The One Amazing Place In Ohio Where You Can Camp Right On The Lake
Kelley Island State Park offers stunning views of Lake Erie, ancient ruins, and various camping options, making it a unique and beautiful campground in Ohio.
Do you have a favorite lakefront camping spot? (Be sure to check out this list of waterfront camping spots in Ohio.) Perhaps one of the most beautiful and underrated campgrounds in Ohio is Kelley Island State Park. With stunning views of Lake Erie and ancient ruins to explore, this beautiful campground almost makes you forget you’re in Ohio.
Take a look:
Tucked away on the northern portion of Kelleys Island is a stunning state park made up of approximately 676 acres.
You'll find the park at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438.
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Both primitive and RV camping is permitted here, with 42 non-electric sites and 82 electric sites.
There are two Rent-A-Camp units available as well.
What makes this campground stand out from the rest are the surrounding views of Lake Erie. You're never far from the water.
Like many campgrounds, there's a 100-ft. public swimming beach the whole family will love as well as kayak rentals for those looking for something a little more adventurous.
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The park also features two yurts you can rent that sleep up to six people each.
Each yurt includes an efficiency kitchen, private bathroom with shower and a furnished living/dining area.
Outside of the water, there's still plenty to do. A 1-mile hiking trail and several multiple-use trails are just waiting to be explored, complete with fascinating ruins along the way.
You'll also want to check out the ancient ruins in the area, such as Inscription Rock, which features more than 100 prehistoric designs and writings. It's mind-blowing to see firsthand.
And visiting the Glacial Grooves State Memorial is a must while you're on the island.
The glacial grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide and 15 feet deep—making them the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world.
Kelleys Island State Park is located at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH 43438. Have you ever camped here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Camping season is upon us and while I certainly consider myself more a "glamper" than a camper, I certainly see the appeal of embracing the Great Outdoors by pitching a tent for a night beneath the stars. Happily, Ohio is home to some pretty incredible campgrounds; places sure to satisfy your wanderlust and give you a whole new appreciation for our beautiful state... without the need to "rough it" in the wild! This is certainly how I'd describe Sandy Springs Campground, a remote and beautiful campground nestled on the banks of the Ohio River that's a standout among Buckeye State campsites.
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Fog dissipating as the sun rises above the mighty Ohio; this is an iconic, only-in-Ohio sight...
...and Sandy Springs Campground is an iconic, only-in-Ohio campground boasting million-dollar views of this beautiful Buckeye State sight.
Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the banks of the Ohio River, Sandy Springs Campground is simultaneously convenient and remote; easy to reach but surrounded by dense forest.
This glorious Ohio campground has something for everyone: 40 full hookup campsites, cabins, and even camper rentals. (I don't know about you, but a camper sounds like the Goldilocks perfect option for glamping in Ohio!)
Campers give Sandy Springs high marks for its cleanliness and family friendly amenities, which include showers, laundry, a dump station, a camp store, playground, and fire pit.
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With so many camp and cabin sites, you might be a bit nervous about how "remote" or "secluded" Sandy Springs truly is; however, a thoughtfully plotted layout combined with lots of natural features make each and every campsite feel like a world unto itself.
Of course, if you're looking to kick things up a notch, book a stay in one of the campground's well-appointed cabins, which bring new meaning to rustic luxury! The River Cabin, pictured here, is my personal favorite, boasting beauteous river vistas that can be enjoyed from the porch swing on its private deck or fire pit area!
No matter where you choose to stay at Sandy Springs Campground, however, you're in for a treat. These Ohio River views are simply sublime, making Sandy Springs Campground truly, wonderfully, one of a kind.
The next time you feel the pull of Mother Nature, head to this remote campground in Ohio for an unforgettable adventure! Learn more and book a campsite, cabin, or camper at the Sandy Springs Campground website, and be sure to follow Sandy Springs Campground on Facebook to stay in-the-know about events and specials!
