Best Tent Camping near Mentor, OH
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Best Tent Sites Near Mentor, OH (12)
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED
Peninsula, Ohio26 Reviews•127 Photos•117 SavesOverview
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
Kirtland, Ohio2 Reviews•14 Photos•79 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$25 / night
3. Heritage Farms
Peninsula, Ohio9 Reviews•52 Photos•157 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$35 - $55 / night
4. Lake Erie Bluffs
Perry, Ohio1 Review•18 Photos•41 SavesIn 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
Novelty, Ohio3 Reviews•14 Photos•36 SavesThere 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
Chardon, Ohio1 Review•15 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
7. Headwaters Park
Middlefield, Ohio2 Reviews•2 Photos•21 SavesHeadwaters 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!Brecksville, Ohio•7 SavesThree primitive sites along the trail with few amenities. Remember to LNT.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$5 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Mentor
436 Reviews of 12 Mentor Campgrounds
- JJoe I.
Guide
West Branch State Park Campground
Great park
First time at this park I can see why it's always booked up. It seems like the sites are good sized but some are on slopes even the pads so make sure to bring stuff to level. Bathrooms were clean separate showers verizon works well here.
Kim L.
Ranger
Silver Springs Campground
Simple but comfortable.
Review in a previous post.
- Kim L.Ranger
Silver Springs Campground
Simple but comfortable.
Stayed here while visiting Cuyahoga NP although was 15-20 minute drive to park. But is close to quaint beautiful towns such as Stow Silver and Hudson. Close to a golf course. I felt the road noise was bothersome at night. Most of the sites are simple, treeless but grassy. The power station was several feet from the driveway but the camp host encouraged me to drive on the grass to access power. The price is very reasonable.
- TTammy F.Guide
Punderson State Park Campground
Only consideration is noise...
TL:DR-This is a really nice, well-kept campground, though there may be some noise.
Pros: very clean, well-kept grounds and bathrooms; there's a nice-looking playground, two lakes, trails.
Considerations: the entire time we were here, the wind was 10-15 mph and all of our neighbors were very quiet, friendly, and respectful. So the majority of what we heard was October winds blowing leaves off the trees (nice!!), but the few times the wind died down, or when motorcycles or large trucks were on the highway, the sound came thru loud and clear.
The only other thing I can say that I don't think others did, is that some of the sites, like ours, while more or less level where you'd put an RV, might require going up or down an incline to get to the picnic table. A bit of a problem if you have trouble with knees or hips. ;)
- JJOHN T.
Legend
Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake
Nice Huge CG
Nice huge CG with mostly long term residents. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. Good FHUs. A lot of amenities for things to do. Laundry facilities were clean with good machines. We would stay here again.
- BBlythe B.
Traveler
Perry Township Park
Wish we could have stayed longer!
Stopped through for 1 night with no reservation. Called and the camp host was super helpful and friendly! Got in after dinner and luckily we were just car camping, because we got (in our opinion) the best site there! 23 has a great shot of the lake, nice cinder blocks built up to block any wind from the fire pit. Didn’t use showers, but the bathrooms were well maintained! The lake view was amazing! Very quiet and small location…perfect for what we wanted for the evening. Would highly recommend!
- 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.
- CChristopher J.
Scout
Geneva State Park Campground
Friendly and clean
Stayed two nights mid September. Lovely weather. Clean bathrooms and showers with hot water. Firewood, ice, free drinking water, and trinkets available at registration booth.
Meghan B.RangerPerry Township Park
Another nice experience
Stayed here again while passing through the area. Facilities are still looking good and the host was very helpful with getting us settled in. Will visit again!
- TTrinaGuide
Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA
Gross & Rundown
I don’t have much to say about this campground but to start off on a high note the pool was nice. Now the reasons for our low rating. WiFi was nonexistent, everything was dirty and run down. Our RV site was ok. Family rented a cabin and it was disgusting. Dirty furniture-dishes-run down. Toilet looked like someone died in it. For $250 a night our recommendation is get a hotel-cheaper and cleaner (which is what our family ended up doing). Oh and letting permanent sites fly all sorts of political flags makes this KOA unwelcoming and honestly a little scary. Do not waste your money here.
Alex G.ScoutGeneva State Park Campground
Woods, Water, and Quaint Town Nearby
Brought the pop-up to Geneva State Park over Labor Day weekend and stayed in site 83. The experience was excellent. The site was wooded and ample, with plenty of distance between us and our neighbors on all sides. The bathrooms were fine, and we never had to wait for any bathroom facilities even though the campsite was completely full. The camp store was well-stocked and had some necessities and some extras. We heard standing water could be an issue at some of the sites, but we did not encounter that. After waking up to a thunderstorm at 4:00 am the first night, we fell back asleep and found no standing water at our site when we reawakened a couple hours later. Lastly, cell service in the park is excellent.
This was my 7-year-old daughter's first camping trip, and she had a blast. It took us about 20 minutes to hike to the beach, which was pleasant and had its own facilities and parking. The trail continues down a bit to the creek and marina as well. Away from the park we visited Geneva-on-the-Lake, which is a very short drive away. There we played some arcade games, putt-putt, and had ice cream.
Note that not all campsites are the same at this park, as some areas are closer together, and some are not wooded. Also note that the opportunities for fishing from shore seemed to be limited within the vicinity of the campground. If you're dead-set on fishing, you may want to check out a charter from the local marina.
In all, however, an excellent facility that has a good range of things to do, along with traditional woodland camping.
- Hillz M.Traveler
The Farm at Grand River
Family Friendly idyllic farm get away
My 6 year old daughter lived her farm animal dream life for a week! The hosts were so accommodating. My daughter loved the free movie nights under stars, running wild with the goats, and the play grounds and play houses kept her busy for hours! The eggs were delicious, I spent time by the fire, in a hammock, and soaking up the sunshine. It was the rejuvenating experience I needed. I will definitely plan to stay here again!
