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Best Campgrounds near Cleveland, OH

547 Reviews

Camping options around Cleveland, Ohio range from developed campgrounds to primitive sites, with several locations within an hour's drive of the city. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron, offers limited camping opportunities with sites at Heritage Farms and previously at Stanford House, though some camping is no longer offered in the park. Punderson State Park Campground and West Branch State Park provide year-round camping with amenities for tent, RV, and cabin campers. Private campgrounds like Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA and American Wilderness Campground offer additional options with full hookups and facilities for families.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA operates from May to mid-October, while American Wilderness Campground is open from late April to mid-October. Several state parks remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. The region experiences humid summers and cold winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. A visitor noted, "Findley State Park was our family's getaway! Living in Northeast Ohio, you have the benefits of a big city, yet you are within a half hour of solitude and good trails."

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the Cleveland area, with many facilities accommodating both tent and RV camping. Water features are common attractions, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or ponds for fishing and swimming. West Branch State Park Campground receives high ratings for its lake access and family-friendly amenities, though some campers mention it can be quite busy during peak season. Proximity to urban attractions represents a key advantage for many camping areas. A camper shared, "We chose this campground for its proximity to Cuyahoga NP. It's located somewhat close to an industrial area, so it's not really that quiet but is a good place to stay if you want to be near Cuyahoga or Cleveland." Developed campgrounds with full amenities are prevalent, though more rustic options exist for those seeking a more natural experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Cleveland, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Cleveland, Ohio (107)

    1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 717-3890

    $80 - $110 / night

    "We just completed a nearly 200-mile bikepacking trip, starting in Cleveland."

    "Tucked in between Akron and Cleveland, this quiet NP has numerous hiking trails, historic buildings and the remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Well worth the side trip or destination."

    2. Punderson State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Newbury, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 564-2279

    $38 / night

    "I had the furthest lakeside tent from the office. was a beautiful site but the water treatment facility had a loud hum all night, even though they said it was quiet."

    "I parked and had to walk about 30 feet to the site which was no big deal and the path was clear. The bathroom was not far away."

    3. Silver Springs Campground

    31 Reviews
    Stow, OH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 689-5100

    $15 - $22 / night

    "Electric hookups have a 15 amp and 30 amp and you get one or the other depending on your site and the guy behind you gets the other."

    "Water close by and port a pottie style bathrooms close to the camp sites. There are flush toilets a walk away but we didn’t use them. Sites are big and grassy but not super level."

    4. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    25 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 650-2552

    "Clean facilities, 3 lakes (one with a fishing pier), 2 dog parks, and super friendly staff. 30 min to Cleveland. Walmart, gas stations and restaurants within 5 miles."

    "It's also close to Akron & Cleveland.

     I was pleasantly surprised at how scenic it is. I expected an urban KOA. This one is in a rural area outside Streetsboro."

    5. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    20 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

    "really lovely camp spot. beautiful views and surroundings. Extremely close proximity to CVNP. lots of room for kiddos to run wild."

    6. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Berea, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 243-0090

    $45 / night

    "Pulled in around midnight on a Wednesday and there were just two other vans parked overnight. Plenty of space if you just need to crash."

    7. American Wilderness Campground

    16 Reviews
    Grafton, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 926-3700

    $35 - $69 / night

    "Drive in sites are set back & not near the lake. They have back in & drive through sites. There is a small store. It is close to Cleveland & has Good Sam discount."

    "We had nice woods behind us, neighbors to the right and vacancy on the left (jackpot)."

    8. Willow Lake Park Inc

    10 Reviews
    Brunswick, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 225-6580

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Fishing lake and swimming lake are separate. Multiple bathroom/shower locations. Game room, snack pavilion and general store."

    "Good price very kid friendly , swimming lake and a pool, also a fishing lake. Mostly RV but some tent. Old campground"

    9. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    39 miles
    Website

    "Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."

