The northeastern Ohio region surrounding Andover offers several tent camping options within county parks and along Lake Erie. Lake Village at Pymatuning provides year-round tent campsites in Andover, while Crystal Springs Campground in nearby Linesville, Pennsylvania operates seasonally from May through mid-October. For tent campers seeking more seclusion, The West Woods features walk-in tent-only sites managed by the Geauga Park District, located approximately 30 miles west of Andover. Lake Erie Bluffs offers primitive tent camping with scenic lake views for those willing to travel slightly farther north.
Most tent-only sites in the region require some preparation as amenities vary significantly between locations. The West Woods provides basic tent pads with fire rings but requires campers to walk approximately a quarter mile from the parking area, with toilets located only at the trailhead. Lake Erie Bluffs offers walk-in tent sites with provided firewood but no drinking water or toilet facilities. Tent campers should bring their own water, food supplies, and appropriate weather gear, particularly during spring when conditions can be unpredictable. Many sites feature dirt or raised tent pads that help keep tents dry during rainfall, though proper site selection remains important.
Visitors to Lake Erie Bluffs note the exceptional privacy of the walk-in tent sites. According to one camper, "The site is enough away from the path that you have completely privacy," with views of Lake Erie sunsets and sounds of waves hitting the bluffs below. At The West Woods, tent campers appreciate the raised tent pads that keep equipment dry even when water streams through the campsite during rain. Wildlife observations are common at most backcountry tent camping areas, with one Penitentiary Glen visitor reporting, "It's like you have the forest to yourselves out here." Bird watching opportunities are particularly abundant at The West Woods, where campers report hearing diverse bird calls throughout their stay.
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"
Available this weekend
from $22 - $75 / night
"Had a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site. Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake."
"I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Stayed in a primitive site that did have a firepit, table, and a tent platform. Was an absolutely wonderful visit on a beautiful campground!"
from $10 - $100 / night
"Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site."
"Walk in sites with a beautiful view of Lake Erie! Quiet, clean, well kept! Provided firewood was great! Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"
from $10 - $20 / night
"Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."
"Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."
"While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."
"Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. Plenty of fire wood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk."
"Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup."
from $25 / night
"My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool! I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm."
from $35 / night
TravelerWe LOVED our stay here! The owners are absolutely amazing & attentive. The grounds are well kept & there were plenty of wide open spaces & multiple playgrounds for our daughter to run and play.
TravelerStayed there this week during the final month of their first season. Stayed in a primitive site that did have a firepit, table, and a tent platform. Was an absolutely wonderful visit on a beautiful campground! Owners are trying to make a campground that is friendly to all provide access to anyone regardless of experience level. The planned improvements for next year's season look to only increase the already high quality of the campsites! During the warmer part of the season they include a ton of events and special occasions which my family will likely be wanting to participate in next year! They offer classes and guidance for new campers and a safe environment for everyone.
I can't say enough good things even with the short two-night stay.
ScoutI struggled making a reservation online, you need an account and it wouldn’t let me make one but i was able to call in and reserve a spot same day. I’m traveling to the east coast and just needed a place to pitch a tent for the night. worked perfect.
ScoutIt sits in an industrial park the starts operations at 6am. Coyotes roam the grounds at night. Howling for ours. Not pet or kid friendly. Unless your pet and kid is mute. They want you to leave for the day and come back before curfew and to be quiet. No noise at all. We were asked to leave 2 days early because our dogs were barking at other dogs barking. Only good thing was the laundry was cheap. Bathrooms clean but showers were terrible. If you stay use your rigs shower. At least it will be hot. And by the way no refunds are giving at any time. I have stayed in Super 8s better than this place.
RangerUnique place! Boondocking only. Really suited for smaller setups. My 30ft TT fit fine but was limited. Host was great. Partially shaded spot in the woods. Great trails. Ticks galore. Sadly had a very wet trip but was otherwise nice.
