Best Campgrounds near Lorain, OH

Searching for the best camping near Lorain, OH? Lorain is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Lorain, reviewed by campers like you.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lorain, Ohio (93)

    1. Findley State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    22 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."

    2. American Wilderness Campground

    16 Reviews
    Grafton, OH
    17 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."

    3. Vermilion Valley Ohio Turnpike RV Lot

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 234-2081

    "Dump station as you exit. Gas and convenience items are extra helpful. Safe environment to snooze overnight."

    "Pulled in to the RV parking area around 9:45 pm, there was one other vehicle there. 3 more came and parked before midnight. Felt completely safe and not crowded by the campers on either side."

    4. Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    5 miles
    Website

    "This is a test area on the Ohio Turnpike. Rv owners can self pay $20 to stay overnight. Quiet area away from the semis and common parking lot, but super close still to the plaza."

    "The location was in an suburban area."

    5. Service Plaza - Middle Ridge Overnight Parking

    2 Reviews
    Amherst, OH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 234-2081

    "You can walk into the service plaza which has vending, showers, laundry.  The sites are very wide, with 30/50 amp service. It's behind where all the cars and trucks go. 20/night paid with a kiosk. "

    "The cons…lots of highway noise and trucks coming through but I like it if I am in a public place. The place was $20 for overnight. It was a full house. I felt safe!"

    6. Timber Ridge Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    Vermilion, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 965-4113

    "You’re close to your neighbor but doesn’t feel like it. Quiet but also great for families. Looks like a lot of seasonal visitors."

    7. Riverview RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Vermilion, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 606-0848

    "If you need a pump out it 20$ for emergency situations."

    "Great park in a great location with great people."

    8. Kelleys Island State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 746-2546

    "Nice site on an island in Northern Ohio."

    "The campsites are located close to one another, and there is little tree cover between the sites which could potentially make for a less enjoyable experience at busier times of the year."

    9. East Harbor State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-4424

    "A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."

    "this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"

    10. Sandusky-Bayshore KOA

    17 Reviews
    Sandusky, OH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 625-1495

    "Nice site in Northern Ohio!"

    "This isn't a place to get away from it all. It's behind a car dealership and next to a fairly busy railroad. But they do offer amenities to make your stay easier.
     "

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Recent Reviews near Lorain, OH

467 Reviews of 93 Lorain Campgrounds


  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Beautiful but Buzzy

    I booked one night here for the amenities on a cross-country trip.

    The laundry, showers, and water fill stations were convenient/ well-maintained.

    I gave only 4-star however 2 reasons.

    1. for the 5hr lawn mowing caravan that started at 7am in every direction. I’m not even sure what they were mowing since the lawns looked freshly cut. It was obnoxious! And
    2. not enough signage. For example, I had to ask for directions to the laundry rooms and then they are quarter only with no change machine. I had to make a trip back to the office for change.

    Overall, a nice spot with all the amenities you could need. Plenty of room and nice multi-use trail to the beach was great!

  • 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.

  • Joe B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    East Harbor State Park Campground

    Nice park

    Stayed 2 nights. The bathrooms are decent, laundry facility is good and the sites are a good size. There are trails and beaches in the park. I found a disc golf course in the park, and I really enjoyed the layout’s layout. The main issue is the mosquitoes, on every tee pad I was swarmed by at least 50 mosquitoes. It was by far the most mosquitoes I’ve ever seen in one area. I was warned, so I sprayed before going. It helped, but they still buzzed around your head.

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

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

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

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    Quiet, peaceful, close to all the things

    We stopped here for a couple nights to go to a Cleveland Guardians game and go to Cuyahoga National Park. It was within great proximity to both and had all the amenities the kids and I love. Swimming (wish it were open a little later…) laundry 24/7, a game room, store with just what we needed to pick up a few things, a pond that seemed to always have someone fishing at it (that’s a good thing) and a big wide sites to spread out and have a nice campfire in. (Wood available 24/7 and trash pick up at the site in the AM). It’s always nerve wracking when the fire pits are close to the rigs - loved that these sits were wide. And while there are likely people here it feels nice and spread out.

  • Jerry L.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Old Park With Iron Laden Well Water Beware

       I stayed at this park for 2 months in 2023 and was planing on staying for 5 months in 2025. I left after 2 months due to iron& sulfur 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. It damages everything and they won't put a treatment system in at the well pump like the 2nd well has so you can filter it to an acceptable level for drinking, cooking, washing etc.

       In 2023 I was in a section that was treated and my filters/softener did a acceptable job to make it work. I Used the laundry facilities also. This trip to see family in 2025 I was in a different section and by the second day it was unacceptable disgusting turbid rusty water with sulfur odor. I bought additional filters for Ferrous Iron Water treatment and remediation along with iron out chemical for cleaning fixtures and plumbing system on the camper. It barely worked well enough for a couple weeks between filter changes and rinsing the system for shower use. I Had to buy drinking water in town every few days for cooking, drinking and brushing teeth etc.

