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Best Campgrounds near Mentor, OH

476 Reviews

The northeastern Ohio landscape surrounding Mentor offers diverse camping experiences within a short drive of Lake Erie's shoreline. Geneva State Park Campground, located about 20 miles northeast of Mentor, provides year-round camping with full hookup sites, clean facilities, and direct access to Lake Erie beaches and bike paths. Closer to town, Perry Township Park operates a small 10-site campground from May through October with electric hookups and shower facilities. More rustic experiences can be found at Lake Erie Bluffs, which offers primitive tent camping with stunning lake views, and Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, where tent campers, cabin users, and yurt enthusiasts can enjoy a more secluded woodland setting just 10 miles south of Mentor.

Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds in the region, particularly for weekend stays during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many state park campgrounds like Punderson State Park maintain year-round operations, though winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear as temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals near Geneva and weaker coverage in more remote locations like Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA. As one camper noted at Penitentiary Glen, "Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. Plenty of firewood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk. The second night had lots of coyotes around."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mentor region. Lakefront sites at Geneva State Park receive consistently positive reviews for their views and proximity to swimming areas. "The sites were paved and spaced decently, and it had bike paths! Another bonus is that it borders Lake Erie," reported one visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for birders who can spot bald eagles, herons, and various waterfowl species. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, especially near wetland areas, and raccoons are notably bold at some campgrounds. Families appreciate the playgrounds and beaches at several state parks, while those seeking quieter experiences can find more secluded options at Big Creek Park and The West Woods, both offering more primitive camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mentor, Ohio (81)

    1. Punderson State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Newbury, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 564-2279

    $38 / night

    "I had the furthest lakeside tent from the office. was a beautiful site but the water treatment facility had a loud hum all night, even though they said it was quiet."

    "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."

    2. Perry Township Park

    12 Reviews
    Perry, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 259-5957

    $25 - $45 / night

    "The campground is adjacent to the small community park and baseball fields. Very well maintained and quiet. As an added bonus it is right next to Lake Erie."

    "Perry Township Park campground is exactly what campground should be: great accommodations, beautiful views, tremendous service, and easy accessibility to a lot of fun stuff :-)

    Most of the tent sites"

    3. Geneva State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Madison, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 466-8400

    $25 - $41 / night

    "Geneva State Park Campground:  This was our first trip here and given the COVID situation it was still very pleasant. "

    "Easy to get to, not crowded, the sites were paved and spaced decently and, it had bike paths! Another bonus is that it borders Lake Erie."

    4. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Kirtland, OH
    6 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "Plenty of fire wood provided and a short distance away from the gorge to walk. The second night had lots of coyotes around, which is cool but can be dangerous if not careful of course."

    "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."

    5. Lake Erie Bluffs

    2 Reviews
    Perry, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 358-7275

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. Fire wood and kindling were at the site waiting for us when we got there. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site."

    "Walk in sites with a beautiful view of Lake Erie! Quiet, clean, well kept! Provided firewood was great! Able to watch Eagles soaring over Lake Erie listening to the waves hit the bluff below!"

    6. Thompson/Grand River Valley KOA Holiday

    4 Reviews
    Madison, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 298-1311

    "Fishing lake, swimming lake, trails. Children play areas. Basketball, bad mitten/volleyball, Dog wash, dog parks (2), private fenced dog sites. (2)- pull through site."

    "The kids loved both the pool and the lake. The breakfast pizza was great. The food prices were very reasonable. The wrist band for kid activities is well worth it."

    7. Big Creek Park

    1 Review
    Chardon, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 286-9516

    "Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."

    8. Hidden Lakes Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Huntsburg, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 968-3400

    "Our site was lakeside and was probably the largest campsite I ever stayed in."

    "We stayed here mid June on their premium lot, super large and right on fishing lake. We brought our canoe and enjoyed fishing and just cruising around."

    9. Lily of the Valley

    3 Reviews
    Madison, OH
    15 miles
    Website

    $12 - $30 / night

    "Many of the vendors at the nearby Medieval Faire stay here for the 5 week run of the faire. Because so many people return every year, you find people gathering around campfires to socialize."

    "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."

    10. The West Woods

    4 Reviews
    Novelty, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    "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. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."

    "Great small park with 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mentor, OH

196 Photos of 81 Mentor Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mentor, OH

476 Reviews of 81 Mentor Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Geneva State Park Campground

    Beautiful and close to a beach

    You can camp right on the lake in some spots. Tons of trails to hike and a beautiful beach.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Perry Township Park

    Beautiful

    There are many sites taken by permanent campers for the summer. There are pickleball courts in park. Right on Lake Erie, nice hot showers.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Village Green Campground

    Long-term RV

    This site is great if you’re moving in with your RV. I’m tent camping, and while there were tent sites (about 5), it wasn’t the atmosphere I generally go for.

