Best Cabin Camping near Cleveland, OH

If you're looking for a quiet place to hang your pole for a weekend, this near-city escape is for you! 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.

Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking (rentals and bait available too!) are offered on Findley Lake, as well as a small, uncrowded public beach. Have your own small, non-motorized craft? There is a designated kayak launch at the boat launch area. For day campers, there are numerous sites around this large state park for picnicking and events, bonfire pits and fishing inlets....and bring your frisbees because there is also an extensive frisbee golf course.

The campground consists of several "arms", roads that branch out from the main road, with a good deal of wooded area between for rear site privacy between them. Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited. Tall, dense trees surround, deadening sound, which makes the campsites very quiet, and the curve of each "arm" also suggests a more intimate space than the actual site sq footage does. There is a tent only side, with no hookups or electric, where sites are slightly larger and deeper, tucked between treed areas, and the other half of the campground is with hookups, and nearer to the lake, although it is not visible, but accessible by short path. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, pretty standard. There are openings into the wood behind the "arms" for kids to explore, but beware of poison oak, which is prevalent and can be found along the edge of where the campsites all meet the woods...it didn't creep into the woods much, but watch out anyway if you have an allergy. Our group was able to avoid it.

There is a clearing at the entrance to the campground with a large playground, camp store with pizza and ice, occasional vegetable dealers, farmers market style, set up with carts around outside there as well. And if you forgot anything, have no fear, town is only minutes away. Cabin rental is also available in this area. Pets are welcome leashed.

Overall, it's a spot worth spending some time at. Convenient family fun for all.

As a Dyrt Ranger, I have the opportunity to try out new and fun camp gear and in this case COFFEE! Which could not have been more well received for these quiet mornings by the lakeside. Admittedly, at first I had my reservations. I enjoy a good coffee and am a great lover of my french press. But also admittedly, I hate cleaning it out campside. Nature's Coffee Kettle allows me to forgo the part I hate and keep the pour over we all love. With a wide selection from Columbian, to darker or flavored roasts, and even hot cocoa and teas for those toasty nights, Nature's Coffee Kettle impressed me. It comes in it's own reusable kettle bag, although I felt that, when changing out the coffee packs (refill packs are sold) after the initial use, the coffee was not as potent as the first use...probably because once the water is poured through, the bag doesn't stick together as well, holding the coffee to steep as long. (Refer to video review) Regardless, I enjoyed the ease of use, quality of the coffee and pourability. I was able to make a kettle in the morning, screw the spout lid back on and take it with me to the lake later for refills. Later when we went across country for a trip, I was able to board the plane with it in my carry on, flat, hardly taking up any room, and so convenient for those hiking or packing trips. It was fantastic, and easy as pie...which goes great with coffee, coincidentally...

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 resivoir with boat rental...we highly recommend renting a pontoon for the day and hanging out in the resivoir for swimming and lounging! It's both relaxing and nice to get away from the beach crowd!

Relax, breath, and camp. Perfect spot.

This Campground is quiet, full of fun, for families or older people. Beautiful area.
Many pull through lots, with patios. 50. 30. Full hookup, (sewer and Electric) back in, pull through, tent sites, cabins, teepees. Swimming pool, private bathrooms and showers. Fishing lake, swimming lake, trails. Children play areas. Basketball, bad mitten/volleyball, Dog wash, dog parks (2), private fenced dog sites. (2)- pull through site. Golf cart rentals, and seasonal sites that are being updated, but all are decorated nicely, and kept up.
KOA is revamping some of this campground. Work in progress, but awesome stay.

Very few people know that there are MANY camping options along the towpath designed for cyclists and hikers! The Stanford House campground is the only one that's relatively easy to find online, but there are many other options.

We just completed a nearly 200-mile bikepacking trip, starting in Cleveland. We followed the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, Sippo Valley Trail, into the Amish Countryside to Mohican State Park, then on to the Mohican Valley Trail and the Kokosing Gap Trail.

Here are some others along the towpath (north to south) between Cleveland and Massillon:

• Heritage Farms
• Big Bend Trailhead
• Franklin Trailhead
• Rivers Edge

More info here: https://centurycycles.com/articles/camping-along-the-towpath-trail-pg1342.htm

Love it cause it close to the beach! It close to many activities in Geneva on the lake, the strip! Nice landscaping and a great camp store at the entrance. Lots of amenities. Hall, restaurant, pool,fitness center, activities center. Nicely done cabins.

West Branch is one of the best-known family campgrounds in NE Ohio. And it's not hard to understand why. Full amenities, clean facilities, and a nice lake round out the picture of a great place to get some family R&R.

Here's what you can expect:

1. It's Busy. 

Like, really busy. Be sure to book early as spots fill up often. Sites are fairly close to each other, but most people seem respectful of space and limits. 

