Best Tent Camping near Avon, OH

Tent camping options near Avon, Ohio include several secluded sites scattered throughout the region's parks and natural areas. Heritage Farms, located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offers walk-in tent sites on a working Christmas tree farm with private, grassy spots that provide separation between campers. The West Woods in Geauga County provides primitive tent camping with two walk-in sites that are positioned away from each other for added privacy.

Most tent campsites in the Avon area require campers to park and carry their gear to the site. At Heritage Farms, wagons are provided to transport equipment from the parking area to the tent sites, which can be up to several hundred yards away. The West Woods features tent pads raised above ground level to prevent flooding during rain, though the quarter-mile hike from parking requires packing efficiently. Facilities are typically minimal, with most locations offering basic vault toilets or portable restrooms rather than flush facilities. Several locations, including Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping in Summit Metro Parks, operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide varying degrees of seclusion and natural settings. Big Bend Trailhead offers primitive tent camping on a hillock above a parking area, creating privacy despite being near trails and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. These sites accommodate 5-6 small tents but lack amenities like picnic tables or fire rings. A visitor noted, "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy." At Penitentiary Glen Reservation, the walk-in tent sites require more effort to reach but reward campers with isolation. According to one camper, "It's like you have the forest to yourselves out here," though they cautioned that the walk to the site was "a bit more of a haul than expected."

Best Tent Sites Near Avon, Ohio (16)

    1. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    28 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame."

    2. Hidden Hollow Camp

    1 Review
    Lodi, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 722-9364

    "Vault toilets are fine."

    3. The West Woods

    4 Reviews
    Novelty, OH
    37 miles
    Website

    "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."

    "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."

    4. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites

    Be the first to review!
    Brecksville, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 526-1012

    $5 / night

    5. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Kirtland, OH
    37 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup."

    7. Rivers Edge Camping Area (Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead)

    3 Reviews
    Massillon, OH
    50 miles
    Website

    "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot."

    "Located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of Massillon, OH in the Stark County Parks District. These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists."

    8. Lake Erie Bluffs

    2 Reviews
    Perry, OH
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 358-7275

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site."

    "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!"

    9. Headwaters Park

    2 Reviews
    Middlefield, OH
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    $10 - $20 / night

    "I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."

    "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."

    10. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    Chardon, OH
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    "Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Avon, OH

457 Reviews of 16 Avon Campgrounds


  • Jen L.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    The West Woods

    Newer isn't always better

    There are 2 sites in the park both of which are walk in only and not close together. They are relatively small, 2-4 person tent only. Run by the Geauga Park District and only $5 for county residents, its cheap and looks it. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance, so no spur of the moment get aways. Basically it was just a space for a tent and a fire ring. No bathroom (about a half mile of trail away), no water, no picnic table, no alcohol. Basically I got the urge to camp in the early spring and wanted somewhere near home but I wouldn't stay there again, and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so either. However, the West Woods as a park is really nice with a nature center, hiking and bridle trails, just the campsite that was lacking.

  • W
    Jun. 10, 2022

    Rivers Edge Camping Area (Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead)

    Great location

    Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants. Only 12 minute drive over to Pro Football Hall of Fame.

  • R
    May. 3, 2021

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Perfect Ohio Oasis

    We camp here at the beginning and end of the season where the bars are less crowded and the campground isn’t as booked.

    These lakeside campsites are stunning and even the one tucked further into the park have a lot of options too. From open areas where it would be fun to book a couple sites with friends, and some secluded for more privacy.

    We always stay lakeside because you cannot beat the view! We’ve stayed 103 and 114!

    One hint: be we are on the cliffs of Lake Erie, some sites you might have to hunt for soft ground to stake your tent.

  • Greg A.
    Jun. 5, 2018

    Punderson 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2018

    Heritage Farms

    Great for cyclists along the Towpath in Cuyahoga National Park

    Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  Both standard campsites and shelters are available and are scattered among a working Christmas Tree farm.   A very sweet couple owns the place and runs the campground, George & Carol Haramis.

    Each site is situated on grass, has a picnic table, and fire ring (firewood is supplied with your campsite fee).  Both pit toilets and water are available to campers as well. Some are shaded and other sites have quite a bit of sun.  The shelters are robustly constructed, but don’t have much cross ventilation as they are only open to the front, so are quite hot in the heat of the summer, and provide no barrier to insects.  No electricity is available. Come prepared to hang your food (not for bears, but for mice).

    They prefer reservations, but happily accommodated our reservation-less lifestyle as it was early in the season.  Our shelter site was just next to the gravel parking area and overlooked the farm as well as had a great view of the sunset.  Unfortunately, you can hear the highway from the campground, despite the fact that it is located a good distance away. It didn’t bother us at night, but we definitely heard it first thing in the morning.

    Just down the road in the village of Peninsula, OH (and right next to the towpath) are Century Cycles (super helpful bike shop!!) and the Winking Lizard Tavern (fun restaurant/bar). After a long day of cycling, we enjoyed an adult beverage and some dessert after making dinner in the campground.

