Best Tent Camping near Ashtabula, OH
Looking for tent camping near Ashtabula? Find the best tent camping sites near Ashtabula. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Ohio camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Ashtabula, Ohio (10)
1. Lake Erie Bluffs
1 Review•18 Photos•44 SavesPerry, OhioIn 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
2. Headwaters Park
2 Reviews•2 Photos•21 SavesMiddlefield, OhioHeadwaters 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.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
$10 - $20 / night
3. Big Creek Park
1 Review•15 Photos•23 SavesChardon, Ohio- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
4. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
2 Reviews•14 Photos•80 SavesKirtland, Ohio- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$25 / night
5. The West Woods
3 Reviews•14 Photos•37 SavesNovelty, OhioThere 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
8. French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
1 Review•7 Photos•14 SavesUnion City, PennsylvaniaThis tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views.
This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.)
Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time.
Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park.
Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods!
DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
$40 - $45 / night
9. Shady Acres
Be the first to review!•5 Photos•4 SavesWaterford, PennsylvaniaTENT 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
Recent Tent Reviews near Ashtabula, OH
346 Reviews of 10 Ashtabula Campgrounds
- Tom C.
Traveler
Sara's Campground
On the lake.
I have tent camped here many times over the years. No reservations for tent sites. Off and on the beach camping. Very friendly staff. Impeccable bathrooms and showers. Sandy but well worth the price. Will come back.
Sabrina D.
Scout
Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground
Beautiful Place!
Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake. In the evening, we bought some firewood from the campground owners for our bonfire. They were so nice, they even brought it over to our camp site! We were camping in a tent and were really happy that the bathrooms were close to the tenting area. We will definitely come back again, hopefully before the end of the summer!
- MMary M.Traveler
Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park
nope
the tent site had biting ants, poison ivy, and no privacy. hated it.
- PPhyllis V.Traveler
Punderson State Park Campground
Our favorite campsite!
We tent camp from our motorcycles & this is our favorite camp site! We have camped here 4 times & love the private, wooded site.
- Mary S.Traveler
Pymatuning State Park Campground
Nice to get away
We tent camped here in early June. GPS had a hard time as there are so many locations referred to as "Pymatuning State Park." Campsite was fine other than trying to find room to put our big tent. The showers were great--roomy and well maintained. Wish there were more hiking trails; unless you fish or boat, there isn't a lot to do. The Ohio State Parks website is a bit clunky! Very little, if any cell service.
Ryan J.ScoutPunderson State Park Campground
Cramped
Great for fishing. Crammed and unlevel tent camping. People kept walking through our site to get to the bathroom which was annoying and rude. Few trails for hiking
- Sam L.Scout
Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground
Great fishing camp ground
Fantastic camp ground for anyone looking to rough it a bit, they have cabins and rv/tent sites located on Elk Creek great area for fishing and great people.
- Patrick M.Scout
Lily of the Valley
Love it
We have a large group that has stayed there for the last 6 years..always a great time and friendly people.. mostly fair goer's...best tent sites around.. looking forward to this year.
rich E.
Ranger
West haven rv park and campground
Camped here a few years ago
We have been tent camping here since the 90's it was r&k campground back then . We would stay in the honey moon sight. Completely surrounded by trees bath rooms where clean . Cant say anything about the place now hope its the same or better
- M
Michael B.Traveler
Jamestown Campground — 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.
- KKelly B.
Guide
Village Green Campground
Retiree summer home
This is a great stop for an overnight on a road trip. There are a few tent sites but the campground mostly caters to RV'ers. One huge benefit, free showers. The campground is a quick dive to a beach on the shore of Lake Erie.
- Courtney C.Traveler
Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
Great place!
The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it. Only bad are no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping. But we love the sites so much that we keep coming back.
Jenny K.GuidePunderson State Park Campground
Great for families
This is a good campground for families. We tent camped here. The sites are pretty far apart and you feel secluded but, at the same time, the bathrooms are close by. There is a lot of hiking and things to do around the area and even a playground for the kiddos. Not for your serious adventures but great for families.
Rachel K.Guide
Kenisee's Grand River Campground
Girls Weekend Campground
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! Showers and bathrooms available as well as electric hookups. Located within a matter of minutes to several wineries in the area. Entertainment provided during the summer time. Several lakes for swimming and fishing.
- KK H.Traveler
Perry Township Park
Nice little spot
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and stayed 2 nights. We were a little worried about getting in on a June weekend, but surprisingly, it did not fill up. $15/night for a tent site with showers and it was a great site along the woods with a nice flat area and could still see the lake.
- BBrittneyTraveler
Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
Peaceful
Had an amazing 1 night tent camping. When we arrived it was just after a big rain storm and at check in she warned some spots can be flooded. We went to look at our reserved spot and it was super wet muddy and almost under water. They let us pick a new spot that was dry. It was really peaceful. The bathrooms were insanely clean. Didn't check out the showers but I imagine they were just as clean
Renée C.
LegendPunderson State Park Campground
Busy campground
Super loud campground. The closest area to camp to the National Park. Nice shaded tent sites but you’ll have to haul your stuff uphill & then it’s not too private. The trails seem pretty unmaintained there. Most people seemed to just hang out at their campsites & not go too far. Camp resort building & boardwalk were pretty neat to check out. There are some really pretty trails not too far from the park itself.
- GGraysonGuide
Punderson State Park Campground
Great Campground
Spent one night here in a tent site that was slightly off the road. I parked and had to walk about 30 feet to the site which was no big deal and the path was clear. The bathroom was not far away. I did not spent any time in the park the next day but it seems there are many amenities they could keep you busy if you were there for longer.
