Camping spots near Chippewa Lake, Ohio offer a mix of both quieter weekday escapes and bustling summer weekends with campers drawn from Cleveland and Akron metro areas. The terrain across the region is predominantly flat with mature tree coverage providing natural shading at most established sites. Water features factor prominently into the camping experience, with several properties offering lake access for fishing and swimming.
What to do
Fishing access: all year: Maple Lakes Campground features multiple fishing lakes with designated areas and benches strategically placed along the shoreline. According to a visitor, "This is a beautiful location. Lots of long term campers. Beautiful trees and the fishing lakes had lovely benches."
Hiking nearby: spring to fall: While at Findley State Park Campground, take advantage of the extensive trail system. One camper notes, "Findley state park is well maintained large park! We can easily get lost on 3 mile hikes in the woods and still be on marked paths! The roads are paved and excellent for biking and skating."
Water recreation: summer only: Rent canoes and kayaks at Findley State Park to explore the lake. As one reviewer mentions, "Took the kayaks out on the lake and had a great time." Water activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, with rental options available at most parks with lake access.
What campers like
Shade coverage: varies by site: Many camping spots near Chippewa Lake offer tree cover, particularly valuable during hot summer months. One camper at Findley State Park notes, "We have enjoyed the shade at our site this week and the space between us and our neighbors."
Spacious sites: reserve early: Willow Lake Park Inc provides larger sites than typical in the region. A camper reports, "Stay here for the holiday weekend, they offer plenty of activities for everyone. Had a band each night! Bad Juju was definitely a favorite of mine."
Live entertainment: weekends only: Several campgrounds feature weekend entertainment during peak season. At Willow Lake Park, "During the band and the day they have a concession stand open with really good food, the girls that work in there are very lovely." Most entertainment schedules run Friday and Saturday evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What you should know
Reservation timing: plan ahead: Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. A camper at American Wilderness Campground mentions, "We loved the beach and the fun we have had this is our favorite place to camp and we love this family local owned business because they love making people happy."
Water quality: bring your own: Some camping areas have mineral-heavy water systems. One camper notes, "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 vs. transient camping: Most campgrounds have a high percentage of seasonal campers. A visitor to American Wilderness states, "We had a nice time the place was clean and the people were nice as in other campers we had a good time we went to the pavilion to a get together."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: check restrictions: Maple Lakes Campground allows pets but has specific walking areas. One visitor cautions, "We stayed for a quick overnight. Plenty of grass and good spacing between the sites. Most appear to be seasonal or full time living. You aren't allowed to walk a dog around the park which was a very odd rule."
Playground access: multiple options: Many family campgrounds maintain playground equipment for children. A camper at American Wilderness Campground states, "We loved the vibe here and the campground is nice and quiet and the clean restrooms and shower house was a plus we had a good time taking the kids to the arcade."
Swimming facilities: seasonal use: Most camping spots near Chippewa Lake offer swimming options, either in lakes or pools. One visitor to Pier-Lon Park notes, "No alcohol, lake to swim or fish." Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A camper at Silver Springs Campground explains, "Our first visit at site #1 was very difficult to level a 24 ft trailer and full sun. Returned a few weeks later to site #4, was much more level and full shade."
Hookup limitations: verify before booking: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor reports, "About half the sites are for tent or dry camping. Half have electric and a few of those have full hookups." Most campgrounds with limited hookups offer dump stations instead of sewer connections at individual sites.
Site selection: research online: Many campgrounds have detailed site maps available online. One RVer advises, "I would recommend doing a some research on campsites as they range from small to large for the same price." Site differences can include shade coverage, privacy, and proximity to amenities.
