Best Campgrounds near Clinton, OH
Clinton, Ohio features several campground options along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail system, a historically significant route for hikers and cyclists. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground offers RV and tent camping with electric hookups and sanitary facilities, while Clay's Resort Jellystone Park provides 680 sites with cabin and glamping options. The area includes both established campgrounds with amenities and primitive free camping areas specifically designed for hikers and cyclists traversing the towpath.
Road access to campgrounds varies throughout the region, with most established sites offering drive-in access. Primitive camping areas such as Franklin Trailhead and Big Bend Trailhead provide free first-come, first-served sites specifically for hikers and cyclists. "Shhhhhh…these campsites seem to be the best kept secret! These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists," notes one review about the towpath camping options. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, particularly along the towpath where mosquitoes are common during warmer months. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April or May through October, though some like West Branch State Park Campground remain open year-round.
The towpath trail camping areas represent a unique feature of this region, connecting several small camping zones designed for through-hikers and cyclists. A visitor described these sites as "the Midwest's equivalent to the famous European stop-overs for through-hikers: a warm reception, great conversation, and a place to lay your head." Waterfront camping is available at several locations, including West Branch State Park where visitors praise the reservoir views and boating opportunities. Campers should note that train noise affects some camping areas, particularly those near the historic canal route. The historical significance adds appeal for many visitors, with several campgrounds situated near locations dating back to the mid-18th century when the Erie Canal was operational. This mix of developed campgrounds and primitive sites creates diverse camping opportunities within short distances of Cleveland and Akron.
