If you like to camp in Ohio, you might be surprised to find that there are some places in the Buckeye State where you can camp right along the lake. While we don’t have traditional beaches here in our state, Lake Erie serves as Ohio’s own special sort of ocean, with gorgeous views, crashing waves, and stunning sunsets. There’s nothing like waking up to your favorite lake – and building a campfire each evening along the shore. The following are nine spectacular spots in that are perfect for Ohio lake camping. These spots offer some of the best waterfront camping in Ohio.

1. Geneva State Park - Geneva

4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, USA
Flying Horse Farms/Flickr
With a nearby lodge and deluxe cedar cabins, this family-favorite state park has several overnight accommodations. But with such stunning views of Lake Erie, why not pitch a tent? Learn more when you check out the ​​Geneva State Park website.

2. Blue Water Campground - Grover Hill

2791 Rd 173, Grover Hill, OH 45849, USA
Blue Water Campground/Facebook
While the famous Blue Hole in Castila is long gone, 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.) Visit the ​​Blue Water Campground website for all the information to plan your stay.

3. Kelleys Island State Park - Kelley's Island

920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Kelleys Island State Park/Facebook
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 is permitted here, with 42 non-electric sites and 82 electric sites. (There are two Rent-A-Camp units and two yurts available as well.)

4. Clay's Resort Jellystone Park - North Lawrence

12951 Patterson St NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666, USA
Clay's Resort Jellystone Park / Facebook
The cabins along the lake at Clay's Park Resort in Lawrence is "where comfort meets a starry night." The park sits on over 500-acres filled with room to make memories for the entire family.

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5. Indian Lake State Park - Lakeview

12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, USA
Mwietro/Trip Advisor
At ​​Indian Lake State Park, the campground is nestled right along the water. In addition to easy lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing, several picnic spots, hiking trails, and playgrounds abound at this 800-acre state park.

6. Mosquito Lake State Park - Cortland

1439 OH-305, Cortland, OH 44410, USA
Ohio Department Of Natural Resources / Flickr
Mosquito Lake State Park offers two yurts available for rent from April 1 to October 31. Each features a large wooden deck with a view of the lake, two futon bunk beds, a small refrigerator, a microwave, a small table and an outdoor grill, and picnic table. For more information, visit the ​​Mosquito Lake State Park website.

7. The Riverside Campground - Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills Adventures, 31251 Chieftain Dr, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Hocking Hills Adventures/Facebook
Managed by Hocking Hills Adventures, this little-known campground sits right along the banks of the Hocking River. With easy access to electric hook-ups at the Fun Center and easy access to canoeing, kayaking, and other fun river activities, this makes for a great site. For more information, visit ​​The Riverside Campground website.

8. Lake Loramie State Park - Minster

Lake Loramie State Park, 4401 Fort Loramie-Swanders Rd, Minster, OH 45865, USA
Nicole Ploetz/Flickr
This state park in northwest Ohio is somewhat of a hidden gem. With 115 electric sites, 45 electric premium sites, 15 non-electric sites and cedar cabins centered around the lake, you can have the perfect lakeside getaway here.

9. Kiser Lake State Park - Saint Paris

Kiser Lake State Park, 4889 OH-235, Conover, OH 45317, USA
Ohio DNR/Kiser Lake State Park
The atmosphere is relaxing and the water is refreshing at Kiser Lake State Park. You'll find 10 electric sites and 69 non-electric sites at this peaceful oasis. For more information, visit the ​​Kiser Lake State Park website.

Have you ever experienced any of these sites for lake camping in Ohio? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Or if you have other locations you enjoy for waterfront camping in Ohio, be sure to share them with us in the comment section.

For more camping spots in Ohio, check out our previous article about 10 Camping Spots You’ll Only Find In Ohio Are Simply Perfect. And always make sure you have the right gear before you head out to your site.

These 10 Camping Spots You’ll Only Find In Ohio Are Simply Perfect

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Waterfront Campgrounds Near Me In Ohio

April Dray | June 15, 2019

Is it legal to camp on the beach in Ohio?

Camping on a swimming beach is prohibited in many state parks and campgrounds, however some campgrounds in Ohio do feature campsites right next to a lake or river. Many designated lakeside and riverside campsites are located a safe distance away from the water or away from public swimming beaches. These designated campsites are legal.

What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Ohio?

Camping essentials for both waterside camping and state park camping in Ohio primarily depend on what type of campsite you’ll be using. A few highlights to get you going:

  • Some cabins and cottages may come equipped with mattresses, cooking utensils and other items
  • Pitching your own tent will mean bringing your own air mattress, cookware, sleeping bag, etc.
  • Whether you’ll be pitching a tent, bringing your RV or staying in a cabin, the following are some must-bring items for camping in Ohio: First-Aid kit, flashlight, matches, water, food, pocket knife, a navigation tool and rain gear.

 

What are the best family campgrounds in Ohio?

The Buckeye State is home to several resorts and natural water parks that feature some of the best family camping in Ohio, such as:

  • Longs Retreat Family Resort in Latham
  • Natural Springs Resort in New Paris
  • Wood’s Tall Timber Resort in New Philadelphia

These camping resorts are family-friendly and often feature other activities beyond hiking, such as arcades and zip lines.

Families who enjoy hiking in Ohio will enjoy visiting some of the most scenic and popular places to camp in Ohio, such as:

The hiking trails in these parks are especially beautiful and some of these state parks even feature aerial adventure courses and canopy tours, which can be especially fun for families.

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