Bedford, Ohio's camping options expand into a network of seasonal camping facilities located on a mix of private and state-managed lands at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. Most campgrounds near Bedford remain open from April through October, with a few exceptions that operate year-round. The terrain consists primarily of wooded settings with moderate drainage challenges during spring's frequent rainfall periods.
What to do
Disc golf at Punderson State Park: The park offers an excellent course just 30 minutes from Bedford. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," notes Rebecca G. at Punderson State Park Campground.
Fishing at multiple locations: Several parks offer fishing opportunities within 25 miles of Bedford. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, one camper mentioned, "We arrived mid-September 2020... Campsites surround a sizable lake which boasts inflatables as well as enough room for self-propelled water crafts (i.e. kayaks, paddleboards, etc)."
Hiking within Cuyahoga Valley: The national park offers numerous trail options suitable for all ages. "There are areas for all that outdoor stuff throughout the Cuyahoga Valley. Bike, hike, camp and swim. Excellent views and all athletic levels. Good climbs and level trails alike," says Shelly S.
Swimming in designated areas: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas that remain open seasonally. At Willow Lake Park, campers appreciate that "fishing lake and swimming lake are separate" according to Jack K., who noted the "long established campground with daily activities for all ages."
What campers like
Elevated tent sites for rainy conditions: At The West Woods, one camper reported, "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine." This feature proves crucial given northeastern Ohio's spring rainfall patterns.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled entertainment. One visitor to Willow Lake Park noted they "offer plenty of activities for everyone. Had a band each night! Bad Juju was definitely a favorite of mine. During the band and the day they have a concession stand open with really good food."
Proximity to national park access points: Locations close to Cuyahoga Valley National Park provide convenience. According to a recent visitor to Heritage Farms, "This is a very cute, unique spot... Host was very nice and met us to check in and give the campground details. We paid for firewood ahead of time and it was delivered to the site before we got there."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness varies by location and season. At Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, one camper praised their experience: "Friendly, accommodating, clean, for everyone."
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Multiple campgrounds near Bedford have sloping sites requiring leveling equipment. At West Branch State Park, Andrea F. reported, "Our site was labeled slight slope. That was a joke. We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches."
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds in the area experience water quality challenges. At Willow Lake Park, a visitor noted, "I'm not sure what's up with the water, but it smells like metal and you're probably better off bringing your own drinking water."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most camping facilities close between late October and April. Silver Springs Campground operates from April to October, which is typical for the region.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality ranges from modern to basic. At Silver Springs Campground, one camper explained, "Bathrooms are just port-a-johns located on either side of the campground but there are flushable toilets a little walk away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds with additional features. Daniel U. at Punderson State Park noted, "The park is very well maintained, has a nice playground and cute camp store."
Kid-friendly water activities: Accessible water features provide entertainment options. Regarding West Branch State Park Campground, a camper detailed: "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers... Bring your boat or kayak. There are many inlets to explore or fish. There is a small beach at the campground but a larger one on the other side of the lake."
Spacing between campsites: Family privacy varies by location. At Heritage Farms, a visitor observed, "Sites are spread apart nicely. Each one has a picnic table and fire ring. Grassy spots that are fairly level and mowed."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented events. At West Branch, a camper mentioned: "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend."
Tips from RVers
Electric service limitations: Verify amperage before booking as many sites offer only 15-20 amp service. At Punderson State Park, one RVer cautioned, "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service. The lots are not even close to level."
Water and dump station access: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, visitors should note that only certain loops provide full hookup service, while others require use of dump stations.
Parking pad materials: Surface types impact leveling ease. According to a Woodside Lake Park visitor, "Site pads are rip rap 1" to 4" size rock with no fine rock coverings, or in some areas smoother rock and dirt but nowhere close to flat or level."
Weekend vs. weekday experiences: Noise levels can vary considerably by day of week. At Willow Lake Park, one RVer noted the contrast, stating that permanent residents were "racing through the campground on their golf carts and blaring music" on weekends, while weekdays remained considerably quieter.
