The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Van Wert, Ohio

99% (237) • 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Wert

1. River Camp Fort Wayne

98%

(218)

30mi from Van Wert · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$33

/ night

Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

2. Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

100%

(34)

35mi from Van Wert · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

This 80 acre farmland has been in the family for 6 generations. Some of the land is still used for farming to this day. The old barn, built in the late 1800's still stands. Now there is also a motocross track on the property. The track is only open occasionally. Enjoy easy trails in the woods, feed fish in the pond, and if you would like to see our goats and chicken we can arrange a time to introduce you!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$30

/ night

Blue Water Lake

3. 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

Ouabache State Park

4. 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

LRB Farm Hidden Escape

5. LRB Farm Hidden Escape

100%

(3)

34mi from Van Wert · 2 sites

Little Riverbend farm was established in 1996 by Dave and Traci Bitler. The original property was settled sometime in the mid 1800s with the main house built sometime between 1872-1875. Through several generations the property was passed between the original owners family members, then split up and sold into lots. When the Bitlers purchased the property in 1996, the main house was sold with 3 acres and the 2 stall barn. Then in 2015 they were able to purchase an additional 9 acres of adjoining property giving them the additional pasture and woods running along the Auglaize River.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in a secluded site nestled between a babbling creek and pasture. Located behind 8 acres of lush horse pasture, a mini working dairy goat farm and few chickens and ducks for fresh breakfast eggs. You'll have access to a fire ring, firewood, and a wrought iron picnic table with chairs and scenic views along the Auglaize river.  

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

from

$100

/ night

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

99% (237) • 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Wert

River Camp Fort Wayne

1. River Camp Fort Wayne

98%

(218)

30mi from Van Wert · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$33

/ night

Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

2. Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

100%

(34)

35mi from Van Wert · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

This 80 acre farmland has been in the family for 6 generations. Some of the land is still used for farming to this day. The old barn, built in the late 1800's still stands. Now there is also a motocross track on the property. The track is only open occasionally. Enjoy easy trails in the woods, feed fish in the pond, and if you would like to see our goats and chicken we can arrange a time to introduce you!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$30

/ night

Blue Water Lake

3. 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

Ouabache State Park

4. 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

LRB Farm Hidden Escape

5. LRB Farm Hidden Escape

100%

(3)

34mi from Van Wert · 2 sites

Little Riverbend farm was established in 1996 by Dave and Traci Bitler. The original property was settled sometime in the mid 1800s with the main house built sometime between 1872-1875. Through several generations the property was passed between the original owners family members, then split up and sold into lots. When the Bitlers purchased the property in 1996, the main house was sold with 3 acres and the 2 stall barn. Then in 2015 they were able to purchase an additional 9 acres of adjoining property giving them the additional pasture and woods running along the Auglaize River.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in a secluded site nestled between a babbling creek and pasture. Located behind 8 acres of lush horse pasture, a mini working dairy goat farm and few chickens and ducks for fresh breakfast eggs. You'll have access to a fire ring, firewood, and a wrought iron picnic table with chairs and scenic views along the Auglaize river.  

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

from

$100

/ night

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

N

Nick

February 2026

Tent

3 nights at River Camp Fort Wayne

Stayed here during the offseason and had the property to myself most of my stay. This is a nice slice of nature to have right in Fort Wayne's backyard so you can't beat the convenience. If you forget something, there's a Walmart less than 15 minutes away. Property was fairly clean, laid out well, with a decent spacing between sites. I didn't use them, but the sites include fire rings and chairs. My only complaint would be how incredibly dark it got back there at night. I appreciated the motion activated lights in a few spots but even just something dim like dim cafe lights would be helpful.

D

Dustin

November 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Scott and Amy's Rural Respite

Amazing hosts! A surprise blizzard rolled through, so I informed them I was going to hit a hotel, but didn't expect a refund, because these things happen. Refunded anyway! Super nice of them! Much respect.

Peter

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Blue Water Lake

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.

T

Theodore

November 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Wonderful! This location is an amazing place to unwind and relax.

T

Theodore

November 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Loved staying at this location! Nice lodging, beautiful area, a truly wonderful place to unwind!

N

Nick

October 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

I enjoyed exploring the property and the cabin was adequate for my needs.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This was my first camping experience and I couldn't have picked a better place. The property is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to return in the summer, but I'm so glad we got to see the fall colors. Such a short walk to the river, which is just gorgeous. The cabin was perfect for us. The wood stove and water system were super easy to use and having a TV was a cherry on top! Lol. There were little touches everywhere of things that were either helpful or just plain charming. My main concern, being a first-timer was safety and that box was definitely checked. It's a perfect spot for a couple, a family with children or a group of college kids. We just left and I can't say enough. Thanks, Marla, for an amazing time!

A

Aidan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Very nice woods and Marla and her husband were extremely nice. The Disc Golf is pretty fun too! Would defintly come back again.

K

Kydeem

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

I loved the cabin at Marla's. It also has nice views, cool little trails and a nice place by the water to relax.

H

Haylea

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

We stayed in campsite one. It was really nice and not too far from the parking spots. The bathroom was also nice and not too far of a walk from the campsite. We will definitely be back again. We loved that they provided firewood! Just be prepared to carry your camping stuff to your site, they do have wagons but when we went everyone else had taken them already and kept them at their sites so we had nothing to use to haul our stuff to our site.

D

Deanna

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Great time with our young kids! The river is beautiful

Mark

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Even though it's in Fort Wayne. It was nice and secluded and peaceful.

K

Katy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Water Lake

Had a wonderful time. Great fishing spot. Very quiet and peaceful.

N

Neil

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The cabin had convenient access and parking, good amenities, and above all was cozy!

M

Martin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This is the second time I have stayed at the cabin and both times have been an amazing experience! The amenities offered are amazing! I felt connected to the outdoors while still being able to enjoy the comforts of a clean and well supplied facility! A great way to get away for the weekend without all the hassles of traditional tent camping. A great way to dip your toe into camping before going all out into a tent.

S

Steve

September 2025

Tent

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Great place. The owners are very nice people. I recommend going there.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The campgrounds were clean and maintained. It was easy to get to and quite. I only stayed for one night, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I'd recommend for anyone to give it a chance. Being so close to the river was delightful and I'll be returning again in the future.