Freedom Valley Campground In Depth

1875 US 250-S New London, OH 44851
Mailing: PO Box 30 New London, OH 44851
Phone: (419) 929-8100
Website: www.FreedomValleyCamping.com
Email: FreedomValley@FreedomValleyCamping.com

Men only, Ohio’s Newest, All Male Campground, 21 and over, on 53 acres. Walking trails backing up to the Vermilion River. 30/50amp Service. Shady wooded sites, sunny sites backing to the woods. Large tenting valley, primitive or electric/water sites, cabins, bunkhouse with grill, Wi-Fi, Jeff & Michael’s private 20×40 in-ground heated pool with waterfall feature, dance hall, themed weekends, clothing optional areas, pet friendly with large pet exercise area, modern shower house, laundry room and 2 heated shower/bathrooms in store/office building. 2.5 acre fishing pond with paddle boats/canoes. Join Jeff and Michael in building a new community for men!

satellite mapping
local weather

Directions: From The Ohio Turnpike take exit 118, on to US 250 S toward Norwalk, go 1.0 miles, merge on to US 250 E/US 250 N, continue to follow US 250 E 5.9 miles, turn left at US 250/Whittlesey Ave., continue to follow US 250 12.9 miles, turn right to stay on US 250 0.5 miles to Freedom Valley Campground.

Evaluation

Just over 20 miles south of I-80/I-90 down US 250-S on the outskirts of Fitchville, Ohio lies the state’s newest all male campground. The road from the interstate is two lanes, but being a major truck route the speed limit is 55. This coupled with not needing to be concerned about low tree limbs or power lines and even the convenience of a rest area, make this a very comfortable drive. The campground sits back from the road which makes traffic noise a non issue, yet it is well marked with a large hand carved sign and rainbow flags.

Pulling into the office down the tree lined driveway with a large rig is quite simple and the parking area was easy to navigate. A full lot on the weekend may require you to do a little extra maneuvering. Jeff was out in the campground when we arrived, but very quickly showed up. We were very warmly greeted as if we had been regulars for a long time. Check in was a snap because all of our information was collected when we made the reservation. We were extended all of the courtesies and hospitality which make a great campground, like fire wood, propane, free Wi-Fi, and assistance getting into our site, etc. Our site was in the pull through area near the dance hall and pond which helped make getting situated simple.

The campground is essentially set up in six distinct areas yet has no feeling of separation. The first of these areas that you will come to after driving up the tree lined driveway is of course the office. As of our visit the guys hadn’t gotten a store set up but they do have space available with plans to utilize it. They do have fire wood, propane, limited vending, and a dump station by the gate. Also in the office building is a club house or living room type space with comfortable furniture and a TV. You will also find two complete individual bathrooms and a laundry room.

Next to the office is the Bath House, which features his and his facilities consisting of several showers, toilets and sinks and a real mirror above the counter top so you can actually see yourself for grooming.

Adjacent to the Bath House is the pool and pond. The private pool was opened in July of 2008. It is approx. 20×40 and it has a textured and stained concrete deck and a waterfall. The setting is very private which allows for swim suits to be optional, and being located next to the pond which has a nice fountain makes for a very soothing environment. The pond is two and a half acres, and is a great place to play around or fish from a paddleboat or canoe.

The bunk house is located not far from the bath house or the pool and has accommodations for eight, which include a permanently installed grill outside. Adjacent to the bunk house and going back towards the dance hall are the pull through or back to back sites that accommodate the majority of the transient RV’s. These sites are equipped with grassy areas, fire rings, and picnic tables. The available power at each site varies, but they all have either 30 or 50 amp service and water.

The dance hall and game room are housed in a barn with a good size dance floor, pool table, and wide screen tv, several small tables and a DJ booth. Attached to the barn is a large pavilion with two rows of picnic tables. This set up is ideal for summer nights by providing a large covered outdoor area for gathering in the cool of the night. Next to the dance hall are a beautiful garden and the stage area that hosts events like Bearapalooza and Freedom Valley Follies.

Across the road from the dance hall, volleyball, stage, and garden, backing up to the tree line, is the first section of seasonal sites with the remainder just beyond in the woods. All of the sites are nicely sized and offer a lot of variety in the type of setting and size of rig which they will accommodate. At the time of our visit all sites were occupied and a waiting list is being maintained. None of the sites are on a septic system but weekly pump out is available at a seasonal or individual rate.

Down the hill and into a beautiful valley that stretches back to the Vermillion River are spaces for a variety of campers. Two cabins, Pop up and small trailer, tent, and primitive sites are very nicely distributed through this space to round out the full spectrum of offerings for guests. Outhouses are located in the valley for your immediate needs. The bath house however, is not an unreasonable walk. Those staying in the primitive camping area are required to park their vehicles near the office except for loading to preserve the nature of the setting.

We were absolutely amazed by this campground, not only because it had just been resurrected from a run down shambles and offers more amenities than several older campgrounds, but because of the atmosphere and the congeniality of the owners and campers. Every weekend has a theme with a variety of activities. Everything is kept clean and in good order, and the land is absolutely beautiful. All of this and lots of nearby attractions help to make this a great vacation destination. These guys are doing a top notch job and are constantly working to improve the campground. We highly recommend this campground whether you are in the area or not.

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