Camping troubles for out-of-towners at Walleye Run

LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio (WTVG) - The Walleye Run is happening now along the Maumee River. However, people who have been coming in from out-of-town have been surprised by some unexpected obstacles.

A lot of those out-of-towners were trying to camp at the Lucas County Fairgrounds after learning that a campground along the river has closed. However, per Maumee’s zoning order, this is no longer an option.

Every year, the Walleye Run draws thousands of fishermen from across the country and even the world to Northwest Ohio. And for those coming from out of town, they look for a close place to stay.

A frequently used location called Schroeder Farm Campground announced it would not be opening this year. So some people turned to the Lucas County Fairgrounds as an alternative. However, they were told that per Maumee’s zoning code, they could not stay there.

“In our Maumee zoning code, we don’t allow campgrounds of any kind. We allow camping in your backyard for up to three consecutive days, but there are no permitted uses anywhere for camping,” said Alan Lehenbauer, law director for the city of Maumee.

Lehenbauer explained that fair camping and camping for the Walleye Run are two completely different things and fall under two different codes.

The campers were then directed to the Wood County Fairgrounds instead.

“The biggest thing is, is just being able to provide for the community, and our extended community for those folks that are from out of town to be able to enjoy their trip while they’re here. And maybe not necessarily have to go spend high dollar on hotels. A lot of folks that fish and hunt, they enjoy camping, so we just want to be able to provide that to them and offer another service to the community,” said Paul Perry, president of the Wood County Agricultural Society.

13 Action News spoke with the president of the Lucas County Agricultural Society and Fairgrounds who said they’ve already had to refund around $7,000 to people who had made reservations.

If someone you know is traveling into town for the Walleye Run, organizers encourage them to call the Wood County Fairgrounds to make a reservation.

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