    10. Findley State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 647-0534

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Less than an hour from downtown Cleveland, and minutes from historic downtowns Wellington and Oberlin, Ohio, is a quiet, wooded retreat with all the amenities."

    "Living in Northeast Ohio, you have the "benefits" of a big city, yet you are within a half hour of solitude and good trails."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cleveland, OH

192 Photos of 107 Cleveland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cleveland, OH

547 Reviews of 107 Cleveland Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Geneva State Park Campground

    Beautiful and close to a beach

    You can camp right on the lake in some spots. Tons of trails to hike and a beautiful beach.

  • Jeremy R.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground

    Great location, laking facilities

    The campground runs along 100 yards or so of the tuscarawas River. Sandwiches by a railroad, and walking path. They allow you to drive to your spot to pack/unpack, but have to park in the lot. While the campsites are scenic and what you expect... the washroom, especially the shower are pretty lacking. There's a nice covered picnic area with grills available with your own gas. And a small (toddler) kids area. All in all, a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

    We stayed mid September and there was live music walking distance every night, a cute ice cream shop a short walk over the bridge, and a nice playground on the other side of the river that was also an easy walk.

    I didnt partake in the canoes... but they do a river clean up monthly and really seem to enjoy what they do.

    All in all a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Perry Township Park

    Beautiful

    There are many sites taken by permanent campers for the summer. There are pickleball courts in park. Right on Lake Erie, nice hot showers.

  • Adam A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Terrace Lakes Campground

    Family Fun and Friendly

    They have a nice big fishing lake they have a nice swimming Lake and other ponds to fish in a very relaxing and fun place to go

  • K
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    American Wilderness

    We had a good experience the place was clean and nice the amenities were great the staff was helpful and the laundry room was clean as well as bathrooms and showers.

  • Travis O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    Property is so relaxing and nice

    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.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

    Nice park, two fenced dog parks. Bathrooms were clean.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    Quiet, peaceful, close to all the things

    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 and had all the amenities the kids and I love. Swimming (wish it were open a little later…) laundry 24/7, a game room, store with just what we needed to pick up a few things, a pond that seemed to always have someone fishing at it (that’s a good thing) and a big wide sites to spread out and have a nice campfire in. (Wood available 24/7 and trash pick up at the site in the AM). It’s always nerve wracking when the fire pits are close to the rigs - loved that these sits were wide. And while there are likely people here it feels nice and spread out.

  • Jerry L.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Old Park With Iron Laden Well Water Beware

       I stayed at this park for 2 months in 2023 and was planing on staying for 5 months in 2025. I left after 2 months due to iron& sulfur laden well water that is provided in at least half the park. I spent hundreds of dollars trying to filter and clean up the water to no avail. It damages everything and they won't put a treatment system in at the well pump like the 2nd well has so you can filter it to an acceptable level for drinking, cooking, washing etc.

       In 2023 I was in a section that was treated and my filters/softener did a acceptable job to make it work. I Used the laundry facilities also. This trip to see family in 2025 I was in a different section and by the second day it was unacceptable disgusting turbid rusty water with sulfur odor. I bought additional filters for Ferrous Iron Water treatment and remediation along with iron out chemical for cleaning fixtures and plumbing system on the camper. It barely worked well enough for a couple weeks between filter changes and rinsing the system for shower use. I Had to buy drinking water in town every few days for cooking, drinking and brushing teeth etc.

       New owners bought the park in 2023 and have increased monthly rent from$750 a month to$950 a month but don't seem to care enough about the health and comfort of their guest to do anything with the well water for a majority of the park. Let alone any of the other infrastructure or"amenities" to be generous in there reference This year even the laundry machines where too disgusting to use that we had to go into town for laundry also.

       The park needs major renovations to just bring it up to modern standards. The bath house is in decrepit condition moldy smelly and barely cleaned anytime I was over there. Site pads are rip rap 1" to 4" size rock with no fine rock coverings, or in some areas smoother rock and dirt but nowhere close to flat or level. Water drainage when its raining is deplorable and you very well might be in a mud pit at your doorway.

