Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping (Summit Metro Parks)

On the edge of Akron, just south of Cleveland, this offers an extremely accessible primitive camp site. With convenient parking just off Merriman Rd., a hiker could find themselves tent camping with *little effort for free.

Campsite description: [from the parking lot] go down the trail about 50 yards on the right (there's a bulletin board with a sign-in sheet), a short trail leads up a small steep rise (50-75 feet), with space for few tents. The immediate camping area only offers a few flat spaces for tents. Access to vault toilets and potable water (seasonal) requires hiking down.

Pros: free, *easy access, and basically on the Tow Path/Buckeye Trail with a handful of level spots for tents.

Cons: you can hear and see the traffic on Merriman Rd. (good camping weather = good motorcycle weather = loud), parking lot lights on all night, urban skies (few stars), and limitations (one night only, no: campfires or alcohol, etc ) .

*campsite is up a short steep rise ~50-75 feet, but is close to parking ~100 yards or so.

Shhhhhh…these campsites seem to be the best kept secret! These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists. They are located just off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath in northern Akron, OH and are FREE! No reservations possible; first come, first served only. Just be sure to register at the kiosk.

All sites are rustic and dispersed. There is room for maybe 5-6 tents small tents. No picnic tables or fire rings are provided. Lots of shade and since they are situated on a hillock above the park and parking area, there is a good deal of privacy, too. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon just hangin’ in the hammock with a bottle of chilled wine and appetizers from Papa Joe’s Italian Deli and Wine Shop which is located less than a mile from the campground.

While the campground itself doesn’t have water or restrooms available, just 50 yards down the hill you will find clean pit toilets, drinking water, and trash receptacles.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs just below the hillock that the campground is situated on. While it doesn’t seem to run at night, you’ll definitely hear the train whistle during the day.

Be sure to visit the historic Mustill Store Museum, at Lock 15 on the towpath, just south of this campground. Worth a visit…and if you are there when Mike (seasoned local volunteer) is there, you are in for a treat! Also, downtown Akron is great for some good eats -- lots of options to choose from on Main Street and the surrounding area.

More info here: https://centurycycles.com/articles/camping-along-the-towpath-trail-pg1342.htm