Lake Camping Near Gilboa, Ohio, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Gilboa, Ohio? Hipcamp has you covered with over 360 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. With top campsites like Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (258 reviews), The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews), and Long Haul Flower Farm (129 reviews), you can trust the crowd's favorites. Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets while engaging in activities such as paddling, off-roading (OHV), and horseback riding. Plus, with an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $5, you won't break the bank while having an unforgettable camping experience.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Gilboa, Ohio? Hipcamp has you covered with over 360 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. With top campsites like Grins & Pickin's CampFarm (258 reviews), The Pleasant Valley Farm (191 reviews), and Long Haul Flower Farm (129 reviews), you can trust the crowd's favorites. Enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets while engaging in activities such as paddling, off-roading (OHV), and horseback riding. Plus, with an average price per night of $25 and options as low as $5, you won't break the bank while having an unforgettable camping experience.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

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25mi from Gilboa · 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.

2. Indian Lake Adventures

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41mi from Gilboa · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Huntsville, OH

Nestled between Indian Lake and Ohio's favorite small town, Bellefontaine, OH, Indian Lake Adventures is the ideal place to lodge. Our rentable tiny homes are modern and clean, our spacious RV sites boast 30/50 amp full-hookup amenities, and our tent sites are premium and secluded. Spanning over 29 acres with a charming creek and a catch/release pond, this camp provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Mature trees and tranquil surroundings offer a serene escape for your camping experience. Take the stress out of camping at Indian Lake Adventures! Our camp store is filled with all your necessities and a campground cafe and on site brewery take the stress out of packing, so you and yours can show up as we are and feel well taken care of! Pizza and wings delivered to your site, on-site brewery with game room, regular kids activities and family friendly events ensures fun for everyone throughout your stay.

3. Destination Lake Life

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35mi from Gilboa · 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.

4. Van Buren State Park

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25 sites · Van Buren, Ohio

Frolfing, anyone? Van Buren State Park is the ideal spot to flick that wrist and beat your friends at yet another disc golfing tournament. Nestled among crops of soy, wheat, and corn, consider this a little farmland oasis for you and all your best buds. Channel that inner Legolas and go bow-hunting, or catch a wide variety of fish from carp to bluegill at Van Buren Lake. Motor boat it up or row around old-school on the waters of the lake, the choice is yours. With multiple horseback and hiking trails available as well, we're confident you'll love the generous serving of activities available for the campers here. Did we mention there's a butterfly gazebo and volleyball courts as well? Save yourself the trouble of contemplating, and just book it now. There's no way your frolfing team will resent you for it.

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Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

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21 sites · St Marys, Ohio

Once the largest man-made reservoir in the world, Grand Lake St. Mary's State Park may have relinquished its title, but not any of its grandeur. Explore the 13,500 acre lake in your high-powered boat, where bald eagles and herons have chosen nearby trees as their hallowed nesting grounds. Although no hiking trails are available, you can always rent a bike and wheel around in search of beaver or coyote sightings. If you've got little tykes, they'll likely enjoy the programs available at the nature center open during summer. Don't forget to challenge your fellow campers to a friendly game, be it basketball or horseshoes. Whatever strikes your fancy, St. Mary's has got you covered.

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6. Barefoot Retreat - Star Host

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31mi from Gilboa · 7 sites · RVs · Paulding, OH

Walk or run barefoot. No chemicals on ground or in pond. Let the natural water and sun soak in. Enjoy the fresh air. Feel the grass between your toes. There is plenty of room for exercise and located on a quiet rural road for movement and walking. RV site and tent camping with pond in quiet rural setting. Renters can use Kayaks, Row boat, SUP boards, and paddle boat to enjoy the water. Water fountain in the middle is on a timer to enjoy the sound of moving water or it can be turned off or on all time. Bring your own toilet. Wood is available for $5 per bundle (roughly 5 pieces)

7. The Eco Camp | Oak Openings

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36mi from Gilboa · 11 sites · Swanton, OH

Whether you are hiking the mile-long trails of Oak Openings, come kayaking on the Maumee river, go biking on the Wabash Cannonball, or you are arriving by car - The Eco Camp is your home in nature. Featuring luxurious and spacious tents for up to four persons, we provide almost everything you need for a worry-free stay. Each of our tents includes a comfortable queen size mattress, solar chargers for your phones and gadgets, and a charcoal grill - as well as lots of other goodies. Our 16-foot Lotus Belle tents even include a private toilet tent so you don't have to walk to the restrooms.All guests at The Eco Camp can enjoy the facilities of Bluegrass Campground, our host for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Bluegrass Campground offers a camp store, swimming pond, catch-and-release fishing, arcades, and weekend entertainment.

8. Back 40 Campground

39mi from Gilboa · 12 sites · Rushsylvania, OH

Back 40 Campground stands out as a hidden gem in northern Logan County, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have delighted visitors for over 40 years. Nestled just a short 9-mile drive north of Bellefontaine off State Route 68, and conveniently located 10 miles south of Kenton and 12 miles east of Indian Lake, this campground spans over 34 acres of rolling hills and features two serene ponds. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, nature walks, volleyball, basketball, biking, swimming, picnicking, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets and stargazing. The spacious campsites provide ample room for campers to relax and unwind without encroaching on their neighbors. Onsite amenities enhance the camping experience, featuring RV hookup sites, a dump station, a shelter house, a dog swimming area, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as clean showers and restrooms. For added entertainment, the lodge includes a pool table, foosball table, air hockey table, event tables and chairs, and a cozy fireplace. Additionally, families can enjoy the GaGa Pit and a generous 100' x 50' dog run.

