The best waterside campgrounds in Ohio

Camping waterside in Ohio means waking up to mist on the lake and the calls of herons. With over 2,900 waterside campsites scattered across the state, you’ll find spots where you can cast a fishing line before breakfast or take a swim just steps from your tent. The average site runs about $45 a night, but you can snag a pitch for as little as $10 if you’re quick. Top picks include The Lake at the Flying J Farm (581 reviews), Fruitdale Farm (571 reviews), and Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (410 reviews)—all favorites for their easy water access and laid-back vibe. Bring your dog, light a campfire, and plan on plenty of fishing, swimming, and hiking. Most sites offer toilets and welcome pets. If you want mornings on the water and evenings by the fire, Ohio’s waterside camping delivers.

97% (9.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping waterside in Ohio means waking up to mist on the lake and the calls of herons. With over 2,900 waterside campsites scattered across the state, you’ll find spots where you can cast a fishing line before breakfast or take a swim just steps from your tent. The average site runs about $45 a night, but you can snag a pitch for as little as $10 if you’re quick. Top picks include The Lake at the Flying J Farm (581 reviews), Fruitdale Farm (571 reviews), and Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (410 reviews)—all favorites for their easy water access and laid-back vibe. Bring your dog, light a campfire, and plan on plenty of fishing, swimming, and hiking. Most sites offer toilets and welcome pets. If you want mornings on the water and evenings by the fire, Ohio’s waterside camping delivers.

97% (9.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Fruitdale Farm

99%

(1186)

11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. FIREWOOD and seasonal farm goods are available for purchase at a self-serve stand (several payment options available). There is also a wonderful sauna on the property that can be reserved (go to sauna to reserve a time). 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 (not flushing). A grassy parking area is provided near the road, however, ALL SITES ARE WALK-IN (with the exception of site #1). ***Please take note that this is private property and the host lives on site. If you are looking for a place to be loud and party into the night, this is not the place for you. If you are looking to spend some quality time in nature, welcome. There are rules.

2. The Pleasant Valley Farm

99%

(850)

17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

3. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

99%

(333)

13 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 Lexi and Little Bits can be visited while they graze in the pasture. There are chickens and Brindle the barn kitty. 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.

4. Fish Farm Camp

99%

(351)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

5. Destination Lake Life

100%

(3)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 is on 4/15-11/01 bring water during off season, 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.

6. Kickapoo Kamping

88%

(56)

2 sites · Tents · Zanesville, 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.

Public campgrounds in Ohio

100%

(6)

Maumee Bay Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Maumee Bay State Park

100%

(5)

Salt Fork Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salt Fork State Park

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(4)

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area and Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Wayne National Forest

100%

(3)

Mill Creek Campground

338 sites · Tents, RVs · in Berlin Lake

100%

(2)

Burr Oak Cove Campground

19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wayne National Forest

100%

(1)

Lamping Homestead

6 sites · in Wayne National Forest

95%

(10)

Deer Creek Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Deer Creek State Park

93%

(7)

Caesar Creek Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Caesar Creek State Park

91%

(33)

Mohican Campground

25 sites · in Mohican State Park

90%

(5)

Geneva Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Geneva State Park

Lane Farm Campground

4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wayne National Forest

Leith Run Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wayne National Forest

Stories from the community

K

Kirby

4 days ago

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

Peaceful and beautiful! Enjoyed my stay in the Sugar Shack, it was just what the doctor ordered. A place to get away after the holiday craziness and just unwind. Will definitely be looking at trying to go back. 😎

N

Nadja

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Pleasant Valley Farm

We had a quick stop over at James farm on a road trip West and it was everything we needed. He responded quickly and even got us some fire wood last minute. We didn’t get to meet as we arrived late and left early but it was a beautiful place. The bathroom in the barn a great plus!

P

Phylip

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

We didn’t pick the best weekend to go camping, but Aimee’s land made the stay the best that it could have been with the wet weather. The outhouse was convenient and conveniently located to our relocated site, since our van only allowed us to park at site 1. I didn’t realize that the other sites were walking access only, and especially since the land was wet, our van, which was our RV, prevented us from accessing our original requested location. The sauna was a feature that we really enjoyed; and the wood, which was convenient to buy there, after many attempts in the wet weather, finally took fire. Overall, considering the conditions, Aimee’s property made the stay the best.

A

Andrew

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

Lovely spot. Nice vibe and grounds well maintained.

Josh

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

We absolutely loved this place! The property is beautiful with so maybe wonderful touches, including a Farm Stand with eggs, jams, and other goodies for purchase. The sites are far enough away from each so it feels very private and quiet. We are definitely coming back, can’t wait!!