       New owners bought the park in 2023 and have increased monthly rent from$750 a month to$950 a month but don't seem to care enough about the health and comfort of their guest to do anything with the well water for a majority of the park. Let alone any of the other infrastructure or"amenities" to be generous in there reference This year even the laundry machines where too disgusting to use that we had to go into town for laundry also.

       The park needs major renovations to just bring it up to modern standards. The bath house is in decrepit condition moldy smelly and barely cleaned anytime I was over there. Site pads are rip rap 1" to 4" size rock with no fine rock coverings, or in some areas smoother rock and dirt but nowhere close to flat or level. Water drainage when its raining is deplorable and you very well might be in a mud pit at your doorway.

       It's sad there are no decent RV parks in the Cleveland area, just old campgrounds that have added hook-ups and market themselves as RV parks and now charge like they are RV Resorts. Reserve a space at your own risk and definitely verify where and what water source you are on. Bring plenty of filters and plan on sanitizing your system after staying there.


Guide to Lorain

Camping near Lorain, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Explore the outdoors: Many campgrounds are close to beautiful parks and lakes. For instance, West Branch State Park Campground has lakefront sites and is perfect for swimming and boating. One camper mentioned, “We love the small campers beach near site 160.”
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant in the area. Mohican State Park Campground is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails. A visitor shared, “Close to hiking, MTB trails, canoeing.”
  • Visit local attractions: If you’re near East Harbor State Park Campground, Cedar Point Amusement Park is just a short drive away. One family noted, “Great location if you want to camp on the island.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Punderson State Park Campground stated, “Shower houses were spacious, well lit, and clean.”
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. At Findley State Park Campground, one camper said, “Absolutely love Findley. So much wildlife and great campsites.”
  • Scenic views: Campers enjoy beautiful landscapes. A visitor at Kelleys Island State Park Campground remarked, “The campground is immaculate, quiet during the week especially after Labor Day.”

What you should know

  • Site sizes vary: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A camper at East Harbor State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are very tightly packed.”
  • Noise levels can vary: Depending on the time of year, some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Silver Springs Campground noted, “The campground can get very muddy during the wet season.”
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or showers. A visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA said, “The bathrooms were VERY dirty.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose kid-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Mohican State Park Campground has a great playground for kids. One parent shared, “The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there.”
  • Plan for activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids engaged. A family at Findley State Park Campground enjoyed the trails, saying, “Amazing trails including bike trails for beginners up to advanced.”
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone energized during outdoor activities. A camper at Kelleys Island State Park Campground mentioned, “We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the island overall.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Punderson State Park Campground noted, “Some sites were definitely better suited for RVs.”
  • Be prepared for weather: Bring extra tarps or covers in case of rain. A visitor at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA shared, “Our tent leaked horribly bad.”
  • Utilize dump stations: Make sure to use dump stations before leaving. A camper at Silver Springs Campground mentioned, “The dump station was overflowing on my first visit but fine to use in my second visit.”

Camping near Lorain, Ohio, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a mix of activities, clean facilities, and beautiful scenery, it’s a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any RV camping facilities available near Lorain?

Yes, several RV camping options are available near Lorain. Middle Ridge/Vermilion Valley Rest Area offers a convenient overnight stop for RVs at $20 per night, featuring a separate area away from truck traffic with access to restaurants, restrooms, and a gift shop at the adjacent plaza. Another excellent option is American Wilderness Campground, which provides RV sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is situated near woods and includes amenities like a playground, lake, and store, making it a more full-service option for RV travelers looking to stay longer in the Lorain area.

Where can I find affordable camping sites in the Lorain area?

The Lorain area offers several budget-friendly camping options. Big Bend Trailhead Primitive Camping provides FREE primitive camping sites specifically designed for hikers and cyclists. These first-come, first-served sites are located just off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath in northern Akron. For an inexpensive state park option, Findley State Park Campground offers affordable camping less than an hour from Cleveland. This wooded retreat provides a quiet escape with amenities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities, plus walking trails to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

What family-friendly camping options are available near Lorain?

Families camping near Lorain have several excellent options. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers a cozy camping experience with plenty of firewood provided and easy access to hiking in the nearby gorge, perfect for nature-loving families. Another family-friendly choice is Cuyahoga Valley National Park, featuring numerous hiking trails, historic buildings, and remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Though tucked between Akron and Cleveland, this quiet national park provides families with a peaceful outdoor adventure destination with educational opportunities. Both locations offer children the chance to explore and connect with nature.

What are the best campgrounds near Lorain, Ohio?

Among the highest-rated campgrounds near Lorain is East Harbor State Park Campground, considered by many to be one of the best in Ohio. This clean, well-maintained park offers numerous activities, a beautiful lake, friendly atmosphere, and a trail around the water. The park also features a challenging disc golf course. Another excellent option is Heritage Farms, a unique campground located about half a mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. This fifth-generation working farm offers both standard campsites and shelters scattered among a Christmas tree farm, creating a charming setting for a memorable stay.