Top Tent Camping near Ashtabula, OH

Searching for a tent campsite near Ashtabula? Find the best tent camping sites near Ashtabula. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Ashtabula, OH (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie Bluffs

    1. Lake Erie Bluffs

    1 Review
    18 Photos
    41 Saves

    In an effort to provide more opportunities to enjoy our parks, Lake Metroparks offers tent camping so campers may experience unique natural features and the great outdoors. Reservations are required.

    Campsites provide a “rustic” experience for small groups of up to eight people staying in tents. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about 0.25 mile to more than a mile. Each location is different and provides a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds.

    The paddle-in sites may require a three- to eight-mile paddle by canoe or kayak to reach the campsite. The idea is to paddle a stretch of the Grand River, spend the night under the stars and then paddle another stretch the next day. Imagine paddling 27 miles and spending two nights on the wild and scenic Grand River! That is all possible in your Lake Metroparks.

    Each site has a designated area to pitch a tent, a place to build a fire, a grill and a picnic table. The sites do not have restrooms, running water or trash cans. Campers are expected to practice a “leave no trace” camping ethic including carrying in and carrying out all supplies and trash, with the goal of leaving the area better than it was found.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Headwaters Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Headwaters Park

    2. Headwaters Park

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    21 Saves

    Headwaters Park is a 926-acre reservation located in Claridon and Huntsburg townships. The property is leased by Geauga Park District from the City of Akron in a partnership that allows for conservation of natural areas, enjoyment by park visitors, and outdoor education and passive recreation. It is Geauga Park District's intent to mange this natural area and to protect the water quality for aquatic life and downstream neighbors. Prior to 1932, the east branch of the Cuyahoga River meandered through a lush ravine as it made its way through Claridon and Huntsburg townships. Picnickers enjoyed many summer afternoons along it's banks; vacationers escaped to cottages nestled around adjacent Crystal Lake and along the river's edge. When the City of Akron began purchasing land in Geauga County in 1932, the cottages and neighboring farmhouses were moved and a dam was built to impound the waters in East Branch Reservoir. Having secured a stable water supply for the businesses and homes in their community, City of Akron officials opened the reservoir and surrounding land to local residents in 1959. In 1996, Geauga Park District's Board of Park Commissioners signed an agreement to lease the land and reservoir, and renamed the area Headwaters Park because of its location at the upper reaches of the Cuyahoga River. Visitor activities are regulated by Geauga Park District in accordance with the City of Akron in order to achieve mutual stewardship goals of protecting natural resources and water quality. Camping is available by permit in the designated tent pad or lean-to sites. Reservations for all facilities can be made online or by calling the Park District office.

    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Park

    3. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    15 Photos
    23 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from The West Woods

    5. The West Woods

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    36 Saves

    There are 2 primitive sites here. The West Woods is a 902-acre park that protects the historic sandstone ledges of Ansel’s Cave, Silver Creek and its watershed, extensive wetlands and mature forests.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
        Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres

        8. Shady Acres

        Be the first to review!
        5 Photos
        4 Saves

        TENT CAMPING ONLY

        *NO AMMENTIES*

        •Nearly 2 wooded acres, in Millvillage, PA.

        •Just minutes from Port Farms, Amish goods, and the beautiful French Creek. Quiet country setting right off the main road. Surrounded by unoccupied woods.

        •30 mins to Lake Erie.

        •20 mins to Canadotah Lake.

        •10 mins to Lake Leboeuf & French Creek river.

        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Firewood Available

        $50 - $100 / night

        • No image available
          • No image available
          Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews In Ashtabula

          307 Reviews of 11 Ashtabula Campgrounds


          • B
            Camper-submitted photo from Perry Township Park
            Oct. 8, 2024

            Perry Township Park

            Wish we could have stayed longer!

            Stopped through for 1 night with no reservation. Called and the camp host was super helpful and friendly! 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. Didn’t use showers, but the bathrooms were well maintained! The lake view was amazing! Very quiet and small location…perfect for what we wanted for the evening. Would highly recommend!

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Geneva State Park
            Sep. 16, 2024

            Geneva State Park

            Friendly and clean

            Stayed two nights mid September. Lovely weather. Clean bathrooms and showers with hot water. Firewood, ice, free drinking water, and trinkets available at registration booth.

          • jThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lampe Marina Campground
            Sep. 11, 2024

            Lampe Marina Campground

            Sunsets and Sunrises

            We came for a quick visit and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and sunrise. Large spaces and easy access to the pier (ramps available for all to enjoy ) We would love to return and enjoy a much longer stay. FYI -several dump stations so no waiting!

          • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Perry Township Park
            Sep. 9, 2024

            Perry Township Park

            Another nice experience

            Stayed here again while passing through the area. Facilities are still looking good and the host was very helpful with getting us settled in. Will visit again!

          • afshar Y.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Erie KOA
            Sep. 3, 2024

            Erie KOA

            Fun time for a family

            Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.

          • Hillz M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from The Farm at Grand River
            Aug. 16, 2024

            The Farm at Grand River

            Family Friendly idyllic farm get away

            My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! The hosts were so accommodating. My daughter loved the free movie nights under stars, running wild with the goats, and the play grounds and play houses kept her busy for hours! The eggs were delicious, I spent time by the fire, in a hammock, and soaking up the sunshine. It was the rejuvenating experience I needed. I will definitely plan to stay here again!

          • Ed F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Lampe Marina Campground
            Aug. 9, 2024

            Lampe Marina Campground

            I AM EXCITED

            GOING LAST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER LOOKING TO GET SOME FISH FROM SHORE. HOPING FOR THE BEST! 5 STARS ON LOOKS ALONE.

          • Fred R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Creek RV and Camping Resort, A Sun RV Resort
            Jul. 13, 2024

            Indian Creek RV and Camping Resort, A Sun RV Resort

            Back again 2024 July 4

            Again it is a nice large place with activities all day for all ages. Pool was great due to temps being in the 90s. Not all sites are full hookup and 50 Amp. The street lights suck as they fully illuminated our sites. Fireworks were OK.

          • Robert L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from MillBrook Resort
            Jun. 23, 2024

            MillBrook Resort

            Pretty nice

            We stayed here with our Coast to Coast membership, so it was good for that price. The main restroom/shower house is attached to the office. There are 5 restrooms with flush toilet and hand sanitizer scattered around the park. Most all of the sites are back in. We stayed at a site that shares a pole with water and electric hookups with 3 others. The first time I connected to the internet at our site, it connected right away with good quality. For about 30 seconds. I never got internet at our site again. It is good in the game room by the office, but there isn't anywhere with air conditioning to sit. AT&T has one bar of signal. Many problems getting internet with that. We did enjoy the indoor pool. Until it became crowded with kids. So, we went to the swimming pond. It was quite nice. We took out a paddle boat. They offer paddle boats, canoes, and rowboat to use for free. The one we had wouldn't steer. We went in circles to the right in the middle of the lake for 45 minutes before we got it back to the dock. I think it needs more trees.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park
            May. 31, 2024

            Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park

            Pymatuning Jamestown

            Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Ridge Ranch Campground
            May. 20, 2024

            Ridge Ranch Campground

            Bathhouse in poor shape

            It was a nice location to the turnpike but the bathrooms are so out of date. We have a small TT and use the bathhouse frequently. The stall doors hit your knees and the well water stinks…couldn’t wash my hand in the sink. Only one shower stall in the one of 2 bathroom locations. It was nice to see an area designated for dog swimming area. The office closed at 6 PM so no late arrivals. Nice pond but it was a little murky.

          • LThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park
            May. 18, 2024

            Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park

            Weekend Getaway

            We will definitely be back. The sites are very level, so setup is a breeze. There's plenty of spots to go fishing and hang out by the lake, plus different things to do in the area.

          • Bryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Follys End Campground
            Apr. 10, 2024

            Follys End Campground

            Nice spot

            Sites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.

          • Matt S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Pond Family Campground
            Apr. 10, 2024

            Sparrow Pond Family Campground

            Great campground near Lake Erie

            We stayed at Sparrow Pond Family Campground for a special long-weekend to view the Total Solar Eclipse. Their normal season doesn’t open until later in April, but they opened for 5-days for people like us who wanted a good spot for the eclipse. Since the normal season hadn’t yet opened, not all amenities/facilities were open but they put on a lot of activities to make the stay fun. 

