Huggy Bear Campground

Those who enjoy a bit of history will want to head to Grand Lake St. Marys State Park near Celina. Known as one of the oldest state parks in Ohio, St. Marys has plenty to offer. You can enjoy Grand Lake; this human-made lake was created to feed the Erie Canal and was once the largest of its kind in the world. Today, it is a prime spot for scenic walks, boating, fishing, and swimming. If you’d rather stay on dry land, stroll along the three trails within the park. This state park offers a variety of events, too, such as guided hikes and history lectures.

For those looking for something a little more isolated, Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area near Marion is the place to go. Nestled among one of Ohio’s agricultural regions, this stretch of land has been set aside to preserve the natural environment. The network of trails will guide you through grassland, prairie land, marshes, and woodlands. With so many habitats within this roughly 9,000-acre expanse, you are sure to see a wide variety of plants and, if you’re lucky, animals. Anglers looking for a peaceful fishing destination can head to the Upground Reservoir. The reservoir has been stocked with bass, walleye, perch, and many other species of fish.

If you want to get lost in the beauty of the forest, Maumee State Forest is the place to go. A perfect day trip from your campsite at Huggy Bear Campground, Maumee State Forest spans nearly 3,200 acres of natural wonder. Explore the 66 miles of fire lanes or speed through the trees on the seven miles of ATV trails. Maumee doubles as an arboretum, having dozens of local species within its boundaries. Thanks to the wide variety of plant species, an array of wildlife also calls this forest home. And thanks to the towering trees, it isn’t uncommon to hear beautiful birdsong echoing through the forest as you enjoy your stroll through this natural piece of Ohio.

History lovers should plan to spend some time at the nearby Van Wert County Historical Society. This multi-structure museum beautifully showcases the history of the area. You can step into the historic one-room schoolhouse, step into the museum to see recreated domestic elements such as a kitchen and a bedroom, and let the kids ride along a miniature train as you explore a full-sized railcar.

Those interested in learning more about the U.S. government can head to the nearby Delphos Museum of Postal History. This museum showcases how the postal service helped shape the country. You’ll learn about wartime postage, how the USPS adapted to changes in technology and transit, and how the postal service has evolved into what it is today. You’ll also get to see several historical USPS vehicles.

If you want to learn more about the region, head to the Allen County Museum. This massive building houses railcars, wagons and carriages, furniture, and even a local geology exhibit. The Allen County Museum also hosts a variety of events where you can learn even more about some of the finer details of local history.

When you need to restock and refuel your Lima RV rental, the best options for both gas stations and grocery stores are in the nearby town of Van Wert, just a short drive west of the RV campground.

During your tour of western Ohio, make sure to enjoy some locally made chili. In this state, chili is often used as a topping on burgers, hot dogs, and even spaghetti. So when you visit the Buckeye State, find a local diner, and enjoy a filling meal.