Best Tent Camping near Mentor, OH
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Mentor? Finding a place to camp in Ohio with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Mentor, Ohio (12)
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED
26 Reviews•127 Photos•118 SavesPeninsula, OhioOverview
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
2. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
2 Reviews•14 Photos•80 SavesKirtland, Ohio- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$25 / night
3. Heritage Farms
10 Reviews•54 Photos•162 SavesPeninsula, Ohio- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$35 - $55 / night
4. Lake Erie Bluffs
1 Review•18 Photos•42 SavesPerry, OhioIn 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
5. The West Woods
3 Reviews•14 Photos•37 SavesNovelty, OhioThere 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
6. Big Creek Park
1 Review•15 Photos•23 SavesChardon, Ohio- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
7. Headwaters Park
2 Reviews•2 Photos•21 SavesMiddlefield, OhioHeadwaters 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
8. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites
Be the first to review!•8 SavesBrecksville, OhioThree primitive sites along the trail with few amenities. Remember to LNT.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$5 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Mentor, Ohio
438 Reviews of 12 Mentor Campgrounds
- AAbby J.
Scout
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!
- PPhyllis V.
Traveler
Punderson State Park Campground
Our favorite campsite!
We tent camp from our motorcycles & this is our favorite camp site! We have camped here 4 times & love the private, wooded site.
Ryan J.ScoutPunderson 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
- MMary M.Traveler
Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park
nope
the tent site had biting ants, poison ivy, and no privacy. hated it.
- aalyssa F.Traveler
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
- Mary S.Traveler
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.
- KKelly B.
GuideWest 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.
- KKatelyn P.Traveler
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.
- Jessica R.Guide
Countryside Campground
Great Campground
Clean campground, lots to do! Dog friendly! Lake Accessible. We stayed a few nights on Tent site 4 and had a blast! Stop at Duma Meats to grill something delicious!
- Patrick M.Scout
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.
- M
Michael B.Traveler
Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park
Pymatuning Jamestown
Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.
- Courtney C.Traveler
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.
- KKelly B.Guide
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.
Jenny K.GuidePunderson 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.
- SSteveGuide
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.TravelerStreetsboro-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!
Chuck E.Guide
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.
Rachel K.Guide
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.
- KK H.Traveler
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.Guide
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 .
- BBrittneyTraveler
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.
LegendPunderson 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.
- GGraysonGuide
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.
- RRebecca G.Traveler
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.
- AJ J.Traveler
West Branch State Park Campground
Great Site
My wife, 2 dogs, and I came with no reservation. They gave us a temporary tag to drive around and see what site we wanted. We ended up going to site 190 which had a decent amount of space to tent camp. The amenities were great. Clean shower and toilets in a well lit building. There is also a dog park with a pond 2 minutes up the road which was great to wear the dogs out at. The only complaint I have is the site was a little close to our neighbor for our liking but we would go back!
- Jana H.Guide
West Branch State Park Campground
No Complaints
The campground was nice, clean and had friendly faces. There is plenty to do-disc golf, sand volleyball, basketball, playground, dog park, not to mention the lake and beaches. There were a lot of dogs the weekend I went but nothing to complain about. Fire pit was nice and functional and the bathrooms were clean. The showers are private in your own “room”separate from the toilets. My favorite feature of the campground is the wash basins outside of the bathrooms to wash your dishes. Very nice amenity when tent camping. Our site was private enough, good sized with close bathroom access.
- DanScout
(R&R HOF) American Wilderness Campground
Better than expected
Aug 2019, 3 nights. We were tent camping on a site w/electric & water. We had nice woods behind us, neighbors to the right and vacancy on the left (jackpot). A quick walk to the playground for the kids, lake and store weren’t much further then restrooms with showers were right there as well.
We weren’t expecting much and actually only booked it because of proximity. It’s only 20mins from our home, so we were really curious. Definitely would come back, but may opt for a primitive site as we liked the placement a little better than if we were surrounded on both sides.
Guide to Mentor
Tent camping near Mentor, Ohio offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- The West Woods features picnic tables and allows campfires, making it a cozy spot for evening gatherings.
- Headwaters Park provides reservable sites with picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
- Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers firewood and toilets, enhancing convenience for campers.
Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts
- Lake Erie Bluffs is perfect for hiking and enjoying stunning views of Lake Erie, with opportunities for birdwatching.
- Big Creek Park features well-marked trails suitable for families, along with fishing ponds stocked with bluegill.
- Heritage Farms is located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering easy access to hiking and exploring the park's natural beauty.
Tent campers should check out unique features
- Yeager's Hide-A-Way Campground is an RV park that welcomes tent campers, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, although camping is no longer offered, is a must-visit for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive hiking trails.
- Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites offers a secluded experience for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mentor, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mentor, 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 Mentor, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Mentor, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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