            THINGS I LIKED: 

            • Easy access to Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park 

            • Clean and well-maintained property with lots of activities 

            • All of the RVs appeared well-maintained without trashy-looking seasonal sites 

            • Nice campground with friendly camping neighbors 

            • Friendly and responsive staff interactions 

            THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

            • The site was nice and in a great location with a view of the pond, but wasn’t level 

            WOULD WE COME BACK? 

            Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty of things to see and do in the area 

            HOW I CAME UP WITH MY STAR RATING:

            ★★★★★ everything was perfect with no room for improvement

            ★★★★ this is a great place with one or more minor flaws

            ★★★ average in all ways— not great, not horrible

            ★★ major issues or poorly maintained, we wouldn’t likely come back

            ★ a terrible place in my opinion and I’d never return

          • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
            Feb. 12, 2024

            Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

            Lots to do for the whole family

            My wife and I stayed here in late September so it wasn't overly crowded. The camp sites were fairly spacious and level. There seemed to be water fill stations scattered around the campground for convenience. I was actually able to fill me fresh water tank from one near by. The campground is fairly large and we rode our bikes around quite a bit, including our to the campground store at the entrance. There were numerous playgrounds and activities for kids. They have full hookup sections, but most of the campground is electric only. All in all the best review I can give is to say that we would go back.

          • Ky G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
            Nov. 15, 2023

            Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

            Cozy and Quiet

            My friends and I decided to stay here for the weekend. 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. 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. Other than that quiet and the roads close by are unheard. Overall a great experience and definitely recommend for a rustic experience.

          • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Perry Township Park
            Oct. 19, 2023

            Perry Township Park

            Perry Township Park & Campground

            The hosts were very friendly and helpful during our short stay. The area was clean and safe. Would stay again!

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Geneva State Park
            Oct. 6, 2023

            Geneva State Park

            Best of both worlds

            When we booked our site, the camp website showed cabins on the lake. We booked site 88 for our glamping, but a water leak at site 90 had our water off. Site 111 was available for the night right on the lake. We were happy to pay the difference to spend a night with the lake right outside our bedroom window. The water was back on in site 88 the next day so we enjoyed the rest of our stay in a beautiful site 5 minutes from the lake.

          • S
            Camper-submitted photo from Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park
            Sep. 6, 2023

            Jamestown - Pymatuning State Park

            Labor Day weekend

            Campground was clean and well maintained. Only issue we ran into was that the fire pit was not cleaned out after the last folks. It wasn’t a huge deal but there we had quite a bit of debris and wet ash to deal with. The wash houses scattered throughout are new and very clean. The one across from our site had 4 private bathrooms with a toilet and shower. Very well patrolled and tons of stuff to do within biking/running/driving distance.

          • B M.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shenango Campground
            Sep. 1, 2023

            Shenango Campground

            Nice campground with waterfront sites

            We had site # 9 which had electric hook up and you fill with water. To fill with water you have to pass the entrance for this loop and it's down a little on the left. Our site was waterfront which had a nice view. It was a steep slope down so we couldn't access the water from our site. A few sites you can.  Out site was a nice size and shaded for the most of it. There is a dump station onsite.

            We saw big Blue Herons, Oriels, Robins, and lot's of little song birds. There are some groundhogs there too. 

            The lake is big and you can boat, fish, kayak & canoe in it.  There is a boat launch onsite. There are several playgrounds, lakeside picnic shelter an Amphitheater and a nature trail onsite. The town is close so there are places to eat and stores of all kinds. 

            Our favorite sites in the Golden loop are #6, 7, 9, 12 and 17.

            The main loop sites # 72, 66 and 80.

            The new duck loop all the sites with electric are on the inside not waterfront. 

            The NON electric loops favorite sites are:

            The Pine Loop # 130, 161, 118, 121, 123, and 128.

            The lake view loop sites # 49, 39 and 31. 

            The Old Duck loop Site # 212 is waterfront and has good water access.

            The road going into the duck loops aren't as nice as the rest of the campground roads. 

            If you are camping with a generator they don't allow them to run after 10 PM during quiet hours.

