135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Kent, Ohio area features a mix of established campgrounds and rustic sites spread across northeastern Ohio. West Branch State Park Campground, located in Wayland, provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with lake access, while Silver Springs Campground in Stow offers a convenient location 6 miles from Kent with electric hookups and tent sites. Several private campgrounds like Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA supplement the public options with family-oriented amenities. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park area, though no longer offering standard camping within park boundaries, has influenced the development of specialized camping sites along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail for cyclists and hikers.
Seasonal patterns significantly affect camping availability around Kent, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter camping is limited primarily to West Branch and Punderson State Parks, which remain open year-round. Travelers should be aware that waterfront sites tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. One visitor noted, "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." Most facilities provide drinking water and toilets, though showers and hookup availability varies by location. Cell service can be unreliable at some of the more wooded campgrounds, particularly those with terrain features that block signals.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region, with West Branch State Park's reservoir sites being particularly popular. Several campgrounds feature fishing access, boat rentals, and swimming areas that complement the camping experience. Beyond water recreation, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail represents a unique camping corridor through the region. As described by one cyclist, "Very few people know that there are MANY camping options along the towpath designed for cyclists and hikers!" These specialized sites include both established locations like Heritage Farms and primitive camping at Big Bend Trailhead, which offers free first-come, first-served sites specifically for hikers and cyclists. The proximity to both natural settings and urban amenities makes the Kent area appealing for weekend getaways and longer outdoor vacations.
"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"
from $30 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $15 - $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $80 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $27 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lots of playgrounds and you can access the lake for swimming and fishing from just about anywhere. The sites are well spaced and feel private, until you get closer to the lake."
"The people next to us parked their boat right behind their site. We even seen a doe and 2 fawn right here at our site!"
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability
GuideOur site was level, although I observed many that are not. It was fairly quiet, although the sites are pretty small. Ours was described as 'waterfront', but it was so overgrown between the site and the shoreline that there was no access and the lake wasn't visible. Bathrooms were very clean and the shower worked great.
TravelerMosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
GuideGated and private campground. You can come and go as you please 24/7 with a gate card. Secure and clean bathrooms. Laundry room. Camp store and more. Wi-Fi is available. But the view on being right on lake Erie is the best. It's a must campground, at least once.
LegendAnother pleasant stay at this campground! We had made our reservations online prior to our stay and the process was super easy. And as always, the campground host was very friendly and helpful. Unlike a lot of city parks I've been to, this one is behind a gate and the showers/restrooms have codes you're provided with during check-in, so that helps keep things safe, quiet, and clean. I still haven't used the showers here, but the separate restrooms were spotless. The park itself is nice and was busy with families enjoying outdoor activities. Everyone was also respectful during quiet hours.
TravelerNice place to stay for the weekend. Inexpensive. No water hookups at the individual sites but potable water is available in the park. The downsides are the sights can get muddy if there is rain. Only portapotties nearby.
We had big storms roll through when we were there. Unfortunately a large branch broke off of a nearby tree and hit the engine hood of our RV and dented it in several places. It could have been much worse though and not the park’s fault. Could happen anywhere there are trees.
TravelerCame tent camping here. Stayed on new duck loop, which from the looks of all the other sites, this one seemed more open, less R. V. Campers. Plenty of open spots even for the weekend. Place is clean, well kept, bathrooms are clean which is a plus. All the sites around have decent space between them. Close access to a lake. You can bring your boat
GuideHad a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site.
Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake. Lots of friendly people too.
