Family-friendly campgrounds surround Northfield, Ohio, with several offering yurt accommodations in the region. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills, forests, and several lakes and reservoirs. Most campgrounds open from April through October, though some provide year-round options with varying terrain from lakefront sites to forested settings.
What to do
Fishing and boating opportunities: At Mill Creek Camping, visitors can fish directly from lakefront campsites. "We were fourtante that our spot was right beside the lake and we could keep the boat docked their during our stay," notes one camper. The lake offers multiple access points for swimming and fishing.
Hiking trails and nature exploration: Woodland paths connect many campgrounds to nearby natural areas. At Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, campers can walk to the gorge. "A short distance away from the gorge to walk," reports one visitor, though they also mention hearing coyotes in the area, adding "coyotes were heard all around the general area."
Water recreation activities: Swimming ponds with inflatables and boat rentals are available at several parks. "The site was very clean and had all the amenities we needed," shares a visitor to one park. Many campgrounds offer multiple water recreation options, from swimming beaches to kayak rentals during summer months.
What campers like
Secluded camping experiences: Some parks offer more private settings. "It's like you have the forest to yourselves out here," writes a camper about Penitentiary Glen Reservation. For those seeking seclusion, tent-only areas often provide more privacy than RV sections.
Clean facilities and conveniences: West Branch State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its amenities. "The shower house and bathrooms are large and clean. There is even a book exchange shelf at the shower house in case of rainy days," shares one visitor. The park also offers laundry facilities and outdoor sinks for washing dishes.
Waterfront campsites: Lakeside sites are among the most popular accommodations. "We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite," notes a West Branch camper. At Mill Creek, a visitor explains, "We book a lakefront site and it is just gorgeous! We have our own private little beach which our dog loves."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Camping is most popular from May through October when temperatures are mild. Spring can be rainy, affecting site conditions at some campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays and lakefront sites. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises a Countryside Campground visitor.
Site terrain varies significantly: Campsite levelness differs greatly across parks. "Sites greatly very 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 a incline," warns a camper at Punderson State Park.
Water quality issues: Some private campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. "I spent hundreds of dollars trying to filter and clean up the water to no avail. It damages everything," reports a visitor to one park, advising campers to "bring plenty of filters and plan on sanitizing your system after staying there."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA offers numerous family amenities. "The game room was small but the kids loved it," shares one visitor. Another notes, "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."
Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome dogs with designated areas. "We have a Rottie mix and they allow her in," explains a Mill Creek camper. Some parks even offer dog parks, with one visitor noting, "The dog park was a bonus... we camped right next to it."
Consider noise levels: Weekends tend to be busier and louder at most parks. "Gets loud and crowded on the weekend as usual," notes a Mill Creek visitor. For quieter stays, midweek camping or more remote sites typically offer more peaceful conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring adjustments. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches," reports an RVer at Kool Lakes Family RV Park. Check site details before booking, as many don't specify slope issues in descriptions.
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from 15-50 amp depending on the park. "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service," cautions a visitor to Punderson State Park, adding, "If they leveled the lots and added water and at least 30 amp electric it would help a lot."
Yurt camping near Northfield: Several parks offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping. West Branch State Park features yurts that provide the closest experience to yurt camping in Northfield, Ohio. These structures typically include beds, electricity, and more protection from elements than tent camping.
