Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest inland lake, covers 13,500 acres with an average depth of only 5-7 feet. The surrounding camping areas feature clay and loam soil that can become muddy after rainfall. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with higher humidity levels near the lake.
What to do
Fishing at creeks and ponds: Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground offers multiple fishing spots suitable for all ages. "A very well kept campground with lots of fun things to do, like hiking fishing and corn hole," notes Cody R. The campground maintains two separate ponds – one dedicated to fishing and another for swimming.
Swimming in pool facilities: Most campgrounds near St. Marys offer pool alternatives to lake swimming. At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, "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," reports Megan M. The state park's pool facilities provide a welcome alternative when lake conditions are unfavorable.
Miniature golf and activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond water activities. "Has a pool, playground, putt putt golf, boat docks, hiking trails, and some other great amenities," writes Ashleigh D. about Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. These activities provide alternatives when water recreation isn't possible due to lake conditions.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: The RV parks near St. Marys offer generous site dimensions. At Poor Farmer's Campground, "Very nice field rv camping. Well maintained and clean. The staff were very pleasant and curious and very helpful," according to Gordon B. The campground accommodates larger rigs with straightforward parking arrangements.
Family-friendly atmospheres: Many camping areas prioritize family experiences. "Very welcoming campground with many seasonal RVs. Everyone was friendly throughout the stay. Multiple fishing spots for young and old. Pool was relaxing with laid back feel," shares Brad R. about Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground. Weekend campers typically enjoy pull-through sites while seasonal campers occupy back-in positions.
Weekend activities and events: Some campgrounds organize regular social gatherings. At Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds, "We camped Labor Day weekend so I don't know if it's all the time or not but while we were there they did a hog roast corn hole tournaments and some kind of 50/50 raffle every day," reports Ashley R. These scheduled activities create community connections among campers.
What you should know
Lake water quality concerns: Grand Lake St. Marys experiences recurring water quality issues. "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," warns Megan M. The lake has a history of algae blooms that can restrict water activities.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Campground bathroom quality ranges widely across properties. At Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds, "The shower houses are older concrete buildings however the worst part for me were the bathrooms. The bathrooms come in two varieties. One is a outhouse type room... and the other is a porta potty," explains Ashley R. Consider bathroom requirements when selecting a campground.
Management changes affect experience: Some properties experience significant changes after ownership transitions. At Stillwater Beach Campground, "The new owners of Stillwater Beach does not care about the local community nor do they care about family values. They are only interested in lining their own pockets," claims Brenda Z. Research recent reviews for current management practices.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near recreation areas for easier supervision. At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, one camper noted, "It was very close to the pool and playground. The sites were pull through which was nice for have young kids. Could sit at our spot and watch our kids at the playground."
Stream play opportunities: Some campgrounds offer natural water features safe for children. At Poor Farmer's Campground, "A stream that runs through the campground is nice for the kids to play in when it's too hot for them on the play ground," says Vance M. These features provide alternatives when swimming isn't possible.
Consider site surfaces: Campground road surfaces affect children's activities. At Dayton KOA Holiday, "Gravel roads aren't great for small kids learning to ride bikes but ok for older kids and adults," advises Melissa B. Evaluate your family's specific needs when selecting campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and surfaces: RV sites vary in composition and levelness. At Arrowhead Lake RV Park & Campground, "Sites are large for the weekend campers. The seasonal ones all have back in and the weekends are pull through which is kinda nice," notes Bryatt S. Some sites feature concrete pads while others use gravel or grass.
Seasonal variations in facilities: Be aware of seasonal operating differences. "The site had a very large spacious area. It was a grassy patch no actual pad to park but as we drove around there were plenty of areas that had gravel pads available," reports Ashley R. about Welcome Woods RV Campgrounds. Site conditions can vary significantly based on season and recent weather.
Hookup configurations: RV hookup types differ between campgrounds. Love's RV Hookup locations offer overnight options with limited amenities. "A little loud at times. Hardee's restaurant is a different option for meals," shares Brad H. about the Bellefontaine location. These stations provide convenient alternatives for travelers needing brief stays.