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FAQ:
ScoutI won’t rate the other categories yet but I’ve been upset the whole process trying to plan my trip and the people have made it impossible. I’m constantly unable to get ahold of the park. I keep getting put on the“call back list” when trying to modify a reservation only for NO ONE to ever call back. I finally get ahold of someone after a MONTH… only to have zero customer service skills… they just said“oh we don’t even have a call list” so I ask for another form of communication I can have with me since my trip is in a month and I’ve had these issues for a month… they offer ZERO solutions and are not empathetic either. Another issue was last year I was hospitalized for several months due to an early twin birth so I had to push my trip to the following year… when I FINALLY got ahold of the park last year the women I spoke with trying to manage the rescheduling…was ZERO help surprise surprise… on top of that it took 13 calls and weeks before a manager got back to me…making the window to reschedule or get refunds closer to closing adding stress that you might not get to make your next move how you’d like… anyway…I simply asked for dates that matched the costs that we already paid for the trip so I didn’t have to pay more… I simply asked for it to be within the summer days since my previous reservation was during the summer time with all the extra water park and amenities that close at the end of August. I booked when my kid could use all amenities and there were no hour restrictions either due to still being in season. However the lady couldn’t accommodate or recommend any alternate dates to suite my trip that weren’t several hundred dollars more… now we started out with a trip all paid for last year with all amenities no hour restrictions to a weekend we had to pay more and are restricted hours wise on the summer amenities. As the person doing reservations you should be able to recommend dates and help me plan the trip accordingly to the money spent and not sit on the other end of the phone demanding I just give you dates…. After our trip we will never plan or schedule anything at this park again. Regardless of the amenities… for families traveling far distances you couldn’t make it anymore inconvenient, difficult, and time consuming for simply planning questions or just getting ahold of you in general. No sorrys…. Just a whole lot of…”hmm that’s weird well oh well, next” kind of attitude. Zero solutions just excuses. So that being first impressions not too excited to find out what we are in for when we arrive. Especially reading other reviews about deflated balls so you can’t use the hoops, broken a/c units that the property won’t even handle that their own employees have to give up their own personal comfort cause management won’t?… concession stands trash everywhere… broken hot tubs, WiFi not working in cabins for night time with children is tough…sad that my family’s first camping trip ever hasnt even happened yet and it’s been nothing but a headache to plan because of the staff. Yall make money to make the experience smooth for your consumers but somebody missed the memo.
GuideThe staff here was excellent. We got a spot near the entrance that had the doggy play pen. It was a well built structure. I felt good about my dogs being in it. The campground is wonderful. So peaceful and pretty. As and added plus for anybody a fan of the band The Cars, Ben Orr’s grave is not far.
Camping sites around Kent, Ohio offer diverse experiences from lakefront sites to wooded retreats. The region sits within the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet above sea level. Spring camping brings temperatures between 45-65°F with frequent rain showers, while summer months average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms impacting outdoor activities.
Kayaking at West Branch: Access the reservoir directly from waterside sites at West Branch State Park Campground. "We launch our kayaks right from our campsite. The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," notes Alisa G.
Disc golf courses: Punderson State Park offers a complete course among its many recreational options. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," shares Rebecca G.
Hiking special trails: Explore the lesser-known trail network at Silver Springs Campground. "There is also a wooded walking trail network on the east and North sides of the campground," points out Gary G., making it an excellent base for exploring the area.
Christmas tree farm camping: Heritage Farms offers a unique camping environment among growing trees. "The sites are all tucked into different spots on the tree farm. I had a great view of the sunrise from my spot on the hill," explains Connor W.
Private lakefront access: Campers praise the direct water access at Countryside Campground. "There is a nice path through the woods down to the reservoir, where you can fish and kayak," shares Kathryn P., highlighting this hidden gem.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campsites maintain clean facilities despite high usage. "The bathrooms were clean, the showers were nice and the pool was well kept. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table both in good condition," notes a Countryside camper.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to pets. "Fantastic dog park with a swimming beach for dogs only. Fun to watch them play even if you don't have a dog," remarks Judy F. about Silver Springs Campground.
Night sky viewing: The region offers surprisingly good stargazing. "It was dark enough to see a space station cross the sky at night," Kate W. mentions about camping at Silver Springs, an unexpected bonus for astronomy enthusiasts.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have topography issues. "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," warns Jeffrey L. about Silver Springs Campground.
Toilet facilities vary greatly: From porta-potties to full bathhouses, bathroom options differ significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are just port-a-johns located on either side of the campground but there are flushable toilets a little walk away," explains Abbey E. about Silver Springs.
