The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds near Toledo, Ohio

You might be surprised to learn that Toledo, the fourth-largest city in Ohio, offers endless opportunities for off-shore recreation thanks to its location along the Maumee River and nearby Lake Erie. Maumee Bay State Park spans 1,338 acres on the shores of Lake Erie with a resort lodge, an inland lake, a nature center, an accessible boardwalk trail, and campsites for both tents and RVs. Easter Harbor State Park is another option if Maumee Bay is too busy, while Harrison Lake State Park sits about an hour east of Toledo. Within city limits, Toledo's Metroparks system offers extensive trails, paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, guided nature walks, and bird-watching on the 18-mile-long Towpath Trail, plus urban campgrounds like the White Oak Campground. After exploring city attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, you’ll see that Toledo camping seamlessly blends urban convenience with various options for nature enthusiasts.

99% (644)

Top-rated campgrounds

You might be surprised to learn that Toledo, the fourth-largest city in Ohio, offers endless opportunities for off-shore recreation thanks to its location along the Maumee River and nearby Lake Erie. Maumee Bay State Park spans 1,338 acres on the shores of Lake Erie with a resort lodge, an inland lake, a nature center, an accessible boardwalk trail, and campsites for both tents and RVs. Easter Harbor State Park is another option if Maumee Bay is too busy, while Harrison Lake State Park sits about an hour east of Toledo. Within city limits, Toledo's Metroparks system offers extensive trails, paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, guided nature walks, and bird-watching on the 18-mile-long Towpath Trail, plus urban campgrounds like the White Oak Campground. After exploring city attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, you’ll see that Toledo camping seamlessly blends urban convenience with various options for nature enthusiasts.

99% (644)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

98%

(54)

18mi from Toledo · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Swanton, OH

Welcome to our working bison ranch, where a unique experience awaits you. We are 10 minutes from Interstate 80/90. Explore our ranch through walking the paths that meander along the creek and around each bison pasture. As you stroll, discover the serenity of a large pond teeming with fish, dragonflies, butterflies, and amphibians. Visit our onsite store, where you can purchase our high-quality bison meat and unique bison artifacts. Additionally, from May to October, we offer tractor-drawn wagon tours into the pastures, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic animals. Please call Carmen at +14193201283 to schedule your tour. Nestled within a few miles of charming small towns boasting independent restaurants and stores, our location offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and local amenities. For those seeking more extensive shopping options, we are conveniently situated within 15 miles of larger Toledo suburbs, featuring a variety of big-box stores. Our bison enjoy over 55 acres of pasture, benefitting from our commitment to rotational grazing for both pasture and bison health. At our ranch, we prioritize working harmoniously with the land, fostering the return of native flora and fauna to our property. Situated a few miles north of Swanton, our land, once used for standard crops, has undergone a transformation. After five years, we proudly boast an array of accomplishments, including the identification of over 25 different bird species in a single morning, an increase in local native pollinator populations (including the monarch butterfly), and a reduction in soil erosion. Join us on this journey as we invite you to experience the beauty of nature, the magnificence of bison, and the positive impact of sustainable practices on our land.

2. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river

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31mi from Toledo · 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.

3. Riverside Camping

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32mi from Toledo · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Clinton, OH

We have a kayak and canoe livery called Portage River Paddling Company. We are nestled on 94 acres on the Portage River. You will be camping in the back of our property along the Portage River. You will be just a 5 minute walk from renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, gem mining, axe throwing, cornhole, giant Jenga, goats, Gizmo the 160 pound Sulcata Tortoise, Jasper the iguana and more!

4. Full Circle Farms and Sanctuary

30mi from Toledo · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Willis, MI

Welcome to Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary – Your Sacred Resting Place Under the Stars Tucked in the wild heart of Michigan, Full Circle Farms & Sanctuary is more than just a campsite—it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Here, nature breathes deeply. You’ll find yourself surrounded by open meadows, forest whispers, and the quiet call of the land, inviting you to slow down, reconnect, and remember your place in the great circle. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the stars or joining one of our seasonal rituals, this is a space where community, creativity, and spirit meet. We host wellness workshops, fire ceremonies, and holistic gatherings, but you’re just as welcome to simply sit by the river, watch the sky, and just be. Campers have access to the fire circle, community kitchen, and shared sacred spaces built with intention. Our land is a living altar—honoring Earth, balance, and all beings that walk, crawl, or fly. Come as you are. Leave more whole.

