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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$29 - $75 / night
"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."
"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."
$24 - $30 / night
"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."
$25 - $45 / night
"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"
"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."
$29 - $160 / night
"We love being near the water when camping and at Pymatuning most if not all sites have views of the beautiful lake and the Pennsylvania shoreline across the lake."
"We camped on the Ohio side of the lake but spent several hours on the Pennsylvania feeding the HUGE schools of carp at the spillway."
GuidePymatuning Lake Campground is a huge 700 site family oriented campground. Sites are large and clean and your not packed in. Bathrooms and showers are OK but they are clean. Best part of being here is the awesome fishing. Know for huge black crappie, walleye, and small and big mouth bass. This is the place to go fishing.
GuideFirst time here. They told me Ohio State Parks were voted #1 in the US. Well there is a reason for that. Beautiful, clean, great spots, not a bad site in the entire park. Wood is dry and cheap right outside the park entrance. Bass fishing is top notch on the lake. I would definitely come back here again and again.
TravelerWe came off season. Bathrooms are updated and gorgeous. Beautiful lake setting
TravelerStayed 2 nights while visiting NP. Early in season so not many bathrooms were open yet. Paved electric only site fairly level site moderate down hill slope. Just went to NP so didn’t use any of the park amenity’s but looks like a very nice park with lots os activities
ScoutWe live really close so we stay at mosquito for our first stay every year. This year we were disappointed. They had no staff there to check us in, the signs says closed Monday through Wednesday. Bathrooms were supposed to be open because we stayed April 16th, but only some of them were. (Even though online states April 1st they reopen). Some sites are more wet than others. We stayed at site 54 this time. The pad was very narrow and it was wet around it (it has been raining a lot). The person before us must have purchased a $12 bale of hay that they were selling up front because there was hay everywhere. Wish they would just put gravel down.
Otherwise, it's quiet. We love the nature play area for the kids. We love the playgrounds.
When they are open, the bathrooms are very clean. The shower house is dated but clean. Far walk from every site basically as they put it on the main road between both loops.
ScoutStayed here one night. Decided to get an electric hook up so we could charge our portable generator. Great night sleep. Even better the showers were clean! I would definitely stay here again.
Potable water available too.
ScoutSeveral shaded, grassy RV campsites face the lake. There are cabins to rent that are right near the lake. It's a mix of short-term and long-term/permanent rentals.
A large grassy area for children to play on. There is a small fishing pond near the office. A rocky beach and boat dock w/launch ramp. A fire ring for nighttime bonfires. Owners are friendly and accommodating.
I've stayed there the past two years, am going back this year, and will be going back as long as I'm able to travel from California to Pennsylvania. Sunsets over the lake rival those over the Pacific Ocean. I love the place!
ScoutOther than having to pay for a lot of the info it's a great app
GuideWe staying here for a month. It is cheap and only few sites are occupied. Clean bathrooms and toilets
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.
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