Metroparks Toledo has revealed its plans for a new urban campground at Glass City Metropark, situated on Toledo’s East side, with a target opening date set for 2026.
The campground will be located on Metroparks-owned land between the National Museum of the Great Lakes and the Craig Memorial Bridge. The project will offer a mix of accommodations to cater to various outdoor enthusiasts. It will feature full hookup sites for recreational vehicles (RVs), tent sites, and cabins.
A pavilion will also be constructed, providing a communal space for visitors. In addition, the campground’s proximity to The Glass City Marina, another property owned by Metroparks Toledo, is designed to enhance convenience for both boaters and campers, ensuring easy access to the waterfront.
Metroparks Toledo has secured a grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to support the construction of the campground’s infrastructure. The funding will be used to build an access road and develop the campsites.
To further prepare the site, an additional grant from the Lucas County Land Bank, which received $3.2 million from the State of Ohio, will be allocated for environmental cleanup.
The addition of the urban campground will further expand Metroparks Toledo’s diverse range of camping options throughout the region. Currently, the park system offers numerous campgrounds, including Oak Openings, which features multiple sites such as the White Oak Campground and the Cannaley Treehouse Village.
According to an article published by Toledo City Paper, Chief Outreach Officer Matt Killam emphasized the rising demand for urban camping, especially among RV travelers seeking proximity to local attractions. “The campground at Glass City Metropark will be part of the larger Glass City Riverwalk project, which will be an attraction in itself and will connect numerous destinations on both sides of the river,” Killam explained.
He noted the convenience for campers, with attractions such as the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Promenade Park, and Fifth Third Field located nearby.
The Glass City Metropark development is the initial phase of the Glass City Riverwalk project, which aims to rejuvenate Toledo’s waterfront and attract more visitors. Since the completion of its second phase in June 2023, the park has drawn over 500,000 visitors.