Van Buren State Park Campground, located in Ohio's flat northwestern terrain, offers camping facilities for horse enthusiasts near Swanton. The park sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with primarily clay soils that drain moderately after rainfall. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, creating suitable conditions for seasonal cross-country skiing on the park's trail system.
What to do
Cross-country skiing in winter: The terrain at Van Buren State Park provides excellent skiing opportunities for beginners. "I came cross country skiing here in early January and it was absolutely amazing. It is cold but the terrain is simple for first time skiers," notes Kevin T. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Visit nearby attractions: The park's location offers convenient access to regional sites. "Van Buren State Park is very easy to access from I-75. It has tons of trails and a pond," mentions Lindsay B. The location serves as a practical base for exploring northwest Ohio.
Utilize the playground: Families camping at the non-equestrian loop appreciate the recreational facilities. "Kids loved having the playground so close to the camper," reports Scott F., highlighting the family-friendly amenities available to campers.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting. "We stayed during the week for one night. Campground was clean and quiet, had electric hookups at most sites. Host was very friendly," shares Nicole G. about her experience at Van Buren State Park Campground.
Level camping sites: The recently improved camping areas receive positive reviews. "Our site was really nice. The pads were recently paved and had a huge bumper at the end. The fire ring was nice and the site had plenty of space for tents," explains Shannon G., noting the practical features.
Horse facilities: Equestrian campers value the dedicated facilities. "The horse camp is nice with some new pens to keep your horse instead of them having to be tied up," mentions Angie B., highlighting the specialized equestrian accommodations.
What you should know
Limited bathroom facilities: The campground offers basic sanitation options. "There were only drop toilets and no showers. They were clean but I don't think I'd want to do more than a weekend there," advises Shannon G. about Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Site selection considerations: Tent campers should be strategic when choosing sites. "Some of the sites are small so you have to be careful which site you reserve if you're a tent camper. The outside of the circle is your best bet," recommends Brendan V.
Seasonal availability: Not all facilities maintain year-round operations. "I arrived for a 2 week stay in the area on 11/12. I discovered this campground was closed for the season," reports Mike M., indicating the importance of confirming operational dates.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities. "If you can get a good middle spot it's nice if you have kids since there's a playground, swings, basketball, and tether court," suggests Brendan V. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Verify appropriate accommodations: Confirm the campground supports your camping style. "This campground works best for RV's and not tents. For tenters there is a designated section that is set in a corner of the park with large trees for shade but not much privacy between you and others," notes Nancy W.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "Unfortunately, where we were was pretty muddy just after a light rain. Be aware that noise from the interstate and nearby train tracks may make for a restless night," cautions Nancy W.
Tips from RVers
Dump station location: Be prepared for separate dumping facilities. "Only criticism is you have to drive to another area of the park for an RV dump," notes Nicole G. about Van Buren State Park Campground.
Site layout awareness: Check site configurations when booking. "A number of the campsites are 'buddy' sites meaning your patio opens to your neighbors so be careful which one you pick. This is pretty undesirable when the neighbor is a total stranger," advises Nancy W.
Assistance with parking: Some facilities offer setup help. "The staff is pretty helpful. They take you to the campsite and assist guiding you in. Full hook ups are available, as are partial h/u's and tent spaces," explains David J.