9. Harrison Lake State Park

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25 sites · Fayette, Ohio

Harrison Lake State Park is the place to get out and explore! Set amongst fields of corn and soybeans, the park is a green and lush oasis that hikers will love as you explore the forest and fields. Got a hankering for some fish? Cast a line from the shore or rent a boat close to the campgrounds for some pike and bass fishing. On top of a swimming beach for humans, Harrison Lake also has a swimspot up for your pup, so be sure to bring them along for the fun. Sledding and snowshoeing are ultra peaceful in the winter and did we mention the park offers Pancake Breakfasts’? Ya, pancakes. And syrup. Totally rad.

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Public campgrounds near Gilboa

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Van Buren Campground

17mi from Gilboa · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Van Buren State Park

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Grand Lake St. Marys Campground

43mi from Gilboa · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

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Harrison Lake Campground

48mi from Gilboa · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harrison Lake State Park

Stories from the community

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

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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 : )

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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!

Natalie

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Lovely quiet and serene camping place. Rustic for sure but pleasurable and friendly, helpful owner and helpers.

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Quinton

September 2025

34 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Indian Lake Adventures

This campground was super clean, family friendly. The camp store has a ton of stuff. Love that's there's firewood on site and pretty cheap. Not to mention hot food at the camp store We ended up at the brewery. Good drinks, good food. They have food trucks and entertainment on a rotating schedule. Dog loved the dog park! Nice bonus. All around amazing experience

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Is a great place to go, and Jay is a very friendly person. Great paths to walk and very peaceful at night.

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Daniel

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Another great adventure at Rusty’s! This is our second time camping there this year and it certainly won’t be our last.

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Eden

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay was incredibly friendly and took the time to show us the land and introduce us to his lovely animals.

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Jack

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Wonderful property, beautiful sunrise. Very peaceful and quiet. Jay was a remarkably gracious host.

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Lizz

September 2025

17 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We loved staying at Rusty's Retreat. There were a lot of camp site options that all felt private. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We loved learning a bit about the farm and Jay's plans for it.

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Aubriana

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

site number 1 was beautiful. it was a good spot to relax and the girls loved hanging out in the creek.

Diana

September 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Barefoot Retreat - Star Host

My favorite HipCamp spot! Loved the site for swimming, star gazing, relaxing peace, and a cyclist dream area to ride. Good cell service with both Verizon and ATT. Very well maintained campsite. Host very responsive. Private site and flat. My paraplegic dog enjoyed the site. We will be back for sure.

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Christy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

The property is BEAUTIFUL! And our host was very kind!

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Laura

August 2025

26 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Barefoot Retreat - Star Host

We loved our weekend at Barefoot Retreat! The pond is naturally clean and it’s also stocked with fish. My husband enjoyed fishing and I enjoyed the paddle boards. The pond also features a water slide and diving board which I wasn’t aware of so it was a nice surprise. This place is so peaceful. The sunsets are stunning. Meditating on the dock at night paired with water sounds from the pond fountain really helped calm my mind. That matched with the moonlight and stars really made this place so dearly tranquil. Our three dogs really enjoyed roaming around. I’d say if you bring pets or kids definitely bring a canopy for shade because it gets toasty in the sun. We brought a canopy tent and that was a nice relief for all of us. We will be back!

Natalie

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We had a wonderful time at Rusty’s! 🐾 Our group of four adults, 2 silly (and sometimes loud) little girls, plus a couple of pups felt so welcomed from the moment we arrived. We loved meeting Rusty and the rest of the animals, the golf cart tours of the property, kayaking, and hearing the story behind this special place. The accommodations were comfortable, the hospitality was above and beyond, and we really enjoyed our stay... even in the 95° weather. Thankful for the electric hookup for our camper's A/C! We’re so grateful to Jay & Heather for opening their property to us and making our stay so memorable. Highly recommend!

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Damon

August 2025

23 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay and Heather were super friendly and helpful. Their 2 miniature horses were very cute and Rusty, the bull was huge. Great walking trails through the woods.

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David

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

One of the best 2 tent sites with the best access to the water. This has the best chance at being the most private. Assuming Noone is in site 2. Can pitch a couple of good sized tents. No picnic table on this site. Can drive vehicle basically up to the site directly. Can't really do that with the others. Will be back another time. Great place to get some time outside for a night or two

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Kyra

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Jay was so helpful and kind to us even though we arrived 9 hours late! He brought us pizza and let us sleep next to the ponies, very needed after driving 500 miles that day.

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Marc

July 2025

4 ft fifth wheel

4 nights at Barefoot Retreat - Star Host

A well maintained, quiet, out-of-the-way peaceful place to stay. Could be great for a family reunion or a bunch of friends that want to get together.

This is the view from site# 1. Campsite # 2 is on the point across the creek.

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Mary Kate

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

We loved our night at Rusty's Retreat! We were greeted upon arrival and given a tour of the land and sanctuary. Our site felt private and had very few bugs, despite being right next to the stream! We would absolutely come back.

Robert

July 2025

18 ft Class B

1 night at Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

Very accommodating and friendly host. Enjoyed the RV campsite, veggies from the garden, swim in the pond, and conversations with the host. Rusty and friends were great too!