       It's sad there are no decent RV parks in the Cleveland area, just old campgrounds that have added hook-ups and market themselves as RV parks and now charge like they are RV Resorts. Reserve a space at your own risk and definitely verify where and what water source you are on. Bring plenty of filters and plan on sanitizing your system after staying there.

Guide to Cleveland

Camping near Cleveland, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campgrounds are near lakes and parks. For example, at West Branch State Park Campground, you can enjoy lakefront sites and a small beach. One camper mentioned, "We love the small campers beach near site 160."
  • Visit nearby attractions: If you're staying at East Harbor State Park Campground, Cedar Point Amusement Park is just a short drive away. A reviewer said, "Park on the lake and close to many amenities including Cedar Point."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are available for all skill levels. Campers at Findley State Park Campground enjoy the beautiful wildlife and trails. One visitor noted, "Amazing trails including bike trails for beginners up to advanced."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Punderson State Park Campground stated, "Showers are hot, bathrooms are clean, and there are coin-operated laundry machines."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A camper at Geneva State Park Campground shared, "The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Kelleys Island State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week, especially after Labor Day."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Campers at Findley State Park Campground enjoyed the "nice playground" and "lots of rentals available."
  • Plan for meals: Bring food or check for nearby dining options. A camper at East Harbor State Park Campground recommended treating yourself to a meal at the A&W Root Beer Stand in nearby Ravenna.
  • Pack for activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Punderson State Park Campground mentioned, "You can rent paddle boards and kayaks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Findley State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you check pictures of the sites to see if they will accommodate your rig/tent."
  • Look for full hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, while others do not. A camper at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Quite a few of the sites are lakefront and of those a number are full hook up."
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may have weak cell service. A visitor at Kelleys Island State Park Campground mentioned, "The entire campground is a dead zone."

Camping near Cleveland, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Cleveland, Ohio?

Free camping options near Cleveland are limited, but Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping (Summit Metro Parks) offers a free primitive camping experience on the edge of Akron, just south of Cleveland. From the parking lot off Merriman Road, follow the trail about 50 yards to reach this accessible primitive site. This location provides a no-cost camping option with minimal effort required to reach the site. Additionally, cyclists and hikers can find free camping options along the towpath in the Cuyahoga Valley area, though these sites may be less publicized online and require more research to locate.

What campgrounds are closest to downtown Cleveland?

The Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA is one of the closest options at just 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. This campground offers premium patio sites with level hookups, great WiFi, and cable TV. It features three lakes (one with a fishing pier), two dog parks, and clean facilities. Another good option is American Wilderness Campground, which is close to Cleveland and offers both back-in and drive-through sites near a lake, plus a small store and Good Sam discounts. Both locations provide convenient access to the city while offering comfortable amenities for campers.

Are there any wooded or primitive camping areas near Cleveland?

Findley State Park Campground offers a wooded retreat less than an hour from downtown Cleveland. This quiet, forested campground provides fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities while being minutes from historic Wellington and Oberlin. For a more primitive experience, Willow Lake Park Inc has some natural areas, though it's primarily filled with seasonal campers with only a small section for short-term visitors. If you're seeking a truly primitive experience with minimal facilities, the wooded areas within Cuyahoga Valley provide secluded camping spots, particularly for hikers and cyclists looking to immerse themselves in nature.

What are the best tent camping sites near Cleveland, Ohio?

For excellent tent camping near Cleveland, Geneva State Park Campground offers beautiful sites about an hour from the city. The campground features a nice beach and serves as a good base for Cleveland attractions like the zoo and aquarium. West Branch State Park Campground is another scenic option with full amenities including bathhouses, hiking paths, and a swimming reservoir with boat rentals. It's an easy drive from Cleveland and perfect for families wanting both natural surroundings and recreational activities. Both parks provide the tent camping experience while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.

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