Best Campgrounds near Akron, OH

Campgrounds near Akron, Ohio range from developed state parks to primitive sites along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. West Branch State Park Campground, located about 20 miles east of downtown, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with lakefront access. Silver Springs Campground in Stow provides electric hookups and accommodations for both tent and RV camping. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park area, while no longer offering traditional camping within park boundaries, has influenced several nearby camping options that serve visitors exploring the region.

Camping in the Akron area operates primarily from April through October, with some facilities like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park and West Branch State Park extending their seasons. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature full hookups for RVs, while primitive tent sites are available at locations like Heritage Farms and Big Bend Trailhead. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with humid summers and cold winters. As one camper noted, "West Branch is one of the best-known family campgrounds in NE Ohio. Full amenities, clean facilities, and a nice lake round out the picture of a great place to get some family R&R."

The proximity to water features prominently in camping experiences around Akron. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground and West Branch State Park offer popular lakeside sites where fishing, swimming, and boating are common activities. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of these locations for exploring both natural areas and urban attractions. "West Branch is a quick drive from Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Youngstown - hence the draw. If you live anywhere close, there's no reason NOT to check this place out," shared one reviewer. For cyclists and hikers, the primitive camping options along the Towpath Trail provide unique access points to the historic canal system and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. These sites, including Big Bend Trailhead and Heritage Farms, are described as "the best kept secret" by reviewers, offering free or low-cost camping specifically designed for trail users.

Best Camping Sites Near Akron, Ohio (137)

    1. Silver Springs Campground

    31 Reviews
    Stow, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 689-5100

    $15 - $22 / night

    "Water close by and port a pottie style bathrooms close to the camp sites. There are flush toilets a walk away but we didn’t use them. Sites are big and grassy but not super level."

    "Silver Springs Campground is a small 27 site campground in Stow, Ohio, a convenient 17 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a bargain at $18/night for a site with electrical hookups. "

    2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 717-3890

    $80 - $110 / night

    "Tucked in between Akron and Cleveland, this quiet NP has numerous hiking trails, historic buildings and the remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Well worth the side trip or destination."

    "This urban park, situated between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, serves its community in more of a day-use way, although they are home to a few camping options."

    3. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    21 miles
    Website

    "We love the small campers beach near site 160. Not much hiking at West Branch, but both Cuyahoga Valley NP and Summit Metroparks are a short drive."

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **

    This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."

    4. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    25 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 650-2552

    "It's also close to Akron & Cleveland. I was pleasantly surprised at how scenic it is. I expected an urban KOA. This one is in a rural area outside Streetsboro."

    "Clean facilities, 3 lakes (one with a fishing pier), 2 dog parks, and super friendly staff. 30 min to Cleveland. Walmart, gas stations and restaurants within 5 miles."

    5. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Green, OH
    10 miles
    Website

    $23 - $35 / night

    "Great spot close to Akron and the Cuyahoga Valley NP. You can fish and kayak the reservoir. No full hookup but, there is a dump station. Nice playground."

    "Even though the campground is very small, the sites are relatively private, and disappearing into the woods so close to home is very refreshing."

    6. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    11 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "really lovely camp spot. beautiful views and surroundings. Extremely close proximity to CVNP. lots of room for kiddos to run wild."

    7. Countryside Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mogadore, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 628-1212

    "There is a local butcher shop right around the corner and they have an incredible selection to choose from . The Buckeye ebail connects to the footpath down to the reservoir ."

    "Friendly staff, and found what I hope will be be good spot with reservoir in the distance and leaves on the trees."

    9. Clay's Resort Jellystone Park

    12 Reviews
    Canal Fulton, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 854-6691

    "Highly recommend close proximity to bathrooms and showers. Spacious! Concrete slab with full hookup and straw instead of mud/grass. The bathrooms are very well cleaned and maintained."

    "The lake was virtually algae free, and even during this pandemic, it didn’t feel over crowded at any point. My kids really enjoyed the entire time and were wore out!"

    10. The Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Wadsworth, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 825-4343

    $50 / night

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Recent Reviews near Akron, OH

616 Reviews of 137 Akron Campgrounds


  • Jessica S.
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Findley State Park Campground

    Love this place

    I’ve been camping here ever since I was a kid and I still love it! It’s so peaceful and heavily wooded unlike those pavement campgrounds lol there are limited electric sites so just be sure to book in advance to get a nice spot if you need electric. It isn’t anywhere near a highway so it’s very quiet! They have plenty of hiking trails, disc golf, a playground for the kids, a nature center and gift shop, archery and so much more!

  • Zachary A.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Solo tent camping went well

    I had originally gotten lot #81 but quickly got it switched to #83 because it was just waaaay better. Flatter ground and I was able to go deeper into the woods.

    I went the first week of October, and on weekdays, which was great because I had no neighbors.

    Staff was great, check in area also has a little store with all the essentials stocked up, lots of trails, great for biking and hiking, a park for the kids, fishing, canoeing, showers, flush toilets, all that fancy stuff was there.

    Only down side was occasional road noise which I just can't seem to escape in my area of Ohio. And I personally wouldn't go here on weekends or over the summer because there are RV sites everywhere, which is another thing that dominates my area of Ohio.

    Going again, as long as I don't have the kids, I would try for a test space as far from the road and is deep in the forest as possible. Do that at tge right time of year and I think this will be a great spot for me in the future

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Nice quiet camping

    Quiet tent campsite parked in this area. There are quite a few RVs parked here and it appears lively, but the tent area in hilltop was quiet and secluded. Very kid friendly. At night, there was highway noise in the background. A lot to do here but also very close to Cuyahoago Valley National Park.

