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- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Van Wert
98% (90) • 14 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Van Wert
The Fun Farm
1. The Fun Farm
97%
(55)
27mi from Van Wert · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination!
Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality.
If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!)
MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.) Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people.
Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$39
/ night
Blue Water Lake
2. Blue Water Lake
94%
(58)
41mi from Van Wert · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Blue Water Lake is located next to the Salamonie River with fishing access in the lake or the river. Blue Water Lake was previously Baltes Stone Quarry deepest point 30 ft. Lime stone edged with a straight drop off in most places. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available. Less than a mile from Montpelier, a golf cart community. Small town still host Montpelier Speedway one of the last dirt tracks in Indiana. Races on most Saturday nights. You can also get a round of golf in at Bluewater Golf course 9 hole course located across the road from the lake. The land now covered by Montpelier used to be a part of the Native American Miami Nation's Godfroy Reserve. Giant Indian statue at our town center featured on Parks and Reaction TV Show.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Barefoot Retreat - Star Host
3. Barefoot Retreat - Star Host
100%
(8)
21mi from Van Wert · 4 sites
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)
Pets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
4. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
100%
(4)
State park 23mi from Van Wert · 21 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ouabache State Park
5. Ouabache State Park
State park 29mi from Van Wert · 124 sites
Discover Ouabache State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Destination Lake Life
6. Destination Lake Life
100%
(3)
44mi from Van Wert · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$39
/ night
Lake Loramie State Park
7. Lake Loramie State Park
State park 37mi from Van Wert · 21 sites
No kayak? No problem. Lake Loramie State Park provides rentals for everything from bikes to canoes, and you'll want to take advantage of it to get the most out of your stay. Paddle past patches of water lilies shaded by bald cypress trees, where the beauty here has long been preserved. Hikers will enjoy trekking over to Blackberry Island, where they can catch a glimpse of owls and woodpeckers nesting in their native habitat. A large variety of fish inhabiting the lake and seasonal hunting forays may also appeal to your wild side. Come winter, return for the cross country skiing tournament on the Little Turtle Trace trail, or bring a pair of skates and a sled for some awesome frosty activities. With ice boating available as well, you'll never want to be without a paddle here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
98% (90) • 14 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Van Wert
The Fun Farm
1. The Fun Farm
97%
(55)
27mi from Van Wert · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:
Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination!
Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality.
If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!)
MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.) Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people.
Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$39
/ night
Blue Water Lake
2. Blue Water Lake
94%
(58)
41mi from Van Wert · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Blue Water Lake is located next to the Salamonie River with fishing access in the lake or the river. Blue Water Lake was previously Baltes Stone Quarry deepest point 30 ft. Lime stone edged with a straight drop off in most places. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available. Less than a mile from Montpelier, a golf cart community. Small town still host Montpelier Speedway one of the last dirt tracks in Indiana. Races on most Saturday nights. You can also get a round of golf in at Bluewater Golf course 9 hole course located across the road from the lake. The land now covered by Montpelier used to be a part of the Native American Miami Nation's Godfroy Reserve. Giant Indian statue at our town center featured on Parks and Reaction TV Show.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Barefoot Retreat - Star Host
3. Barefoot Retreat - Star Host
100%
(8)
21mi from Van Wert · 4 sites
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)
Pets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
4. Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
100%
(4)
State park 23mi from Van Wert · 21 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ouabache State Park
5. Ouabache State Park
State park 29mi from Van Wert · 124 sites
Discover Ouabache State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Destination Lake Life
6. Destination Lake Life
100%
(3)
44mi from Van Wert · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$39
/ night
Lake Loramie State Park
7. Lake Loramie State Park
State park 37mi from Van Wert · 21 sites
No kayak? No problem. Lake Loramie State Park provides rentals for everything from bikes to canoes, and you'll want to take advantage of it to get the most out of your stay. Paddle past patches of water lilies shaded by bald cypress trees, where the beauty here has long been preserved. Hikers will enjoy trekking over to Blackberry Island, where they can catch a glimpse of owls and woodpeckers nesting in their native habitat. A large variety of fish inhabiting the lake and seasonal hunting forays may also appeal to your wild side. Come winter, return for the cross country skiing tournament on the Little Turtle Trace trail, or bring a pair of skates and a sled for some awesome frosty activities. With ice boating available as well, you'll never want to be without a paddle here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Makayla
January 2026
34 ft Class C
With kids
The host Larry was always available and extremely accommodating! Great little field, perfect for kids. I will say when I stayed we did get stuck in the mud pretty bad, but that is of no fault to the owner whatsoever. I am including this so you can be prepared based on the weather, and Larry did everything in his power to help us out! I also think he will be getting the spots concreted very soon so that may not be an issue going forward! I would recommend to EVERYBODY to stay here :) if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
See more
D
Danielle
November 2025
36 ft Class A
First of all, the place was beautiful! The lights on the buildings were magical! Troy was nice enough to help us late at night for a place to pull through with my class A and car on dolly just for electricity! It was cold and we were driving til we found something! Big area to camp for tents or other RVs and only the 15 amp for plug in but a delightful place! Bring the kids just for the sights! Troy was so nice and hung out in the cold to help me park! Great with communication and a heart to help!
