Best Campgrounds near Rocky River, OH

Camping options around Rocky River, Ohio include established campgrounds with various accommodation types rather than dispersed camping areas. American Wilderness Campground in Grafton, approximately 20 miles southwest of Rocky River, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities such as electric hookups, shower facilities, and a swimming area. Willow Lake Park in Medina offers tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, though some state park facilities remain open year-round.

Most campgrounds near Rocky River require reservations, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Water and electric hookups are common at developed sites, while full sewer connections are less prevalent. "We weren't expecting much and actually only booked it because of proximity. It's only 20 minutes from our home, so we were really curious," noted one visitor about American Wilderness Campground. The climate features warm, humid summers and cold winters with significant snowfall, making spring through fall the primary camping season. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to metropolitan areas, though coverage may vary at more rural campgrounds.

Several campgrounds near Rocky River offer water recreation as a central feature. Willow Lake Park provides fishing and swimming lakes, while Findley State Park Campground in Wellington includes tent, RV, and cabin options with access to a 93-acre lake. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere at local campgrounds. Recent reviews highlight that facilities at some locations are being upgraded by new management. A visitor to Willow Lake noted, "The owners are making tremendous improvements to this campground" with enhancements to pavilions, events programming, and bathroom facilities. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of additional facilities such as playgrounds, camp stores, and organized activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Rocky River, Ohio (100)

    1. American Wilderness Campground

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

    $35 - $69 / night

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

    "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."

    2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

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

    $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."

    3. 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"

    4. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Berea, OH
    7 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."

    5. Findley State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $50 / night

    "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."

    "Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."

    6. Silver Springs Campground

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

    $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. "

    7. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    22 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."

    8. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

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

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Punderson State Park Campground

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

    $38 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    10. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    44 miles
    Website

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near Rocky River, OH

539 Reviews of 100 Rocky River 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.

  • Jay L.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Cold Creek Trout Camp

    Not the same as app says

    App says 17$ and the guy when I called told me 40$ a night

  • Dean N.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point

    Nice RV park but it is expensive

    Nice RV sites. Can accommodate big rigs. Beautiful landscaping. Right on Sandusky bay.

  • 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.


Guide to Rocky River

Camping near Rocky River, Ohio, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Explore the lakefront: Many campgrounds, like East Harbor State Park Campground, have beautiful lakefront sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Many lakefront sites. Quiet, woodsy and very well-maintained state park campground."
  • Visit nearby attractions: If you’re near West Branch State Park Campground, check out the A&W Root Beer Stand in Ravenna. A camper shared, "Treat yourself to a meal at the A&W Root Beer Stand in nearby Ravenna."
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Findley State Park Campground offers amazing trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "Absolutely love Findley. So much wildlife and great campsites."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One 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 reviewer at Silver Springs Campground said, "It's quiet, and everyone is very nice here."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were fairly spacious and level."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at East Harbor State Park Campground noted, "Sites are very tightly packed."
  • Limited privacy: Depending on the campground, some sites may be close together. A visitor at Geneva State Park Campground said, "Large sites but no privacy between sites."
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for rain, as some sites can get muddy. A camper at Findley State Park Campground shared, "There were lots of mosquitos so be prepared to bring bug spray!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at West Branch State Park Campground mentioned, "The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there."
  • Plan for meals: Bring snacks and easy meals to keep everyone happy. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground noted, "There is a park and a small beach near site 164 that was pretty busy."
  • Engage in nature activities: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground said, "There are numerous playgrounds and activities for kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, "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, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer at Kelleys Island State Park Campground noted, "The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day."
  • Plan for dump station access: Ensure the campground has a convenient dump station. A visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground shared, "Dump station has 2 lanes which was nice when checking out."

Camping near Rocky River, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rocky River Campground located?

While there isn't a specific campground named "Rocky River Campground," the Rocky River area is part of the greater Cleveland region in northeastern Ohio. Nearby camping options include Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, which offers cozy sites with provided firewood and access to hiking trails along the gorge. Another option is Heritage Farms, located about half a mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, offering both standard campsites and shelters scattered among a working Christmas tree farm.

How can I find campgrounds near Rocky River?

Rocky River is located near Cleveland, Ohio, with several camping options within an hour's drive. Findley State Park Campground is less than an hour from downtown Cleveland, offering a wooded retreat with fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. For RV travelers, Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area on the Ohio Turnpike provides affordable overnight options with nearby amenities. The Dyrt's website and app are excellent tools to search for campgrounds with specific amenities, read reviews, and check availability in the Rocky River area.

What amenities are available at Rocky River camping sites?

Camping options near Rocky River offer various amenities. Kool Lakes Family RV Park features affordable sites with a gravel road system and family-oriented facilities. West Branch State Park Campground provides bathhouses, playgrounds, hiking paths, and a swimming reservoir with boat rentals - the pontoon rental is highly recommended for a day on the water. For hikers and cyclists, several primitive camping options exist along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, including hidden gems specifically designed for trail users that offer basic amenities in beautiful natural settings.