C
Christopher S.
Traveler
TravelerEast Harbor State Park Campground
East harbor State campground
Very nice with everything you expect from a state run campground đź‘Ťđź‘Ťđź‘Ťđź‘Ť
Camping near Willard, OH
139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Several established campgrounds surround Willard, Ohio, providing a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Findley State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles northeast of Willard, offers year-round camping with electric hookups and cabin options. KOA Campground in Shelby, just 15 miles southwest, provides full-service sites with amenities like swimming pools and planned activities, operating from April through mid-October. Most campgrounds in the region feature water and electric hookups, with many offering sewer connections for RVs. Indian Trail Campground and Freedom Valley provide additional options for campers seeking alternatives within a 30-minute drive of Willard.
Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the area, with most private campgrounds operating from April through October. "Temperatures in higher elevations remain cool even in summer months," noted one visitor to the region. Findley State Park remains open year-round, offering an option for winter camping enthusiasts. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain throughout the region is relatively flat, making access straightforward for most vehicles, including large RVs. Many campgrounds advertise "big-rig friendly" sites with pull-through access. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote locations.
Families with children frequently mention the abundance of activities at campgrounds like KOA Shelby. According to one review, "For the kids there are activities, crafts, playground, jumping balloon, small zipline, lakes, heated swimming pool, ice cream. Everything a kid could want to do." Campground amenities typically include clean restrooms, hot showers, and dump stations. Most sites provide fire rings and picnic tables, with firewood available for purchase on-site. The proximity to Cedar Point amusement park, roughly 40 miles north of Willard, makes this region particularly appealing for families planning multi-day visits. Water recreation opportunities exist at several campgrounds, with fishing ponds and swimming pools being common features. Campers seeking more secluded experiences might prefer the wooded tent sites available at select locations like Leafy Oaks, which offers more primitive camping options.
Best Campgrounds near Willard (139)
1. KOA Campground Shelby
"In summer some rv spots are located in direct sun- no shade... they have a lot to do with pools, store, ice cream."
"For the kids there are: activities, crafts, playground, jumping balloon, small zipline, lakes, heated swimming pool, ice cream. Everything a kid could want to do."
2. Findley State Park Campground
"Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."
"Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."
from $29 - $52 / night
Check Availability3. Indian Trail Campground
"Swimming Pool and trails to ride the golf cart. Activities on the weekends."
4. KOA Kampgrounds of America
5. East Harbor State Park Campground
"A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."
"this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"
from $31 - $90 / night
Check Availability6. Freedom Valley
"Pool, trails, indoor and outdoor showers, toilets, water hookup. Each area has its specific flavor: RV seasonals, campers, cabins, bunkhouse and tent area. Someone is always throwing a party."
from $20 - $220 / night
Check Availability7. Gotta Getaway RV Park
"This is a really nice spot not far off the highway safe place to stay nice playground. Good showers brand new pool not opening 5/25/26 People are very friendly and helpful."
from $39 - $73 / night
Check Availability8. Gotta Getaway RV Park
from $59 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. Sandusky-Bayshore KOA
"Nice site in Northern Ohio!"
"This isn't a place to get away from it all. It's behind a car dealership and next to a fairly busy railroad. But they do offer amenities to make your stay easier."
10. Cleveland/ Sudusky Jellystone Park
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 29 min from Mansfield, OH
- 39 min from Sandusky, OH
- 1 hr 16 min from Toledo, OH
- 1 hr 19 min from Cleveland, OH
Recent Camping Photos near Willard, OH
235 Photos of 139 Willard Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Willard, OH
661 Reviews of 139 Willard Campgrounds
- CCindy S.
ScoutAdventure Bound Pleasant View
Decent/not as advertised
Our stay was in an RV Sept 2026. I had specifically requested and paid extra for a spot on the fishing pond to fish. Not only was there a lot of long-term campers at this resort, but the fishing pond was covered in duck weed over 3/4 of the water where my site was at, and on the day we left it was 100% covered with duck week. The duck week invasion was not mentioned to me when I called and made the reservation to be on the water. In fairness, I will say I caught some fish at the clear end of the pond before it was 100% covered. Â
The park itself was clean, quiet and decent. The staff were very nice. The Aqua fun zones water is not clear blue as advertised, it is murky, the 9 hole mini golf is outdated and should be called mini-mini golf as it is very small.  The swimming pool and playground were as advertised. I cannot answer to the other amenities as I did not see or utilize them. Â
In conclusion, this campground could benefit greatly from some updating especially of the amenities as they are not what the pictures portray.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.
