Tent camping options around St. Henry, Ohio span from primitive shelters to established sites with amenities. The area features the gently rolling terrain of western Ohio farmland, with elevations generally between 850-950 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Sycamore State Park Campground offers a popular course for disc golf enthusiasts. "This park has such a variety of things to do. There's a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such," notes Heidi G., who frequently visits the Sycamore State Park Campground.
Horseback riding: The trail system at Sycamore State Park accommodates equestrian activities with designated paths. According to visitor Daniele M., "All i know is there are great horse trails!" The park maintains these paths for riders seeking to explore the natural surroundings on horseback.
Fishing opportunities: Several water bodies near the best tent camping near St. Henry provide angling options. Ashten J. mentions about Sycamore, "The park is great for hunting and has a few good spots to fish." Local ponds and small lakes contain species like bass, catfish, and panfish, with most requiring an Ohio fishing license.
What campers like
Backpacking shelter access: The St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 6-7) provides strategic shelter for hikers. The Adirondack shelter between trail points accommodates multiple hikers and includes practical features for overnight stays. Backpackers appreciate the stone fireplace that serves both cooking and warming functions.
Peaceful pond settings: Tent campers seeking serene water views have excellent options. Charlie H. enthusiastically reported about one site, "The stay was amazing! So beautiful," when describing their experience at On Cedar Pond. The limited number of sites (only two) ensures a quieter camping environment compared to larger campgrounds.
Day-use amenities: Beyond overnight camping, recreation areas provide additional facilities. Heidi G. highlights these at Sycamore: "Also includes playground and pond for kids to fish in." These amenities enhance camping trips by providing structured activities during daylight hours.
What you should know
Trail maintenance varies: When planning hikes at tent campgrounds near St. Henry, be prepared for potential overgrowth. Ashten J. cautions that at Sycamore, "The hiking trails are often over grown and not very challenging." Bringing proper footwear and long pants can mitigate issues with unmaintained sections.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: The River Camp Fort Wayne location represents the more basic end of camping options, with minimal amenities. While reservable, this site lacks drinking water, toilet facilities, and trash service. Campers must pack in all necessities and remove all waste when departing.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the region require advance booking, particularly during peak season (May-September). On Cedar Pond has just two tent sites available, making early reservations essential, especially for weekend stays when local campgrounds fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with younger children benefit from campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Sycamore State Park includes family-friendly infrastructure, as Heidi G. mentions: "Also includes playground and pond for kids to fish in." These facilities provide entertainment options when children need breaks from hiking or other activities.
Shelter camping introduction: For families new to backpacking, the St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 6-7) offers a graduated approach to wilderness skills. The shelter eliminates the need to carry and set up tents, reducing overall pack weight for younger hikers while still providing the backpacking experience.
Multiple activity options: When camping with children, having variety prevents boredom. Sycamore State Park delivers this diversity with "a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such," according to Heidi G. The range of activities accommodates different age groups and interests.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup considerations: For RV campers visiting the St. Henry area, sites with electrical connections remain limited. On Cedar Pond offers electric hookups for its tent sites, potentially accommodating small camper vans, though the limited number of spots requires advance planning.
Walk-in tent sites: At Sycamore State Park Campground, be aware that some tent areas require walking from parking areas to reach campsites. While this separation from vehicles enhances the natural experience, it necessitates efficient packing and possibly multiple trips to transport gear from parking to campsite.
