Waterside camping in Ohio with fishing

Ohio’s lake beaches, forested hills, and winding rivers set the stage for outdoor adventure.

98% (4782 reviews)
98% (4782 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ohio

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Dog-friendly getaways

7 top waterside campgrounds in Ohio with fishing

99%
(903)

Fruitdale Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Bainbridge, OH
Come stay at our little sustainable farmstead amid the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio! Our peaceful 20 acres has a good mix of woods, wild meadows and maintained cleared areas as well as a small pond, all of which can be explored via our nature trail. Enjoy the sounds of nature and an incredible night sky. Farm fresh eggs and fresh produce are available for purchase during the growing season and firewood is available all year round. There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved. Great hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, swimming, and disc-golfing opportunities just a few miles away at Paint Creek State Park and the Highland Nature Sanctuary. Amish country is also just 15 minutes away with a great bakery, markets and greenhouses. This area is home to an impressive network of ancient earthworks including the world famous Serpent Mound. Our accommodations range from primitive tent-camping to "glamping" in one of our tiny off-grid cabins. The sites are spaced out for privacy and each site offers a private picnic table and fire pit. There are two shared privies/outhouses which have basic composting toilets. A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN ONLY. Greenfield (5 miles north) is the nearest town and has two grocery stores, restaurants, a bar, hardware, gas, etc. Bainbridge (7 miles south) has gas, hardware, a couple of restaurants, dollar store, amish businesses, etc.
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from 
$30
 / night
99%
(618)

The Pleasant Valley Farm

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Lucas, OH
Pleasant Valley Farm was originally a working farm with a two-story farmhouse and traditional bank barn, built in the late 1800s. The massive timbers and joinery are constant reminders of the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Jim and Kathy Grogg purchased Pleasant Valley Farm in 1994 and not only updated the house and barn, but also expanded the lake to its current 13 acres. The large 144-year-old, 2736-square-foot barn is now available for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, birthdays, and reunions.
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from 
$40
 / night
100%
(250)

Fish Farm Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents128 acres · Pleasant City, OH
We have a beautiful 20 acre lake. It's 60 ft deep with crystal clear water and is great for swimming and fishing. Kayaking welcome too. We also have a couple other ponds available for fishing as well. We raise fresh water prawn and bluegill in the summertime, so late september we have fresh shrimp available. Lots of waterfowl and deer here to see.
Potable water
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(229)

Rusty's Retreat

11 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fostoria, OH
We bought this 125+ year old farm in 2010 with the hope of bringing it back to life. Overgrown and neglected, we have worked hard to make it a nice place for hiking, kayaking, fishing or any number of other activities. Peaceful and remote, the property has a beautiful brook that leads you to the South branch of the Portage river. Deer, turkey, geese, herons, mink and fox are just a few of our natural animal friends. Rusty the steer and his pony friends Buckeye and Lexi can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There's also Turk the turkey and his flock of chickens. We have the perfect place for dogs as well. We have four dogs that get along great with others and our fenced pond keeps them safe.
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from 
$35
 / night
100%
(3)

Destination Lake Life

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Chippewa Park, OH
Come explore Indian Lake and what it has to offer!Learn more about this land:Welcome to Chippewa, a waterfront community on Indian Lake in Ohio!  Electric, (well)water, sewer, trash included!  Bring your street legal Golfcart, Kayaks, Canoes, Bikes, Jet Skis, and Boat. Chippewa offers: State Park, Boat Ramp/launch, Public Bathrooms, (Waterfront) Moose Lodge, FOE/Eagles, Gas Station/Grocery/Deli/Beer Cave/General Store, Bait &Tackle Shop, and Dollar General- just a Golf Cart ride away! In under a 5 minute car ride you can be at Indian Lake State Beach/(Oldfield Beach), (waterfront) Achesons Resort, (waterfront) Tilton Hilton, (pool & waterfront) Froggy's on the Lake, and even a few other places to grab a bite to eat.We are half an hour from Mad River Mountain, which offers winter activities such as snow tubing & skiing.
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$49
 / night
100%
(104)

