6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers in the St. Henry area of western Ohio have several primitive and established options within driving distance. St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail offers free, primitive tent camping with an Adirondack shelter located between Points 6 and 7, approximately 10 miles from Lockington or Fort Loramie. On Cedar Pond provides a more developed experience with just two tent sites featuring amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables.
Most tent sites near St. Henry require proper planning and preparation. The Buckeye Trail shelter accommodates up to six people sleeping off the ground and includes a stone fireplace for cooking and warmth. Deadfall from surrounding trees serves as fuel and kindling. On Cedar Pond offers more amenities with showers, toilets, and trash service, though reservations are required. Sycamore State Park Campground, located further south, provides walk-in tent sites with electric hookups, water, showers, and allows pets, making it suitable for less primitive camping experiences.
Tent camping experiences vary significantly across these locations. The Buckeye Trail shelter provides a valuable stopping point for backpackers, especially those learning to hike longer distances. A camper noted, "You're learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to take the first steps towards that without worrying about the physical load you're going to have to carry. You can drop the tent on this portion!" Sycamore State Park offers additional recreational opportunities beyond camping, with hiking trails, fishing spots, and a disc golf course, though some reviews mention trails can be overgrown. The park includes challenging hills for hiking and sheltered areas for day use. On Cedar Pond receives high ratings for its beauty and serene setting, making it appropriate for tent campers seeking a more intimate camping experience.
"You're learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to take the first steps towards that without worrying about the physical load you're going to have to carry."
from $45 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $200 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / night
LegendThis was our first time here. We only stayed one night as we were on our way to Indiana. We were on site 16 which was right next to the Parks building and one of the camp host and right across the street from a playground. It was a short walk to the shower house and the campground itself was very clean and well taken care of. At the back of our site it was like a big giant backyard and it led to the canal.
RangerGreat camping. It’s smaller but most sites are great. There is a lot of site that are on water or close to water. Very clean and well maintained . This is perfect for fishing, boating and kayaks.
ScoutThe bathrooms are very clean and the showers work good. The place is very clean and the owner is accommodating.
GuideTraveling on I40 in mid-October, I planned to stop at Joe Skeen. In the past I have stayed at Quaking Aspen (Ft. Wingate), but it is often deserted in the off season. Unfortunately, Joe Skeen was full, but TheDyrt showed me my options and I ended up backtracking a little way to get to Bluewater State Park.
Beware of the drive in. The turns are well marked, but there is a cliff on the other side. First Come First Served registration was easy in the off season. I did not use the facilities.
GuideEarly evening online reservation..a tad challenging finding the site upon our arrival but we managed ok......decent site near pool, fairly level, safe, secure,clean bath house, reasonably priced for an out of state visitor. Highly recommend....Would visit again if I pass through this region in the future
RangerVery small campground, not much privacy between the sites. But is very nice all around. Nice big lake, nice shower house, nice camp store. It has a nice beach. Very well maintained lake .
GuidePrice is now $35/ night $30 seniors. Beautiful paved trails. Lots of flowers and trees. Stayed in site #8 morning shade with afternoon shade in back. Highly recommend.
ScoutStayed in cabin 4 last year got are alive. Stayed in cabin 1 this year and got bit worse. This year looks like bed bugs
TravelerVery accommodating and friendly staff. Resort is well maintained with spacious spots. We have stayed here often and will continue to do so in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Henry, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Henry, OH is St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail (Points 6-7) with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Henry, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near St. Henry, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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