The best camping in Mary Jane Thurston State Park, OH

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The best camping in Mary Jane Thurston State Park, OH

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
The sun sets on another day at Uncle Chuck’s Cabin

2. Uncle Chuck's Cabin

100%
(106)
4.5mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Grand Rapids, OH
This property is a great place to enjoy nature. The Metropark has an easement through the canal. Bendview park is nearby. Undeveloped park acreage is near the access road to the east. Fly kites or drones in the grassy field. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are fun winter sports to indulge in. Birds find sanctuary here. Baltimore orioles, Cedar Waxwings,eagles, bluebirds and pileated woodpeckers pass through. Arrowheads have been found everywhere. There's peace and quiet in the surrounding area. Learn more about this land: See nature up close at this secluded getaway a 10 minute walk from South River Road. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, water sports, hiking, campfires and star gazing. Situated on the grassy bank of the Maumee with a natural boat launch. Adjacent to Metropark towpath between Waterville and Grand Rapids. Your fee includes propane and propane lantern, firewood and gas for the generator, plus use of boat, life vests and oars. Property has a fire ring, picnic table, grill and charcoal, sanitary outhouse and ample parking. Cabin has a microwave, Keurig, wood stove, futon, loft with full size bed, 5-gallon thermos of water, and electricity from a generator. No running water or kitchen. We provide twin sheets and pillow for the futon. We also make the full size bed in the loft.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

3. Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

100%
(17)
9.3mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 1 site · Tent · Swanton, OH
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary is a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit animal sanctuary located on 5 acres in Swanton, OH. The campsite is located in the heart of the woods. This is a hike in primitive camp site (about 1/4 mile walk depending where you park) . We have a wagon and wheelbarrows available for use for hauling stuff back to the site. All money raised from this camp site goes back into building our sanctuary and provides ongoing care for our rescued animals! Oak Openings Metropark (including HEAVY Brewery) is located less than 5 miles away and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Also located nearby is Johnston’s Fruit Farm (apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh cut flowers, etc.) Tano’s Pizza (we recommend V-6 without cheese plus breadsticks no parm) and China Garden (vegetable tofu!) will deliver food here. The campsite includes a fire pit and composting toilet!
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

4. Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

98%
(54)
16mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$30
 / night
Tails and Trails Horse Farm

7. Tails and Trails Horse Farm

98%
(80)
38mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Adrian, MI
Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer horseback riding lessons, pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you! Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan. Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area.  We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer.  In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages.  We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask.  This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site.  This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area.  Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle.  There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm. We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer. We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Dusk at the Lotus Belle

12. The Eco Camp | Oak Openings

100%
(26)
8.7mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Engedi Acres

15. Engedi Acres

100%
(3)
32mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Findlay, OH
Off-grid Tiny Home and tent clearing on Private 10 acres. Come stay in our little slice of nature, situated on a private 10 acre retired golf course. Enjoy your coffee on the front porch soothed by the bird sounds, watching the squirrels forage for nuts, and the occasional deer stopping for a drink at the seasonal pond or enjoy a s’more around the fire ring. Explore the 10 acres of manicured trails, grasslands, and clearings with your furry best friend, or play on our tree swings, slack lines, and zip line with your littles. One mile down the road, you’ll find Riverbend Recreation area with additional playgrounds, reservoir for fishing/boating, dog park, hiking trails, and cross country skiing available seasonally. The City of Findlay with ample grocery and dining outlets is a short 10 minute drive. The tiny home has a loft equipped with a queen mattress (no linens provided), desk, reading chair, kitchenette, and bistro table. Additional single camp cot available for sleeping on first level. One hammock provided, with additional places to hang hammocks you provide. Yard space is also available for pitching tents. Outhouse adjacent to the cabin. Limited electric available for device charging. Cabin is wired to plug into generator if desired. No running water is available, so water should be brought with you. Additional site available for tent camping. Farm fresh eggs, garden produce, and homemade dog treats available for purchase seasonally as available.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mary Jane Thurston State Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Uncle Chuck's Cabin

100%
(106)
4.5mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Grand Rapids, OH
This property is a great place to enjoy nature. The Metropark has an easement through the canal. Bendview park is nearby. Undeveloped park acreage is near the access road to the east. Fly kites or drones in the grassy field. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are fun winter sports to indulge in. Birds find sanctuary here. Baltimore orioles, Cedar Waxwings,eagles, bluebirds and pileated woodpeckers pass through. Arrowheads have been found everywhere. There's peace and quiet in the surrounding area. Learn more about this land: See nature up close at this secluded getaway a 10 minute walk from South River Road. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, water sports, hiking, campfires and star gazing. Situated on the grassy bank of the Maumee with a natural boat launch. Adjacent to Metropark towpath between Waterville and Grand Rapids. Your fee includes propane and propane lantern, firewood and gas for the generator, plus use of boat, life vests and oars. Property has a fire ring, picnic table, grill and charcoal, sanitary outhouse and ample parking. Cabin has a microwave, Keurig, wood stove, futon, loft with full size bed, 5-gallon thermos of water, and electricity from a generator. No running water or kitchen. We provide twin sheets and pillow for the futon. We also make the full size bed in the loft.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night

