91 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ashtabula area camping includes several good spots within a short drive. Pymatuning State Park Campground sits by Pymatuning Lake, with sites that fill quickly during summer weekends. Silver Springs Campground has smaller, tree-covered sites and tends to attract families with its play areas. Campers wanting to hike can drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which has trails worth the trip. Most local campgrounds have play equipment for kids and planned activities on summer weekends. Ashtabula's campgrounds offer diverse camping options from lakefront sites to wooded retreats, perfect for weekend getaways or longer stays. You can drive right up to most sites, though a few require carrying gear a short distance from the parking area. Make your reservations well ahead of time—the booking system opens months before the camping season, and the best spots go fast. If you can camp in May or September instead of July, you'll find fewer people and more site choices. Each campground has different rules about pets, fires, and quiet hours, so check their websites before you go. The Ashtabula region works well for both quiet camping and more active trips.
"Geneva State Park Campground: This was our first trip here and given the COVID situation it was still very pleasant. "
"Easy to get to, not crowded, the sites were paved and spaced decently and, it had bike paths! Another bonus is that it borders Lake Erie."
from $29 - $75 / night
Check Availability"As newbies to all things RV, we needed a place in Ohio to break in our new travel trailer."
"Love it cause it close to the beach! It close to many activities in Geneva on the lake, the strip! Nice landscaping and a great camp store at the entrance. Lots of amenities."
"We had site 12, which was upfront near the office, showers etc. Great location if your staying more than a few hours. Swimming hole is cool!"
"Located within a matter of minutes to several wineries in the area. Entertainment provided during the summer time. Several lakes for swimming and fishing."
"This was a very nice, very secure campground that isn't far from a lot of attractions and wineries in the Geneva region of Ohio's wine country."
"There aren’t any shade trees near the cement pad sites but the sites themselves are immaculate. This Labor Day weekend we stayed in a pull thru gravel spot. Minimal effort to get leveled and set up."
"The campground is adjacent to the small community park and baseball fields. Very well maintained and quiet. As an added bonus it is right next to Lake Erie."
"Perry Township Park campground is exactly what campground should be: great accommodations, beautiful views, tremendous service, and easy accessibility to a lot of fun stuff :-) Most of the tent sites"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Site number located on elec outlet - situated at tail end of site next to shared water outlet ( two spigots)."
"The campground is a quick dive to a beach on the shore of Lake Erie."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Kenisee Lake RV Resort Thousand Trails in Jefferson, Ohio is a another great Thousand Trails park! This park is very large and has a park-like setting with 2 lakes."
"Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet. The campground is clean with plenty of open space and trails."
"We got a spot near the entrance that had the doggy play pen. It was a well built structure. I felt good about my dogs being in it. The campground is wonderful. So peaceful and pretty."
"Fishing lake, swimming lake, trails. Children play areas. Basketball, bad mitten/volleyball, Dog wash, dog parks (2), private fenced dog sites. (2)- pull through site."
GuideOur site was level, although I observed many that are not. It was fairly quiet, although the sites are pretty small. Ours was described as 'waterfront', but it was so overgrown between the site and the shoreline that there was no access and the lake wasn't visible. Bathrooms were very clean and the shower worked great.
TravelerManagement if nice, view of sunset is amazing, has showers, electric, and laundry services. Not secluded, but it's almost like you are in a village, with everyone being close together
TravelerMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideGated and private campground. You can come and go as you please 24/7 with a gate card. Secure and clean bathrooms. Laundry room. Camp store and more. Wi-Fi is available. But the view on being right on lake Erie is the best. It's a must campground, at least once.
LegendAnother pleasant stay at this campground! We had made our reservations online prior to our stay and the process was super easy. And as always, the campground host was very friendly and helpful. Unlike a lot of city parks I've been to, this one is behind a gate and the showers/restrooms have codes you're provided with during check-in, so that helps keep things safe, quiet, and clean. I still haven't used the showers here, but the separate restrooms were spotless. The park itself is nice and was busy with families enjoying outdoor activities. Everyone was also respectful during quiet hours.
TravelerCame tent camping here. Stayed on new duck loop, which from the looks of all the other sites, this one seemed more open, less R. V. Campers. Plenty of open spots even for the weekend. Place is clean, well kept, bathrooms are clean which is a plus. All the sites around have decent space between them. Close access to a lake. You can bring your boat
GuideHad 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. Lots of friendly people too.
Pros:
Cons:
FAQ:
ScoutEasy after hours check in, wish the site was more wooded.
ScoutNice campground and almost every site is level. Presque aisle is a little too far away to visit by bicycle or E bike.
Camping near Ashtabula offers waterfront experiences along Lake Erie's shoreline with sites available from May through October when temperatures range from 60-80°F in peak season. The area's lakefront position creates unique camping conditions with cool evening breezes and morning fog common during summer months. Campsites near Ashtabula, Ohio typically close by mid-October due to lake effect weather conditions.
Lake access for fishing and boating: Geneva State Park Campground provides direct lake access with multiple reviewers noting the proximity to water recreation. "You can camp right on the lake in some spots. Tons of trails to hike and a beautiful beach," notes Shawn at Geneva State Park. The park includes a marina for boaters.
Biking on local trails: Several Geneva State Park Campground reviewers mentioned the bike paths as a standout feature. "Great campground with bike trails leading all the way in to Geneva By the Lake where you will find entertainment for the family," writes Linda R. These paved trails connect camping areas to nearby attractions.
