A longtime camping option for anglers visiting the Maumee River during the annual walleye run is no longer available, prompting discussions about alternative accommodations and the potential reopening of former camping sites.
Schroeder Farm Campground, a popular choice for visiting fishermen, has closed following the sale of the property to a developer.
The loss of this site has raised concerns about limited camping availability for those traveling to Northwest Ohio for the seasonal fishing event.
Rick Miller of Perrysburg addressed the Wood County Park District commissioners at their March 11 meeting, urging them to consider reopening camping at Buttonwood Park, which previously offered accommodations before being shut down in 2019 due to damage from ice floes.
“We can no longer camp there, so we have to find a place to go,” Miller said in a report by Sentinel Tribune.
Further complicating the issue, the Lucas County Fairgrounds, which had been suggested as an alternative, is unable to host campers due to zoning restrictions in the City of Maumee.
A letter from fairground facilities manager Shane Warner confirmed, “I regret to inform the walleye fishermen that the Lucas County fairgrounds will not be able to provide camping for the upcoming walleye run.”
While immediate solutions are limited, park officials acknowledged the demand and expressed a willingness to explore future options.
Park district chair Rebecca Ferguson stated, “There will be no camping this year, but we will commit to looking into this.”
Chris Smalley, the park’s executive director, indicated that additional sites could be considered, including the 160-acre Pratt farm, which is set to transfer to the park district in the future.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the situation underscores the ongoing demand for seasonal camping tied to regional events.
The loss of Schroeder Farm Campground and the lack of immediate alternatives highlight potential opportunities for private campground owners and nearby park systems to fill the gap.
Campground operators in the region could assess ways to accommodate visiting anglers, whether through short-term expansion efforts or partnerships with local agencies to offer temporary sites during peak seasons.
Currently, fishermen seeking accommodations have limited options, including campsites at Metroparks Toledo’s Farnsworth and Bendview parks, as well as a camping cabin on Granger Island.
The discussion over expanding camping availability is expected to continue as officials explore long-term solutions.
