When it comes to Midwest camping, it doesn’t get better than staying on the shores of the Great Lakes! Lake Erie has a nice long coastline that has plenty of space for RV parks and campgrounds. But one of the best places to stay along this massive body of water is Maumee Bay State Park.

This campground is right on the water’s edge and it provides the perfect place to enjoy the scenery. And unlike the rural state parks you may be used to, this one comes with several amenities to ensure that every visitor is comfortable. It’s not far away from a large city as well, so you’ll have the best of both worlds by staying here.

To cap it all off, this RV park has some of the best reviews in the entire state of Ohio! Visitors have been raving about their experience here, so we figured it was time to take a deeper dive into what makes it so special. Read on to see why this park has become so popular, and you might even be convinced to stop by on your next trip!

Overview

Maumee Bay State Park is located in Oregon, Ohio, on the outskirts of Toledo, giving you enough space to feel like you’re completely separated from the big city. But it’s still within reach if you’re looking for some entertainment and great dining options!

Maumee Bay State Park covers 1,336 acres and it includes marshes, meadows, and miles of woodland. So in other words, it’s the perfect setting for a campground! This variety of habitats also makes it ideal for a variety of wildlife species. Birds particularly love this lakeside destination thanks to all the plants, insects, and fish that are so readily available. It’s a birder’s paradise here.

With all the elbow room in this area, there’s plenty of space for the 256 RV sites that are available at the Maumee Bay State Park Campground. All of them come with hookups for electricity, but some do not offer water or sewage connections. Be sure to book in advance or call ahead if you need a full-hookup site.

Dates and Rates

The time of year that you visit will also be important. The peak camping season here spans from March 31–September 30. Once the fall season arrives in earnest, only 33 sites remain open for public use. The water hookups are also shut off, although potable water is still available at the dump station. But if you decide to stay here during that off-season, you’ll be able to enjoy extremely low rates, which can make up for any inconvenience.

Speaking of rates, even the peak season prices are quite affordable. Most guests reported that they were able to stay here for only $35 per night. Some have even reported nightly rates as low as $20. For a scenic lakeside campground, those costs are hard to beat!

Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and it’s a good idea to call ahead if you get the chance. You can learn more about this campground and find reservation information at ohiodnr.gov.

Amenities

Next up, let’s look at some of the amenities that will be included in your stay. We already talked about the hookups that are available at each site, but campers also have paved parking pads and on-site picnic tables and fire pits. Most RV spots also come with their own trees and shrubs. These provide some extra shade and privacy, so you can take enjoy your space to the fullest.

Wildlife also feels right at home here, so keep your eyes open! Many campers have had up-close and personal encounters with deer, rabbits, and all kinds of birds. Keep your camera on you just in case.

Heated shower houses and flush toilets are also located on the premises. You might be surprised by that, especially if you’re used to much more primitive camping setups in state parks. But the managers here pride themselves on giving guests a great experience for a low cost.

Looking for something to do outdoors? You’re in the perfect place! This campground has Lake Erie on one side and natural meadows on the other. Five miles of asphalt walking trails extend outward, giving you the perfect place to take in the scenery and stretch your legs. Bike rentals are also available if you prefer to cycle.

Park Plays

If you want to stay a little closer to your campsite, take advantage of the basketball court, playground, fishing ponds, and horseshoe pits. Additional games and sporting equipment are available in the camp office, so don’t worry about missing out if you didn’t bring your own basketball!

In addition to the amenities within the campground, you’ll also have access to everything Maumee Bay State Park has to offer! This is a massive park with so many different activities at your fingertips.

Some of the offerings within the park include:

• In-land lake in addition to Lake Erie access
• Two sandy lakeside beaches
• Additional outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball
• Boardwalk paths through the marshes
• An 18-hole disc golf course
• A lush golf course with its own pro-shop
• Amphitheater
• A 7-lane archery range
• Access to the Maumee Bay Lodge Marina
• The newly renovated Trautman Nature Center
• Free little library
• Storybook Trail (A guided children’s story adventure through nature.)
• And more!

This state park offers the total package, so there’s bound to be something that everyone in your group will enjoy. And if you prefer a more upscale experience, you can stay at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. To learn more about this state park and everything that is included, visit ohiodnr.gov

Nearby Activities/Attractions

As you can see, there is so much to do right within Maumee Bay State Park itself. So you might not even have time for anything else! But if you’re planning to stay for a while (and why wouldn’t you?) then there are plenty of diversions to enjoy in the surrounding area.

For starters, Lake Erie is right on your doorstep! This is the 11th largest lake in the world and it has a rich history to explore. Be sure to admire the lighthouses at Point Place, West Sister, and Turtle Island. There is also plenty of space for swimming, boating, fishing, and walking along the lake shore.

If you get tired from adventuring outdoors, the city of Toledo is also within striking distance. There are so many interesting attractions and shops here that you could easily spend a week or more just exploring the city.

Some of the most popular destinations include the Toledo Zoo and Botanical Gardens, The Toledo Museum of Art, and the National Museum of the Great Lakes. If you’re in the market for fun and games, try the Sportway of Toledo, Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park, or visit one of the many sporting arenas or historic theaters

Finally, if you’re up for a day trip, the famous Cedar Point Amusement Park is about one hour away from the Maumee Bay State Park. Here, you can ride 18 different roller coasters, splash down water slides, and explore a huge range of other carnival games and rides. It’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Reviews

As you can see, Maumee Bay State Park puts you close to everything, while still providing a lovely campground that’s peaceful and quiet. No matter what kind of travel experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to leave satisfied.

But what do the actual guests have to say? According to users of RV LIFE Campgrounds, this RV park is one of the best in the state! They have awarded it the cumulative score of 9.6/10. If you’ve ever used this platform before, you know that a score this high is pretty rare! But considering all of the state park amenities, plus the location and the low cost, it just makes sense.

Reviewers specifically mentioned that the campsites were spacious and felt quite private. Many also celebrated all of the activities within the area, so they never felt like they were bored. Most people were also surprised that a state park had such a modern and luxurious setup. So if you’re wary of campgrounds like this, take a chance! You’ll probably be surprised by just how nice it really is here.

There aren’t a lot of downsides to mention here, aside from the limited access to full hookups. But with the fresh water spigots, the dump station, and the on-site restrooms/showers, you really won’t miss them very much.

Be sure to check out the Maumee Bay State Park page on RV LIFE Campgrounds. You’ll be able to see more in-depth reviews from guests, as well as campground photos and some great tips.

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• Four Hot Spots In Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region

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