5. Lost Nations Cowboy Town And Cabins

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49mi from Toledo · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pittsford, MI

Secluded wooded 17 acres with hill like mountains with a river and nature pond for fishing trails horse pastures all surrounded by 1,100 acres of Lost Nations state ground

Public campgrounds near Toledo

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Maumee Bay Campground

9.7mi from Toledo · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Maumee Bay State Park

Mary Jane Thurston Campground

24mi from Toledo · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mary Jane Thurston State Park

Stories from the community

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William

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

Lovely pasture, easy to get settled, great communication with Stacy!

Marianne

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

4 nights at Riverside Camping

I was on site 1… site 2 is in the same area. Right near the water… nice grassy spot. Bryan brought wood to my site within 15 minutes.

Joe

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

A nice big, quiet campsite. It was cool to see the bison roaming.

April

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Riverside Camping

Nice area right by the water. I booked very last minute and Bryan was great about it. Beautiful area. Very close to the small downtown area. I will definitely be back next summer!!

C

Carl

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Riverside Camping

Trains , but they dont bother me . There does seem to be more trains during the week than on our weekend stay . I was raised in the inner city so again they dont bother me. Great views , good people run it and I love the sound of the water. Nomadic Camping with Endless Weekends

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.

You have access to a boat dock right next to your camp site for fishing!

B

Brandi

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Loved tent camping at Bryan's business, great little spot right next to the river.

Britt

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Riverside Camping

A sweet little spot by the river. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and we enjoyed saying hi to the turtles and goats and cats near the office and kayak rental area when we checked in. The train is definitely right there and runs all night with horns, so be mindful of whether you’re someone who will be bothered or unable to sleep because of that. We stayed at site 1, which is right on the river’s edge and nice to wake up to herons and misty sunrises. Site 1 and 2 share an area without a barrier between them (though ample space for both). Site 3 is next to these sites, not immediately next to the water, but slightly more private. Site 4 is farther away from all three of the others and more secluded (and I think also right on its own little inlet of water, but I didn’t walk into the site to say for sure). We stayed here as a jumping off place for visiting Cedar Point, and would do so again.

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.

A

Alicia

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Forgot to see the tortoise before we left! Loved it!! and will be back but with ear plugs!! There's a train that runs quite often. So if your a light sleeper bring ear plugs. I'll bring a box you can have for the office. Loved our site right next to the water and the remote location. Plus that I can bring my dog with no hassle. Also the fact that there aren't tons of sites where people are on top of each other. This is what I look for and another reason I chose here. Didn't hear anyone else except nature!! They've got everything else you'd possible want! Next time I'm paddling!!

Kristen

September 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Great spot! Fantastic bird watching. Will def be back if I’m passing through!

V

Vincent

September 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Riverside Camping

Nice spot. Stayed one night when we were passing through. Animals and artwork was very cool.

L

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.

J

Jayne

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Riverside Camping

Really great camping spot near the water. Site is really well kept. Brian was fantastic. I’d recommend and would love to come back.

Steven

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Bryan & Amanda are great hosts. Love their energy and all the other activities they offer at their location

Jade

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

The owners are so friendly and the area is beautiful. Nice flat camping area as well as a provided fire pit. They even deliver the fire wood directly to your campsite. If you are a light sleeper you may want to bring hearing protection for at night as there are a lot of trains that go by.

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Chris

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverside Camping

Beautiful camp right by the water & it was all to our selves. No other campers so it was very nice to get away close to home & just be on the water. I have a jetski & the owner let me use the dock in the back to launch it. Would definitely recommend this place & will for sure be back.

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Viki

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Riverside Camping

The description and directions are spot on. I found the place very easily, and it took me a minute to figure out where the office was, but it was a straight shot and very noticeable while driving in. Bryan was great at check-in - friendly and very chill. I purchased firewood which he brought over to my site. I had site #1 which is right by the river. I did hear the train at times at night, and other than the horns, it felt like white noise. But definitely something to be aware of going in. I had nobody else next to me, so it was super private. Wonderful experience!

K

Kyra

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Riverside Camping

I couldn't have asked for a better host for my chaotic first night of mine and my dogs trip, Bryan and his family were super kind and attentive, I would absolutely come back! The train wasnt as bad as expected and me and my dog both slept through the night :)

Goats are the best! I want to see them on a paddle board next time!!

robin

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Riverside Camping

Bryan and Amanda are excellent hosts! Friendly, helpful, welcoming, fun!! The whole place was fun! Feeding goats! Paddling kayaks! Panning fir gems!!! And the location is beautiful. Right on the river!