Tent camping near Boardman, Ohio offers wooded sites set within northeast Ohio's mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet. Most campgrounds in the area maintain tent sites with basic amenities on level, grassy terrain with varying degrees of privacy. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions with temperatures between 45-70°F.
What to do
Trail exploration: 2-3 miles from campsites. At The West Woods, hiking trails feature natural highlights like waterfalls and small caves. A camper notes, "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud."
Fishing: Access from multiple locations. Rivers Edge Camping Area provides riverside camping with direct water access. According to a visitor, "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit."
Tree farm exploration: Seasonal activities. At Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground, campers can walk among growing Christmas trees. One camper mentioned, "Camping in a tree farm has been cool! Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great. Nice and quiet here also."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate distance from neighbors. At Quiet and Secluded, visitors enjoy the separation between sites. One reviewer simply stated, "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time."
Natural surroundings and wildlife viewing: Bird watching is particularly noted at several campgrounds. At The West Woods, a camper observed "TONS OF BIRDS you will hear them all day long and see all sorts of different kinds. Really pretty and relaxing scenery overall."
Accessibility to urban amenities: Despite rural settings, many sites offer quick access to supplies. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, a camper noted it has "No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants. Only 12 minute drive over to Pro Football Hall of Fame."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: At many sites, restrooms are a considerable distance from tent sites. A camper at The West Woods mentioned, "No bathroom (about a half mile of trail away), no water, no picnic table, no alcohol."
Gear transportation requirements: Many tent sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. At Heritage Farms, a camper explains, "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure."
Limited or no drinking water: Many tent campgrounds lack potable water. At Heritage Farms, a visitor noted, "No drinking water on site- but there is wash up water & very clean porta potties."
Variable firewood policies: Rules differ by campground. Heritage Farms has specific requirements: "If you plan on having a fire, you have to purchase wood from them because you can't bring your own (it's a tree farm)."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for younger campers: Choose sites with level terrain and nearby facilities. At West Woods, a camper advises, "In near a slope which leads to the river, which the kids loved but younger kids might find dangerous."
Pack transportation tools: Bring wagons or carts to help with gear. Heritage Farms provides assistance: "One thing I loved is that they will bring the wood up to your campsite for you. You are able to buy some from them at other times (they have a sign on how to do so at each site)."
Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with open spaces. At Big Creek Park, a visitor recommends, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly tent sites: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Boardman have few RV accommodations. At Quiet and Secluded, electric hookups and thirty-amp service are available, but the campground primarily serves tent campers despite these amenities.
Consider hybrid camping options: If traveling with both RV and tent campers, look for campgrounds with mixed facilities. Heritage Farms can accommodate different camping styles: "Sites are spread apart nicely. Each one has a picnic table and fire ring. Grassy spots that are fairly level and mowed."
Seasonal RV considerations: Spring camping often means muddy conditions. One camper noted, "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine," highlighting the importance of site drainage for both tent and RV camping.
