Camping near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park camping options extend beyond the park's boundaries since the park itself has limited overnight facilities. Punderson State Park Campground sits about 23 miles away with boat ramps, disc golf courses, and kayaks you can rent for the day. West Branch State Park Campground is 21 miles from the national park and has good-sized sites, though you might need to do some leveling when you set up. Silver Springs Campground is much closer at just 6 miles from the park boundary, with basic grassy sites that put you near Stow and Hudson for supplies. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground gives you a quiet place to stay with good access to water activities. Findley State Park Campground works well for tent campers and has a kayak launch area. Make sure you know the current fire rules and follow all park regulations about how long you can stay and what permits you need. The park has plenty of trails and historic buildings to check out during day trips. You can fish and watch birds throughout the park in various spots. Weather changes a lot between seasons, so plan your trip timing carefully. The Cuyahoga area draws many campers because of how it lets you sleep under the stars while still being close to the national park's natural areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park (132)

    1. Silver Springs Campground

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

    $15 - $22 / night

    "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. "

    "Close to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and very nice/helpful park manager!"

    2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

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

    $80 - $110 / night

    "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."

    "The Stanford House campground is the only one that's relatively easy to find online, but there are many other options."

    3. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

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

    " This KOA is only a few miles from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is our reason for coming to the area. It's also close to Akron & Cleveland.

     "

    "We stayed at this charming KOA for the weekend as we wanted to hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The staff was friendly, the amenities were clean, and the campground was quite serene."

    4. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    21 miles
    Website

    "This state park has a lot to offer with the highlight being a large 2,650-lake that appeals to fishermen, boaters, and swimmers."

    "Stayed in two different areas of West Branch State Park while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Very impressed with large, clean bath houses, including fully private showers."

    5. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    2 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

    "It is in the cuyahoga valley national park, so it is in a very central area if you want to explore! The views from the camp spots are incredible. We stayed in a lean to and it was so much fun!"

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

    6. Punderson State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Newbury, OH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 564-2279

    $38 / night

    "Our non-electric campsite was on the corner, so very secluded on one side but we had to walk through our neighbors’ campsite to get down to the car."

    "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"

    7. Woodside Lake Park

    6 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 626-4251

    "There are lots of activities centered around the lake and beach area. It has a store and other recreational areas. There is a lot of day use activity around the lake."

    "At night, there was highway noise in the background. A lot to do here but also very close to Cuyahoago Valley National Park."

    8. Countryside Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mogadore, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 628-1212

    "There is a local butcher shop right around the corner and they have an incredible selection to choose from . The Buckeye ebail connects to the footpath down to the reservoir ."

    "Friendly staff, and found what I hope will be be good spot with reservoir in the distance and leaves on the trees."

    9. Willow Lake Park Inc

    10 Reviews
    Brunswick, OH
    18 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"

    10. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Green, OH
    19 miles
    Website

    $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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 132 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

606 Reviews of 132 Cuyahoga Valley National Park Campgrounds


  • Zachary A.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Solo tent camping went well

    I 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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Nice quiet camping

    Quiet 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.

  • 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.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Scenic Hills RV Park

    Great campground

    Close to everything Amish in Berlin. Asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day. Friendly and helpful staff. Free firewood.Very clean and well kept park.

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

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

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


Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Camping near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. One visitor mentioned, "The location was great. Beautiful views! Would definitely recommend for solo campers and families alike" at Punderson State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you love water activities, head to West Branch State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "There is a boat launch area and plenty of day use areas to picnic near the water."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families can enjoy the playgrounds at campgrounds like Findley State Park Campground. One happy camper noted, "Great showerhouses and very nice playground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Punderson State Park Campground said, "Showers are hot, bathrooms are clean, and there are coin-operated laundry machines."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A review for Findley State Park Campground stated, "No party people, very family-friendly."
  • Wildlife and Nature: Campers love the natural surroundings. One reviewer at Mill Creek Camping mentioned, "Very nice park with a lot of spacious spots."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Silver Springs Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "There are portable bathrooms located throughout the campground."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground warned, "There were lots of mosquitoes, so be prepared to bring bug spray!"
  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A reviewer at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, "We were woken up several times by a nearby train."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for places like Findley State Park Campground that have playgrounds. A family shared, "The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Clay's Resort Jellystone Park said, "The activities here are endless! Fishing, volleyball, basketball, kayaking, zip lining in water with swimming."
  • Check for Family-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities and family-friendly environments. A visitor at West Branch State Park Campground noted, "The campground was quiet as much as can be expected."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Punderson State Park Campground mentioned, "Make sure you check pictures of the sites to see if they will accommodate your rig."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Findley State Park Campground said, "It is not full hookup in most spots."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials, especially if you're staying at a more rustic campground like Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground, where a camper noted, "There is no water here, so plan on dry camping."

Camping near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping near Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

Free camping is limited near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While not free, Silver Springs Campground offers an affordable option at $18/night with electrical hookups, located just 17 minutes from the park. For budget-conscious campers, consider Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground which offers lower-cost sites. True free camping may require traveling further from the park to Wayne National Forest or utilizing free overnight parking at select businesses with permission. Always check with park authorities about current regulations and fees before planning your trip.

Is camping allowed in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

Currently, overnight camping is not permitted within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Previously, camping was available at Stanford House within the park boundaries, but this service has been discontinued. Heritage Farms, located within the Cuyahoga Valley, offers a private camping alternative with lean-to shelters and scenic views of the national park. For those wanting to camp near the park, several options exist in surrounding areas. Note that Cuyahoga Valley primarily serves as a day-use park, situated between Cleveland and Akron, with extensive hiking and biking trails that are mostly dog-friendly.

Are there RV campgrounds near Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

Yes, several RV-friendly campgrounds are located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA offers full RV amenities just a few miles from the park in a surprisingly scenic rural setting, despite being close to urban areas. West Branch State Park Campground provides spacious sites with good privacy and is another excellent option for RV campers visiting the national park. Both campgrounds offer clean facilities and convenient access to the park's attractions. Additional RV options include Woodside Lake Park near Streetsboro and Willow Lake Park, both accommodating larger rigs with necessary hookups.

Can I stay in cabins at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?

While there are no cabins within Cuyahoga Valley National Park itself, several nearby options provide cabin accommodations. Punderson State Park Campground offers cabin rentals with modern amenities, though you'll need to reserve well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The park is within a reasonable driving distance to Cuyahoga Valley. For a more rustic experience closer to the park, Countryside Campground near Mogadore has cabin options with basic amenities. These cabins provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping while still allowing easy access to explore the national park's numerous hiking and biking trails.