RV camping near Chardon, Ohio offers both seasonal and year-round options within a 30-mile radius of this Geauga County community. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing with lake effect snow common from November through March. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, with terrain ranging from flat lakefront properties to more rolling, wooded sites inland.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Indian Creek RV Resort includes a stocked fishing pond where families can spend hours catching small fish. "Our kids age 4 and 8 fished from sun up Saturday to about noon and then sporadically after that throughout the day. That night we hunted large bull frogs. All catch and release," reports one visitor who enjoyed the water activities.
Disc golf courses: Punderson State Park Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course alongside its other recreational facilities. As one camper noted, "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf" make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: The Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park features unique rock formations and various difficulty levels of hiking paths. A visitor mentioned, "There are numerous trails for different skill levels and tons of caves to explore. Also the view at the end is fantastic and is a great place to relax and read for the day."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground receives praise for its generous camping areas. A reviewer commented, "Sites are large and the area is peaceful. The area is well kept and owners are very nice," highlighting the importance of having adequate space between campsites.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds in the area feature swimming areas that provide relief during hot summer months. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, campers enjoy "a sizable lake which boasts inflatables as well as enough room for self-propelled water crafts (i.e. kayaks, paddleboards, etc)."
Community atmosphere: Seasonal campers appreciate the social aspects at certain RV parks in Chardon, Ohio. One long-term visitor at Kenisee's Grand River Campground shared, "It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for family's. Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids, duck race, Christmas in July and many other activities."
What you should know
Site levelness varies significantly: At Punderson State Park, campers warn about challenging terrain. "The lots are not even close to level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level. Saw one RV with auto levelers with his tire about foot off the ground," one reviewer cautioned about the sloped camping pads.
Swimming access limitations: While many campgrounds have swimming areas, availability depends on timing. A Roundup Lake visitor noted, "We arrived mid-September 2020, so Covid has had its impact and it's past Labor Day so pools/lakes are likely closed to swimming most years anyway."
Tent site locations: For those not in RVs, tent placement can present challenges. One camper mentioned about Punderson State Park, "Nice shaded tent sites but you'll have to haul your stuff uphill & then it's not too private," indicating the physical effort required at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: The Farm at Grand River offers unique experiences for children with farm animals and outdoor entertainment. A parent shared, "My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! My daughter loved the free movie nights under stars, running wild with the goats, and the playgrounds and play houses kept her busy for hours!"
Bathroom considerations: When camping with kids, bathroom quality matters. At Chestnut Ridge, campers appreciate that "bathrooms were clean if a bit unique with a rope and pulley system of water delivery to the shower head," showing creative solutions for maintaining facilities.
Fishing supplies: Parents should pack extra fishing gear when visiting lakes and ponds. One family at Kool Lakes Family RV Park advised, "I had 12 crawlers that the kids cut in thirds and ran out very quickly. Researching where to find live bait was too far so they used long fake worms pink/purple, watermelon, or some spinner baits."
Tips from RVers
Cellular connectivity: Mobile workers should consider signal strength when choosing RV parks near Chardon. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, a remote worker reported, "Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet."
Site selection strategy: When booking at RV parks around Chardon, Ohio, research specific site attributes. A camper at Indian Creek RV Resort suggested, "We really liked the back-in sites with water and electric hookups because they were larger and more private and wooded."
Seasonal considerations: The local camping season affects amenities. A visitor to Indian Creek RV Resort explained, "Some of their usual events and programs were unavailable but they offered craft kits for children to pick up and do at their own campsite in lieu of the usual program," showing how parks adapt during different times or circumstances.
