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.
$23 - $35 / night
"Even though the campground is very small, the sites are relatively private, and disappearing into the woods so close to home is very refreshing."
"Sort of close to other sites but no one behind you so at least you have some space! Definitely plan to come back in the summer. Only 30 minutes to the national park."
"Highly recommend close proximity to bathrooms and showers. Spacious! Concrete slab with full hookup and straw instead of mud/grass. The bathrooms are very well cleaned and maintained."
"The lake was virtually algae free, and even during this pandemic, it didn’t feel over crowded at any point. My kids really enjoyed the entire time and were wore out!"
$15 - $22 / night
"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."
"Silver Springs Campground is a small 27 site campground in Stow, Ohio, a convenient 17 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a bargain at $18/night for a site with electrical hookups. "
$80 - $110 / night
"The Stanford House campground is the only one that's relatively easy to find online, but there are many other options."
"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."
$24 - $33 / night
"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."
"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"
"The camp site is a short walk and was very nice. The porta potty was very big, clean and had hand sanitizer!"
"Located near the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead about 2.5 miles north of Massillon, OH in the Stark County Parks District. These sites are specifically designed for hikers/cyclists."
$45 - $50 / night
"Happy with this campground we just moved out here from utah and this is our first time out with the 5th wheel in Ohio."
"You aren’t allowed to walk a dog around the park which was a very odd rule. Had to stay at your site."
$20 - $25 / night
"Nice lake for swimming and one for fishing. Grassy area."
TravelerIt’s been a great three days and four nights. It’s off-season for the park is awful quiet there has been campers trails a little muddy, but it’s still a great state park to camp at
ScoutThis beautiful small state park is only a half hour away from my house. It's close enough that we ho for a week several times a year and I can still drive to work daily. We love the sites lakeside. It's great to be able to fish right in our own campsite. It is small but always a great time every time we go. Also make sure you go to Lisbon and get Mary's Pizza. Trust me you won't regret it!
GuideDon't bother contacting them for tent camping. I did and they're one of those seasonal RV things.
GuideWe loved this lake. The water temps were perfect mid June and everyone was so nice! They had clean restrooms/showers and lots of room at each site.
RangerWe stayed here for a month with 42’ 5th wheel. Full hookups. Free firewood. Clean and well kept
TravelerI’ve been camping here ever since I was a kid and I still love it! It’s so peaceful and heavily wooded unlike those pavement campgrounds lol there are limited electric sites so just be sure to book in advance to get a nice spot if you need electric. It isn’t anywhere near a highway so it’s very quiet! They have plenty of hiking trails, disc golf, a playground for the kids, a nature center and gift shop, archery and so much more!
ScoutMy experience here was awesome! It's literally less than 15 minutes drive to loudenville, there are a lot of amenities for guests, and the sights to see are to die for! The only thing left to desire is on the description page it should have a list of prices for each camping style, (i.e. trying, rving, pull behinds and so on n so forth.)
GuideI had originally gotten lot #81 but quickly got it switched to #83 because it was just waaaay better. Flatter ground and I was able to go deeper into the woods.
I went the first week of October, and on weekdays, which was great because I had no neighbors.
Staff was great, check in area also has a little store with all the essentials stocked up, lots of trails, great for biking and hiking, a park for the kids, fishing, canoeing, showers, flush toilets, all that fancy stuff was there.
Only down side was occasional road noise which I just can't seem to escape in my area of Ohio. And I personally wouldn't go here on weekends or over the summer because there are RV sites everywhere, which is another thing that dominates my area of Ohio.
Going again, as long as I don't have the kids, I would try for a test space as far from the road and is deep in the forest as possible. Do that at tge right time of year and I think this will be a great spot for me in the future
ScoutQuiet tent campsite parked in this area. There are quite a few RVs parked here and it appears lively, but the tent area in hilltop was quiet and secluded. Very kid friendly. At night, there was highway noise in the background. A lot to do here but also very close to Cuyahoago Valley National Park.
