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Best Tent Camping near Amherst, OH

414 Reviews

Public lands east of Amherst, Ohio offer several tent-only camping options within an hour's drive. Heritage Farms, located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, provides walk-in tent sites scattered throughout a working Christmas tree farm. The West Woods, managed by Geauga Park District, features two small walk-in tent sites suitable for 2-4 person tents. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers secluded tent camping with access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites provide primitive tent camping for hikers seeking a more remote experience.

Most tent campsites in the region require some walking from parking areas to reach the sites. Heritage Farms provides wagons to transport gear to tent sites, which are situated on grassy, level areas with picnic tables and fire rings. The West Woods sites are approximately a quarter mile from the parking lot with raised tent pads that help during rainy conditions. Many sites lack drinking water, so campers should bring their own supply. Toilet facilities vary from porta-potties at Heritage Farms to vault toilets located near parking areas at other campgrounds. Fire regulations differ between sites, with some requiring purchase of firewood on-site and others prohibiting fires entirely.

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy and natural setting as highlights of their experience. One visitor to Penitentiary Glen noted that "it's like you have the forest to yourselves out here," despite the walk to reach the site. At Heritage Farms, campers report beautiful views and well-spaced sites that minimize noise from other visitors. According to reviews, The West Woods offers "amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation" with only occasional road noise. Primitive tent camping at Big Bend Trailhead provides ridge-top views of the scenic railroad below, though the sites require climbing a steep rise of about 50-75 feet from the parking area. Wildlife sightings, including coyotes and numerous bird species, add to the backcountry tent camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Amherst, Ohio (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Amherst, OH

20 Photos of 13 Amherst Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Amherst, OH

414 Reviews of 13 Amherst Campgrounds

  • Jen L.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    The West Woods

    Newer isn't always better

    There are 2 sites in the park both of which are walk in only and not close together. They are relatively small, 2-4 person tent only. Run by the Geauga Park District and only $5 for county residents, its cheap and looks it. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance, so no spur of the moment get aways. Basically it was just a space for a tent and a fire ring. No bathroom (about a half mile of trail away), no water, no picnic table, no alcohol. Basically I got the urge to camp in the early spring and wanted somewhere near home but I wouldn't stay there again, and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so either. However, the West Woods as a park is really nice with a nature center, hiking and bridle trails, just the campsite that was lacking.

  • R
    May. 3, 2021

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Perfect Ohio Oasis

    We camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.

    These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.

    We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!

    One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2018

    Heritage Farms

    Great for cyclists along the Towpath in Cuyahoga National Park

    Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  Both standard campsites and shelters are available and are scattered among a working Christmas Tree farm.   A very sweet couple owns the place and runs the campground, George & Carol Haramis.

    Each site is situated on grass, has a picnic table, and fire ring (firewood is supplied with your campsite fee).  Both pit toilets and water are available to campers as well. Some are shaded and other sites have quite a bit of sun.  The shelters are robustly constructed, but don’t have much cross ventilation as they are only open to the front, so are quite hot in the heat of the summer, and provide no barrier to insects.  No electricity is available. Come prepared to hang your food (not for bears, but for mice).

    They prefer reservations, but happily accommodated our reservation-less lifestyle as it was early in the season.  Our shelter site was just next to the gravel parking area and overlooked the farm as well as had a great view of the sunset.  Unfortunately, you can hear the highway from the campground, despite the fact that it is located a good distance away. It didn’t bother us at night, but we definitely heard it first thing in the morning.

    Just down the road in the village of Peninsula, OH (and right next to the towpath) are Century Cycles (super helpful bike shop!!) and the Winking Lizard Tavern (fun restaurant/bar). After a long day of cycling, we enjoyed an adult beverage and some dessert after making dinner in the campground.

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

  • Skooma M.
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Findley State Park Campground

    Organized Group Site 2

    It was difficult to find pictures or reviews of the Findlay group sites. It honestly seemed to me that they didn't exist, so I thought I'd do the service of taking some pictures.

    The group sites are away from the main campsites, so you should have plenty of space for your group to set up and enough distance between them to not disturb the peace if you have a large group. OGA2 is heavily forested, I'm not sure about OGA1. There are plenty of trees so both hammock and tent campers should be accommodated. The fire pit is large and there are 4 picnic tables.

    The campsite is about 75 yards from the parking area, and there is a vault toilet right before the parking area.

  • Brady R.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Heritage Farms

    Available Through HipCamp

    Review for Site #12. 

    Our site was in the middle of the sites, but upon on a slight hill. Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry (with the help of a tarp).

    It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream. Lol. 

    You do have to carry your belongings into the campsites, but it wasn't too horrible for us, esp. since our campsite was right off the walking path. The provided wagons and wheelbarrows make it easier too. 

    Firewood is $8 a bundle and required to pay via PayPal. Water is also available for purchase, but we brought our own. 

    2 portopots were provided and were mostly clean. All sites come with fire pit and picnic table. Some of them have tree coverage and access to hang hammocks.

    Sunset was incredible the first night. It did get very chilly when we were there.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Findley State Park Campground

    Clean and great hiking

    Findley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating. About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups. We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors.

    Shower houses are clean. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Victoria B.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Camping on the cliff—a great get-away

    I recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children.  Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)

    The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.

    The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Very nice campground, it’s large so if you’re walking around, remember to take a map. The campground is right on the shore of Lake Erie, there are a few restaurants nearby. The sites vary in size, lots of shade trees where we camped. There are picnic tables and fire rings, some sites have FHUs, some standard electric, and of course, primitive.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Charles Mill Lake Park Campground

    Nice older campground

    Eagle point is more rustic than the campground by the marina. Gravel pads, many on sloping ground. No way to know which sites might work for you until you look when you arrive. Someone did answer the phone, though, and let us move to another site.We had electric-only, by choice, for 2 nights. Water nearby. Not very many transient campers, but lots of "seasonal" to permanent-looking larger trailers. Quiet in our loop because only a few sites were occupied. Very nice bathroom and shower building. The dump station here is set up for emptying totes- not much room to park a trailer/RV for dumping at it. We drove to the dump station by the marina to have more room to work. Rinse water hose at the sewer opening had no water hose fitting on it (just a skinny brass angled spout), so no way to rinse our blackwater tank. Potable water was 40 feet away, but all water came out of a backflow preventer, so no way to use a hose. Disappointed with the dump station. Overall, it was fine for 2 nights. If you have a boat, there are lots of covers to explore on the lake. The water is very silty, and rather shallow in most places.

Guide to Amherst

Tent camping near Amherst, Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from well-reviewed campgrounds to unique amenities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Hidden Hollow Camp, you can enjoy group camping with excellent facilities, including a large clubhouse and kitchen, perfect for gatherings.
  • Heritage Farms provides a unique experience camping within a Christmas tree farm, where you can explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
  • For those seeking adventure, Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites offers hiking opportunities in a serene environment, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

  • Camping at Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a quick escape.
  • A night at Heritage Farms costs around $35, providing a charming setting with amenities like fire pits and picnic tables.
  • Hidden Hollow Camp offers a reservable tent camping experience, with prices reflecting the quality of facilities and services available.

Explore these unique campground features

  • Shawnee Lake Park is a public campground that provides a peaceful setting for tent camping, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can enjoy a variety of trails and scenic views, although camping is no longer offered, the park remains a great destination for day trips.
  • Hanks Place Campground features a welcoming atmosphere for families, making it an ideal spot for those looking to create lasting memories in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Amherst, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Amherst, OH is Heritage Farms with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Amherst, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Amherst, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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