Campsites near Celina, Ohio cluster around Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest inland lake covering 13,500 acres with 52 miles of shoreline. The terrain around Celina remains largely flat with elevations ranging between 850-900 feet above sea level, making most campgrounds easily accessible for vehicles of all sizes. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, anglers can access multiple fishing spots. "Friendly staff, very clean restrooms, playground, could not swim in the water due to contamination which they have spent millions to repair and is slowly on the up and up, not too far from town, surrounded by many park accesses to Grand lake for fishing, boating or just hanging by the water," notes Amber R.
Paddling exploration: Try kayaking at Lake Loramie State Park Campground where water sports are popular. "Perfect beach for swimming, excellent trails for hiking, and awesome lake to boat. Multiple launch ramps provide ease and convenience. Rent a canoe or kayak and head out for some time alone or with your favorite person," writes Lisa S.
Space education: Visit the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, just 5 minutes from Arrowhead Lakes Resort. "Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta and the Armstrong Air & Space Museum is also a max 5 min drive away if you want to get your inner astronaut fix," mentions C O.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Many visitors appreciate the roominess at Indian Lake State Park Campground. "Roomy sites, plenty of shade. Not a lot of privacy. There is a sand beach for swimming (even a separate doggy beach!) or a new in-ground pool. Primitive to full hook-up sites available as well as 'boat-camping' sites," says Jamie L.
Water recreation: Swimming options abound at several campgrounds. "This parks has a lot to offer if you like water sports. There is a camper beach area, swimming pool and boat launch within the campground," writes Andrea F. about Indian Lake State Park.
Family activities: Campers enjoy the recreational options at River Trail Campground II. "My kids had a great time, the playground is very nice, there is a nice pool and a clean pond that is stocked with bluegills," shares Shane M.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Be aware of potential water issues at certain lakes. "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. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Bugs and seasonal considerations: Insect activity varies by location and season. "I think for us this park might be better in the fall. The bugs were really bad every time we were outside. There are several nice walking trails but the mosquitoes were so bad even in the day that we kept away," cautions Andrea F. about Lake Loramie.
Site conditions: Campsite quality varies considerably between parks. "Our site was a dirt pads. There are mostly full-time residents. There is the smell of a massive Chicken coup at our site. THERE ARE A TON OF FLIES! We had flies for days! We kill 3 and 5 more would pop-up in our trailer," reports Doris C. about River Trail Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming alternatives: When lake conditions aren't ideal, seek out pools. "The camp store is nice except the firewood was terrible. It was fresh cut and never did burn but other than that nice store," mentions Andrea F. about Indian Lake, which offers a swimming pool as an alternative to the lake.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "Great sites, awesome new pool. Lake isnt able to be swam in, but we aren't lake people so it's ok," notes Cyndi L. about Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.
Weekend events: Check campground schedules for special activities. "We had a great weekend of camping! The weather was perfect, the kids loved the playground and had fun at the Fun Field Day activities! Plenty of fishing and relaxing! We love the little ice cream shop/bait shop across the street," shares Shanda A. about Lake Loramie.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your campsite carefully based on shade and space needs. "The pull through area is very cramped; more like a parking lot; the campground is quiet; family friendly; no golf carts all over," notes Kim M. about Grand Lake St. Marys.
Hookup availability: Check for full hookup options if needed. "We stayed 3 nights. Our site was a dirt pads. There are mostly full-time residents," mentions Doris C. about River Trail Campground, highlighting the importance of researching site conditions beforehand.
Setup assistance: Some campgrounds offer help getting situated. "Super clean KOA with level gravel sites (no weeds popping up through gravel!) 2 Fenced dog areas, nice playground, game room, giant chess set outside, clean pool... I was impressed when Mike helped me back into my site," shares Lisa D. about Wapakoneta KOA.