Looking for somewhere new to take the family on a weekend camping trip? Here in Ohio, we have several state parks, lakeside campgrounds, and RV resorts that make great places for a family camper or RV trip. You don't always have to travel far for some good old-fashioned family fun. The following are 9 of our favorite places for the best RV camping in Ohio!
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1. Blue Water Campground (Grover Hill)
Not many people are aware that Ohio is home to a family-owned and operated campground in Grover Hill that features a stunningly beautiful quarry. You can camp pretty close to the quarry. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. (There are also shower houses, a laundry facility, and a camp store for supplies and snacks.) For rates, reservations and more, visit the official campground website.
2. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins (Toronto)
Looking for "RV camping near me?" Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins in the town of Toronto features a gorgeous lake, plenty to explore, and miniature cabins with more amenities than you would expect. (Each cabin features log furniture on the porch, a fire ring, a picnic table, and air-conditioned units.) For reservations and other information, visit the official campground website.
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3. Clay’s Park Resort (North Lawrence)
Next on our list of the best RV vacations is this awesome spot in North Lawrence. With an adventure water park, RV resort, and campground, Clay's Park Resort is the perfect place to spend a summer weekend. Several camping options are available here such as comfortable cabin rentals, full feature RV camping, spacious tent camping, and even relaxing cabanas are available for "glamping." This is one of the best camping resorts in Ohio. For camping information and reservations, visit the official campground website.
4. Kelleys Island State Park (Kelley's Island)
Perhaps one of the most beautiful and underrated campgrounds in Ohio is Kelleys Island State Park. With stunning views of Lake Erie and ancient ruins to explore, this beautiful campground almost makes you forget you’re in Ohio. Both primitive and RV camping are permitted here, with 42 non-electric sites and 82 electric sites.
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5. Baylor Beach Park (Navarre)
With 60 campsites and 75 acres of family fun to discover, this little-known campground is a hidden gem tucked away in Ohio Amish Country. RV camping season at Baylor Beach Park is generally open from about the beginning of May to mid-October or so. Pets are allowed and reservations are highly recommended. For more information about camping rates and reservations, visit the official campground website.
6. Long Lake Park Campground (Lakeville)
Long Lake Park Campground is Ohio's oldest campground with a history of family fun that dates back to 1919. The park has 286 sites with full hookups, and guests can enjoy modern restrooms and hot showers. There are also cabins to rent, a pool, playground equipment for the little ones, and more. For more information, visit the official campground website.
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7. Wood's Tall Timber Resort (New Philadelphia)
Welcome to Wood's Tall Timber Resort, a little-known resort where adventure is king and camping is a way of life. With several primitive and electric sites, you can bring your camper, RV, or tent. Both 30-amp and 50-amp electric hook-ups are available. Nightly rates start at very nominal prices. For more information about rates and camping reservations, visit the official campground website.
8. Coshocton KOA Campground (Coshocton)
Still hungry for more of the best RV camping in Ohio? Then welcome to Coshocton KOA Campground, where camping isn't just a fun weekend activity—it's a way of life. Here, you're welcome to pitch a tent or bring your own RV. (You can also stay in one of the campground's two remodeled Airstream Argosy campers.) The yearly sunflower festival here makes your stay extra special. For more information, visit the official campground website.
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9. East Harbor State Park (Marblehead)
With gorgeous beaches nearby and 2 miles of easy, cleared trails to explore, you'll love exploring the Wetland Trails at this gem of a state park. This Lake Erie beach also features a large inflatable water slide and is close to ferries for beachgoers to take to nearby islands and Marblehead Lighthouse. East Harbor State Park is one of the most popular places offering some of the best RV camping in Ohio.
Have you ever camped at any of these parks before? If so, which do you think offers the best RV camping in Ohio? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you're interested in exploring an RV resort, check out this article about Lighthouse Point in beautiful Cedar Point. And if you need new camping gear, check out the selection from our friends at REI!
If you’re still in the mood for more outdoor Ohio adventures, take a look at this video: