Mill Creek Campground provides tent and RV camping about 30 miles from Brecksville, with sites priced at $18 for waterside locations. The area features multiple state parks within driving distance of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and most locations offer access to water recreation. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with several parks offering yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Campground offers numerous fishing spots along Berlin Lake. A camper noted, "One of my favorite campgrounds visited this summer... numerous fishing and open swimming opportunities (basically anywhere you want along the water)."
Water activities: Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite provides hiking trails near water features. As one visitor mentioned, "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."
Disc golf: West Branch State Park Campground offers disc golf among its recreational activities. A visitor shared, "We set off to explore the park. It had some really nice hiking trails. We also played some disc golf and went geocaching."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas, with varied water quality. One camper at West Branch observed, "The camper beach was small but nice and clean. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear."
What campers like
Private sites: Punderson State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. A visitor described, "A good amount of secluded and shaded sites. Really cool 'hill' sites that you have to hike up or down 20-100 feet to your wooded site."
Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites at various parks. At Countryside Campground, a reviewer noted, "This is easily one of the most beautiful and well kept campgrounds we've stayed at. We spent a long weekend in a pull thru site."
Clean facilities: Countryside Campground maintains well-kept amenities. According to a camper: "Clean campground, lots to do! Dog friendly! Lake Accessible. We stayed a few nights on Tent site 4 and had a blast!"
Yurt options: Several parks offer yurt accommodations near Brecksville. While traditional tent camping is most common, yurts provide weatherproof alternatives for campers seeking more comfort.
What you should know
Unlevel sites: Several campgrounds have sloping sites requiring leveling equipment. At West Branch State Park, a camper reported: "Some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level."
Water quality varies: Some parks have issues with water quality. A visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA shared, "We had a nice time with our kids, friends and dogs. The dog park was a bonus... we camped right next to it. Perfect!"
Reservation requirements: Most parks fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. A West Branch visitor advised, "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!"
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds operate from April/May through October, with limited winter camping options in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Countryside Camp Ground offers family-friendly facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Playground was a hit for our 8yr and under kids. A nice short walk takes you to Mogadore reservoir."
Scheduled activities: Some parks organize regular events for children. As one reviewer noted: "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers... An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend."
Swimming areas: Look for parks with designated swimming zones for kids. At Mill Creek, a visitor shared, "Very nice park with a lot of spacious spots. Scout camping, boat launch, primitive camping and more."
Yurt camping near Brecksville, Ohio: Families seeking more comfortable accommodations than traditional tent camping can find yurt options at select parks, providing protection from weather while maintaining the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA offers various RV sites. A visitor advised, "Sites were gravel and level. We enjoyed full hookups. Cable was better than most but WiFi could be a little weak. Curb trash pickup is always a little plus."
Leveling challenges: Several parks require substantial leveling equipment. A visitor noted, "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches."
Hook-up availability: Check which utilities are available at each site. One camper shared, "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service. The lots are not even close the level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level."