          • W
            Camper-submitted photo from Sara's Campground
            Aug. 30, 2023

            Sara's Campground

            Nice Campground, Friendly People

            Tried to stay beach side but it was too windy, it was a bummer but still had a good time on the other side of the road. We had excellent bike riding weather! Campsites were clean and had showers available.

          • Ryan K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Country Acres Campground
            Aug. 9, 2023

            Country Acres Campground

            Avoid!!

            We stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights, I will not be returning ever. List of things that were horribly wrong with this campground..-The whole place smelled like rotting sewage, the public bathrooms had pee and poop all over the floor like the toilets had been backed up and they were like that the whole time we were there.-The playground was covered in caution tape, so it could not be used.-The billards room looks like if you even touch anything, the whole place is going to fall in. The ceiling was falling in, the pool table was a mess, there were broken darts for the dart board, the stereo did not work, the trash was over filled and was infested with bugs.-The owner is horribly rude, we had an issue with something and we tried talking to him about it and the answer we received was"yeah yeah" and walked off.-The swimming pool is a lot smaller than the pictures on their website, by probably more than half the size.-The lake is covered in green stuff, so fishing if very hard to do there.-We stayed with another group of people and we both had golfcart rentals which they had to double pay for because they messed up their reservation, they also lost their golfcart for a good chunk of the day because the tires were bad and it had brake issues and they never received any type of refund or anything for that.-Were yelled at for having children on laps on the golfcart(one being a baby) and was told they had to be seated. So we had to get out and walk,(even though there was a lot of golfcarts where there were people sitting on laps and not getting yelled at.)-The day we were leaving we tied one of our dogs up outside to return the golfcart(which the dog can't be in) and we already had the camper packed up. So we tied her up in a shady area at the site with water for not(5minutes,) the owner was at our site and yelling at my 10 year old daughter for leaving the dog out. 1- she is 10 and 2- the dog is not allowed on the carts or allowed in the store and you have a strict 12pm return time for those. She was perfectly fine for those 5 minutes. There were a few other times that the experience was just not enjoyable and I am sure the owner will comment back and deny everything like he does in any post that has anything bad to say about him. Was a horrible experience and would avoid this campground at all costs. There are so many better campgrounds and for a cheaper price!!



          Guide to Ashtabula

          Camping near Ashtabula, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

          What to do:

          • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Pymatuning State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful lake on the Ohio/PA border. Clean bathrooms/showers. Don’t forget to feed the carp!"
          • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A reviewer noted, "Nice stretch of forest...great views, trails for different skill levels."
          • Playgrounds and Beaches: Campgrounds like West Branch State Park Campground have great playgrounds and small beaches. One family shared, "Great showerhouses and very nice playground. We love the small campers beach near site 160."

          What campers like:

          • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Punderson State Park Campground said, "Showers are hot, bathrooms are clean, and there are coin-operated laundry machines."
          • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were fairly spacious and level."
          • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. One visitor at Geneva State Park Campground noted, "Quiet, woodsy and very well-maintained state park campground."

          What you should know:

          • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Silver Springs Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper mentioned, "There are portable bathrooms located throughout the campground...no shower facilities."
          • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Punderson State Park Campground warned, "There were lots of mosquitoes so be prepared to bring bug spray!"
          • Crowded Weekends: Popular campgrounds can get busy on weekends. One camper at Mill Creek Camping said, "Gets loud and crowded on the weekend as usual."

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at West Branch State Park Campground said, "The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there."
          • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Geneva State Park Campground enjoyed nearby attractions, saying, "We visited Geneva-on-the-Lake, where we played some arcade games, putt-putt, and had ice cream."
          • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy stay. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site barely had space for our large tent to fit but it all worked out."

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Quite a few of the sites are lakefront and...the FHU sites in the central section are new."
          • Bring Long Power Cords: Some sites have power outlets positioned awkwardly. A camper at Silver Springs Campground mentioned, "The outlets are at the top of a gentle slope, so if your power cord isn’t long enough..."
          • Utilize Dump Stations: Make use of dump stations for convenience. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground appreciated, "Dump station has 2 lanes which was nice when checking out."

          Camping near Ashtabula, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ashtabula, OH?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ashtabula, OH is Lake Erie Bluffs with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

            TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Ashtabula, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.