Discover Lake Eerie at these 7 Toledo, OH Campgrounds

This article about camping near is brought to you by Wenzel. Check out their camping accessories before your next trip.


When you camp in Ohio, you can choose to stay on the sandy shores of and explore the dunes, or you could head west from , OH, away from the lake. Camping near offers secluded spots in the forest and quaint sites beside small ponds.

Whichever direction you head in, you’re sure to find something interesting and exciting when you’re camping within an hour from .

1. East Harbor

man and children walking on road

Image from The Dyrt camper 5Keplers

This campground is the largest in the Ohio State Park System and located directly on , an hour’s drive from , OH. East Harbor is vast, with 550 sites, all asphalt and pull-through. The state park has 831 sandy, wooded, marshy acres along Lake Erie’s shores.

The campground contains 352 electric sites and 160 slightly cheaper sites that are non-electric. East Harbor has many loops and is stocked with all the amenities you could imagine – shower houses, game rooms, playgrounds, laundry, and camp stores.

“A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours.” – Mary B.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 550
  • RV sites: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

2. Maumee Bay

pull-behind trailer set up in grass

Image from The Dyrt camper Andrea F.

Maumee Bay is The best of both worlds chock-full of amenities with the natural beauty of Lake Erie . Maumee Bay is a mid- to large-sized campground with paved sites for RVs, electric hookups, and an indoor pool. Most places don’t have water hookups, so you’ll have to tote it along. Each site has some natural barrier of bush or trees, allowing for privacy and solitude along the bay.

Cycling, paddling, and hiking along the lake will leave you feeling active in nature and only a 20-minute drive from Toledo.

“We love camping here. Every site is spacious, and most have a full natural barrier that separates sites. There are some full hookups, but all have electric. Bring your bikes and walking shoes.” – Jordy & Heather H.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 256
  • RV sites: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

3. Wiregrass Lake Metropark

girl fishing at lake

Image from The Dyrt camper Jillian E.

This is a tiny urban campground on Wiregrass Lake, 14 miles away from downtown Toledo. Wiregrass is a bit of a novelty with only 3 campsites in this campground and ample space between each. This also means that you have to make reservations well in advance, and there are no RV sites or vehicles allowed.

Wiregrass Lake Metropark is a perfect locale for kayaking and fishing next to the city. The amenities are excellent because this is the newest park in the Metroparks system, opened in 2015. Keep an eye out for dragonflies.

“Each site has a raised gravel pad for your tent, a picnic table, ring, and a trash and free wood box that is fully stocked. If you’re looking for a camping experience without being surrounded by a whole bunch of people, this is it.” – Joe C.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 3
  • RV sites: No
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

4. Sunny’s Campground

row of RVs parked along the water

Image from The Dyrt camper Debra R.

If you’re looking for some time on the water, Sunny’s Campground is the place to do it. There are 5 lakes from which to choose. This campground is due west of Toledo, OH, 40 minutes away, and it’s vast with 800 campsites. Pack a bike or a golf cart if you have one so you can traverse this large open property.

“This campground has a good atmosphere for friendly and neighborly campers. Amazing activities and a large campground.” – Aaron W.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 800
  • RV sites: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

5. Mary Jane Thurston

trees along water at sunset

Image from The Dyrt camper Andrea F.

This small, private campground on the Maumee River banks makes you feel a million miles away from city life. Mary Jane Thruston campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, and some have water hookups but no sewer. Shower houses and toilets, a dump station, and a playground are all available. Stay at this spot for peak season and enjoy movie showings at the amphitheater during the peak season.

“Our site was right along the Maumee River, and our view was just breathtaking. We watched the seagulls play and catch while great blue herons skimmed that water and fisherman were out fly fishing.” – Andrea F.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 39
  • RV sites: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

6. Sterling State Park

swimmers in lake eerie

Image from The Dyrt camper Debra O.

Sterling State Park is a medium-sized campground a half-hour north of Toledo, OH, on the banks of Lake Erie. Offering both 30- and 50-amp sites, many have gorgeous views of the lake. The sites are somewhat close together and set on a level grassy field. There are no sewer hookups, but there is a dump station near the entrance.

“No boat, no problem. The park has several fishing piers as well as a kayak launch into a small inlet which is navigable all the way to the beach, approximately 2 miles.” – Frances V.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $21-40
  • Number of sites: 256
  • RV sites: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

7. White Oak Campground

tentsite in the woods

Image from The Dyrt camper Lisa T.

Situated on Mallard Lake, White Oak Campground is shaded by trees, offers tons of hiking, biking, and water activities, and has an excellent dune area to explore. Free firewood and an outdoor sink for dishes make this a lovely little campground just 30 minutes from Toledo, OH.

If you are looking for horse friendly camping near Toledo, White Oak is the spot for you. With a corral and two campsites directly beside it, your horse will be able to safely roam outside of it’s trailer during your stay.

“Cool trails nearby, really like this site. Well-kept and a very relaxed environment to get away.” – Max O.

Campground Details:

  • Price: $14-35
  • Number of sites: 8
  • RV sites: No
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

Camping near , puts you right at the lake’s edge or tucked away in a secluded wooded area. These campgrounds are just a tiny sampling of what Ohio has to offer campers. For hundreds more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Toledo.


This article about camping near Toledo, Ohio was brought to you by Wenzel. Beat the weather in their pop-up tents.

The post Discover Lake Eerie at these 7 Toledo, OH Campgrounds appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.

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