Camping options near Moreland Hills, Ohio span multiple counties within a 30-mile radius, with most sites located in the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region that characterizes northeast Ohio. The area's topography features rolling hills and watershed areas containing several small lakes and reservoirs where camping is permitted. Many campgrounds in this region operate seasonally due to Ohio's variable climate with cold winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Kool Lakes Family RV Park in Parkman, campers have direct water access for fishing. "Our kids age 4 and 8 fished from sun up Saturday to about noon and then sporadically after that throughout the day. That night we hunted large bull frogs. All catch and release," reports one visitor. The park features dedicated fishing lakes separate from swimming areas.
Hiking and nature trails: Many campgrounds connect to wider trail systems. Countryside Campground visitors note, "The Buckeye trail connects to the footpath down to the reservoir. All and all it was a fun spot to enjoy some car camping with the family." The trail access allows for exploration beyond the campground boundaries.
Water recreation: Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground offers multiple water activities. "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake," writes one camper. The campground maintains a swim area separate from fishing spots.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviewers specifically mention bathroom quality. "The bathrooms were clean if a bit unique with a rope and pulley system of water delivery to the shower head," notes a visitor to Chestnut Ridge. Facility maintenance appears consistent across most campgrounds despite their rural locations.
Family-friendly environments: Kenisee's Grand River Campground receives praise for its atmosphere. "I've been a seasonal camper at Kennisee for 5 years. It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for family's. Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids, duck race," shares one long-term camper.
Spacious sites: Site size varies significantly between campgrounds. At Countryside Campground, "The 9 tent sites are very large and spacious. It is mostly an established RV Park." This distinction between tent and RV areas is common at campgrounds near Moreland Hills.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Internet connectivity issues affect communication in rural areas. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, one camper advises, "Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet." This recommendation suggests standard service is inadequate without equipment.
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking becomes essential during peak periods. Campgrounds fill quickly on weekends and during fall foliage season from late September through October.
Site variations: At Punderson State Park Campground, "The lots are not even close to 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." Site terrain can impact equipment setup significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around organized events that many campgrounds offer. "Swimming hole is cool!" notes one Kenisee's Grand River Campground visitor. Fishing tournaments, bingo nights, and craft activities occur regularly during summer months at most family-oriented campgrounds.
Playground access: Punderson State Park Campground provides multiple recreation options. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf." These varied activities accommodate different age groups within a single location.
Site selection strategy: Research specific sites before booking. "The sites greatly vary 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," warns a Punderson visitor.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal planning: Most rv campgrounds near Moreland Hills, Ohio operate from May through mid-October. "We arrived mid-September 2020, so Covid has had its impact and it's past Labor Day so pools/lakes are likely closed to swimming most years anyway," reports a visitor to Roundup Lake RV Resort.
Hookup variations: Full-service connections aren't universal. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, "We camped in a 33' TT in a pull through site. Sites are close but shady and large enough for trailer and our truck." Some parks offer both back-in and pull-through options on gravel pads.
Resource management: Plan for variable supply availability. "Only gave a 4 because they were out of wood and what wood they had was wet. We needed up buying charcoal to cook our burgers on," notes a Roundup Lake RV Resort camper, highlighting the need to bring critical supplies or verify availability first.