    Positives- there are bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Right on Lake Erie. Fine for overnight.

    Cons- this is a live-in RV site in the outskirts of Ohio.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Silver Springs Campground

    Affordable

    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. Would be nice to have bathroom built on the campground. Have to walk to the baseball field to use the bathrooms. Overall had a good time with my family.

Guide to Mentor

Camping near Mentor, Ohio, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. One visitor mentioned, “Nice stretch of forest...great views, trails for different skill levels.” This park is perfect for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Pymatuning State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer said, “Beautiful lake on the Ohio/PA border...clean bathrooms/showers.” It’s a great spot to relax by the water.
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Families will love the playgrounds at Findley State Park Campground. One camper shared, “Great showerhouses and very nice playground,” making it a hit for kids.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like West Branch State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “The facilities were clean...the campground was quiet as much as can be expected.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Mosquito Lake State Park Campground, offer roomy sites. One reviewer mentioned, “The camp sites were fairly spacious and level,” which is great for setting up tents or RVs.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Punderson State Park Campground are known for their welcoming vibe. A camper said, “Beautiful wooded sites with lots to do for the family.”

What you should know

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Findley State Park Campground, may have nearby train noise. One camper mentioned, “We were woken up several times by a nearby train,” so light sleepers should be prepared.
  • Limited Hookups: Not all sites have full hookups. For example, at Silver Springs Campground, a reviewer noted, “There are some treed sites and some that are full sun,” indicating a mix of amenities.
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots like Mill Creek Camping can get busy on weekends. One visitor said, “Gets loud and crowded on the weekend as usual,” so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds, like West Branch State Park Campground. A family shared, “The playground is extremely age-friendly for every kid there.”
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at places like Punderson State Park Campground. One camper advised, “There were lots of mosquitoes so be prepared to bring bug spray!”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Findley State Park Campground mentioned, “We love the small campers beach near site 160,” which is perfect for family fun.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A camper at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, “Make sure you check pictures of the sites to see if they will accommodate your rig/tent.”
  • Bring Extra Power Cords: At campgrounds like Silver Springs Campground, some sites have electric hookups that may be far from your RV. One camper mentioned, “The outlets are at the top of a gentle slope,” so be prepared.
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use the dump stations available at campgrounds like Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “Dump station has 2 lanes which was nice when checking out.”

Camping near Mentor, Ohio, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any campgrounds with activities near Mentor?

Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers numerous activities with somewhat private sites, multiple trails, and a dog park next to the lake. The park is excellent for water recreation, hiking, and family outings. For a unique experience, Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite provides cozy campsites with plenty of firewood and easy access to hiking trails around the gorge. The reservation offers wildlife viewing opportunities (including coyotes) and nature programs. Both locations provide a good balance of outdoor activities while maintaining a peaceful camping atmosphere within reasonable driving distance of Mentor.

What are the best campgrounds near Mentor, Ohio?

For quality camping near Mentor, Geneva State Park Campground is a standout option located about 25 minutes east along Lake Erie. The campground offers pleasant sites with shower facilities and is close to the lake for waterfront activities. Another excellent choice is Punderson State Park Campground near Newbury, offering drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly amenities. The park features a scenic lake setting with recreational activities. Both parks provide well-maintained facilities and natural settings that make them popular choices for campers visiting the Mentor area.

Can I find long-term camping options in Mentor, Ohio?

Long-term camping options near Mentor are limited but available. Kool Lakes Family RV Park offers extended stay possibilities with affordable sites and a family-oriented atmosphere. Their gravel road system connects numerous camp spaces suitable for longer visits. Another option is The Great Outdoors Family Campground near the PA/Ohio border, which provides full hookups and is set up for extended stays, though it has more of a permanent residential feel than a traditional campground. For long-term camping, contact these facilities directly to inquire about monthly rates, seasonal restrictions, and reservation requirements.

Where can I go camping near Lake Erie from Mentor?

Pymatuning State Park Campground offers beautiful lakeside camping with views of Pennsylvania across the water. While not directly on Lake Erie, this park provides an excellent water-based camping experience with efficient staff and beautiful lake views. For direct Lake Erie access, Lake Erie Bluffs offers reservable boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping opportunities with stunning views of the lake. Additionally, Perry Township Park provides drive-in camping access close to Lake Erie's shoreline with basic facilities like toilets and reservable sites.

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