RangerMt Gilead State Park Campground
Peaceful stop off I 71
My husband and I had an overnight stay here on our way to Indy. Sites were level and easy to navigate, with fire rings and picnic tables. Lots of trees and trails. Though the majestic pines were tall, they offered little for privacy. Bathrooms were clean and showers were free. However, the touchless feature made showering difficult as you have to stand directly in front of the sensor to keep the water running which means you must bear the cold water until it heats up. Neither of us had an enjoyable shower experience. Playground for the kiddos and a volleyball court. All around a nice stay.
- AAntoinette S.Scout
East Harbor State Park Campground
Beautiful quiet park
Although it was a full house it was pretty peaceful and quiet at night. The beaches and picnic areas down by the water are great! Saturdays are busy.
- Nan N.
GuideEast Harbor State Park Campground
Clean, adequate state park
We came when there had been a lot of rain, the original site we had reserved had a lot of standing water and mud and a big drop off the paved area, so we asked if we could switch. For a $6 change fee we were able to move. They do have some full hookup sites, but those are hard to come by. It is a huge campgeound and the sites are all very close to one another. The bathrooms were clean, I didn't use the showers, but they looked clean. They had a small, simple laundry facility that worked as needed. The hiking in the park wasn't too exciting. There is a disk golf course wr checked out, but it was pretty rainy off and on during our stay so we didn't play. Biking within the Park was good, with some well laid out paths. Overall nothing too exciting, but very adequate for what we needed to explore a little of what Lake Erie has to offer.
Hope V.ScoutCamp Sandusky
Bed bug infested! Poorly managed. This place has gone down hill!
We had to leave in the middle of the night due to a bed bug infestation. We let staff know we were putting our belongings out side and would come back in the morning. When we came back in the morning the owner would not issue a refund and instead insulted us. The whole situation was so unbelievably weird. I wish I would've read through all the reviews before booking. This seems to be an ongoing issue with them and the owner couldnt be less bothered. People like him are the reason Ohio bed bug issue will remain a problem! What we thought was going to be relaxed getaway turned out to be a very expensive nightmare. The craziest part of it all is this happend Friday evening/ Saturday morning and as of Monday he is already trying to rent that same cabin out to another family on camping sites. Don't go to Camp Sandusky. Its not worth it. I hope this helps someone!
Brittnee C.ScoutGotta Getaway RV Park
NOT A FAMILY CAMPGROUND
Not a safe environment for children. The little man at the desk is ok with it too, he claims he kicked us all out but my video I took when confronting him on the situation differs. He also keeps deleting reviews and replying back with blatant lies. If you read through the negative reviews you can see he can’t admit when he’s wrong, it’s always everyone else who’s wrong. I don’t want money back from this joke of a campground and I don’t care what the owner has to say. What I want is to save everyone else from wasting a perfectly good camping trip on a trashy place. It was so bad we DECIDED on our own to leave and camp elsewhere. Aside from the sketchy seasonal campers, the amenities also are trash. The pond is all muck, sites are water and electric only with dirt pads. I have never seen such a hillbilly set up. The pool is ok. Dump station was probably my favorite amenity, dumping our tanks to leave that place! But even that is set up at the entrance so when dumping you can block the incoming campers. I will never be back to this place, let me verify with the video I took, WE WERE NOT KICKED OUT. We left on our own because our CHILDREN DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
- Brittnee C.Scout
Gotta Getaway RV Park
NOT A FAMILY CAMPGROUND
Not a safe environment for children. The little man at the desk is ok with it too, he claims he kicked us all out but my video I took when confronting him on the situation differs. He also keeps deleting reviews and replying back with blatant lies. If you read through the negative reviews you can see he can’t admit when he’s wrong, it’s always everyone else who’s wrong. I don’t want money back from this joke of a campground and I don’t care what the owner has to say. What I want is to save everyone else from wasting a perfectly good camping trip on a trashy place. It was so bad we DECIDED on our own to leave and camp elsewhere. Aside from the sketchy seasonal campers, the amenities also are trash. The pond is all muck, sites are water and electric only with dirt pads. I have never seen such a hillbilly set up. The pool is ok. Dump station was probably my favorite amenity, dumping our tanks to leave that place! But even that is set up at the entrance so when dumping you can block the incoming campers. I will never be back to this place, let me verify with the video I took, WE WERE NOT KICKED OUT. We left on our own because our CHILDREN DID NOT FEEL SAFE!
