Best Tent Camping near Madison, OH

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Madison, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Madison. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Madison, Ohio (11)

    Brian O.'s photo of tent camping at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED near Peninsula, OH

    1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    127 Photos
    118 Saves
    Peninsula, Ohio

    Overview

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a destination for millions of visitors each year who enjoy hiking, riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , biking and picnicking. Whether you need an area large enough for a family reunion or just an intimate spot for two, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal destination. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. Two rustic shelters, Ledges and Octagon, are available for reservation in the Virginia Kendall Unit of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

    Recreation

    With many different facilities and attractions in the park, there is something to interest everyone. Most shelter areas have open fields for games and nearby hiking trails.Visitors enjoy riding the scenic railroad, exploring the visitor centers, catching one of the summer concerts, attending one of the ranger-guided programs, biking the Towpath Trail or picnicking in one of the park's picnic shelters.

    Facilities

    Cuyahoga Valley's two shelters are fully-accessible. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed them with American chestnut and locally quarried sandstone. The shelters are located near Ritchie Ledges, an area with approximately 2 miles of Sharon conglomerate stone cliffs about 30 feet (9m) tall. A large play field and hiking trails are available near each shelter.Ledges Shelter accommodates up to 75 people. It has two fireplaces and eight picnic tables inside, as well as eight tables in the outside pavilion and a large grill. Octagon Shelter accommodates up to 50 people. During the summer months its walls are removed; they are in place from October 15 to May 14. Seven indoor picnic tables, two fireplaces and an outdoor grill are provided.Both shelters have electricity for normal two-pronged household appliances such as coffee pots and crock pots. Drinking water is available at a drinking fountain from May 1 to September 15. Restrooms with flush toilets are available year-round.

    Natural Features

    The Cuyahoga River flows through the park for 22 miles (35 km), fed by more than 190 miles (306 km) of perennial (permanent) and ephemeral (temporary) streams. The Beaver Marsh and other wetlands, many lined with cattails and dense patches of duckweed, provide a home for many of the park's reptiles and amphibians and help filter pollutants from the water.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visit Brandywine Falls, the historic Boston Store Visitor Center, Ritchie Ledges, the Beaver Marsh and the Everett Road Covered Bridge. These are some of the more popular attractions in the park.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations more that 14 days before arrival will receive a refund minus a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 14 days out will forfeit the entire fee. However, the reserving party may be given an opportunity to reschedule the reservation (based on availability) within 12 months of the original reservation by contacting the park.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Market

    $80 - $110 / night

    Jessica R.'s photo of tent camping at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Erie Bluffs near Perry, OH

    2. Lake Erie Bluffs

    1 Review
    18 Photos
    42 Saves
    Perry, Ohio

    In an effort to provide more opportunities to enjoy our parks, Lake Metroparks offers tent camping so campers may experience unique natural features and the great outdoors. Reservations are required.

    Campsites provide a “rustic” experience for small groups of up to eight people staying in tents. Campers must hike or paddle to the campsites. The sites are set back from the developed areas of the parks from about 0.25 mile to more than a mile. Each location is different and provides a quiet, intimate natural experience—much different than crowded campgrounds.

    The paddle-in sites may require a three- to eight-mile paddle by canoe or kayak to reach the campsite. The idea is to paddle a stretch of the Grand River, spend the night under the stars and then paddle another stretch the next day. Imagine paddling 27 miles and spending two nights on the wild and scenic Grand River! That is all possible in your Lake Metroparks.

    Each site has a designated area to pitch a tent, a place to build a fire, a grill and a picnic table. The sites do not have restrooms, running water or trash cans. Campers are expected to practice a “leave no trace” camping ethic including carrying in and carrying out all supplies and trash, with the goal of leaving the area better than it was found.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 - $20 / night

    Jillian E.'s photo of tent camping at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite near Kirtland, OH

    3. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    14 Photos
    80 Saves
    Kirtland, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Headwaters Park near Middlefield, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Headwaters Park near Middlefield, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Headwaters Park near Middlefield, OH

    4. Headwaters Park

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    21 Saves
    Middlefield, Ohio

    Headwaters Park is a 926-acre reservation located in Claridon and Huntsburg townships. The property is leased by Geauga Park District from the City of Akron in a partnership that allows for conservation of natural areas, enjoyment by park visitors, and outdoor education and passive recreation. It is Geauga Park District's intent to mange this natural area and to protect the water quality for aquatic life and downstream neighbors. Prior to 1932, the east branch of the Cuyahoga River meandered through a lush ravine as it made its way through Claridon and Huntsburg townships. Picnickers enjoyed many summer afternoons along it's banks; vacationers escaped to cottages nestled around adjacent Crystal Lake and along the river's edge. When the City of Akron began purchasing land in Geauga County in 1932, the cottages and neighboring farmhouses were moved and a dam was built to impound the waters in East Branch Reservoir. Having secured a stable water supply for the businesses and homes in their community, City of Akron officials opened the reservoir and surrounding land to local residents in 1959. In 1996, Geauga Park District's Board of Park Commissioners signed an agreement to lease the land and reservoir, and renamed the area Headwaters Park because of its location at the upper reaches of the Cuyahoga River. Visitor activities are regulated by Geauga Park District in accordance with the City of Akron in order to achieve mutual stewardship goals of protecting natural resources and water quality. Camping is available by permit in the designated tent pad or lean-to sites. Reservations for all facilities can be made online or by calling the Park District office.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Tent Cabin

