Independence Dam State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located on the banks of the Maumee River, you'll find the 591-acre Independence Dam State Park. This park is home to a broad offering of outdoor opportunities including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking. While this park does not offer any RV friendly campsites, this is the perfect park to enjoy nature and all that it has to offer.
The park was established in 1941 and originally served as a main travel route for Native Americans in the area via the Maumee River. The park is located near the confluence of the Auglaize River and the Maumee River, making it the perfect place to travel by canoe. Even the early settlers used these rivers as means of travel.
Boating is very common in the state park and on the river, as there are no motor restrictions on boats. A four-mile section of the river just above the dam is even open to water skiing and includes a 4-lane launch ramp! If you're looking for calmer waters, below the dam you'll find the canoe portage, which is perfect for any paddle boat.
Whether you're cross-country skiing in the winter or relaxing on your paddle board in the summer, Independence Dam State Park is the perfect park for the outdoor enthusiast.
RV Rentals in Independence Dam State Park
Transportation
Driving
Independence Dam State Park is located on State Route 424 and is easy to access in any vehicle. While there is no RV camping available in the park, there is still plenty of room in the park to maneuver your RV if you're stopping in the park for the day. This is a great feature, as boating is very common in the park. Located near the boat ramp, you'll find plenty of parking large enough to accommodate your RV or your truck and boat trailer.
All roads in the park are fully paved, making navigating throughout the park very smooth. The parkland is very long and follows the river for several miles. There are very few roads in the park, and they are all easy to follow.
Accessing the campground is also a breeze, as the main road in the park takes you directly there. The campground is located on the East portion of the park, just past the boat ramp on the main road.
If you are looking for an alternative to driving, the three-mile access road through the park is perfect for cycling or running. Cycling is a great way to see the park, as well as getting in some exercise time.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Independence Dam State Park
Campsites in Independence Dam State Park
Reservations camping
Independence Dam State Park Campground
If you're looking for a campground with the calming sounds of the river, the Independence Dam State Park Campground is perfect for you! The campground is located on the Eastern portion of the park and runs mostly along the river. While not all campsites are considered waterfront, you can easily walk to the bank of the river in just minutes.
The campground is a tent only park, so you won't be able to bring your RV or camper trailer with you. This is an excellent way to enjoy a quiet week or weekend, one on one with the great outdoors.
Within the campground, there are 25 tent campsites, five of which are walk-in only (first come, first served). Always be sure to make a reservation at the campground before arriving, especially during the peak months.
In addition to the park being tent-only, there are very few luxuries at the campsite. Make sure to bring water with you, as there is no potable water available for drinking. There are no showers available in the campground, but there is a restroom located within walking distance!
No matter what your interest, and as long as you love tent camping, Independence Dam State Park has something to offer everyone!
Seasonal activities in Independence Dam State Park
In-Season
Boating
Boating is one of the most common activities in Independence Dam State Park. One unique feature that this state park has is that there are no motor restrictions within a specific four-mile stretch above the dam.
This lack of restriction allows for jet skiing, water skiing, and other high horsepower water sports. While this is common on the river, it is also an excellent river for paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing! There is a four-lane boat ramp near the entrance of the park, as well as a canoe portage located near the campground.
Picnicking
Picnicking on the river bank is a great way to spend time with friends and family.! Along the river bank, there are picnic tables, grills, and restrooms available for use.
In addition to the picnic areas around the park, there are also picnic tables and fire pits at each of the 25 tent camping sites. These picnic tables are perfect for those that are camping and only have several people.
There are also two picnic shelters in the park that are available for reservation. The picnic shelters include grills, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
Volleyball
Team sports are always a great way to spend time in the summer months. Whether with friends, family, or even by yourself, you can meet new people and test your skills at the volleyball court in Independence Dam State Park.
In addition to the volleyball court, there is also a disc golf course. The course is located just East of the campground portion of the park. So don't forget your volleyball and Frisbee when you head to the park.
Off-Season
Hiking
While the trail is relatively flat, this three-mile path in Independence Dam State Park is one that you don't want to miss. No matter what experience you have hiking, the trail is easy to navigate, and the view is phenomenal.
The hiking trail travels along the river through a dense hardwood forest, and the trail was once the towpath of the Miami and Erie Canal. The Buckeye Trail, which is part of the 4,600 North Country Trail, also passes through the park!
Fishing
Alongside boating, fishing is another very common activity within Independence Dam State Park. There are opportunities for bank fishing throughout the entire park, both above and below the dam, although below the dam has boat motor restrictions.
There are many different species within the river including northern pike, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced angler, don’t miss your next big catch!
If you have the option, canoe fishing can be some of the most rewarding in the river, as it broadens the area in which you can fish, as well as it gets you farther away from the shore.
Cross Country Skiing
If you’re planning your visit to Independence Dam State Park in the winter, there are several winter specific activities that you can enjoy in the park. During the summer, cycling is an excellent way to get exercise and navigate through the park. During the winter, the park is an excellent place for cross-country skiing.
Although there are no snow-capped peaks, Independence Dam State Park is a great place to enjoy the snow, and even gain your balance as a new skier on flat ground!
