Camping sites near Brunswick, Ohio range from state parks to privately owned campgrounds across Medina and Cuyahoga counties. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, with rolling terrain typical of northeastern Ohio's glaciated plateau region. The camping season typically runs April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures and snowfall that averages 54 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking trails at Findley State Park: Located about 30 minutes southwest of Brunswick, this park offers multiple hiking paths through wooded areas. "There are quite a few trails and a lake. Took the kayaks out on the lake and had a great time," notes one visitor at Findley State Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Several campgrounds maintain fishing areas with catch-and-release options. At Maple Lakes Campground, visitors appreciate the "fishing lakes had lovely benches" and natural surroundings.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer swimming facilities from natural lakes to pools. A camper at American Wilderness Campground mentions the "beautiful clean serene park with absolutely stunning beach views at sunset," providing a refreshing option during summer months.
National park exploration: Camping sites serve as convenient bases for exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park. "We stopped here for a couple nights to go to a Cleveland Guardians game and go to Cuyahoga National Park. It was within great proximity to both," explains a visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA.
What campers like
Community activities: Many campgrounds organize events that bring campers together. At Willow Lake Park, "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."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained amenities receive positive mentions. A visitor at American Wilderness Campground appreciated that "the bathrooms and shower house were clean as well felt so comfortable made lots of friends."
Proximity to urban attractions: Campers value locations that allow easy access to Cleveland and Akron. "We were in the area for medical visits in Cleveland. This spot was convenient and a great location to do a little sightseeing," notes one camper about Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA.
Natural settings: Despite being near urban areas, many campgrounds maintain wooded or lakeside environments. At Heritage Farms, campers enjoy "beautiful views and surroundings. Extremely close proximity to CVNP. Lots of room for kiddos to run wild."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season, advance booking is essential. A camper at Silver Springs Campground noted, "We stayed for only one night but I wish we stayed longer! The campsite was quaint but very peaceful. Sites were a good size and fit the online description well."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water. At Willow Lake Park, one camper mentioned "The water, while I'm sure was fine, had an odor to it so I didn't partake."
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds feature a mix of full-time seasonal residents and transient camping spots. "90% of the place is filled with seasonally permanent campers. There's a small section where they cater to short-timers," observed one visitor to Willow Lake Park.
Limited primitive camping: Most facilities focus on developed sites. At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a visitor explained, "While this national park is one of the most visited there is surprisingly little camping available. There is only 5 primitive sites which are really open."
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable weather conditions with summer thunderstorms common. A camper at Heritage Farms advised, "We ran into some unfortunate weather so didn't get the full experience."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with structured activities: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide organized recreation. At American Wilderness Campground, one visitor shared "We loved the fishing available here we also had the kids they enjoyed the arcade and gem mining."
Consider campgrounds with playgrounds: Play areas keep children entertained. "This is a very nice campground, we were able to get a group site with friends along a wooded section... The pool was so nice it wasn't too crowded and the view over looking the 'lake' was so pretty," noted a visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA.
Check site privacy levels: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. A camper at Heritage Farms mentioned, "I stayed here with some friends for one night and I would love to go back. Our site was beautiful and private. We also had a lot of space. We couldn't really see or hear any other campers."
Plan for bathroom access: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Findley State Park, a visitor appreciated that "Oddly, the high point was the shower house. Either new or remodeled recently, it was clean and comfortable (not always a given!)"
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full service connections. At Maple Lakes, visitors report "This is a beautiful location. Lots of long term campers. The fact that we could book and reserve our exact spot online also made it great."
Know site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV size or age. "We opted to get a permanent site. We have seen many major improvements from the pavilion with bands every Saturday night... newer R.V. under 15 years old," reported a seasonal camper at Willow Lake Park.
Prepare for leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A visitor at Silver Springs noted "Many unlevel sites. Only 3-30 amp hooks ups, the rest are 20 amp."
Consider pull-through availability: For easier setup, look for campgrounds with these sites. At Pier-Lon Park, "Check in was fast and easy, the park was VERY clean and quiet. Neighbors were friendly and stopped by to greet our dog."
