Best Campgrounds near Novelty, OH

Campgrounds near Novelty, Ohio include a mix of state parks, private facilities, and primitive camping areas within a short drive. Punderson State Park Campground in Newbury offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and glamping options. West Branch State Park Campground in Wayland provides lakeside camping with cabins, yurts, and both tent and RV sites. The region encompasses several other established campgrounds like Silver Springs Campground in Stow, Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, and Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite, each with varying amenities and accommodation types. Most locations feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, while some provide electric hookups and shower facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with several facilities operating only from spring through fall. Silver Springs Campground operates from April to October, while Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA runs from May 1 to October 15. According to one visitor, "The state is in the process of upgrading this campground. A few sites will soon have water, electric, and sewer. Right now they only have electric options." Winter camping options are more limited but still available at year-round facilities like Punderson and West Branch State Parks. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with some areas offering reliable coverage while others provide a more disconnected experience.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. West Branch State Park Campground, situated on Kirwan Reservoir, earns particular praise for its lake access. One camper noted, "This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences. We had no trouble pulling in at 3 pm on a Sunday after Labor Day with no reservations and snagging a very nice spot that backs up to Kirwan Reservoir." Many campgrounds in the region feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat launches. The proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides additional recreational opportunities, though camping within the national park is no longer offered. Campers frequently mention the region's balance of natural settings with reasonable access to urban amenities in nearby Cleveland and Akron.

Best Camping Sites Near Novelty, Ohio (108)

    1. Punderson State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Newbury, OH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 564-2279

    $38 / night

    "Staff was great, check in area also has a little store with all the essentials stocked up, lots of trails, great for biking and hiking, a park for the kids, fishing, canoeing, showers, flush toilets, all"

    "I had the furthest lakeside tent from the office. was a beautiful site but the water treatment facility had a loud hum all night, even though they said it was quiet."

    2. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    25 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 650-2552

    "It's also close to Akron & Cleveland. I was pleasantly surprised at how scenic it is. I expected an urban KOA. This one is in a rural area outside Streetsboro."

    "Clean facilities, 3 lakes (one with a fishing pier), 2 dog parks, and super friendly staff. 30 min to Cleveland. Walmart, gas stations and restaurants within 5 miles."

    3. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    27 miles
    Website

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at West Branch State Park **Campground Review: **

    This state park was very welcome after our first two unlucky Ohio state park experiences."

    "Here's what's great about this campground situated at an easy drive from major cities like Columbus and Cleveland...its scenic, a fully loaded campground with bathhouses, parks, hiking paths, swimming"

    4. Silver Springs Campground

    31 Reviews
    Stow, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 689-5100

    $15 - $22 / night

    "Water close by and port a pottie style bathrooms close to the camp sites. There are flush toilets a walk away but we didn’t use them. Sites are big and grassy but not super level."

    "Silver Springs Campground is a small 27 site campground in Stow, Ohio, a convenient 17 minutes from Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a bargain at $18/night for a site with electrical hookups. "

    5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 717-3890

    $80 - $110 / night

    "The Stanford House campground is the only one that's relatively easy to find online, but there are many other options."

    "Tucked in between Akron and Cleveland, this quiet NP has numerous hiking trails, historic buildings and the remains of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Well worth the side trip or destination."

    6. The West Woods

    4 Reviews
    Novelty, OH
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud."

    7. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Kirtland, OH
    9 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Woodside Lake Park

    6 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 626-4251

    "There are lots of activities centered around the lake and beach area. It has a store and other recreational areas. There is a lot of day use activity around the lake."

    "At night, there was highway noise in the background. A lot to do here but also very close to Cuyahoago Valley National Park."

    9. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges Quarry Park

    10 Reviews
    Garrettsville, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (440) 548-2716

    "If you're looking to stay off the grid, I stayed in M62, the woods directly behind me, no cell service."

    "Many of my friends from Ohio recommended checking out Nelson Ledges for apparent “cliff jumping” and a music festival."

    10. Roundup Lake RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Aurora, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 562-9100

    $15 - $45 / night

    "We arrived mid-September 2020, so Covid has had it's impact and it's past Labor Day so pools / lakes are likely closed to swimming most years anyway, but given the size and amenities this campground boasts"

    "Lake was beautiful tried some fishing. We caught a few little blue gills. Beach looked inviting and lots of fun things for kids of all ages it was early October so it wasn’t open."

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Recent Reviews near Novelty, OH

596 Reviews of 108 Novelty Campgrounds


  • Zachary A.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Punderson State Park Campground

    Solo tent camping went well

    I had originally gotten lot #81 but quickly got it switched to #83 because it was just waaaay better. Flatter ground and I was able to go deeper into the woods.

    I went the first week of October, and on weekdays, which was great because I had no neighbors.

    Staff was great, check in area also has a little store with all the essentials stocked up, lots of trails, great for biking and hiking, a park for the kids, fishing, canoeing, showers, flush toilets, all that fancy stuff was there.

    Only down side was occasional road noise which I just can't seem to escape in my area of Ohio. And I personally wouldn't go here on weekends or over the summer because there are RV sites everywhere, which is another thing that dominates my area of Ohio.