Camping sites near Clinton, Ohio offer a mix of state-operated facilities and privately-owned campgrounds across Summit and Stark counties. The region has an average elevation of about 1,050 feet and experiences humid summer months with temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F during peak camping season. Local campgrounds often border waterways including reservoirs, lakes, and the historic Ohio & Erie Canal system, which adds fishing and paddling opportunities to camping trips.
Fishing opportunities: Nimisila Reservoir provides a popular fishing spot with a 800-acre reservoir. "You are sure to find a great canopy in the evening, and pine needles throughout your site... Nimisilin seems perfectly poised for those eager to launch kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and boats with small motors. I saw several people fishing, and at least a dozen people out on the water," notes one camper at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground.
Kayaking and water sports: Multiple campgrounds feature water access for recreational activities. At West Branch State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the easy water access: "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite... There are many inlets to explore or fish. There is a small beach at the campground but a larger one on the other side of the lake."
Hiking the Towpath Trail: The historic canal system provides hiking opportunities directly from campgrounds. A visitor at Rivers Edge Camping Area notes, "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants."
Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise sites with direct water access. "We stayed at site 160. No electricity, no hook ups, but a HUGE lakefront site. We're in a self contained RV so it's not a problem for us. Beach is right next door too!" reports one visitor at West Branch State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Silver Springs Campground commented: "Staff was so friendly, and we met some of our neighbors as we sheltered in the bathrooms during a tornado warning. The campground has porta potties, but there are flush toilets and hot/cold running water a short walk away near some ballfields in the same park."
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate locations that serve as good base camps for exploring the region. "This is a beautiful location. Lots of long term campers. Beautiful trees and the fishing lakes had lovely benches. We were just passing through and the staff made an after hours check in simple and effortless," notes a visitor at Maple Lakes Campground.
Limited water access: Some campgrounds have minimal water facilities. At Nimisila Reservoir, campers warn: "Please do not make the mistake I did. There is no running water here. No showers, nothing to wash with or drink. You must bring in your water and bath when you get home."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites that require additional equipment. A camper at West Branch reports: "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches."
Weather preparedness: The area experiences rapid weather changes, particularly during summer months. One camper at Silver Springs Campground mentioned: "We stayed overnight and arrived after a big storm passed through. Our grassy site had some muddy spots, but the site was big enough that we were able to avoid the mud."
Campgrounds with playgrounds: Family-friendly amenities make camping with children more enjoyable. A visitor at Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground shares: "Very few campsites can say they totally cater to families. This one does! From mini golf, nearby ice cream, canoe rentals, volleyball, and even a playground for the little kids. This is family camping 'the way it used to be.'"
Protected swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming locations. At Nimisila Reservoir, a camper notes: "If you have kids there is a playground as well. If we are in that area I'd definitely go back."
Bug protection: Prepare for insects, especially around water areas. "Look for spots with lots of fallen pine needles- they are several inches thick and make nice padding under tent! If you camp anywhere's along the East bog in the summer- BRING EARPLUGS or the bullfrogs will NOT let you sleep... they are so loud & right by the sites, the mosquitoes are slightly worse there as well."
Reservation planning: Most campgrounds with RV accommodations require advance booking. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly! Check in is very easy as you pass the camp store on your way in."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. At Silver Springs Campground, RVers report: "The lots are nice and large. The main problem was very hard to level and soft grass they don't have a well compacted area for your tt/rv."
Dumping stations: Not all campgrounds offer full-service hookups. A camper at Caskey's Campground suggests: "Sites have water and electric, and there's a dump station. The bathroom facilities are a little rough but functional. The road in is really bumpy so take it slow."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clinton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clinton, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Clinton, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Clinton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clinton, OH is Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clinton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Clinton, OH.
What parks are near Clinton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Clinton, OH that allow camping, notably Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Michael J Kirwan Lake.
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