  • Jeremy R.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground

    Great location, laking facilities

    The campground runs along 100 yards or so of the tuscarawas River. Sandwiches by a railroad, and walking path. They allow you to drive to your spot to pack/unpack, but have to park in the lot. While the campsites are scenic and what you expect... the washroom, especially the shower are pretty lacking. There's a nice covered picnic area with grills available with your own gas. And a small (toddler) kids area. All in all, a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

    We stayed mid September and there was live music walking distance every night, a cute ice cream shop a short walk over the bridge, and a nice playground on the other side of the river that was also an easy walk.

    I didnt partake in the canoes... but they do a river clean up monthly and really seem to enjoy what they do.

    All in all a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

  • Adam A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Terrace Lakes Campground

    Family Fun and Friendly

    They have a nice big fishing lake they have a nice swimming Lake and other ponds to fish in a very relaxing and fun place to go

  • K
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    American Wilderness

    We had a good experience the place was clean and nice the amenities were great the staff was helpful and the laundry room was clean as well as bathrooms and showers.

  • Travis O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    Property is so relaxing and nice

    We had a nice time the place was clean and the people were nice as in other campers we had a good time we went to the pavilion to a get together.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Scenic Hills RV Park

    Great campground

    Close to everything Amish in Berlin. Asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day. Friendly and helpful staff. Free firewood.Very clean and well kept park.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

    Nice park, two fenced dog parks. Bathrooms were clean.


Guide to Akron

Camping options near Akron, Ohio range from established campgrounds with amenities to primitive sites for tent camping. The region includes several developed facilities like Silver Springs Campground in Stow and Countryside Campground in Mogadore, which offer varying levels of amenities for tent and RV campers. West Branch State Park Campground provides year-round camping with cabins, yurts, and glamping options approximately 20 miles east of Akron. Most campgrounds in the area are situated near water features, with several offering access to reservoirs or lakes for fishing and boating activities.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in northeast Ohio, with many campgrounds operating from April or May through October. Winter camping opportunities are limited, though West Branch State Park remains open year-round. Campers should be aware that site availability can be restricted during peak summer months, particularly at popular locations like Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, which operates from May through mid-October. Countryside Campground features spacious tent sites and RV hookups, making it suitable for families seeking developed camping experiences. As one visitor noted, "The campsite was spacious, the vibe is peaceful, and everything is well-kept. The staff is friendly, and the amenities are clean, which is always a plus."

Several visitors highlight the Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping area in Summit Metro Parks as a noteworthy option for backpackers and cyclists traversing the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. This free primitive camping area requires no reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers appreciate its proximity to urban amenities while still providing a sense of seclusion. According to one camper's experience: "With convenient parking just off Merriman Rd., a hiker could find themselves tent camping with little effort for free. The immediate camping area only offers a few flat spaces for tents." Most mixed-use campgrounds in the region feature clean restrooms, shower facilities, and potable water, with many also providing electric hookups, dump stations, and camp stores for supplies. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming pools are common at the larger developed campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Akron, Ohio?

The Akron area offers several excellent camping options. West Branch State Park Campground is a popular choice featuring lakefront sites, well-maintained facilities, clean showerhouses, and a nice playground. For a unique free camping experience, Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping offers primitive sites specifically designed for hikers and cyclists along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. Other notable options include Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA with its scenic rural setting, and Towpath Trail Peace Park with its charming primitive sites. Each offers distinct advantages depending on whether you prefer full amenities or a more rustic experience.

How much does camping cost at sites around Akron, Ohio?

Camping costs around Akron vary widely based on amenities and location. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground offers affordable camping with basic amenities and a dump station. For budget-conscious campers, Towpath Trail Peace Park provides primitive camping sites at reasonable rates. The most economical option is Big Bend Trailhead primitive camping, which is completely FREE with no reservations required (first-come, first-served). More developed campgrounds like Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA or Woodside Lake Park typically charge higher rates for their additional amenities. Most public campgrounds in the area range from $20-35 per night, while private RV parks and resorts with full hookups generally range from $35-60+ depending on the season.

What family-friendly camping options are available in Akron?

Families camping near Akron have several excellent options. Clay's Resort Jellystone Park near North Lawrence is specifically designed for families with themed activities and amenities that children love. Cherokee Park Campground offers family-oriented facilities though reviews suggest checking the swimming area conditions before planning water activities. West Branch State Park Campground is another top family destination featuring a playground, campers' beach, and well-maintained facilities in a quiet, wooded setting. Woodside Lake Park provides a family-oriented environment with day-use areas alongside camping. For families who enjoy fishing and kayaking, Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground offers water recreation opportunities with a playground nearby. Most family campgrounds in the area provide clean restrooms, picnic areas, and recreational activities.

What tent camping facilities are available near Akron?

Tent campers near Akron have several excellent options. Woodside Lake Park offers tent camping with basic amenities in a family-friendly environment. For a more primitive experience, Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA provides tent sites in a surprisingly scenic rural setting despite being close to urban areas. Tent campers seeking minimalist experiences should consider Big Bend Trailhead's primitive sites along the towpath or Silver Springs Campground with its walk-in tent sites. Most tent campgrounds around Akron provide access to basic facilities like restrooms and water. Some locations also offer picnic tables, fire rings, and shower facilities. The proximity to natural attractions like lakes, trails, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park makes tent camping in the Akron area particularly appealing.