99% (211) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Willard
Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
99%
(333)
43mi from Willard · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
99% (211) • 6 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Willard
Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
1. Rusty's Retreat with pond and river
99%
(333)
43mi from Willard · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nina
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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 : )
See more
J
Jacob
October 2025
Tent
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!
See moreD
Daniel
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Another great adventure at Rusty’s! This is our second time camping there this year and it certainly won’t be our last.
See moreE
Eden
September 2025
Tent
Jay was incredibly friendly and took the time to show us the land and introduce us to his lovely animals.
See moreJ
Jack
September 2025
Tent
Wonderful property, beautiful sunrise. Very peaceful and quiet. Jay was a remarkably gracious host.
See more
A
Aubriana
September 2025
Tent
With kids
site number 1 was beautiful. it was a good spot to relax and the girls loved hanging out in the creek.
See moreC
Christy
August 2025
Tent
The property is BEAUTIFUL! And our host was very kind!
See moreD
David
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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
See more
M
Mary Kate
July 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See moreA
Alexia
July 2025
Tent
With kids
I stayed here with my husband and 2 kids and we had an incredible time! We booked a tent site, and were even able to upgrade to another site when we got there! Jay greeted us when we arrived and gave us a tour. He was so kind and accommodating our whole trip! We got to meet Rusty, Lexi, and Little Bits, they were all so sweet! The property is absolutely beautiful! The sites were a great size and well maintained. It felt so private and peaceful! The kids had a blast walking the trails and playing in the pond. They even had available kayaks to use! We spent HOURS playing in the river right off of our site and listening to the wildlife. Jay even brought us fresh vegetables from his garden! We had a fantastic stay and would love to come again, we will definitely be recommending to friends! Thank you for your hospitality and sharing your beautiful property with us!
See moreA
Adam
June 2025
Tent
With kids
I love when we visit Rusty’s, able to just enjoy family time with our child and dogs walking in the creek catching crayfish, interacting with the farm animals, or enjoying the pond by fishing, swimming, and kayaking in It. The host are great and the land is lovely. Thank you again for having us.
See more
D
Daniel
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Some friends and I took tent sites 1, 2, and 3 along the river with our sons, and it was great! We had a fantastic time, fishing and exploring the river. The hosts were attentive and accommodating. We would definitely go back.
See moreB
Baker
May 2025
Tent
With kids
The property was beautiful and secluded. Our boys had so much fun!
See more
Felicia
May 2025
Tent
With pets
We stayed on site 3 with our one year old and our dog for our first camping adventure since our baby was born.
It was exactly what we needed—beautiful, peaceful, and also very convenient. Jay and Heather’s hospitality for a campsite was better than most Airbnbs I’ve stayed!
If you’re daunted by lugging your camping gear into a spot marked “secluded”—don’t be. They helped us move everything we needed in a golf cart (and we brought a lot because of our baby).
I loved birdwatching and listening. My husband loved fishing and walking in the river. Our baby loved to the ponies and Rusty. Our dog loved meeting another dog friend!
We cannot wait to come back! Even if site 3 isn’t right for your family or setup, I guarantee you one of the other spots will be!
See moreS
Shawn
May 2025
Tent
Had a great and peaceful time out here would recommend a friend. Very relaxing.
See moreD
Dustin
April 2025
Tent
Beautiful place. Awesome hosts. Helped us set up and hung out with us for a bit.
See more
