Independence Dam State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Independence Dam State Park in Defiance, Ohio, is a recreational space where tourists come to enjoy the beauty of nature. It's situated along the idyllic banks of the Maumee State Scenic River, perfect for the whole family's outdoor activities. The Native American people once lived here amongst the dense hardwood forest and the rivers, as the climate is great for small game animals, various bird species, and white-tailed deer. The riverbanks support an abundance of woodland flowers, including violets, jewelweed, and spring beauties. The cities near Independence Dam State Park are Defiance, Napoleon, and Edgerton, Ohio.
Spring 27-71 F
Summer 58-84 F
Fall 32-76 F
Winter 16-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Independence Dam State Park
Visiting a state park can be very rewarding for the whole family, but if you decided to make an RV your home base, you'd have the perfect relaxed and comfortable home away from home. If you haven't yet purchased an RV, consider renting one from RVsharewhere you can select from high-quality models that suit your family.
Powell Creek Campground
Powell Creek Campground features 100 RV campsites that are equipped to house big rigs. All campsites are near showers, restrooms, and camp activities. Canoeing, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and hiking are a few activities visitors enjoy doing at this campground. RV rates start at $30 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Playground, dump station, and laundry facility
Hidden Valley Campground
Hidden Valley Campground offers spacious campsites that can house large RVs. All of the campground sites are equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Riverside Greens, and the Toledo Zoo are a few attractions nearby. RV rates start at $30 per day.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Dump station, playground, gaming room
Kimpels Hickory Acres Campground
Kimpels Hickory Acres Campground offers spacious camping sites that have plenty of room for multiple slide-outs and big rigs. There is a large pond with a beach designed for swimming and fishing. Black Beards' Bay Waterpark is on the premises for all visitors' enjoyment with a daily admission fee of $16 per person. RV rates start at $40 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Only certain breeds
Other amenities: Basketball court, large playground, and laundry facility
What to Do at
Independence Dam State Park
Inside Independence Dam State Park
Inside the state park, you'll find a four-lane boat launch ramp located on the west end, and hand launches are located on the park's east end, so you'll be able to get any vessel you have in the water. Anglers have been known to catch catfish, northern pike, crappie, smallmouth bass, and an occasional walleye. Go hiking on the Buckeye Trail that passes through the state park or take the three-mile dirt hiking trail to get a glimpse of the colorful past of Ohio's canal era. Camping, picnicking, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing are other activities that visitors do inside the state park.
Outside Independence Dam State Park
One of the best things about the Independence Dam State Park is how much there is to do and see outside of it. Defiance offers a wide range of restaurants, from comfort foods to fine dining. The shops nearby are filled with the basic essentials and more. The area just outside the state park offers a wide range of natural exploration, preserves, wineries, and other entertainment.
Restaurants
Fired Stone Tavern
Grab a brew and something amazing to eat at Fired Stone Tavern. You can select from wood-fired pizza, burgers, and plenty of other options.
Type: American
Location: 211 Carpenter Road, Defiance, OH 43512
Sweetwater Chophouse
Sweetwater Chophouse serves delicious meals from soup and salad to a tender steak and potato entrée. It's also ideal for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, and company parties. Beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages are available here.
Type: American
Location: 211 Carpenter Road, Defiance, OH 43512
Jewell Café
Enjoy home-cooked meals made from scratch with robust flavors and in a wholesome dining environment. Jewell Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Type: American
Location: 27983 Jewell Road, Defiance, OH 43512
Cosmos Restaurant
The Cosmos Restaurant is less than four miles from the state park entrance. Stuffed peppers, fried chicken, and other delicious food items are offered here.
Type: American
Location: 1824 East Second Street, Defiance, OH 43512
Applebee’s Grill & Bar
Since 1980, this restaurant chain has been serving the Defiance area with delicious dishes. Pasta, burgers, and steak are just a few items available at Applebee’s Grill & Bar. Beer and wine are also served here.
Type: American
Location: 1003 North Clinton Street, Defiance, OH 43512
Shopping
Kroger
Kroger is the closest grocery store to the Independence Dam State Park, making it the perfect solution when your RV's refrigerator needs restocking with all the necessities.
