Tent camping near Van Wert, Ohio offers options within a 45-mile radius of the city. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 84°F and winter lows around 17°F. Most campgrounds in the area are situated along waterways, particularly the Maumee River, providing access to fishing and paddling opportunities for campers seeking outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: Independence Dam State Park Campground provides direct river access at certain sites. "This park is great for the right kind of trips, we visit here often in the summer to enjoy the river, kayak, and relax," notes one camper at Independence Dam State Park Campground.
Walking and biking: The paved path running alongside camping areas creates recreational opportunities directly from your site. A reviewer mentioned, "The paved path that goes along the camping sites is very nice and makes for a great walk or bike ride."
Kayaking launches: Several sites feature small paths leading to the water for easy boat access. "There is an opening near the middle of the campsite which allows access, along with access for kayaks, which is pretty cool," according to one camper's experience.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Sites positioned along the Maumee River create a scenic backdrop for overnight stays. A camper at Independence Dam State Park 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."
Clean facilities: Despite minimal amenities, vault toilets at some locations receive positive feedback. One reviewer remarked, "These were the cleanest port a potties I have ever used. I was quite impressed with the bathrooms, for what they were."
Shelter accommodations: The Buckeye Trail camping area offers alternatives to traditional tent camping. A backpacker shared, "This Adirondack shelter, located between Points 6 and 7 on the St. Mary's Section of the Buckeye Trail, is perfect for you. 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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some campsites have advantages over others based on their position relative to the river. "Site 15 is our favorite, it has the most room and still has a small path down to the river," explains a regular visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area have weekend minimums during peak season. One camper reported, "When I tried to make reservations, there was a two-night minimum on the weekends and we were just passing through."
Noise considerations: Road proximity can impact the camping experience at some sites. "The one big drawback in my opinion 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," mentions a reviewer at River Camp Fort Wayne.
Tips for camping with families
Site layout awareness: Understanding campground layouts helps select the best spot for family needs. A camper explained, "Most of the campsites in this area have one site that is closer to the river and then a site 'behind' it, with little roads/walkways on each side."
Facility planning: Limited amenities require preparation for family camping trips. "There are no hookups, only vault toilets, no staff only very nice camp hosts (there are next to site 11)," notes one visitor.
Shade benefits: Tree cover at many sites provides natural cooling during summer months. One camper described their experience: "I spent one night here with my two dogs on Memorial Day weekend and I was much more impressed with this location than I thought I was going to be."
Tips from RVers
Site compatibility: Not all campgrounds clearly indicate which sites accommodate different vehicle types. One RVer shared, "When researching our trip, I came upon this state park right on the Maumee River. The website indicated the sites were tent only but when I called, I was told we could park and sleep in our campervan."
Limited paved options: RVers should specifically request paved sites when available. "Turns out that 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)."
Self-registration process: RV campers should be prepared for minimal staffing at some locations. As one visitor noted, "There did not seem to be any staff or rangers on-site and there is self-registration."
