Best Tent Camping near Spencerville, OH
Tent camping opportunities near Spencerville, Ohio include several established campgrounds along rivers and woodland areas within driving distance. Independence Dam State Park Campground offers tent sites situated along the Maumee River, while St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail provides more primitive camping options for hikers. On Cedar Pond provides a small tent camping experience with only two sites available.
Independence Dam State Park features tent sites on slightly elevated banks overlooking the Maumee River. Sites have minimal amenities with only vault toilets available and no hookups. Most tent areas are shaded by trees, and campers should note that direct river access varies by site location. A paved path connects the camping areas, making for convenient walking or biking along the riverfront. Tent campers need to self-register at the campground, as there is typically no staff on-site beyond camp hosts. Sites 11-15 are considered optimal for tent camping, with site 13 offering a small walking path directly to the river.
The camping experience at these locations varies significantly by season and proximity to water. A review on The Dyrt noted, "The park itself is very narrow and long, and stretches down the Maumee River bank. It's very green with lots of trees and shade cover." Walk-in tent sites at St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail include an Adirondack shelter built as an Eagle Scout project that can accommodate up to six people. This shelter, located between Points 6 and 7 on the trail, eliminates the need to carry a tent while backpacking. The site includes a stone fireplace and benefits from natural deadfall that can be used as firewood. For tent campers seeking a more secluded experience, the Buckeye Trail shelter sits approximately 10 miles in from trailheads at either Lockington or Fort Loramie, making it ideally positioned for breaking up a two-day backpacking trip.
