4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Huggy Bear Campground welcomes pets on large sites for campers seeking family-oriented outdoor activities in northwestern Ohio. Multiple swimming pools, fishing areas, and spacious pet-accessible grounds accommodate dogs throughout the facility. The campground maintains clean conditions and offers water and electric hookups for both tent and RV camping, with no breed restrictions mentioned. Pet owners appreciate the generous site sizes that provide room for dogs to remain comfortably leashed near their camping setup. Sites are primarily on open, developed grounds rather than wooded areas, consistent with the region's agricultural landscape. Most camping areas are designed for weekend stays, with many activities scheduled during summer weekends to entertain both families and their pets.
River Trail Campground and Blue Water Campground provide additional pet-friendly options within 20 miles of Van Wert, both featuring ponds for fishing and swimming alongside designated pet exercise areas. The water at Blue Water sometimes has a noticeable sulfur smell that can affect both humans and sensitive pets. Most sites feature gravel pads with nearby grassy areas suitable for pet relief. Weekday camping tends to be quieter with fewer occupied sites, while weekends bring numerous visitors and planned activities. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers pet-friendly camping with full hookups approximately 30 miles from Van Wert, though lake water quality issues sometimes affect outdoor activities. The campground's new pool and splash pad provide alternative recreation when lake conditions are unfavorable. Veterinary services are available in Van Wert and surrounding communities for emergency pet needs.
"Tons to do especially for kids, pet friendly, definitely get rowdy on the weekends- book ahead to snag the best sites. We stayed 5 days and it was awesome."
"If you you’re going for family friendly fun where you can sit around a fire wIth friends and family, this is the place. There is swimming and family activities to keep everyone busy."
"Pool, lakes, very dog friendly, activities, food, washer and dryer, showers!"
"The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site."
"Nice lake, you can bring golf carts nice size camping lots. We will go back again great experience beautiful place."
from $45 - $100 / night
"great like campground on Ohio’s biggest inland lake"
"Stopped for the night while passing through Ohio. Conveniently off the main hwy. The staff at the office were super helpful and friendly and the office was open until 7 on the Sunday we can by."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $110 / night
"Lake front sites are hard to come by as most were for permanent sites. The beach and swimming area were very nice. Our boys loved the water slide anchored in the lake to play on."
"Nice pools and small lake with beach. Place was swarming with sweat bees while we were there"
"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $33 / night
"The location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot **away **"
"Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping. The River Greenway path cuts right through the park, and there is also a boat launch for the river."
from $15 - $45 / night
from $30 - $75 / night
LegendThis was our first time here. We only stayed one night as we were on our way to Indiana. We were on site 16 which was right next to the Parks building and one of the camp host and right across the street from a playground. It was a short walk to the shower house and the campground itself was very clean and well taken care of. At the back of our site it was like a big giant backyard and it led to the canal.
RangerGreat camping. It’s smaller but most sites are great. There is a lot of site that are on water or close to water. Very clean and well maintained . This is perfect for fishing, boating and kayaks.
GuideTraveling on I40 in mid-October, I planned to stop at Joe Skeen. In the past I have stayed at Quaking Aspen (Ft. Wingate), but it is often deserted in the off season. Unfortunately, Joe Skeen was full, but TheDyrt showed me my options and I ended up backtracking a little way to get to Bluewater State Park.
Beware of the drive in. The turns are well marked, but there is a cliff on the other side. First Come First Served registration was easy in the off season. I did not use the facilities.
GuideEarly evening online reservation..a tad challenging finding the site upon our arrival but we managed ok......decent site near pool, fairly level, safe, secure,clean bath house, reasonably priced for an out of state visitor. Highly recommend....Would visit again if I pass through this region in the future
RangerDeshler, OH offers a campground in Crossroads Park, famous for 4 sets of train tracks and the ability to see trains from all over. This campground is best suited for train enthusiasts, because you are with 10-20 feet of the tracks. There is a grassy field for tent8ng and parking spots near the pavilion for RV's. It is not big right friendly. Max trailer size should be about 20'. There is a porta potty on-site as well as electrical outlets and a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Gas and convenience stores nearby. Suggested donation is $20/night.
GuidePrice is now $35/ night $30 seniors. Beautiful paved trails. Lots of flowers and trees. Stayed in site #8 morning shade with afternoon shade in back. Highly recommend.
ScoutVery clean nice place to stay. Friendly ppl, camp hosts are very helpful
RangerStopped for the night while passing through Ohio. Conveniently off the main hwy. The staff at the office were super helpful and friendly and the office was open until 7 on the Sunday we can by. Most sites where we were (#203) were pull through a on concrete. There’s a pool also - although we didn’t have time to check it out. The dump station provides the “stinky slinky” so you don’t have to use yours 🙃 Nice big lake for boats and fishing.