My Spot Private Campsite

1 site · Tent80 acres · Dexter , OH
Nestled under the shade bequeathed by a tall canopy of deciduous trees and alongside a gentle flowing brook, lies a forest opening perfect for immersing in nature’s solitude. Our private campsite is a short walk (3-4 minutes) from parking where you’ll find a footpath that empties out onto a level forest understory, surrounded by trees ideal for pitching tents and hammocks. Our campsite is equipped with the necessities: a firepit with a removable grill, a large table, and your own private outhouse with a composting toilet. Trails leading from the campsite will usher you short distances to our best stargazing hilltop, for playing in the shallow creek running alongside our campsite, as well as shaded forest and ridgetop views. Our pond, equipped with a dock, ladder and seating is a favorite short 7 minute hike for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing. For longer hikes, any trail will connect you to our larger network of maintained trails over hill and dale, through shaded forests and open (mowed) pasture trails and farm-life views across our 80 acre farm. To make your packing lighter and your stay more comfortable, we offer the following "extra items" at an additional cost: - Firewood bundles (unlimited) - 5 gallons of water (or less) in jugs with handy pour spout - Charged battery pack with plug and USB receptables - Stringed twinkle lights - prehung (we do the hanging before you arrive) * must be ordered with our charged battery pack or bring own power source. All purchased "extras" will be waiting at your campsite when you arrive. Please see the "extras" for more detailed information and pricing.
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$25
 / night
89%
(49)

Kickapoo Kamping

2 sites · TentsZanesville, OH
This location in Ohio is about a 10-minute walk to Dillon Dam, Reservoir and Lake! The road that was there was called Yelp Town Hollow Road. The road that this camp was on had to be raised when they put the dam in, they even had to move the one room school house! Black Hand Gorge preserve isn't far from the camp, lots of hiking and bicycle trails. Dillon State Park is 10-15 miles away with trails for horses, walking and biking. About 3,000 acres of State and Federal Land is right in our backyard! Learn more about this land:Set your tent up in a wooded area or near a stream. Great star gazing and forest bathing. The area is in the Yelptown Hollow Valley, the road and one room school house Yelptown School are reminiscent of a bygone era. The old road bed is near camping and old school house has relocated to a site nearby. Come enjoy the laid back ambience of the area! Peaceful, solitude, nearby stream.
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from 
$20
 / night

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Waterside camping in Ohio with fishing guide

Overview

With its vast agricultural plains hemmed in by mountains, lakes, and rivers, Ohio’s natural scenery covers all terrains. Beach breaks await along the sandy shores of Lake Erie to the north, while to the east, ancient caves and waterfalls are hidden away in the forested foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor activities take place through all four seasons, from hiking and canoeing to snowshoeing and ice fishing, and camping is possible year-round. Summer temperatures average 80°F, and this is prime time for campers, but the views are most spectacular in the fall, when the eastern hills are ablaze with colorful foliage.

Where to go

Great Lakes Plains

Sandy beaches and island getaways dot the 312-mile shore of Lake Erie, stretching from Toledo through Cleveland to Conneaut. East Harbor State Park is a highlight of the Lake Erie Birding Trail, and birders flock to nearby Maumee Bay State Park during the spring warbler migration. The most scenic spots for summer camping are on the islands, and regular ferries set out for the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island state parks.

Till Plains

Cornfields and farmlands blanket Ohio’s central region, but there are also more than a dozen state parks within a short drive of Columbus. The limestone gorges of John Bryan State Park harbor some of the region’s best hiking trails, while to the north, the Mohican River is one of Ohio’s top spots for canoeing. For beaches, boating, and lakeside campgrounds, Indian Lake State Park and Alum Creek State Park are both popular choices.

Appalachian Plateau

East of the Till Plains, the patchwork farmlands of Amish Country lead the way to the state’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley. This is where Ohio’s adventurous spirit comes into its own—take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad, go ziplining or caving in the Hocking Hills State Park, or enjoy backcountry camping in the heart of the Wayne National Forest.

Bluegrass Region

Rambling woodlands and steep cliffs line the banks of the Ohio River in the state’s southernmost region. Just outside Cincinnati, East Fork State Park has one of the largest state campgrounds in Ohio, while the rugged landscapes of the Shawnee State Park are just a 2-hour drive from the city. For hikers, the ultimate challenge is the North Country National Scenic Trail, which cuts through southern Ohio.

States near Ohio

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