Near Shelby, Ohio, campers can find a mix of lakeside, riverside, and woodland RV sites within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options due to northern Ohio's snow and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kokosing River Campground, campers enjoy the lake stocked with various fish species. "Beautiful lake, nice and quiet. Lots of waterfowl," notes reviewer Shelly S., who visited in September when the campground wasn't crowded.
Kayaking and water activities: Water recreation is popular at several campgrounds. Mark B. mentions, "Kayaking on the lake is great," at Kokosing River Campground. For those seeking river activities, Berlin RV Park & Campground offers easy access to nearby waterways.
Explore Amish Country: Berlin RV Park puts you in the heart of Ohio's Amish region. Chris C. shared, "The campground is right in the middle of Ohio's Amish country with easy access to shopping and food and other great experiences like the large cuckoo clock in Sugar Creek."
Biking trails: Several campgrounds offer bike trail access. Brian E. explains that at River Trail Crossing, "There is a paved bike/walking trail behind the campground - B&O trail," making it convenient for cyclists to explore without driving elsewhere.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight exceptional cleanliness. At Whispering Hills Jellystone RV Park, Kayla S. noted, "staff is friendly, grounds are clean and nicely kept." Berlin RV Park receives praise for "SPOTLESS bathrooms and I mean SPOTLESS" from Tara T.
Family activities: Campgrounds in the area feature numerous recreational options. Whispering Hills offers "mini golf, pool, jumping pad and frisbee golf," according to Kayla S. Similarly, at Cedarlane RV Resort, Jeffrey C. mentions, "They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids. There is a new Tiki Hut to get adult drinks. A gem mine. Horseshoes, basketball court and lots of kids activities."
Peaceful environment: Many rv sites near Shelby provide quiet settings. Madeleine B. describes Kokosing River Campground as "peaceful. Kids playing on the lake, lots of folks seem like they come here every summer for long stretches." Similarly, Jeffrey C. appreciates that Fort Firelands is a "quiet campground near Lake Erie."
Waterfront locations: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites. Ashley R. found Cedar Lane's waterfront proximity ideal for families, noting "We visited east harbor state park while there and the beach was weird, there's a rock wall bordering the lake... but once in the water it felt like walking on play doh and the water was pretty shallow definitely a great area for kids especially smaller kids."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Shelby operate from May through October. Berlin RV Park runs from April 1 to December 1, providing a slightly longer season than others. Whispering Hills Jellystone operates from April 15 to October 31.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. Sue B. mentioned at Gotta Getaway RV Park, "the site we were assigned took three blocks to level up, the power was on the wrong side and our picnic table was in the back area of another camper."
Electrical options: While 50-amp service is common, adaptors may be needed at some locations. Lisa K. notes that Fort Firelands "only had 50w outlets, but will lend you a converter for $15.00, which is refundable upon leaving."
Weather considerations: Northern Ohio's climate affects camping conditions. The region experiences frequent summer thunderstorms, particularly in July and August. Spring camping often means dealing with mud and mosquitoes.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Fort Firelands RV Park offers family-friendly amenities despite being mainly seasonal. Renee L. notes, "They have a nice outdoor pool, small playground, and small miniature golf course," making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Consider weekend crowds: Many campgrounds become busy on summer weekends. Ashley R. observed at Cedarlane RV Resort, "We got there on a Saturday and it was very busy but Sunday morning most of the campers started to head out. We stayed till weds and the rest of the time was very nice."
Check swimming options: Water features vary significantly between campgrounds. Jeffrey C. notes that at Cedarlane, "Pools are small and can be a little crowded during the summer on weekends. They have a great splash pad and wading pool for kids."
Plan for insects: Bug activity can affect camping comfort. Renee L. mentions that at Fort Firelands, "It was also very buggy in the evenings," suggesting families should pack appropriate repellent.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Riverview RV Park offers varied site types with different benefits. Jason D. explains, "The campground has waterfront spots with tree coverage to no tree coverage to close up against one another spot where you can hear your neighbors. It's the you get what you pay for."
Waste management: Some campgrounds have limited sewer options. Jason D. notes that Riverview "does not have sewage and pumps you out twice a week if seasonal and yearly. If you need a pump out it 20$ for emergency situations."
Road noise considerations: When selecting campsites, consider proximity to highways. Janet B. mentions that at Berlin RV Park, the "Only downside would be road noise on front sites."
Weekday visits preferred: For quieter camping experiences at RV sites near Shelby, many reviewers recommend mid-week stays when campgrounds are less crowded and amenities more accessible.