Site selection impacts privacy: At Heritage Farms, site location matters significantly. "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. Our site was beautiful and private," shares Abbey E., noting the effort is worthwhile for secluded camping.
Limited reservations at some sites: Plan ahead as many campgrounds fill quickly. "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," explains a Cuyahoga Valley visitor.
Water recreation options: Woodside Lake Park offers extensive water activities perfect for families. "The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals. There's good fishing, and typically lots of activities," James S. shares, making it ideal for keeping kids entertained.
Budget-friendly camping: Mill Creek Camping provides excellent value. "Low cost for staying ($18 for a waterside, spacious site for up to 8 people, 2 tents at no additional costs)," Katie highlights, noting it's perfect for larger family groups watching their budget.
Activities during bad weather: Several campgrounds offer indoor options when the weather turns. "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers. Washers and dryers are also at the shower house," mentions Alisa G. about West Branch State Park, helping families prepare for rainy days.
Site selection for families: Choose your campsite strategically with children. "We were able to get a group site with friends along a wooded section. The pool was so nice it wasn't too crowded and the view over looking the lake was so pretty," shares Traci F. about the Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA.
Electric hookup limitations: Be aware of amperage restrictions at some campgrounds. "Only 3-30 amp hooks ups, the rest are 20 amp," Judy F. warns about Silver Springs Campground, essential information for RVers with higher power requirements.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds struggle with mineral-heavy water. "Bad iron laden well water that is provided in at least half the park. I spent hundreds of dollars trying to filter and clean up the water to no avail," cautions Jerry L. about Woodside Lake Park.
RV site grading issues: Many campgrounds in the Kent area present leveling challenges. "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service. The lots are not even close to level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level," advises Coy about Punderson State Park Campground.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have difficult entry points for larger rigs. "If you have a 41 foot class A, we were centimeters from dragging our bumper crossing the road to park," warns a Jellystone Park camper about navigating to certain sections of the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find tent camping sites in the Kent area?
Towpath Trail Peace Park offers primitive tent camping with four basic sites, making it an excellent choice for tent campers seeking a simple experience within easy distance of Kent, Akron, and Canton. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite provides a cozy tent camping experience with provided firewood and proximity to scenic gorge trails, though campers should be aware of wildlife including coyotes in the area. Many state parks in the region also accommodate tent camping with designated tent pads or areas. Most tent sites in the Kent area are available from spring through fall, with some parks closing for winter. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend camping during peak summer months.
Are there camping places with lake access near Kent?
Mosquito Lake State Park Campground is one of the best options near Kent for lake access camping. The park features somewhat private sites and numerous trails alongside a large lake that's perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. There's even a dog park next to the lake. Countryside Campground near Mogadore also offers excellent lake access with boat-in sites available. Other options include Atwood Lake Park and Berlin Lake Wildlife Area, both within driving distance of Kent. Most lake access campgrounds in the region provide boat ramps, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. Water activities are typically available from late May through September, depending on weather conditions.
Are there any affordable or cheap campgrounds around Kent?
Kool Lakes Family RV Park offers very affordable sites, especially when splitting costs among friends. This family-oriented campground features a gravel road system connecting numerous camping spots. For budget-conscious travelers, Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area on the Ohio Turnpike allows RV owners to self-pay just $20 for an overnight stay in a quiet area separate from the semi-truck parking. State parks like Findley and Mosquito Lake typically offer reasonable rates for both tent and RV camping, with prices generally ranging from $20-35 per night depending on amenities. Most affordable campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak season (May-September), and many offer discounted rates during shoulder seasons.
Where are the best campgrounds near Kent, Ohio?
Kent offers several excellent campgrounds within a short drive. West Branch State Park Campground is a top choice, offering spacious sites with natural settings and great amenities. For a unique experience, Heritage Farms provides camping on a working Christmas tree farm just a half-mile from the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. The park is family-owned and offers both standard campsites and shelters. Other notable options include Cuyahoga Valley National Park area (though official park camping is no longer offered) and Findley State Park, which features numerous hiking trails and natural areas. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
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