ScoutKindness goes a long way. The “security” here is horrible! There is no need to scream at people and be rude.
Camping options near Van Wert, Ohio provide outdoor recreation opportunities in the predominantly flat, agricultural landscape of northwestern Ohio. Most campgrounds sit at elevations below 800 feet, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping isn't common in this region, with most facilities closing between November and April due to the area's cold winters and frequent snowfall.
Fishing opportunities: At River Trail Campground II, campers can enjoy a stocked pond with catch-and-release fishing. "The playground is very nice, there is a nice pool and a clean pond that is stocked with bluegills," reports Shane M. Local fishing regulations apply, with most ponds requiring no additional permits.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the area feature swimming pools rather than natural swimming areas. "We spent 3 nights had a very nice stay... Nice lake, you can bring golf carts nice size camping lots," notes Monte M. about River Trail's swimming facilities. The pools typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Hiking and trails: The region offers limited hiking opportunities due to the agricultural landscape. "No woods or hiking areas to explore but what can you expect for middle of corn country?" notes Laura D. Many campers combine camping trips with visits to nearby attractions like the Neil Armstrong Museum in Wapakoneta, approximately 30 miles from Van Wert.
Multiple water recreation options: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park offers both a pool and lake access. "Has a pool, playground, putt putt golf, boat docks, hiking trails, and some other great amenities," writes Ashleigh D. The pool and splash pad provide alternatives when lake conditions aren't ideal.
Large, accommodating sites: Campgrounds around Van Wert typically feature spacious sites. "Large spacious sites with cement or paved spots. Can be muddy after rain," mentions Ashleigh D. about Grand Lake St. Marys. Site sizes vary from standard 30-foot pads to larger pull-through sites accommodating bigger rigs.
Weekend activities: Structured weekend programming is common. "My family camped here last summer and it was a nice getaway. Nice pool and clean pond for swimming and fishing," writes Susan S. about Blue Water Campground. Activities typically include bingo, crafts, and outdoor games during summer weekends.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds in the region have water concerns. "The women's shower was gross too. (I ended up, not using their shower room.)," reports Doris C. about River Trail. Similarly, at Grand Lake St. Marys, one reviewer notes: "The entire lake stinks of pig poop. All the air smells like poo."
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: The atmosphere varies dramatically between weekdays and weekends. "Thursday the campground was an almost ghost town. But once The weekend rolled around the place was packed," notes Ed A. Campgrounds often operate at 20-30% capacity midweek and 90-100% on weekends during summer.
Site preferences: Many campgrounds have both sunny and shaded areas with varying levels of privacy. "We do like the B section and try to stay there when we can," mentions Andrea F. at Indian Lake State Park. For more privacy, request sites along perimeters rather than interior loops.
Pool and splash pad access: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond swimming lakes. "Great sites, awesome new pool. Lake isnt able to be swam in, but we aren't lake people so it's ok," explains Cyndi L. about Indian Lake State Park. Most pools operate from 11am-7pm with mandatory hourly safety breaks.
Weekend-focused programming: Family activities concentrate on weekends. "Bingo on Saturday evening! We all enjoyed our stay," shares Amy B. Planning weekends can maximize activity options, while weekday stays offer a quieter experience with fewer organized events.
Pet-friendly considerations: Huggy Bear Campground accommodates families with pets. "Clean! Tons to do especially for kids, pet friendly, definitely get rowdy on the weekends- book ahead to snag the best sites," suggests Allie H. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Van Wert require leashes 6 feet or shorter and proof of rabies vaccination.
Sulfur water awareness: Several campgrounds in the region have water with noticeable mineral content. "The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because the water had a strong sulfur smell coming out of the fresh water hook up. Next time I'd fill my tank prior to arrival with fresh water," advises Ed A. about Woodbrige Campground.
Site selection strategy: For better experiences, consider specific site locations. "Our site was far from anything and with 3 kids it was tough not to spend the 65/day cart rate," notes Chad W. about Huggy Bear. Many campgrounds offer site maps online showing proximity to amenities, which is particularly important for families with young children.
Hook-up variations: Full hookup availability varies across campgrounds. "The campesites are fairly large with gravel pads. They offer water and electric hook-up for 30&50 amps. There is not a sewer hook up but they do offer a weekly pump out for a small fee," explains Paula S. about Blue Water Campground. Dumping stations typically operate between 8am-8pm daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Van Wert, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Van Wert, OH is Huggy Bear Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Van Wert, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dog-friendly camping locations near Van Wert, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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