    More info here:  https://centurycycles.com/articles/camping-along-the-towpath-trail-pg1342.htm

  • Skooma M.
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Findley State Park Campground

    Organized Group Site 2

    It was difficult to find pictures or reviews of the Findlay group sites. It honestly seemed to me that they didn't exist, so I thought I'd do the service of taking some pictures.

    The group sites are away from the main campsites, so you should have plenty of space for your group to set up and enough distance between them to not disturb the peace if you have a large group. OGA2 is heavily forested, I'm not sure about OGA1. There are plenty of trees so both hammock and tent campers should be accommodated. The fire pit is large and there are 4 picnic tables.

    The campsite is about 75 yards from the parking area, and there is a vault toilet right before the parking area.

  • Brady R.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Heritage Farms

    Available Through HipCamp

    Review for Site #12. 

    Our site was in the middle of the sites, but upon on a slight hill. Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry (with the help of a tarp).

    It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream. Lol. 

    You do have to carry your belongings into the campsites, but it wasn't too horrible for us, esp. since our campsite was right off the walking path. The provided wagons and wheelbarrows make it easier too. 

    Firewood is $8 a bundle and required to pay via PayPal. Water is also available for purchase, but we brought our own. 

    2 portopots were provided and were mostly clean. All sites come with fire pit and picnic table. Some of them have tree coverage and access to hang hammocks.

    Sunset was incredible the first night. It did get very chilly when we were there.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Findley State Park Campground

    Clean and great hiking

    Findley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating. About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups. We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors.

    Shower houses are clean. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting. Many musicians set up camp and would jam out for some live evening music! Everyone was so nice at the campground. We enjoyed our stay.

  • Victoria B.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    South Bass Island State Park Campground

    Camping on the cliff—a great get-away

    I recently camped here at South Bass Island State Park. Because of current Covid-19 restrictions, the campground was pretty empty (which I hear is very unusual for summertime). I camped in a tent-only site on the edge of the 25 foot cliff. Great for adults, but no safety barrier for young children.  Campsite #97 and#99 have fire rings right on the cliff. (I camped at #99.)

    The facilities at the campground are clean and well maintained and the people who work at the camp store are friendly.

    The campground is well shaded with mature trees throughout and it over looks Lake Erie to the West making for great views of the sunset. Some sites are right on top of each other and others are well spread out.


Guide to Avon

Tent campsites near Avon, Ohio offer rustic camping with varying site conditions and amenities. The region sits on the southern shore of Lake Erie at about 675 feet elevation, where overnight temperatures can drop considerably even in summer months. Several park systems manage primitive camping facilities with specific regulations that change seasonally.

What to do

Fishing access: Heritage Farms offers nearby fishing opportunities along the Cuyahoga River. One camper noted, "Amazing views & abundant wild life" when describing their stay at this working farm.

Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Erie Bluffs provides campsites with lake views. A visitor reported, "We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site. Sounds from the lake and birds. The site is enough away from the path that you have completely privacy."

Bird watching: Campers at primitive camping areas often report impressive bird activity. At The West Woods, a visitor mentioned, "TONS OF BIRDS you will hear them all day long and see all sorts of different kinds. Really pretty and relaxing scenery overall."

What campers like

Tree farm camping: Heritage Farms offers unique sites scattered throughout Christmas trees. One camper said, "It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream."

Lake views: Campers at Lake Erie Bluffs enjoy the natural water views. According to a review, "Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"

Trail access: Rivers Edge Camping Area provides direct access to hiking and biking trails. A visitor explained, "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit."

What you should know

Tick awareness: Lake Erie Bluffs campers should check for ticks. One camper warned, "We had two ticks on us relatively soon after getting there but didn't see any others all night. So be especially careful if you have pets!"

Seasonal events: Check park calendars before booking. A Lake Erie Bluffs camper noted, "There was a firefly run that took place in the park starting at 8:45pm. It was a big event with music and tons of people that we could hear from our site."

Varying bathroom facilities: Toilet options range from vault toilets to portable units. At Rivers Edge, a camper mentioned, "The porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer!"

Tips for camping with families

Distance considerations: When camping with children, consider the walk to your site. At Penitentiary Glen Reservation, a camper 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."

Wildlife experiences: Kids often enjoy wildlife encounters. A visitor to Penitentiary Glen shared, "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."

Pack light or bring wagons: For tent campsites near Avon requiring walks, streamline your gear. A Heritage Farms camper advised, "Be prepared - you park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most camping near Avon focuses on tent sites, but Big Creek Park offers limited RV camping. A visitor observed, "Part of a larger county park system, Big Creek Great park has a little bit of everything."

Alternative structures: Instead of traditional RVs, consider reserving park shelters. At Headwaters Park, a camper recommended, "Site G is the one. It is an open lean to with a stone fireplace facing the inside of the three sided wooden structure."

Fishing opportunities: RVers who enjoy fishing should bring equipment. A Big Creek Park visitor suggested, "Bring some fishing rods! There are a few ponds on the property, complete with fishing docs, that are stocked with bluegill and small man fish."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Avon, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Avon, OH is Heritage Farms with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Avon, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.