    $10 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Big Creek Park near Chardon, OH

    5. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    15 Photos
    23 Saves
    Chardon, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at The West Woods near Novelty, OH

    6. The West Woods

    3 Reviews
    14 Photos
    37 Saves
    Novelty, Ohio

    There are 2 primitive sites here. The West Woods is a 902-acre park that protects the historic sandstone ledges of Ansel’s Cave, Silver Creek and its watershed, extensive wetlands and mature forests.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Shari  G.'s photo of tent camping at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Heritage Farms near Peninsula, OH

    7. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    54 Photos
    162 Saves
    Peninsula, Ohio
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $35 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Village at Pymatuning near Andover, OH
    Camper-submitted photo at Crystal Springs Campground near Linesville, PA
    Camper-submitted photo at Yeager's Hide-A-Way Campground near Warren, OH
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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Madison, Ohio

476 Reviews of 11 Madison Campgrounds


  • Sabrina D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    Beautiful Place!

    Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake. In the evening, we bought some firewood from the campground owners for our bonfire. They were so nice, they even brought it over to our camp site! We were camping in a tent and were really happy that the bathrooms were close to the tenting area. We will definitely come back again, hopefully before the end of the summer!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from West Branch State Park Campground
    Jun. 25, 2020

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Nice and quiet!

    Nice quiet and affordable tent sites. Ours was pretty private and spacious. Bath houses were fine, nothing exciting but they were clean. Tent sites were spacious. We had a great time!

  • Mary S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pymatuning State Park Campground
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Pymatuning State Park Campground

    Nice to get away

    We tent camped here in early June.  GPS had a hard time as there are so many locations referred to as "Pymatuning State Park."  Campsite was fine other than trying to find room to put our big tent.  The showers were great--roomy and well maintained.  Wish there were more hiking trails; unless you fish or boat, there isn't a lot to do.  The Ohio State Parks website is a bit clunky!  Very little, if any cell service.

  • Ryan J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Punderson State Park Campground
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Cramped

    Great for fishing. Crammed and unlevel tent camping. People kept walking through our site to get to the bathroom which was annoying and rude. Few trails for hiking

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Heritage Farms
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Heritage Farms

    excellent

    i pulled in around 6:30 looking for a tent site for one night mid week, there was no one else staying at the campground.

    they only have tent sites- I was looking for a spot that allowed a close car- i did not want to hike my gear. I was given a leantoto with close car access-

    amazing views & abundant wild life

    quiet.

    no drinking water on site- but there is wash up water & very clean porta potties

    I would stay there again

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from West Branch State Park Campground
    Aug. 8, 2018

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Found this while road tripping. Great for water lovers.

    The tent sites were nicely separated from the RV sites. Free showers. Set on a lake with a nice beach. Great for boaters.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs Campground
    Aug. 24, 2018

    Silver Springs Campground

    Family feeling and well kept up.

    The sites are RV and tent sites. They offer coupons for return campers. The suppounding area is nice and the owners are welcoming. Very clean.

  • Sam L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground

    Great fishing camp ground

    Fantastic camp ground for anyone looking to rough it a bit, they have cabins and rv/tent sites located on Elk Creek great area for fishing and great people.

  • Patrick M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lily of the Valley
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Lily of the Valley

    Love it

    We have a large group that has stayed there for the last 6 years..always a great time and friendly people.. mostly fair goer's...best tent sites around.. looking forward to this year.

  • rich  E.
    Camper-submitted photo from West haven rv park and campground
    Jun. 20, 2018

    West haven rv park and campground

    Camped here a few years ago

    We have been tent camping here since the 90's it was r&k campground back then . We would stay in the honey moon sight. Completely surrounded by trees bath rooms where clean . Cant say anything about the place now hope its the same or better

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Village Green Campground
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Village Green Campground

    Retiree summer home

    This is a great stop for an overnight on a road trip. There are a few tent sites but the campground mostly caters to RV'ers. One huge benefit, free showers. The campground is a quick dive to a beach on the shore of Lake Erie.

  • Courtney C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

    Great place!

    The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing. We love it. Only bad are no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping. But we love the sites so much that we keep coming back.

  • Jenny K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Punderson State Park Campground
    Jul. 1, 2016

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Great for families

    This is a good campground for families. We tent camped here. The sites are pretty far apart and you feel secluded but, at the same time, the bathrooms are close by. There is a lot of hiking and things to do around the area and even a playground for the kiddos. Not for your serious adventures but great for families.