Bryan S.ScoutFollys 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.
Fred J.GuideSara's Campground
Beautiful location, not great for tents..
The location of this Campground is great! Right by the lake with plenty of beach within walking distance! The scenery is amazing and I'd recommend it! The attached restaurant is also very good! We eat there every year as a tradition when we visit Presque Isle. There is also an awesome water park/amusement park called Waldameer just down the road!
The facilities are good and the campground is very nice and clean. However if you are tent camping, it's not really meant for it.. The sites are small and kinda boring. However the location definitely makes it worth it.
- Kelly B.Traveler
Sara's Campground
Lots of fun and close to everything
Sites are tight but nice because of the gravel. Keeps everything clean. Across the street from the Lake Erie beach. At the entrance of Presque Isle park. There is a a couple restaurants connected to the park and a little store for any needs you may have.
The office is across the street. There is tent camping on the shores of Lake Erie, first come, first served. Staff is remarkable
Bring your bikes if you like to bike.
If you have kids this is a great place. Water park right next door
Only downfall, some of the seasonal sites look pretty bad.
- RRebecca G.Traveler
Headwaters Park
Relaxing lakefront sites
Campsite G is the one. It is an open lean to with a stone fireplace facing the inside of the three sided wooden structure. Various watercraft rentals available, but look at availability before you go if that is included in your plans. Park has tent sites as well. Site G is a great setting and therefore books out more readily than other sites. Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience.
Erik M.RangerUncle Johns Elk Creek Campground
Excellent cabin camping
This was my second time staying here, I felt the need to write an updated review. I stayed in cabin 4 and was very impressed very clean and spacious probably could sleep 8 people. If you are looking for a place to stay while fishing for trout and steelhead this is your spot. They are directly on elk creek for the finest fishing imaginable. Campsite offers tent camping but it’s mostly in a open field. If your going to stay there don’t mess around just stick with the cabins. Uncle Johns is run by husband and wife, doesn’t seem to be any other staff so you need to have some patience.
Marla S.Guide
Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA Holiday
Happy Camping
Relax, breath, and camp. Perfect spot.
This Campground is quiet, full of fun, for families or older people. Beautiful area.
Many pull through lots, with patios. 50. 30. Full hookup, (sewer and Electric) back in, pull through, tent sites, cabins, teepees. Swimming pool, private bathrooms and showers. 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. Golf cart rentals, and seasonal sites that are being updated, but all are decorated nicely, and kept up.
KOA is revamping some of this campground. Work in progress, but awesome stay.
Brannon M.RangerPerry Township Park
Truly a Hidden Gem!
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 (there are only a few), are pretty uneven. But the views are incredible! You are just a stones throw away from Lake Erie, a boat launch, and a private beach. There’s no lifeguard on duty, so it’s definitely everything “at your own risk.“
Quick tip: make time to swing by the nearby town Geneva on the Lake.  plenty of touristy kind of stuff for those interested!
Greg A.GuidePunderson State Park Campground
Meh.
It could be an ok place if you get the right spot. Some of the sites are VERY SLOPED and some people parked campers in those spots and used very odd things to try and level them. The sites are not maintained well and have lots of weeds and some are very close and are essentially sharing the space with the fire ring and picnic table with other campers. Not very private at all. If you have awnings or slides, you will have to be careful about what site you will get or you will not be able to open the slides or your awning. If you get a good spot or are tent camping then it may be ok.
Ruby W.Ranger
Kool Lakes Family RV Park
Averagely Kool Family Campground
My friends and I were going to a festival in the Northeast Ohio area. The festival camping was full, so we stayed at this location for a night. The sites are very affordable if split between little people. This very family orientated campground has a gravel road system connecting a ton of camp spots, RV locations, mobile homes, a playground, a swimming lake, and a even a fishing lake. The ground itself is huge, so kids can have fun and run around with other kids in nearby sections of the campgrounds. Overall there are a ton of amenities and very friendly staff. We told the office lady we would be back late at night, and she gave us a special passcode to the gate. That was super kind of her. The land isn’t particularly pretty and the campsite for tent camping are rather close together, but it’s a good location overall for RV’s. I wouldn’t recommend this location if you’re trying to enjoy nature, because sites are pretty close together and certainly not secluded. There are positives for tent campers including water taps, outlets, trash receptacles, bathrooms, and hot showers.
Guide to Ashtabula
Tent camping near Ashtabula, Ohio, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from lakeside views to secluded forest settings, there's something for everyone.
Tips for tent camping near Ashtabula
- Lake Erie Bluffs provides a stunning view of the lake, perfect for those who appreciate peaceful surroundings and the sound of waves.
- Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite is ideal for a rustic experience, with plenty of firewood available and a short distance to scenic walking trails.
- Big Creek Park features well-marked trails and unique accommodations like treehouses, making it a great choice for families looking to explore nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $20
- The West Woods offers a budget-friendly option at just $5 for county residents, making it accessible for spontaneous getaways.
- Yeager's Hide-A-Way Campground is another affordable choice, with a season running from May to October, perfect for summer camping trips.
- Crystal Springs Campground is a private site that provides a peaceful atmosphere, although specific pricing details may vary.
Local attractions to enhance your camping experience
- Headwaters Park features a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and fishing, making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
- Lake Village at Pymatuning is perfect for those who enjoy year-round camping and offers amenities like thirty-amp hookups for added convenience.
- Shady Acres is located near French Creek, providing a serene setting just thirty minutes from Lake Erie, ideal for a relaxing retreat.
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 10 tent camping locations near Ashtabula, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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