Medina County's camping areas sit between 900 and 1,100 feet above sea level, featuring glacially-formed terrain with rolling hills, small lakes and river valleys. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking and disc golf: West Branch State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems alongside multiple recreational opportunities. One camper noted, "We set off to explore the park. It had some really nice hiking trails. We also played some disc golf and went geocaching."
Fishing options: Rivers Edge Camping Area provides free primitive camping spots with riverside access. A visitor shared, "Right alongside the river with a picnic table and firepit. Portable toilet in parking lot. No running water but close to gas stations and restaurants."
Water recreation: Clay's Resort Jellystone Park features a large lake with water activities. A camper reported, "The lake was virtually algae free, and even during this pandemic, it didn't feel over crowded at any point. My kids really enjoyed the entire time and were wore out!"
Canoe and kayak access: Countryside Campground offers direct reservoir access. A camper mentioned, "There is a nice path through the woods down to the reservoir, where you can fish and kayak."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Countryside Campground provides generous camping areas with amenities. According to a visitor, "The 9 tent sites are very large and spacious. It is mostly an established Rv Park. The community was very kind. Showers were clean and spacious."
Clean facilities: Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA maintains well-kept amenities. A camper shared, "Very clean and well maintained. KOA Bath house trailer was very clean, easy to utilize the outdoor kitchen."
Privacy between sites: Punderson State Park Campground offers secluded camping options. As one visitor described, "A good amount of secluded and shaded sites. Really cool 'hill' sites that you have to hike up or down 20-100 feet to your wooded site."
Kid-friendly atmosphere: Jellystone Park locations emphasize family activities. A camper reported, "This was the first place we had ever taken a camping vacation and the staff at this place did not disappoint. My kids were spoiled here. The staff went out of their way to make sure we had a great time."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds around Medina operate from May through October. At West Branch State Park, winter camping may be available but with limited facilities.
Site conditions vary: Punderson State Park has notable terrain challenges. A camper advised, "The sites greatly very on size and flatness so make sure you look at the pictures of the site before you book some are basically the parking pad and a fire ring, some are big and flat some are on an incline."
Reservation requirements: For popular weekends, advanced planning is essential. At West Branch State Park, a camper warned, "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!"
Primitive options available: For campers seeking more rustic experiences than glamping close to Medina, Ohio, several parks offer basic sites. At Rivers Edge, camping is "dispersed in a small grassy field and is FREE! There is room for maybe 6-8 small backcountry tents."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Clay's Park provides multiple water activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "The kids really enjoyed the arcade and gem mining we also liked the access to self serve laundry and camp store as well."
Playground access: Mohican State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities beyond glamping options near Medina. A camper stated, "Camp store is nice and well stocked, gem mining and mountain bike trails are located within the campground as well as a pool."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Countryside, "Kids trick or treated and all campers were very friendly. Due to cooler temps pool was closed. The small putt putt course was still open for kids to play."
Safety considerations: Some water features require supervision. At Punderson State Park, "swimming (no lifeguard)" is available, so parents should plan accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Punderson, a camper warned, "The lots are not even close the level. You will need a lot of blocks to get close to level. Saw one RV with auto levelers with his tire about foot off the ground."
Hookup availability: American Wilderness Campground offers various RV amenities. A visitor noted, "We had a nice 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."
Site width considerations: Streetsboro KOA provides comfortable spacing. One RVer appreciated that "it's always nerve wracking when the fire pits are close to the rigs - loved that these sites were wide. And while there are likely people here it feels nice and spread out."
Water and electric access: At Clay's Resort, full hookup sites are available but can be pricey. A visitor commented, "Crazy expensive (like $540 FOR 4 NIGHTS) but we figured we'd try it."
