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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
