Tent camping near Spencerville, Ohio centers around waterways and wooded areas within a region characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 850 feet above sea level in the Great Black Swamp basin. Weather conditions can be quite humid during summer months with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring brings muddy conditions that can impact trail accessibility.
What to do
Kayak access points: At Independence Dam State Park Campground, campers can launch kayaks from a designated opening near the middle of the campground. "There is an opening near the middle of the campsite which allows access, along with access for kayaks, which is pretty cool," notes Andy K., who appreciates the river proximity despite limited direct shore access.
Trail hiking preparation: The St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail offers backpacking opportunities for newer hikers. The trail features an Adirondack shelter that eliminates tent-carrying needs. According to Jonathan W., "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!"
Fishing spots: The dam area at Independence Dam State Park provides popular fishing opportunities, particularly for anglers seeking a riverside camping experience. "We saw some people fishing near the dam and perhaps the campground would be suitable for these folks and/or people boating/kayaking in who portage down the river," observes Lee D.
What campers like
Shaded riverside sites: Tent campers appreciate the natural cover at Independence Dam State Park Campground. "It's very green with lots of trees and shade cover. The paved path that goes along the camping sites is very nice and makes for a great walk or bike ride," explains Andy K. in his review.
Small, intimate settings: On Cedar Pond offers a limited camping experience with just two tent sites, creating a peaceful alternative to larger campgrounds. Charlie H. describes their experience simply but enthusiastically: "The stay was amazing! So beautiful."
Natural firewood access: Backpackers on the St. Mary's Section appreciate not having to pack in firewood. Jonathan W. notes, "There is a fireplace (stone, make sure you check that the chimney is not blocked) large enough to cook your hotdogs and keep you happy as you sit in the shelter. There is deadfall from the trees around you that will serve as kindling and fuel for the fire."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Independence Dam State Park, not all riverside sites have equal access or privacy. Amanda M. advises, "Sites 1-6 are misleading on the site, they are not on the river bend, there is a gravel trail/road between them and the river bank. It's not a huge deal for access but annoying if you're expecting direct access."
Bathroom facilities: Tent campers should prepare for basic toilet facilities at most locations. At River Camp Fort Wayne, no toilet facilities are available at all. Independence Dam features only vault toilets, though campers note their cleanliness: "These were the cleanest port a potties I have ever used. I was quite impressed with the bathrooms, for what they were," reports Andy K.
Noise considerations: Road noise can affect the camping experience at some locations. According to Andy K.'s review of Independence Dam, "The one big drawback in my opinion and why I gave this 4 stars and not 5, is the fact that the two lane traffic road is within 50-100 yards of the campsite, so the sound of vehicle traffic is quite frequent, especially since this road appears to be a favorite of motorcyclists."
Tips for camping with families
Best riverside sites: Families looking for optimal tent sites at Independence Dam should target specific locations. Amanda M. recommends, "Sites 11-15 are the best in my opinion. Site 13 has direct access to the river on a small walking path. Site 15 is our favorite, it has the most room and still has a small path down to the river."
Shelter capacity planning: The Adirondack shelter on the Buckeye Trail accommodates multiple people, making it suitable for family backpacking trips. Jonathan W. details, "Built as an Eagle Scout project by Parker and Keaton Cole of Troop 95 (in Sidney), it is large enough for six or to sleep comfortably off the ground."
Weekend reservation requirements: Families planning weekend trips should book in advance and note minimum stay requirements. Lee D. explains their experience at Saulisberry Park Campground: "When I tried to make reservations, there was a two-night minimum on the weekends and we were just passing through so I decided to see if we might be able to snag one night if there were sites available."
Tips from RVers
Limited campervans options: Smaller RVs and campervans have limited options at Independence Dam. "There were only a very few sites that had paved pads that would accommodate our van; the rest were clearly for tents only (but there was no way to tell this from the website)," notes Lee D., suggesting you call ahead to confirm vehicle compatibility.
Cost considerations: Despite minimal amenities, some campgrounds have pricing structures that may seem high for tent camping. Lee D. observed at Independence Dam, "The rates seemed kind of steep ($19 on weekdays; $20 weekends and $22 on holiday weekends) for sites with no hookups and only porta-potties."
Self-registration procedures: RVers and tent campers alike should prepare for minimal staff presence. Lee D. notes, "There did not seem to be any staff or rangers on-site and there is self-registration," while Amanda M. adds, "There are no staff only very nice camp hosts (they are next to site 11)."