Wildlife observation: Bald eagle spotting is possible at Pymatuning State Park Campground. "Look up to spot a bald eagle beautiful sunsets and sunrise's," recommends Jim L. The park's lake attracts various waterfowl and wildlife throughout the camping season.
Lakefront views: Perry Township Park offers some of the most direct lake access. "Got in after dinner and luckily we were just car camping, because we got (in our opinion) the best site there! 23 has a great shot of the lake, nice cinder blocks built up to block any wind from the fire pit," writes Blythe B. Multiple reviewers note the unobstructed lake views from certain sites.
Clean facilities: Willow Lake Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "The sites are big with a range of surfaces available. Family run and immaculately kept. Grassy areas are cut and lush, showers and bathrooms are very clean and the layout is excellent," says lorie. Several reviewers mentioned the well-maintained grounds.
Community atmosphere: Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake offers a social camping environment. "Slightly overpriced but lots of activities, super clean bathrooms, two pools, fishing pond, put-put golf, restaurant, store, minutes from Geneva on the lake," notes Mitchell S. The resort-style campground appeals to families seeking organized activities.
Seasonal operation: Most Ashtabula area campgrounds operate from May through October. "This is a true hidden gem. There are very few sites that are not seasonal, but we were able to call an hour before arrival to get a site that night," Kate mentions about Perry Township Park. Call ahead as availability can be limited.
Site variability: Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake offers diverse site types but limited connectivity. "Kenisee Lake RV Resort Thousand Trails in Jefferson, Ohio is a another great Thousand Trails park! This park is very large and has a park-like setting with 2 lakes. The only downside is the internet which is lacking in this area," explains Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure.
Weekday availability: Sites are more available Sunday through Thursday. "Site number located on elec outlet - situated at tail end of site next to shared water outlet (two spigots). You'd best like close neighbors, cos they're thrown in (for no additional charge)," notes Kevin H. about Village Green Campground, highlighting the close quarters during peak times.
Dog-friendly options: Willow Lake Campground provides dedicated pet facilities. "They have a dog park that is fenced in, no bare spots (all grass), a rock and other apparatus for dogs to climb and they even have a fire hydrant! Plus two shady spots under trees for adults to sit and relax," writes lorie.
Playgrounds and swim areas: Kenisee's Grand River Campground offers water recreation for children. "Stayed here for a girls weekend in Geneva at one of the tent sites. The tent area was small (this is mostly an RV Park), but it was a good spot to stay! Several lakes for swimming and fishing," notes Rachel K.
Activity planning: Geneva State Park offers family-oriented programming. "We went here with a large group of family for a long weekend and were so pleased with the campground, park, and our site. Kids were entertained by the park and adults were content," shares Sara S.
Site selection strategy: Choose back-in sites at Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake for more privacy. "We really liked the back-in sites with water and electric hookups because they were larger and more private and wooded. The fire ring was so easy to cook on that now I'm spoiled!" says Rebecca B.
Big rig access: Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground accommodates larger RVs but has specific amenities. "Campers are great. Bingo nightly, great pool, activities. RV, tent, permanent sites," notes Mitchell S. The campground layout works well for larger vehicles with adequate turning space.
Utilities and hookups: Pymatuning State Park has limited site numbering visibility. "5 stars just for the Autumn visuals. 1 star for the fact that we got in after dark and ALL the numbers for the electric sites are posted in non-reflective lettering. We couldn't find our spot," warns Lisa B. Arrive during daylight hours for easier setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Ashtabula, Ohio?
Ashtabula County offers several camping options in scenic locations. Geneva State Park Campground is situated along the shores of Lake Erie, providing easy access to the lake and nearby Geneva-on-the-Lake. Further inland, Pymatuning State Park Campground sits on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, overlooking the beautiful Pymatuning Lake. Additional options include Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground near Ashtabula proper and Village Green Campground in North Kingsville. Many of these campgrounds are within easy driving distance of Ashtabula's covered bridges, wineries, and other attractions while offering the peaceful natural settings that make this region popular with campers.
Is tent camping permitted at Ashtabula campgrounds?
Yes, tent camping is widely permitted at Ashtabula area campgrounds. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers tent-friendly sites with some privacy and scenic lake views. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite provides a more rustic tent camping experience with firewood provided and proximity to hiking trails along the gorge. While many campgrounds in the area primarily cater to RVs, they typically designate specific areas for tent campers. Be prepared for varying amenities – some offer modern bathhouses with showers, while others have more basic facilities. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm tent camping availability and reserve your spot, especially during peak summer months.
What riverfront camping options are available in Ashtabula?
While Ashtabula is known for its rivers, true riverfront camping options are somewhat limited. Kenisee's Grand River Campground offers sites along the Grand River near Geneva, providing fishing opportunities and water access. Sara's Campground features bayside camping areas with water views, though it's located just across the state line in Pennsylvania. For those seeking water-adjacent camping, the region offers more lakefront options than riverfront sites. Most riverfront camping in Ashtabula County tends to be more primitive, so come prepared with appropriate gear. Always check water levels and conditions before your trip, as seasonal fluctuations can affect site availability and water activities.
What are the best times of year to go camping in Ashtabula, Ohio?
The prime camping season in Ashtabula runs from late May through early October, with July and August being the busiest months. Kool Lakes Family RV Park offers affordable sites during this peak season with many summer activities. The Great Outdoors Family Campground near the PA/Ohio border can be especially hot in midsummer with limited shade at some sites. For more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, consider camping in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) when you'll experience pleasant days, cooler nights, and beautiful seasonal changes. Winter camping is limited in the area, with most campgrounds closing for the season, though some may offer year-round options for hardier campers.
Keep Exploring