Fred R.RangerSun Retreats Geneva on the Lake
Back again 2024 July 4
Again it is a nice large place with activities all day for all ages. Pool was great due to temps being in the 90s. Not all sites are full hookup and 50 Amp. The street lights suck as they fully illuminated our sites. Fireworks were OK.
- Robert L.Traveler
MillBrook Resort
Pretty nice
We stayed here with our Coast to Coast membership, so it was good for that price. The main restroom/shower house is attached to the office. There are 5 restrooms with flush toilet and hand sanitizer scattered around the park. Most all of the sites are back in. We stayed at a site that shares a pole with water and electric hookups with 3 others. The first time I connected to the internet at our site, it connected right away with good quality. For about 30 seconds. I never got internet at our site again. It is good in the game room by the office, but there isn't anywhere with air conditioning to sit. AT&T has one bar of signal. Many problems getting internet with that. We did enjoy the indoor pool. Until it became crowded with kids. So, we went to the swimming pond. It was quite nice. We took out a paddle boat. They offer paddle boats, canoes, and rowboat to use for free. The one we had wouldn't steer. We went in circles to the right in the middle of the lake for 45 minutes before we got it back to the dock. I think it needs more trees.
Kimberly C.Guide
Willow Lake Park Inc
Enjoy the great camping! Absolutely beautiful and fun!
Some days you just need peace and quiet sitting by the campfire and enjoying the creek and the woods. Other times you want to get up and go dance to the band, swim in the lake, join the bingo and other games or throw a grand picnic. Willow Lake Campground offers it all.
- TTracy F.Scout
Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park
Clean and Spacious
The Tuttle Campground was enjoyable. It is a well maintained park with big spacious spots.
- MMichael 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.
- iivory L.Scout
Willow Lake Park Inc
Beautiful campground
Stay here for the holiday weekend, they offer plenty of activities for everyone. Had a band each night! Bad Juju was definitely a favorite of mine. During the band and the day they have a concession stand open with really good food, the girls that work in there are very lovely. The facilities were clean and staff members were respectful and friendly, really the whole park was. This is a great park for a weekend getaway for the family or even just for yourself.
- DDawn W.Traveler
Ridge Ranch Campground
Bathhouse in poor shape
It was a nice location to the turnpike but the bathrooms are so out of date. We have a small TT and use the bathhouse frequently. The stall doors hit your knees and the well water stinks…couldn’t wash my hand in the sink. Only one shower stall in the one of 2 bathroom locations. It was nice to see an area designated for dog swimming area. The office closed at 6 PM so no late arrivals. Nice pond but it was a little murky.
- AAllison K.Scout
(R&R HOF) American Wilderness Campground
We love AWC
Such a great place to camp. We had such an enjoyable trip. The campground was just incredible.
We visited with our family and really made
Some happy camping memories, which will always treasure. Our site was really pretty and we would visit again!
- LLuke K.Scout
Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park
Weekend Getaway
We will definitely be back. The sites are very level, so setup is a breeze. There's plenty of spots to go fishing and hang out by the lake, plus different things to do in the area.
- CClara H.Scout
Silver Springs Campground
April/May Camping
We enjoy camping in this local park. It's quiet, and everyone is very nice here. The park Mgr. is very nice and helpful as well.
J R.Guide
Countryside Campground
Liked and will make a season of it
Although my recent visit to do a recon for a seasonal site was in the off season, it was a really good first impression. Friendly staff, and found what I hope will be be good spot with reservoir in the distance and leaves on the trees.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Willow Lake Campground
Great Location
My family stayed here for a weekend while visiting the Geneva area. This was a very nice, very secure campground that isn't far from a lot of attractions and wineries in the Geneva region of Ohio's wine country. But at the same time, removed enough to be quiet and relaxing. We honestly could have spent several more days here. Our site was a big rig site, so we had no trees, but it was still nice. This is a place we could definitely go back to.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Mosquito Lake State Park Campground
Lots to do for the whole family
My wife and I stayed here in late September so it wasn't overly crowded. The camp sites were fairly spacious and level. There seemed to be water fill stations scattered around the campground for convenience. I was actually able to fill me fresh water tank from one near by. The campground is fairly large and we rode our bikes around quite a bit, including our to the campground store at the entrance. There were numerous playgrounds and activities for kids. They have full hookup sections, but most of the campground is electric only. All in all the best review I can give is to say that we would go back.
Ky G.Traveler
Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite
Cozy and Quiet
My friends and I decided to stay here for the weekend. Even with the colder weather it was nice and cozy. 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. Coyotes were heard all around the general area. Other than that quiet and the roads close by are unheard. Overall a great experience and definitely recommend for a rustic experience.
Kerry R.ScoutStreetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA
Beware
We booked a tent plot for two days in advance, once we set up camp though the weather report said 30% chance of rain it proceeded to rain nonstop all night long. Our tent leaked horribly bad and it was evident with the forecast we would not last another day in the tent. We had to pack up and leave. KOA was not sympathetic to us at all. In fact when I called to ask questions I was ignored on the phone then disconnected. We were packed up and checked out by the check out time and they refused to refund us for a night. There were plenty of spots open so it's not as though they would have been loosing money. Not only that but we bought$25.00 worth of firewood that was in plastic that we could not use because of the non-stop rain. They would not take it back for a refund. Then oddly advised us to take it if we wanted to, knowing firewood is not to be transported. We left the unopened firewood at the campsite which I'm sure they were able to resell. All in all we spent about$140.00 for one night of camping where we were stuck inside of our leaking tent. Never again will we ever stay at another KOA camp.
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.