
Pad sizes: RV sites vary in size and surface type. At Maumee Bay, "All camper pads are paved and long enough to accommodate large RVs," making it suitable for larger rigs.
Camp store amenities: Some locations offer on-site conveniences. Maumee Bay provides a "small camp store. Laundry facilities. Donuts and muffins on the weekends," which can be helpful for extended RV stays.