    Going again, as long as I don't have the kids, I would try for a test space as far from the road and is deep in the forest as possible. Do that at tge right time of year and I think this will be a great spot for me in the future

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

    Clean and Spacious

    A beautiful campground with plenty of things to do. Fishing, boating (nice docks), beach for swimming and various functions throughout the year. All bath houses and restrooms are handicap available with each toilet and shower set up individually . Really nice

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodside Lake Park

    Nice quiet camping

    Quiet tent campsite parked in this area. There are quite a few RVs parked here and it appears lively, but the tent area in hilltop was quiet and secluded. Very kid friendly. At night, there was highway noise in the background. A lot to do here but also very close to Cuyahoago Valley National Park.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Geneva State Park Campground

    Beautiful and close to a beach

    You can camp right on the lake in some spots. Tons of trails to hike and a beautiful beach.

  • Jeremy R.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Canal Fulton Canoe Livery & Campground

    Great location, laking facilities

    The campground runs along 100 yards or so of the tuscarawas River. Sandwiches by a railroad, and walking path. They allow you to drive to your spot to pack/unpack, but have to park in the lot. While the campsites are scenic and what you expect... the washroom, especially the shower are pretty lacking. There's a nice covered picnic area with grills available with your own gas. And a small (toddler) kids area. All in all, a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

    We stayed mid September and there was live music walking distance every night, a cute ice cream shop a short walk over the bridge, and a nice playground on the other side of the river that was also an easy walk.

    I didnt partake in the canoes... but they do a river clean up monthly and really seem to enjoy what they do.

    All in all a great cheap spot for a quick stay.

  • Jeff and Linda L.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Perry Township Park

    Beautiful

    There are many sites taken by permanent campers for the summer. There are pickleball courts in park. Right on Lake Erie, nice hot showers.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Village Green Campground

    Long-term RV

    This site is great if you’re moving in with your RV. I’m tent camping, and while there were tent sites (about 5), it wasn’t the atmosphere I generally go for.

    Positives- there are bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Right on Lake Erie. Fine for overnight.

    Cons- this is a live-in RV site in the outskirts of Ohio.

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Shenango Campground

    Great camping

    Great place to camp. Beautiful lake and wonderful people.

  • K
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    American Wilderness

    We had a good experience the place was clean and nice the amenities were great the staff was helpful and the laundry room was clean as well as bathrooms and showers.


Guide to Novelty

Camping spots near Novelty, Ohio offer varied terrain across the glacial landscape of northeast Ohio, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters, creating a diverse camping calendar. Most campgrounds in the region are nestled among deciduous forests with maple, oak, and beech trees providing natural shade.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: West Branch State Park Campground features multiple fishing spots along Kirwan Reservoir. "There are many inlets to explore or fish. There is a boat launch at the campground," notes a visitor who returns annually to West Branch State Park Campground.

Disc golf courses: Punderson State Park Campground maintains a full disc golf course among its recreational offerings. One camper mentioned, "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf" as activities available at the park.

Hiking trail networks: The West Woods park system offers varied terrain for day hikes. "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud," reports a visitor.

Christmas tree farm camping: For a unique experience, Heritage Farms offers camping within their working Christmas tree farm. A camper described the experience: "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."

What Campers Like

Privacy levels: Campsite separation varies significantly between locations, with West Branch State Park Campground earning praise for spacious sites. "West Branch has private, spacious, shady sites. We can launch our kayaks right from our campsite," mentions one regular visitor.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain quality bathrooms despite heavy use. A camper at Heritage Farms noted, "The porta-potties near the main building make this a great option for those who aren't into fully roughing it. There's also wash-water available."

Lake access: Waterfront sites remain highly sought after, particularly at Roundup Lake RV Resort. "Lake was beautiful tried some fishing. We caught a few little blue gills. Beach looked inviting and lots of fun things for kids of all ages," shares a fall visitor to Roundup Lake RV Resort.

Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature designated dog areas, with Silver Springs earning special mention. One camper stated, "Fantastic dog park with a swimming beach for dogs only. Fun to watch them play even if you don't have a dog."

What You Should Know

Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven ground requiring preparation. At Punderson State Park Campground, a camper warned, "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."

Bathroom variations: Facilities range from modern to primitive depending on location. At Silver Springs Campground, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms are just port-a-johns located on either side of the campground but there are flushable toilets a little walk away."

Limited water access: Several campgrounds lack drinking water onsite. One Heritage Farms camper advised, "No drinking water on site, but there is wash up water & very clean porta potties."

Campsite carry-in requirements: Some locations require equipment to be carried from parking areas. "You park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site," explains a camper at Heritage Farms.

Tips for Camping with Families

Playground proximity: Position your campsite near play areas for convenience. A Punderson State Park visitor mentioned, "This is a good campground for families. 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."

Beach amenities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with varying facilities. "The camper beach was small but nice and clean. We also took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," reports a visitor at West Branch State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, a camper recalled, "Every night we were visited by raccoons, they stole our trash on the first night but the other nights we kept everything out of their reach. There were fun little raccoon hand prints all over though."

Evening programs: Some campgrounds organize regular social activities. "An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," notes a repeat visitor to West Branch State Park.

Tips from RVers

Hookup limitations: Electric service varies widely between campgrounds, with many offering only basic connections. At Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, a traveler reported, "We enjoyed full hookups. Cable was better than most but WiFi could be a little weak. Curb trash pickup is always a little plus."

Access routes: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads requiring caution. A visitor to Punderson observed, "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."

Water filling challenges: Pay attention to water station positioning when refilling. One RV camper at West Branch noted, "First the water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full. This was okay for a short weekend but not good planning from whoever designed the park."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Novelty, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Novelty, OH offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Novelty, OH and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Novelty, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Novelty, OH is Punderson State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Novelty, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Novelty, OH.

What parks are near Novelty, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Novelty, OH that allow camping, notably Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Michael J Kirwan Lake.