GuideThis place has so much to offer so I’m just going to list them : -Beautiful lakeside camping -clean, spacious and level spots -Boat launch -sandy beach -friendly camp host and park employees -basketball court, sand volleyball court, kids playground and nature center
TravelerWe stayed in the fall for one night to visit Cuyahoga Valley Park (about 25 minutes away, as is a Costco). Many choices for short term sites. From the many permanent RVs and water slides in the pond, looks like it could be less quiet other times of year and a fun place for kids (we weren’t traveling with any). Staff nice and helpful but showers were old and dirty, probably in part to the high iron in the water (we didn’t hook up water).
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
LegendWe’ve stayed here several times over the years and it’s always a pleasant experience. Lots of seasonal campers, but most are only in residence on the weekends. During the week we have the place to ourselves. Clean facilities, the standard picnic table and fire ring. Incredible sunsets, lake breeze and nothing but the crashing of the waves to lull you into a peaceful nights rest.
Tent camping near Andover, Ohio offers remote woodland experiences with sites ranging from established park facilities to primitive walk-in locations. Most locations in northeastern Ohio sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet above sea level, creating moderate spring and summer temperatures. Fall camping often features colorful foliage displays, though sites at higher elevations can experience earlier frost in October.
Fishing opportunities: Headwaters Park maintains stocked ponds where campers can fish for bluegill and small panfish. According to Brannon M., "There are a few ponds on the property, complete with fishing docs, that are stocked with bluegill and small man fish. Have at it!"
Trail exploration: The West Woods offers multiple hiking opportunities on well-maintained paths. Kayla S. notes, "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud."
Wildlife observation: Big Creek Park provides diverse habitats where visitors regularly spot local wildlife. The park features "most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families," making wildlife viewing accessible for all skill levels.
Waterfront views: Lake Erie Bluffs provides dramatic lake vistas from elevated camping locations. Jessica R. reports, "Walk in sites with a beautiful view of Lake Erie! Quiet, clean, well kept! Provided firewood was great! Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"
Solitude and quiet: Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers secluded tent sites away from crowds. One camper shared that "Its like you have the forest to yourselves out here," highlighting the sense of isolation despite being relatively close to urban areas.
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard tent sites, several parks offer distinctive camping options. At Big Creek Park, campers can choose from "two rent sites (A and B), two lean-to sites (C and D), plus a tree house," providing alternatives to traditional tent camping.
Site accessibility: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At The West Woods, Zachary A. advises, "Site is about a quarter mile from the parking lot so pack light, bring a wagon, and/or be ready for a work out."
Water management: During rainstorms, site drainage becomes important. Some campsites feature raised platforms that help keep equipment dry. One camper at The West Woods noted, "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."
Limited facilities: Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground provides basic amenities with limited bathroom access. Andrew O. mentioned, "Only wish toilet access was a little closer for the women," indicating campers should prepare for somewhat rustic conditions.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. At Penitentiary Glen, Ky G. observed, "The second night had lots of coyotes around, which is cool but can be dangerous if not careful of course. Coyotes were heard all around the general area."
Child-friendly terrain: Select sites with appropriate terrain for younger campers. At The West Woods, one camper noted the campsite is "near a slope which leads to the river, which the kids loved but younger kids might find dangerous."
Entertainment options: Pioneer Trails Tree Farm provides natural entertainment for children. One family reported, "The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids," suggesting the unique setting offers built-in activities.
Pack accordingly: Multiple trips from parking areas to campsites can be challenging with children. Jillian E. at Penitentiary Glen noted, "the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup. So it made setting up camp a bit more work."
Limited RV options: While tent camping dominates in the Andover area, Quiet and Secluded offers accommodations for RVs with some hookups. Tom J. reports, "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating," though specific RV amenities are limited compared to larger commercial campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Andover, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Andover, OH is Lake Village at Pymatuning with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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