Farley’s Farm Sanctuary

100%
(17)
9.3mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 1 site · Tent · Swanton, OH
Farley’s Farm Sanctuary is a grassroots 501c3 nonprofit animal sanctuary located on 5 acres in Swanton, OH. The campsite is located in the heart of the woods. This is a hike in primitive camp site (about 1/4 mile walk depending where you park) . We have a wagon and wheelbarrows available for use for hauling stuff back to the site. All money raised from this camp site goes back into building our sanctuary and provides ongoing care for our rescued animals! Oak Openings Metropark (including HEAVY Brewery) is located less than 5 miles away and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Also located nearby is Johnston’s Fruit Farm (apple picking, pumpkin patch, fresh cut flowers, etc.) Tano’s Pizza (we recommend V-6 without cheese plus breadsticks no parm) and China Garden (vegetable tofu!) will deliver food here. The campsite includes a fire pit and composting toilet!
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Bracy Gold Bison Ranch

98%
(54)
16mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$30
 / night

Tails and Trails Horse Farm

98%
(80)
38mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Adrian, MI
Tails and Trails Farm is a gorgeous property that sits on 80 acres at the edge of the Irish Hills. We offer a place of healing and support for humans and animals through nature, music, and interaction. Many of our animals are rescues and we use them in a variety of therapies in an effort of healing for human an animal alike. We offer horseback riding lessons, pony rides. You can also tour the farm, meet the animals, and hear their stories. We look forward to meeting you! Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy our farm! Tails and Trails is a small family-owned horse farm in the Irish Hills of southeastern Michigan. Our campsite sits in the middle of 30 acres of private woods. There is a fire ring with room for seating and a separate area to place your tent directly adjacent. There is also another sitting area and plenty of options to hang hammocks. The site is about a 10 minute or .5 mile walk through a beautiful wooded trail from the parking area.  We also offer scheduled horseback trail rides across our 82 acres, for people of all ages. (If you have small children please specify so we can discuss options.) Please send us a message if you are interested to inquire about availability or if there are any questions we can answer.  In addition to the many full-size horses, we also have several miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, 5 dogs, barn cats, and a pot-belly pig. All of which love attention from humans of all ages.  We are a 420 friendly property as cannabis is legal in Michigan. There are 5 dispensaries in Adrian offering both Recreational and Medical cannabis products for sale. If you would like help or advice about the local market please just ask.  This is a pack it in, pack it out campsite. The closest source of potable water is in the barn or about a ten-minute walk from the site.  This is a perfect social distancing campsite however you are still only a 10-minute drive to the nearest grocery store and 20 minutes from some great swimming lakes, kayaking, and small-town allure in the Irish Hills area.  Ann Arbor is also only a 45-minute drive and has a bounty to offer anyone. We are very familiar with the city and can offer advice or suggestions if you'd like. There is a kayak rental in Tecumseh which is about 15 minutes away where you can do an entire river loop and return to the same place thus requiring only one vehicle.  There are also several close lakes where you can drop your own kayak in and explore. If you’d like some more amenities then Walter Hayes State Park or Lake Hudson State Park are both about a 20-minute drive. We have trails throughout the woods and along with our fields for exploring. We welcome guests to wander and enjoy the property while respecting nature and all the things that live here. The area is alive with animals and creatures of all types. Families of deer and turkey call the farm home and don’t be surprised to hear a coyote howl at night. With natural water sources and different types of topography, we are blessed to have a variety of wildlife at our farm. We keep to ourselves however are more than happy to accommodate reasonable requests and appreciate others getting to enjoy the beauty and serenity the country can offer. We welcome all humans of good character that show love to each other and the Earth.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

The Eco Camp | Oak Openings

100%
(26)
8.7mi from Mary Jane Thurston State Park · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Other options near Mary Jane Thurston State Park

The best camping in Mary Jane Thurston State Park, OH guide

Overview

About

Bring your finest pair of yellow rubber boots, because Mary Jane Thurston Park provides some of the best stream fishing in all of Ohio. If you want to angle from the comfort of a boat, rentals are at your disposal in the park office to paddle around the historic Maumee River. Outdoors explorers will enjoy the variety of natural formations, from prairies to dunes and swamps to bogs. Come back when the area transforms into a winter wonderland, where cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating make for the perfect excuse to indulge in a steamy cup of hot cocoa.

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