Tent campsites near Kent, Ohio range from basic backcountry sites to developed camping areas with lean-tos and shelters. The region features a mix of rolling hills, ravines, and forested terrain with elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night, with rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: The lakes and rivers near Kent's camping areas provide various water activities. At Headwaters Park, visitors can rent kayaks and enjoy calm waters. "Various watercraft rentals available, but look at availability before you go if that is included in your plans," notes one camper.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer the best viewing opportunities with deer, birds, and occasionally coyotes. At Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, one camper reported: "The second night had lots of coyotes around, which is cool but can be dangerous if not careful of course. Coyotes were heard all around the general area."
Christmas tree farm exploration: At Heritage Farms, campers can walk through a working Christmas tree farm. A visitor mentioned, "It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream."
Trail running: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems suitable for running. The West Woods features "a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at tent sites around Kent. At The West Woods, a camper noted the site positioning: "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy."
Tent platforms: Several campgrounds offer raised tent pads to keep campers dry during rain. A camper at The West Woods shared: "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."
Sunset views: Multiple campsites provide excellent sunset viewing. At Headwaters Park, Site G is particularly noted for this: "It is an open lean to with a stone fireplace facing the inside of the three sided wooden structure... Site G is a great setting and therefore books out more readily than other sites."
Camp transport assistance: Some sites require walking from parking areas but provide equipment to help. "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others have different policies. At Rivers Edge Camping Area, "Reservations are not necessary as it is first-come, first-served, but they want you to register at the kiosk and call the listed number when you arrive."
Toilet access considerations: Restroom facilities often require planning, as many are not adjacent to campsites. Heritage Farms campers note: "Bathrooms are port-a-johns back near where the car was parked. So it can be a little bit of a hike if you have a far campsite."
Firewood regulations: Some campgrounds have specific firewood policies. At Heritage Farms, "If you plan on having a fire, you have to purchase wood from them because you can't bring your own (it's a tree farm)."
Water availability limited: Many tent sites near Kent lack drinking water access. One camper at Heritage Farms advised: "No drinking water on site- but there is wash up water & very clean porta potties."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For families, campgrounds with basic facilities make the experience more comfortable. "The well-maintained porta-potties near the main building make this a great option for those who aren't into fully roughing it," notes a camper about Heritage Farms.
Look for level terrain: Some campsites offer more kid-friendly spaces than others. At KimTam Park at Melanie Springs, the 15 tent sites provide access to water and showers, making them suitable for families new to camping.
Consider distance from parking: When camping with children, site accessibility becomes important. One reviewer at Penitentiary Glen noted: "Would have given this site 5 stars but the walk to the site was a bit more of a haul than expected. It was just myself, kids, and pup. So it made setting up camp a bit more work."
Weather preparations: The area can experience sudden rain, so shelter options are valuable. A Heritage Farms camper recommended: "That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry (with the help of a tarp)."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Kent focuses on tent camping, with few dedicated RV sites. Rivers Edge Camping Area technically allows RVs but is primarily designed for tents. A visitor described: "Great access close to parking lot with privacy between you and the trail. Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit."
Consider alternatives: RV campers often use nearby parks as day-use areas while staying at more developed campgrounds further from Kent. One visitor to The West Woods suggested: "However, the West Woods as a park is really nice with a nature center, hiking and bridle trails, just the campsite that was lacking."