R

Rachel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Fruitdale Farm

I camped at site 4 for a few days with my 6 yr old daughter, and it was lovely. The property is beautiful and very well maintained. There were free range chickens, which my daughter really enjoyed, as well as the pond and the koi fish. We stayed late in October, so it was very quiet and peaceful. It definitely takes a few hauls to get your gear to site 4, but it is worth it. My daughter has not yet mastered the art of peeing in the woods - so having the 'privy' close by was a great bonus!. Aimee was also very kind, and easy to get in touch with if we needed anything. Hopefully we can return next year!

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Fruitdale Farm

We loved camping with our kidddos on Aimee’s beautiful farm. Felt like we packed the house (if you have kids..you know) and that def kicked our butt getting to site 5 with the multiple trips down and up steep hills lugging carts and wagons! If you don’t want a serious leg workout, choose sites 2 or 3 :) The camp store was cute and stocked with goodies that we had to try! The dill pickles were uh-mazing. We loved walking the trails and were fascinated by the pawpaw trail. The privy was clean and served its purpose well for the rest of my family lol Site 5 was well laid out, semi private in late Oct with so many fallen leaves, a couple great spots for hammocks, and sits across the creek from site 3 (empty while we were there). There was a loud-ish crew staying close by at another site - but we were all so tired by the end of the day, it didn’t bother us at all :) Already can’t wait to come back! Aimee was very nice and you can tell that she just loves her farm and sharing it with others. Thanks Aimee! 10/10 would recommend!

Brittni

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

The Sugar Shack is the perfect secluded primitive stay! Be prepared to take one of the wagons if you packed a lot of stuff. Aimee did a fantastic job utilizing her land for campers, It’s family friendly and there’s plenty to do. The wood burning stove was the perfect addition to our cold autumn evenings, it makes it so cozy while settling in for the night. When we first got there, Aimee had the stove packed for us already and a bundle of wood. I would recommend a trip here 10/10!!

R

Robert

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

This is an excellent place to camp. Beautiful and extremely well-kept. Highly recommended!

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fruitdale Farm

Great place with nice secluded sites & small cabins. We stayed at site 3. It’s closest to drop off, stage, firewood, and farm stand. It’s also the first site before going down the trails to site 4 & 5. Toilet (pivy) area is well kept with a hand washing station outside. Other than neighboring dogs barking at night, we had a great time!

K

Koltron3030

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Fruitdale Farm

Everything about this place is lovely, from the camp spots to the privies. I would absolutely come back here.

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

Our family stayed in the Juniper trees area at Camp 4. We found this site to be quite private, protected from any wind and it felt like our own space. The grounds are kept quite nice and appreciated the well water access. The homemade goods for purchase were a great little surprise also. The pond and chickens kept our daughter entertained and the nearby hikes in Rocky Fork Gorge we pretty impressive. Loved the no fuss check in and check out. We will definitely be back.

Gail

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Pleasant Valley Farm

Stayed at Jim and his wife’s place many times. We have always enjoyed the property, hospitality, some great fishing and the beautiful views. I would agree with their go camp award of “Best in Ohio 2025!

P

Petra

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

If you love camping you will live Fruitdale Farm! The campsite was super nice, enough away from others to feel private, and close enough to the bathrooms. We stayed at site 5 and loved it. The little farm stand was really nice, the garden is amazing and we loved the Sunday morning sauna session while it rained outside.. I totally recommend this place and will be back again!

M

Matt

October 2025

19 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

We loved Fruitdale Farm! The property is well maintained and very peaceful. We enjoyed sitting in the sauna in the evening and enjoyed sitting by the pond with our coffee in the morning. It was a great one night getaway for us!

Harvey

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Pleasant Valley Farm

Wonderful place. Close to lots to do. Solid facilities. Jim is so nice and welcoming. We would go back.

D

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

Fruitdale farm was fantastic. The site (Site 3) was perfectly secluded in a grove, with ample tent space and close to privy and unloading/ loading area. The whole site was just beautiful for kiddos to run around and check out fish in the pond, gardens, chickens, and the trails. We had such a great time and can't wait to go back.

B

Beth

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fruitdale Farm

This was the perfect place to camp while hiking in the area! Campsite #2 felt very private and secluded and was a great spot for both hammock and tent camping.

site #3 between the creek and the river. A short walk across the bridge.

N

Nina

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We tent camped for four nights at Site 3 which was perfect for our needs. The river was bone dry but fishing in the pond was good! We also enjoyed exploring the trails Jay has cut out. Thanks for a nice stay : )

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay is a very good host and was very flexible with us. The drive into the sites is interesting since you have to drive through his grass. If it is rainy I would recommend 4/all wheel drive. The area was great! Sites were secluded in a tree dense area and around 25 minuets away is the large town of Findlay. Plenty of hikes and parks around as well! Ultimately it was a great stay, and I would definitely come back!