2. It's Accessible.

West Branch is a quick drive from Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Youngstown - hence the draw. if you live anywhere close, there's no reason NOT to check this place out!  

3. It's Fun (but a bit loud) 

If you're looking for quiet, West Branch might not be the place for you. Since the lake has not real HP limits, you'll hear boats motoring quite a bit throughout the day. 

4. It's got everything :) 

Seriously. There's nothing else you could want. Hiking trails, swimming, a fully stocked office for the essentials you forgot. 

Quick tip: Bring swimsuits. There are plenty of places to swim in the well-kept beaches or off a boat. West Branch is a great family getaway for summer swimming!

Coyahoga Valley NO was our first stop on the planned trip(s) to each NP. What a jewel. 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.

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.

While there are several fantastic places to camp within an hour of Cleveland...FSP was our "go-to!" It didn't take us long to pack it all up and head out for a quick weekend, weekday or overnight stay.

We have camped at Findley State Park in every season, and each season holds it own beauty. Fall color change is brilliant with its yellow, orange and reds! Winter brings great (yet sporadic) snowfalls...where we have Xcountry skiied and tented (only pit latrines are open at that time). Summer is pleasant and affords dips in the swimming area. Fishing is superb...and wildlife is abundant.

The trail system is very well maintained and marked. It makes for great daily hikes and enjoyable trail-riding. They do offer a challenging mountainbike trail...but be forewarned...it is not for the beginner.

Peak times and holidays are super busy...and wall-to-wall campers and people. Weekdays are usually sparse...and shoulder season weekdays you'll have the park to yourself.

What I enjoyed most was the flat water paddling. Here, even if it was busy, you can escape the crowds and enjoy nature. If you get the itch to go, check out: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/findley for all the details.

Beautiful area for a get away in Ohio. The beach is never too packed. You can take kayaks out and venture off around the shores.

Stayed on a premium patio site and loved it. The campground and staff were awesome. Level site, great hook ups, awesome WiFi and cable. 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. Just off Ohio Turnpike, but can't hear it. Definitely recommend this KOA

Starting off, everyone from the employees to the other campers were super friendly! My boyfriend and I rented The Park Model Cabin which was sort of a half trailer with a full bathroom and full kitchen. The bed was the only detractor of our trip, as it was mostly springs. We brought our air mattress in for the second night and slept much better. The themed weekends throughout the season are fun and festive and there are a lot of activities to do and participate!

Mostly seasonal campers. 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.

I was at first happy to find a campground along our route. They had some seasonal campers that had left, which opened up some spaces. Choice made because closest campground to Cleveland. Well the site was trashed. Garage all over, firpit overflowing with charcoal and beer bottles. Woods behind site full of beer bottles and garbage. People camping there were loud and not speed limit adherence. Lots of rules but people didn't enforce what so ever. Would not return or recommend.

There are surprisingly limited camping options available at Cuyahoga Valley. This urban park, situated between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, serves its community in more of a day-use way, although they are home to a few camping options.

We chose to camp three nights at Stanford House. This historic inn is used for group reservations, but they have six campsites on their property which each have the capacity for two tents. Although the sites were very basic (picnic tables only, not overwhelmingly scenic) it provides a great base camp for out-of-towners visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

And Cuyahoga Valley provides ample opportunity for exploring. With its popular waterfall hikes, its various free ranger programs, and its community services (such as a farmer’s market, historic sites, and wellness programs) Cuyahoga has something for every visitor.

During our four days here in October, we were able to get a great feel for this park. Our favorite must-sees include hiking The Ledges, attending ranger programs, biking the Towpath Trail, buying produce from the various farmer’s markets around the park, and watching the gorgeous sunset from the Beaver Marsh boardwalk.

You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Cuyahoga Valley)

Cuyahoga Valley national park is a lovely park outside of Cleveland. This campsite was a little confusing about where we were allowed to park and for the price we paid for the site (15 or 20) there weren't any amenities. After a big rain, a lot of the sites had some serious puddles making pitching a tent difficult. A plus of the site was that it's right at the beginning of the Stanford trail to Brandywine falls, the nicest feature in the park in my opinion.

This place is the jewel of Cleveland! it's just amazing. When you are here, even for just a half hour on your lunch break, you feel like you are on some nature vacation. I come here at least once a week to ride my bike, run or picnic. I have seen all sorts of wildlife. There are train rides and farmers markets and even a surprisingly large waterfall. I also trained for a full marathon here thanks to the perfectly placed water fountains and bathrooms.
Having this so close to home makes living in a city manageable.

My family has camped at West Branch for years, and it makes for a great, quick getaway. Summers can be very crowded, it's always best after the kids go back to school and it cools off a bit. Great swimming, and Nelson Ledges is not to be missed!