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Tent Camping near Mentor, OH

12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Tent campers seeking nature-oriented experiences within reach of Mentor, Ohio can access several park-managed campgrounds featuring walk-in tent sites. Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers secluded tent camping in a forested setting, while Lake Erie Bluffs provides lakefront tent sites with views over the water. Big Creek Park and Headwaters Park round out the options with primitive tent sites that serve as gateways to hiking trails and natural areas.

    Most tent sites near Mentor require some degree of hiking to access, with walk-in distances ranging from a quarter mile to half mile from parking areas. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, with firewood often provided at locations like Penitentiary Glen and Heritage Farms. Toilet facilities vary significantly between campgrounds - some offer only vault toilets near parking areas while others have no facilities at the campsites themselves. Campers should note that drinking water is unavailable at most sites, requiring visitors to pack in their own water supplies.

    The walk-in nature of these tent sites contributes significantly to their secluded atmosphere. Heritage Farms offers tent camping on a Christmas tree farm with sites scattered throughout the property for maximum privacy. At Lake Erie Bluffs, tent campers can enjoy lakefront views and the sounds of waves. The West Woods features tent pads that are slightly lower than trail level, creating natural privacy barriers. According to one visitor at Lake Erie Bluffs, "Site was a walk-in site with plenty of room. We had a perfect view of the sunset from the site. Sounds from the lake and birds. The site is enough away from the path that you have completely privacy." Tent sites at Penitentiary Glen provide similar seclusion, though campers should be prepared for the sounds of local wildlife, including coyotes, particularly during evening hours.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Mentor (12)

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      1. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

      4.5(2)6mi from MentorTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $25 / night

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      2. Lake Erie Bluffs

      5.0(2)10mi from MentorTents

      "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!"

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      3. Big Creek Park

      4.0(1)9mi from MentorTents, Cabins

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

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      4. The West Woods

      3.5(4)17mi from MentorTents

      "Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."

      "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."

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      5. Headwaters Park

      4.0(2)18mi from MentorTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."

      "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."

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      6. Heritage Farms

      4.6(10)34mi from MentorTents

      "Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  "

      "Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame."

      from $35 - $55 / night

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      7. Valley Overlook

      5.0(1)36mi from MentorTents, Cabins

      "Only primitive non electric site for roof top campers is C5! Others are park and walk or to small to open up and be comfy. Great cabins and yurts! Clean bathrooms and showers."

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      8. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites

      Be the first to review30mi from MentorTents

      from $5 / night

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      9. Yeager's Hide-A-Way Campground

      Be the first to review36mi from MentorRVs, Tents

      10. Lake Village at Pymatuning

      Be the first to review41mi from MentorRVs, Tents
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    View all 12 campgrounds

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mentor, OH

    24 Photos of 12 Mentor Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Mentor, OH

    460 Reviews of 12 Mentor Campgrounds

    • Jen L.
      Aug. 23, 2018

      The West Woods

      Newer isn't always better

      There are 2 sites in the park both of which are walk in only and not close together. They are relatively small, 2-4 person tent only. Run by the Geauga Park District and only $5 for county residents, its cheap and looks it. Reservations must be made 3 days in advance, so no spur of the moment get aways. Basically it was just a space for a tent and a fire ring. No bathroom (about a half mile of trail away), no water, no picnic table, no alcohol. Basically I got the urge to camp in the early spring and wanted somewhere near home but I wouldn't stay there again, and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so either. However, the West Woods as a park is really nice with a nature center, hiking and bridle trails, just the campsite that was lacking.

    • d
      Jul. 24, 2018

      Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

      great spot for direct kayak/canoe put in.

      We stayed in site 218. this spot is in the smaller ( less crowded) part of Jamestown campground in Pymatuning SP. it is right on the water and has an easy access area for shore fishing and entering a kayak or canoe or some other water device. the site sits on a little bay and the otherside (more crowded) of the campground is across the water. the water is a little murky/ grassy but still good entry area. the campsite was spacious for a pa state park. the site is between the lake and the road. sites 212-222 look to be on the water with boat access, but 218 has the easiest entry. 220’s picnic Bench and fire pit sit next to the water with great views, but there is little shade. 218 had a great shady spot were you can hang 3 hammocks. there is no electricity at these sites and pretty much tent only. lots of tent space. the fire ring was decent but we moved it as it was right underneath a burnt tree. 218 was ADA accessible with a nice picnic table. restrooms were fairly close. clean... outdated, but clean.

    • Stacey R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2026

      Punderson State Park Campground

      Lots of activities but not within walking distance

      Sites are clean with a variety of hook-ups but few are 100% level. It appears to be an older CG. I’m in a 21’ van and tried several sites before one was level enough for me without blocks. Most sites are on the smaller side but FHU sites are okay for larger rigs. Numerous sites are walk-in and popular with tenters, they are very private and you park pretty close and walk up or down an embankment. Potable water and a dump station are available. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Staff is great! Swimming beach is across the lake from the CG and too far to walk for most. Marina is available. Restrooms are nice.

    • Greg A.
      Jun. 5, 2018

      Punderson State Park Campground

      Meh.

      It could be an ok place if you get the right spot. Some of the sites are VERY SLOPED and some people parked campers in those spots and used very odd things to try and level them. The sites are not maintained well and have lots of weeds and some are very close and are essentially sharing the space with the fire ring and picnic table with other campers. Not very private at all. If you have awnings or slides, you will have to be careful about what site you will get or you will not be able to open the slides or your awning. If you get a good spot or are tent camping then it may be ok.

    • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 28, 2018

      Heritage Farms

      Great for cyclists along the Towpath in Cuyahoga National Park

      Located about ½ mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, this campground is a part of a 5th generation working farm.  Both standard campsites and shelters are available and are scattered among a working Christmas Tree farm.   A very sweet couple owns the place and runs the campground, George & Carol Haramis.

      Each site is situated on grass, has a picnic table, and fire ring (firewood is supplied with your campsite fee).  Both pit toilets and water are available to campers as well. Some are shaded and other sites have quite a bit of sun.  The shelters are robustly constructed, but don’t have much cross ventilation as they are only open to the front, so are quite hot in the heat of the summer, and provide no barrier to insects.  No electricity is available. Come prepared to hang your food (not for bears, but for mice).

      They prefer reservations, but happily accommodated our reservation-less lifestyle as it was early in the season.  Our shelter site was just next to the gravel parking area and overlooked the farm as well as had a great view of the sunset.  Unfortunately, you can hear the highway from the campground, despite the fact that it is located a good distance away. It didn’t bother us at night, but we definitely heard it first thing in the morning.

      Just down the road in the village of Peninsula, OH (and right next to the towpath) are Century Cycles (super helpful bike shop!!) and the Winking Lizard Tavern (fun restaurant/bar). After a long day of cycling, we enjoyed an adult beverage and some dessert after making dinner in the campground.

      More info here:  https://centurycycles.com/articles/camping-along-the-towpath-trail-pg1342.htm

    • C
      Jun. 28, 2021

      Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

      Another trip to Jamestown Campground

      My family has visited Pymatuning park many times now and try have used a variety of spots at Jamestown campground. It is large, offering multiple options for campsite types. It’s a standard PA state park campground offering bathrooms (bathrooms are older, but are being renovated July-August 2021) showers, fire ring, picnic table, etc. Campsites J-106 thru J-116 are well shaded, but are alongside route 322 which maintains consistent traffic at all hours. If the noise is not an issue, this run of tent sites are well spaced, and offer easy access to the facilities. To be away from the road (and nearer to the lake) sites J-120 thru J-128 are closer together but can be quieter (depending on your neighbors…)

      The beach area is clean, and raked often. It has a playground and volleyball court. On Friday’s they have a family movie night at the amphitheater. Most Saturdays in the summer they offer crafts and activities for kids at the beach.

      The surrounding area also has plenty of activities to offer: Local restaurants, ice cream, hiking, kayaking/boating, fishing, etc.

    • M
      May. 31, 2024

      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.

    • R
      Aug. 1, 2018

      West Branch State Park Campground

      Well kept campground with access to beach and dock

      Each campsite in on a leveled cement pad and comes with a fire ring a picnic table. There is plenty of room around your site and you don't feel crowded. Most sites offer nice tree coverage for shade. The restrooms and showers are very clean and well taken care of. There is also a laundry facility and sink outside each one for washing dishes and water fountains throughout the park. There is a nice beachfront for swimming and then a dock that be reached from outside the park. A beautiful lake for kayaking or boating. The store has most camping needs in it and once a week they host an ice cream social. Has a very nice playground and a sand volleyball court. There are some hiking trails, but nothing extensive.

    • Brady R.
      Jun. 3, 2021

      Heritage Farms

      Available Through HipCamp

      Review for Site #12. 

      Our site was in the middle of the sites, but upon on a slight hill. Privacy wasn't fully there like many other sites. No tree coverage, so be cautious in summertime heat. That being said, there was a two-open-sided A frame. It was great to store our belongings in there, esp. when it rained overnight - kept everything dry (with the help of a tarp).

      It's hard to not give it any lower than 5 stars when you literally camp within a Christmas tree farm. It's a dream. Lol. 

      You do have to carry your belongings into the campsites, but it wasn't too horrible for us, esp. since our campsite was right off the walking path. The provided wagons and wheelbarrows make it easier too. 

      Firewood is $8 a bundle and required to pay via PayPal. Water is also available for purchase, but we brought our own. 

      2 portopots were provided and were mostly clean. All sites come with fire pit and picnic table. Some of them have tree coverage and access to hang hammocks.

      Sunset was incredible the first night. It did get very chilly when we were there.

    Guide to Mentor

    Several tent campgrounds dot the landscape around Mentor, Ohio, offering primitive camping experiences with varying amenities and settings. Notable options include Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite and Lake Erie Bluffs, both providing walk-in tent sites with natural surroundings. Big Creek Park and The West Woods offer additional tent camping opportunities within the Geauga Park District system. These campgrounds generally require reservations, with most sites situated within county park systems rather than state or national forests.

    Walk-in tent sites are common throughout the area, with many campgrounds requiring campers to park and transport gear to their sites. Penitentiary Glen and Lake Erie Bluffs both feature this setup, with Lake Erie Bluffs offering spectacular lakefront views. Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. While many campgrounds provide firewood, others require campers to purchase it on-site, particularly at Heritage Farms where outside firewood is prohibited. Toilet facilities typically consist of vault toilets or porta-potties, with drinking water unavailable at many locations.

    The tent camping experience near Mentor offers varying levels of privacy and natural settings. The West Woods provides secluded tent sites situated off hiking trails, though one visitor noted the site is "about a quarter mile from the parking lot so pack light, bring a wagon, and/or be ready for a work out." Lake Erie Bluffs delivers exceptional waterfront tent camping with sites that offer privacy and impressive views. A camper described the experience: "Really awesome spot. 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. Sounds from the lake and birds." Heritage Farms offers unique tent camping within a Christmas tree farm, combining accessibility to Cuyahoga Valley National Park with distinctive surroundings.

    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 Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 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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