  • Chuck E.
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake
    Aug. 11, 2020

    KOA Lake Milton Berlin Lake

    Not that impressed

    We decided to spend a weekend there frankly due to convenience. I did think it was a little expensive when we booked, but we booked anyway. We then decided to book a primitive tent site with no power for my father-in-law. Over $80 for two nights! To make matters worse, he got there around 12:30 in the afternoon and they charged him $15 for early check in. It was a tent site, in a field, with no power. Bags of ice we $4. The bundles of wood were priced competitively to other campgrounds, but the wood was terrible. We bought 5 bundles, the wood was wet and rotted! I will say the kids jumping area and playground was really nice. The swimming lake was pretty gross. Lots of algae and lots of mud. The couple bright spots were really friendly and helpful staff and the restroom/shower facilities were really clean. Not sure if we will go back.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    It's a KOA, so know what you are getting

    I had a tent site and it wasn't bad. The site next to me was blasting music but turned it off around 8 so I won't dock points. The bathrooms were clean and it was easy to get to from the highway. There was a lot of road noise though. The tent platform was level and clean. I would stay again.

  • Amanda K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    KOA is A-OK!

    We stayed at this charming KOA for the weekend as we wanted to hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The staff was friendly, the amenities were clean, and the campground was quite serene. Despite some loud campers on a nearby tent site, we loved this campground and would definitely go back!

  • Rachel K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kenisee's Grand River Campground
    May. 28, 2019

    Kenisee's Grand River Campground

    Girls Weekend Campground

    Stayed here for a girls weekend in Geneva at one of the tent sites. The tent area was small (this is mostly an RV Park), but it was a good spot to stay! Showers and bathrooms available as well as electric hookups. Located within a matter of minutes to several wineries in the area. Entertainment provided during the summer time. Several lakes for swimming and fishing.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry Township Park
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Perry Township Park

    Nice little spot

    We arrived on a Friday afternoon and stayed 2 nights. We were a little worried about getting in on a June weekend, but surprisingly, it did not fill up. $15/night for a tent site with showers and it was a great site along the woods with a nice flat area and could still see the lake.

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Branch State Park Campground
    Aug. 25, 2020

    West Branch State Park Campground

    Great family park

    We’ve tent camped here several yrs. Haven’t Back our camper in yet but we re waiting for an opening . It’s booked up for a reason . Shower houses are nice and flow hot water when needed. Grounds are clean and well maintained. Beach is small yet clean and nice . Sites are shaded and nice size . Some larger than others. We fished w little luck around boat ramp and shoreline around there . Overall great family get away .

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Mosquito Lake State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    Had an amazing 1 night tent camping. When we arrived it was just after a big rain storm and at check in she warned some spots can be flooded. We went to look at our reserved spot and it was super wet muddy and almost under water. They let us pick a new spot that was dry. It was really peaceful. The bathrooms were insanely clean. Didn't check out the showers but I imagine they were just as clean

  • Renée C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Punderson State Park Campground
    Mar. 10, 2020

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    Super loud campground. The closest area to camp to the National Park. Nice shaded tent sites but you’ll have to haul your stuff uphill & then it’s not too private. The trails seem pretty unmaintained there. Most people seemed to just hang out at their campsites & not go too far. Camp resort building & boardwalk were pretty neat to check out. There are some really pretty trails not too far from the park itself.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Punderson State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    Spent one night here in a tent site that was slightly off the road. I parked and had to walk about 30 feet to the site which was no big deal and the path was clear. The bathroom was not far away. I did not spent any time in the park the next day but it seems there are many amenities they could keep you busy if you were there for longer.

  • Bryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Follys End Campground
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Follys End Campground

    Nice spot

    Sites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Headwaters Park
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Headwaters Park

    Relaxing lakefront sites

    Campsite G is the one. It is an open lean to with a stone fireplace facing the inside of the three sided wooden structure. Various watercraft rentals available, but look at availability before you go if that is included in your plans. Park has tent sites as well. Site G is a great setting and therefore books out more readily than other sites. Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks. Four stars because it is not a vast wilderness adjacent experience.


Guide to Madison

Tent camping near Madison, Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds featuring diverse amenities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Headwaters Park provides reservable sites with picnic tables and allows campfires, making it a cozy spot for gatherings.
  • Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers a rustic experience with firewood available and toilets on-site, ensuring comfort during your stay.
  • Big Creek Park features accessible trails and fishing ponds, perfect for family-friendly adventures.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $20

  • At The West Woods, tent camping is budget-friendly, with a low fee for county residents, making it an affordable getaway.
  • Lake Erie Bluffs offers a unique experience with walk-in sites, allowing campers to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Erie at a reasonable price.
  • Crystal Springs Campground, while not yet rated, is known for its seasonal availability and could be a great option for those looking to explore the area.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Lake Erie Bluffs is ideal for kayaking and fishing, with nearby swimming areas and a dog beach for a fun day out.
  • Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife, including coyotes, for an adventurous experience.
  • Big Creek Park features well-marked trails perfect for family hikes and fishing, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madison, OH?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madison, OH is Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Madison, OH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Madison, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.