Location: 1836 East Second Street, Defiance, OH 43512
Northtowne Mall
Find everything you need at the Northtowne Mall, where you can choose from various retail stores.
Location: 1500 North Clinton Street, Defiance, OH 43512
Marshalls
Marshalls offers an amazing selection of high-quality brand-name and designer merchandise. You can count on finding clothing for both men and women and the right finishing touches for an outfit at this fabulous store.
Location: 1500 North Clinton Boulevard South, Defiance, OH 43512
Meijer
Meijer not only sells freshly baked goods and other grocery items but also has a photo shop and pharmacy on-site for customer convenience.
Location: 137 Elliott Road, Defiance, OH 43512
Kohl's
Shop for apparel, baby items, and more at Kohl’s. Clearance items and holiday deals are also available here.
Location: 8683 North State Route 66, Defiance, OH 43512
Sightseeing
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve features some of the largest trees remaining in the state. Many of these wonderful trees are about 200 to 400 years old and measure approximately 4 feet in diameter. Five miles of trails take you in and around the woodlands, native shrubs, and beautiful wildflowers.
Location: 5484 County Road 26, Archbold, OH 43502
Tiffin River Wildlife Area
Tiffin River Wildlife Area is situated in Fulton County in the northwestern region of Ohio and within a short distance from the state park. This 463-acre area comprises three separate parcels of land, mainly grasslands, woodlands, and streams. Fishing, hiking, and bird-watching are a few activities visitors can do here.
Location: 23015 County Road J, Archbold, OH 43502
Knotty Vines Farm & Winery
Knotty Vines Farm & Winery is on a 3.3-acre farm with almost 1,000 vines that produce well over 6 tons of grapes annually. Wine tasting opportunities are available in the winery's tasting room. After your wine tasting, sit back and relax on their outside patio overlooking the scenic view of the vineyard with your new bottle of wine and a snack plate of turkey salad with cheese and crackers.
Location: 2920 Co Road 19, Wauseon, OH 43567
Leisure Time Winery
Whether you prefer a wine that satisfies your sweet tooth or enjoy the drier side of the spectrum, you'll find it at Leisure Time Winery. If you're not only into wine and you like to change it up a bit, craft beer, select spirits, and non-alcoholic options are also available at this winery. It's a great place to have an event like a class reunion, graduation, retirement, or wedding.
Location: 16982 County Road M2, Napoleon, OH 43545
Wolcott House Museum Complex
Wolcott House Museum Complex features exhibits that are designed to educate visitors about the history of northwestern Ohio. The Maumee Valley Historical Society has been preserving, protecting, and promoting the area's history for nearly 150 years.
Location: 1031 River Road, Maumee, OH 43537
How to Get to
Independence Dam State Park
If you're traveling from Defiance, you'll want to head southwest on Auglaize Street toward East 2nd Street. Take OH-424 East to Richland Township for 4.6 miles. Take a right on the first cross street, East 2nd Street, just past KeyBank on the right. Turn right onto Clinton Street, and then, take another right onto OH-424 East/East River Drive. Travel for about four miles to the state park entrance.
Entering Independence Dam State Park
Independence Dam State Park is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. seven days a week.
Independence Dam State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Independence Dam State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independence Dam State Park
The best time to visit the state park is summer or fall. You will enjoy hiking, boating, and paddling. The park also provides the perfect setting for a picnic or an overnight camping encounter.
At least 60 Wild Turkeys and Bald Eagles are present all year long. The Bald Eagles nest at the park's east end, next to Florida Bridge and on the opposite bank, close to the dam.
The state park has 40 designated camping areas. The maximum stay is 14 days for 30 days, with a maximum of six persons per site. RVs and trailers with a maximum length of 30 feet are allowed.
If you're interested in camping at the park, there are camping sites available at a nightly fee of $20. You can reserve a camping spot online or through a telephone number.
Pets are allowed in the state park but must be leashed at all times and must be kept under control. Owners must also clean after their pets and are responsible for any damage caused.