Ohio Camping Offers Beauty, Activity and Education

By RA Manseau

Brandywine Falls, Ohio Camping

Ohio has so much to see and so many great places to play. Your Ohio camping vacation is destined to be very rewarding.

As you RV Ohio’s northwest, you will come to the city of Archbold. Just on the northern edge of the city is the historic Sauder Village. Open late April through the end of October, it is a wonderful step back in time. This historic village recreates life of the 19th century Amish-Mennonite pioneers that settled this land. There is a Little Pioneers Homestead especially created for the younger guest. Here the kids are encouraged to “Please Touch” the activities, toys and games that have been designed for them and their adults. This is great beginning for our future historians. The village has authentic buildings and collections of farming equipment furnishings, clothing and more. Talented and skilled craftsmen work at trades that were vital to the settlers. You will see basketry, weaving, spinning, pottery, broom making, wood working, quilting and glass working. Some of the craftsman that practice their trade in the village are recognized world-wide for the quality of their workmanship. The Sauder Village is a treasure that should not be missed. For information on ticket pricing and hours, consult the Sauder Village website.

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Five Tips & Hints to RV Ohio

Plan ahead and book your Ohio campsite online!
There are 50,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs in the state as well as over seven million acres of forest, creating a beautiful backdrop for any Ohio campground.
January temperature extremes in Ohio vary from 22 to 62 degrees. July is no more moderate with temps ranging from 35 to 97 degrees.
Wine tasting tours in Ohio are a common past time for RVers and travelers. For brochures and maps, visit the Ohio Wine Producers Association website.
The Toledo Zoo is one to the world’s most complete and well known zoos with over 6,000 animals.

Also in the northwest region of Ohio is the marvelous Harrison Lake State Park. This is a wonderful recreation area. The lake offers boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. The lake even has a doggy beach! Boats on the lake must be non-powered watercraft or boats with electric motors only. This beautiful park is the perfect getaway for those wishing quite restful fun. There are Ohio campgrounds at and near the lake.

Toledo, on the beautiful Lake Erie is a great place to visit on your Ohio camping vacation. There are world class attractions in this city. The Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Firefighters Museum, the Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship and the Blair Museum of Lithophanes are all wonderful ways to spend an afternoon. The Blair Museum of Lithophanes has the largest collection of lithophanes in the world with over 2,300. They are such beautiful testaments to superior porcelain craftsmanship.

The Toledo Zoo is one to the world’s most complete and well known zoos with over 6,000 animals. This is the region's top family destination. The Toledo Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts, working to preserve endangered and threatened species. Not only does the zoo give you the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of animals, it has historic buildings as well as magnificent gardens.

Not far from Toledo, Port Clinton has the African Safari Wildlife Park. This is a drive thru safari park. This 100-plus acre preserve is so exciting and different. Imagine a deer, elk or bison walking right up to your car window. At most zoos you look at the animals through glass or at a distance at this park you can touch, feed and even ride some of the animals. This is a great fun excursion for the whole family.

While your RV Ohio vacation is along the shore of Lake Erie you may be interested in stopping around Sandusky. Here you will find a spectacular thrill-filled amusement parks, Cedar Point, Soak City and Challenge Park. This is the ultimate destination for amusement park thrill seekers. There are lots of hospitable Ohio campgrounds in the area.

Do you just love football? If you do then make sure you spend part of your Ohio camping vacation in Canton. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate football museum. Other historical places in the Canton area include the First Ladies’ National Historical Site and the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. The First Ladies’ National Historical Site consists of two buildings. The library is dedicated to educating the public on the contributions made by the United States first ladies as well as other notable women in history. The other building is the 1840’s Victorian family home of First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley. The city of Canton has numerous museums and galleries to engage and educate.

Canton is in Amish country. Ohio Amish country is mainly in the Holmes County, Wayne County and Stark County region. The slow-paced, hard-working way of the Amish people attracts the interest and envy of many. As you RV Ohio’s Amish areas, remember that just over the top of the hill or around the next bent there may be an Amish man with a horse and buggy traveling at only five miles per hour. This section of Ohio has the largest Amish community in the world.

Travel to the southern border that Ohio shares with Kentucky and visit the area around Portsmouth. There is so much to do here. You may wish to spend your days swimming in Turkey Creek Lake or hiking in the breathtaking Shawnee State Park. The city of Portsmouth sets on the northern shore of the Ohio River and is just west of the Scioto River. As a result of the city’s proximity to the rivers and forest, it is an outdoor vacation paradise. There are lots of Ohio Campgrounds in this area.

An Ohio camping vacation will provide the means to have a lot of family fun while sneaking a bit of education in on the kids. Ohio campgrounds are friendly and plentiful.