Tent and RV camping sites near Sidney, Ohio offer multiple public and private options within a 30-mile radius. The region features generally flat terrain with elevations ranging between 850-950 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from April through October with July average temperatures reaching 85°F and nighttime summer lows around 65°F.
What to do
Paddling without motors: Kiser Lake State Park restricts motorized boats, creating a peaceful water environment. "The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats. No motors permitted on the lake," notes Aaliya B. from Kiser Lake State Park Campground.
Astronomy access: The minimal light pollution at rural campgrounds creates stargazing opportunities. "Clean family oriented and spacious. Well run facility w good restrooms and showers plus electric hook up per site. Out in farm country so very little light pollution overall," explains a reviewer at Poor Farmer's Campground.
Disc golf course: Several parks offer disc golf facilities for campers. "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. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. There is a disc golf course lots of mountain bike trails and hiking trails," shares Lisa M. from Buck Creek State Park.
Adirondack shelter camping: The Buckeye Trail provides shelter camping opportunities. "Built as an Eagle Scout project by Parker and Keaton Cole of Troop 95 (in Sidney), it is large enough for six to sleep comfortably off the ground. You cannot miss it as you go along the trail. There is a fireplace (stone, make sure you check that the chimney is not blocked) large enough to cook your hotdogs," explains Jonathan W. from St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail.
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Several parks offer more secluded alternatives. "A hidden gem, super quiet, low traffic and decent fishing," states Buck B. about Kiser Lake. Another camper notes, "We love Kiser Lake, although there is only one spot for camping that we prefer. It is the only spot that it doesn't feel like you are right on top of your neighbors and actually has some tree coverage."
Educational programs: Many campgrounds coordinate activities for guests. "We love this campground. It is less than 2 miles away from our home but great events and spaces to get our feet wet when learning new techniques," shares Chad W. about Lake Loramie State Park Campground.
Recreational diversity: Campgrounds offer varied activity options beyond hiking. "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," notes a camper from Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Several lakes have seasonal water quality concerns. "The entire lake stinks of pig poop. All the air smells like poo. This lake is notorious for having algae blooms that prohibit swimming. The bacteria level in this lake is dangerously high, and no one should swim in this lake," cautions Megan M. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Site layouts vary significantly: Privacy levels differ dramatically between campgrounds. "This is definitely a campground for families and for those who want lots of company in their experience. There are no wooded areas in the campground so all spaces are open to all the other campers. Some shaded areas but mostly open land," reports leif D. about Indian Lake State Park Campground.
Weekend crowding: Expect substantially higher occupancy on weekends. "The campground is very nice, clean bathrooms, and showers. Most people were fishing and kayaking. Tons of spots to camp, from very secluded to right in the middle of the action. Very family friendly place," notes Alexandra F. about Kiser Lake.
Mosquito pressure: Insect activity varies by season and location. "The bugs were really bad every time we were outside. There are several nice walking trails but the mosquitoes were so bad even in the day that we kept away," warns Andrea F. about Lake Loramie State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween weekend activities: Several parks host special Halloween events in fall. "They had a lot of families there because they had all sorts of Halloween activities going on, so it wasn't very quiet, but I still enjoyed myself. Got in on a Thursday and it was decently quiet that day," shares Alexandra F. about Kiser Lake State Park.
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 having young kids. Could sit at our spot and watch our kids at the playground," recommends Chad W. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Structured activities: Many parks provide organized recreation. "They do things with kids on many weekends," explains Aaliya B. about Kiser Lake, while another camper adds, "I like that they have activities throughout the day for kids on the weekends."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Check site specifications carefully when reserving. "The pull through area is very cramped; more like a parking lot," warns Kim M. about Grand Lake St. Marys. Another RVer notes, "The 50 amp sights are very spread out and randomly located" at Wapakoneta KOA.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary considerably between parks. "We had a back-in, water/electric spot that was roomy as we were on an end. Wood deck, picnic table, and fire ring included," shares Ryan W. about Wapakoneta KOA.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional setup effort. "Our pad was not level front to back so we had to adjust a little bit," reports Shannon G. about Indian Lake State Park.
