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.
What to Do
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.
What Campers Like
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.
What You Should Know
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.
Tips for Camping with Families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