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Peter
November 2025
13 ft travel trailer
I had no problem finding the entrance to the property. I pulled in and contacted Amanda as was asked for in the sites posting for the reservation. I waited and didn't get a reply after about 25 minutes or so I explored and I found my site. It was numbered and found it quite easily on the edge of the large pond which I found out later was once a dolomite quarry. Setup and while I was doing so Amadas parents pulled up and greeted me.
View was great of the water and site was level with a large area to turn around my for vehicle and trailer to leave the next morning. No electric or potable water which I knew beforehand but the porta potti was appreciated. Would definitely use Amandas property again.
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L
Lee Anne
November 2025
32 ft travel trailer
With pets
My dogs and I really enjoyed the peaceful area and hiking around the pond. It was a great place for us to decompress after a stressful day at the dog show.
See more
K
Katy
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Had a wonderful time. Great fishing spot. Very quiet and peaceful.
See moreF
Foundasha
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We stayed in a tent and really enjoyed our experience here. The site had electricity which made things extra convenient. At night there was a really nice light show that made the evenings feel special. We also loved seeing all the different animals around the property. It gave the stay a fun and unique touch. Overall it was a great mix of comfort and nature.
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Diana
September 2025
32 ft Class C
With pets
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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L
Laura
August 2025
26 ft travel trailer
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!
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D
Dylan
August 2025
Tent
Beautiful site with salamonie and lake access very private! Have been twice already and will for sure come back!
See moreM
Marc
July 2025
4 ft fifth wheel
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.
See moreR
Ronan
July 2025
Tent
Very well kept and has a toilet and fire pit.
Very quiet area unless there are trains working.
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J
Joseph
June 2025
31 ft travel trailer
Troy is clear communicator and the accommodations are unique and enjoyable.
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M
Michelle
June 2025
Tent
Im glad everyone else is sleeping on this hidden gem! Definitely the best way to spend a 95* summer day. We had the entire lake to ourselves. I paddled around all day, with my dog, on my SUP sipping beer. No DD required. In the evening, we sat on the beach, lawn chairs half in the water.
The camp site was nice, big enough for two tents and a picnic table. The hosts were very kind and generous. No complaints at all. The port a John smelled bad, but let's face it. Its super hot, and a toilet. There was air freshener spray, which again was thoughtful.
We would definitely come back. Thank you for the pleasant stay
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Scott
June 2025
18 ft campervan
Incredible quiet beautiful spot. Very well maintained yet very natural. Host was very welcoming and communication was great.
See moreS
Shea
June 2025
10 ft travel trailer
With pets
Was passing through on a bigger trip out west and this was a perfect place to spend an evening.
See moreT
Tom
June 2025
31 ft travel trailer
They have a really nice property ( would be perfect for a family with kids). We just stayed 1 night as a stopover to break up a long trip. They were wonderful hosts, very friendly and kind. There is at least one 20 amp electric hookup available. Just a really lovely homestead kind of vibe.
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Destiny
May 2025
20 ft travel trailer
My stay was just a quick sleep and depart, but for the few hours I was there, I felt safe and my dogs had plenty of room to run around in. Although it was dark, it seemed very clean and peaceful. Would definitely stay again if given the opportunity.
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