- TTim G.Scout
South Bass Island State Park Campground
Well run state park
Some sites have full hookup. Some have just electric. Some are for tents only. Several bath houses that are dated but surprisingly clean. There are not trash receptacles everywhere but rather one area with several dumpsters. Sites are blacktop paved with various degrees of levelness. The whole campground is shaded so can get muddy after rain and smokey from campfires. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Park staff are helpful and camp hosts do a great job. All in all a good for a state park.
Guide to Willard
The Willard area encompasses relatively flat terrain ideal for most camping setups, with sites typically situated between 850-950 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds near Willard, Ohio offer camping from spring through fall, with a few exceptions providing year-round access. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping months while nights can drop to 50-60°F.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: At Findley State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the lake for kayaking and swimming. "Wonderful state park with lots of trails and a lake. Took the kayaks out on the lake and had a great time," notes Linda R. The park rents canoes and kayaks for those without their own equipment.
Hiking trails: Trail systems throughout the region provide exercise and nature viewing opportunities. Findley State Park features multiple trail lengths for various skill levels. "We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating," reports Kimberly C.
Amusement park visits: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for Cedar Point trips, about 40 miles from Willard. Sandusky-Bayshore KOA is popular with park visitors. "The campground is clean and well organized. Lots of options available. We had no trouble booking a Pop Up site last minute," according to Tamara B.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the quality of shower houses and restrooms. At Crystal Rock Campground, "Facilities were bright, clean. Hot showers. Playground, basketball court, game room w/ping pong, foosball table, pool table, & skee ball games," writes Stacey S.
Family-oriented activities: Organized events keep children entertained at many campgrounds. Cleveland/Sandusky Jellystone Park offers extensive recreational options. "Large campground with a nice mix of seasonal and overnighters. Clean common areas. Nice pool, camp store on site with a nice selection of camp gear. Snack bar with pizza, ice cream etc. Tons of planned activities for the kids," shares Kathryn P.
Proximity to attractions: The region's central location allows easy access to multiple destinations. Crystal Rock Campground users appreciate being able to reach multiple points of interest. "Close to some of the local attractions and sites. We plan to schedule future trips to Crystal Rock," notes Tom M.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Findley State Park, planning is essential. "Very nice, comfortable campground, kids loved it. Only downfall is trying to find an open spot for reservations. Place is booked most of the time. If you're planning a holiday weekend you need to book 6 months in advance," advises Jeffrey L.
Insects and wildlife: Bug spray is consistently recommended by campers. Several reviewers at Crystal Rock mention insect activity: "Lots of bugs. Bring the spray. The people are very friendly. Has a lot of different options for camping," suggests Jenn B.
Campground busyness: Many campgrounds reach capacity during peak season, affecting noise levels and amenity availability. Indian Trail Campground provides a quieter alternative. "Super nice campground. Very quiet and enjoyable. Will definitely camp here again," shares Annette A.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Swimming pools provide entertainment for children when lake swimming isn't preferable. Indian Trail Campground offers multiple water features. "Great campground! Love the pond, pool, and volleyball court," mentions Niki R.
Playgrounds and recreation: Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas with modern equipment. At Cleveland/Sandusky Jellystone Park, diverse activities keep children engaged. "Nice, clean pool area. Good sized playground. Great for kids," reports Susan G.
Distance to facilities: When camping with children, consider proximity to restrooms and other amenities. Crystal Rock layouts vary significantly. "The bathrooms were pretty far (compared to other campsites) from the tent area," notes Wendi R. when describing her experience.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: The region features numerous pull-through sites that accommodate larger rigs. Milan Travel Park caters specifically to easy access. "Many level pull through sites. We were just passing through so the ability to not have to unhook was important to us," writes Sue B.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by campground. When full hookups are needed, several campgrounds offer these amenities. "We stayed during the week so it wasn't as busy and they didn't have as many activities. It is gravel and has an outdoor pool," describes Renee L. about Cleveland/Sandusky Jellystone Park.
Site spacing and privacy: RV sites have variable spacing throughout the region. At Findley State Park, "We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors," explains Kimberly C., highlighting the importance of site selection for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Willard, OH?
Which is the most popular campground near Willard, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willard, OH is KOA Campground Shelby with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
Keep Exploring