Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground

For Ohioans seeking an escape into nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground presents an ideal destination. Situated on the shores of Ohio's largest inland lake, this well-regarded campground offers a comprehensive camping experience, catering to a wide range of preferences, from those with fully equipped RVs to the more adventurous primitive tent campers. It's a place where the beauty of the outdoors meets thoughtful amenities, making it a perfect spot for family vacations, solo retreats, or group adventures.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park has a rich history, originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal, and was once recognized as the largest man-made reservoir in the world. Today, it serves as a bustling recreational hub, drawing visitors from across the region for its expansive waters and diverse activities. The campground itself reflects this spirit of welcoming outdoor enthusiasts, providing a clean, well-kept environment that encourages relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you're looking to simply set up camp and relax by a fire, or dive into a multitude of water and land-based activities, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground offers the perfect setting for your Ohio outdoor adventure.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground is conveniently located at 834 Edgewater Dr, St Marys, OH 45885, USA. This prime location places campers directly on the shores of the expansive Grand Lake St. Marys, offering stunning waterfront views and immediate access to myriad water-based activities. The campground is nestled within the larger Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, providing a comprehensive recreational experience within easy reach.

The accessibility of the campground is a significant advantage for Ohio locals. Situated near major routes, reaching the park from various parts of the state is straightforward. The town of St. Marys offers nearby conveniences such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries, ensuring that campers have easy access to supplies and services during their stay. The surrounding Mercer County area is known for its natural beauty and a relaxed pace, making the journey to and from the campground as enjoyable as the stay itself. This combination of lakeside tranquility and convenient access to town amenities makes Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground a highly desirable camping spot for Ohio residents.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground goes beyond basic camping, offering a suite of services designed to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. These provisions cater to various camping styles and needs, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites to suit different preferences. This includes 34 Full Hookup sites (water, sewer, electric), 154 Electric sites, and 10 Non-electric sites, accommodating everything from large RVs to primitive tent setups.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Campers have access to modern amenities such as flush toilets and clean showers, which are a welcome comfort, especially for primitive campers. While spiders are a natural part of the outdoor environment, the facilities are generally well-maintained.
• Laundry Facilities: For extended stays or after a day of outdoor activities, on-site laundry facilities are available, providing added convenience.
• Filling and Dump Stations: RV campers will appreciate the availability of a filling station for fresh water and a dump station for wastewater, making their setup and departure hassle-free.
• Camp Store: A full-service camp store is open to the public, offering essential supplies, snacks, and potentially even bike rentals, as well as loaning games, fishing, and sporting equipment to registered campers.
• Online Reservations: To secure your preferred site, reservations can be made up to six months in advance online or by calling the reservation line, ensuring peace of mind, especially during peak seasons.

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground is packed with features and highlights that promise an engaging and memorable camping experience for all ages.

• Direct Lake Access and Boat Docks: Many sites, including pull-thru sites, offer direct waterfront access, and the campground provides boat docks and tie-ups for registered campers, making it incredibly convenient for boating enthusiasts. The lake allows unlimited horsepower boating.
• Swimming Pool and Splash Pad: While swimming in the lake itself may be restricted at times due to natural conditions like algae blooms (check current advisories), the campground offers a refreshing swimming pool and a fun splash pad, providing excellent alternatives for cooling off and enjoying water play.
• Pet-Friendly Amenities: The campground welcomes pets on most sites (excluding cabins), and notably features a dedicated "pet park" (dog park) for registered campers, providing a safe and enclosed area for furry friends to play off-leash.
• Playgrounds and Miniature Golf: Families with children will appreciate the playgrounds available, and everyone can enjoy a round of miniature golf for some friendly competition.
• Picnic Shelters and Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires. Picnic shelters are also available for group use.
• Paved, Level Sites: Many sites, including the pull-thru options, are paved and level, making setup easier and more comfortable for RVs and trailers.
• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite being fully equipped, the campground maintains a quiet ambiance, allowing for a truly relaxing stay, as noted by happy campers.
• Naturalist Programs: The park offers scheduled naturalist programs, especially during the summer, providing educational and engaging opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife.
• Access to Miles of Trails: The larger state park boasts several multi-use trails, including paved options, perfect for hiking and biking, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty of the area.

As a state park campground, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground participates in various statewide promotions and discounts offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). While specific, limited-time promotions may vary, here are some standard discounts and offers commonly available to Ohio residents and eligible visitors:

• Golden Buckeye Card Discount: Ohio residents aged 60 and over, or those with qualifying disabilities, can receive 50% off camping fees from Sunday through Thursday, and 10% off on Friday and Saturday, with a valid Golden Buckeye Card.
• Active/Retired Military Discount: A 10% discount is offered on all overnight facilities, any night of the week, for active duty and retired military personnel (no restriction on home state).
• Disabled Veteran and Former Prisoner of War Free Camping Pass: Eligible honorably discharged Ohio resident veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or former POWs can receive a free camping pass (reservation fee still applies).
• Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Discount: Holders of a valid Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp may receive discounts on lodge rooms or cabins, which might extend to certain cabin rentals within the campground.
• Fishing/Hunting/Trapping License Discount: Customers with a valid Ohio fishing, hunting, or trapping license may receive a 10% discount on lodge rooms or cabins.
• Seasonal/Package Deals: While not specifically for Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio State Parks may offer promotions like discounts for booking consecutive 7-night stays, or special rates for mid-week stays, which can be found on the Ohio State Parks reservation website.

For the most current and specific details on any ongoing promotions or how to apply for these discounts, it is always best to visit the official Ohio State Parks website (reserveohio.com) or contact Grand Lake St. Marys State Park directly.

Ready to plan your unforgettable camping trip at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground? Here's how to get in touch:

• Address: 834 Edgewater Dr, St Marys, OH 45885, USA
• Phone: (419) 394-3611
• Mobile Phone: +1 419-394-3611

For reservations, the Ohio State Parks central reservation system can be accessed online or by calling (866) 644-6727. For specific questions about the campground's amenities, site details, or local conditions, direct contact with the park office is recommended.

For residents across Ohio, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground represents an excellent and highly suitable choice for their next outdoor adventure. Its combination of natural beauty, extensive amenities, and accessibility makes it a prime destination for a wide array of local campers.

The core appeal lies in its "beautiful and well-kept campgrounds," a sentiment echoed by many visitors. This commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, whether you're pulling in a large RV or setting up a small tent. The fact that the campground is "fully equipped with everything you could want and a lot of stuff you don't need" speaks to its comprehensive offerings, from essential hookups to recreational facilities, ensuring that campers have all they need for a comfortable stay.

The diversity of site types, including "level paved pull thru site with electric hook ups, a fire ring and picnic table," caters to various camping styles and preferences, making it easy for any Ohioan to find a spot that fits their needs. Even primitive campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities, noting the "clean showers" as a significant plus, despite the natural presence of spiders which is typical for outdoor environments.

A key highlight is the array of activities available. While direct swimming in the lake may be impacted by natural phenomena like algae blooms (a common occurrence in many Ohio lakes, for which alternatives like the pool and splash pad are thoughtfully provided), the unlimited horsepower lake offers unparalleled opportunities for boating and fishing. The presence of a "pet park," playgrounds, and picnic shelters further enhances the family-friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, allowing all members of the household, including furry ones, to enjoy the outdoors.

The "quiet" nature of the campgrounds, even with many amenities, underscores its suitability for those seeking relaxation and respite from daily life. Combined with its convenient location near St. Marys, offering easy access to supplies, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Campground stands out as a top-tier choice for Ohio locals looking to create lasting memories in the great outdoors.