Camping opportunities around Parkman, Ohio focus on forest and lake environments at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers from June through August and cold winters with snowfall averaging 60 inches annually. RV campgrounds in Parkman Township and surrounding Geauga County offer visitors access to both wooded settings and water recreation within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kool Lakes Family RV Park offers fishing from campsites located directly on the water. According to a camper, "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."
Hiking on ledge trails: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges Quarry Park features rock formations and hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. A visitor noted, "There are numerous trails for different skill levels and tons of caves to explore. Also the view at the end is fantastic and is a great place to relax and read for the day."
Swimming and water recreation: At Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground, visitors can enjoy swimming in their lake. A camper mentioned, "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as important at rv campgrounds near Parkman. At Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake, a camper appreciated "the clean bathrooms and staff's effort to maintain services while encouraging social distancing."
Affordable options: Many campgrounds offer reasonable rates for families. At Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground, visitors note "reasonable rates" and that sites are "level and quiet. Very well kept. They keep up on the gravel and leveling which is always appreciated."
Spacious sites: Campers value room between sites. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, a visitor highlighted that "the campground is clean with plenty of open space and trails" making it a good place to work remotely.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks in the Parkman area operate from May through October. Roundup Lake RV Resort runs from May 1 to October 31, typical of most facilities in the region due to winter weather conditions.
Varying cell service: Connectivity can be spotty depending on location. A camper at Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake advised that it's "a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet."
Gate access: Some campgrounds implement security measures. A visitor at Kool Lakes Family RV Park noted, "We told the office lady we would be back late at night, and she gave us a special passcode to the gate."
Site surfaces: Most campgrounds feature gravel pads rather than paved surfaces. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, a reviewer mentioned sites are "close but shady and large enough for trailer and our truck."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Kenisee's Grand River Campground offers organized events for children. A seasonal camper shared, "It's a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for families. Multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, fishing tournament for kids, duck race, Christmas in July and many other activities."
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake has "a beautiful put-put course and ice cream stand" according to one visitor who appreciated alternative activities when COVID-19 restrictions limited other options.
Swimming options: Most family-oriented campgrounds offer swimming in pools or lakes. At Roundup Lake RV Resort, a visitor noted the "beach looked inviting and lots of fun things for kids of all ages" even though it was closed during their October visit.
Camp store provisions: Many campgrounds have stores with supplies. A camper at Kenisee's Grand River Campground simply stated, "Great RV spot! Loved our short stay, clean & lots to do."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accommodation: Most rv campgrounds near Parkman accommodate larger vehicles. Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake is known for being big-rig friendly, though one visitor observed they are "planting lots of trees (it looked like one at each site) so the resort should become more park-like and less parking lot as they grow."
Dump station quality: Facilities vary between campgrounds. A camper at Kool Lakes Family RV Park noted that their dump station is "not state of the art like some state parks, but works fine as I washed out tanks thoroughly and even treated both tanks with no pressure."
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer 50-amp service, though some have limited availability. At RV Village Camping Resort, visitors can expect full hookups in a "beautiful setting" that one camper called "the nicest family campground that we stayed in."
Pull-through availability: Access varies by site and campground. A visitor at Roundup Lake RV Resort mentioned they "camped in a 33' travel trailer in a pull-through site. Sites are close but shady and large enough for trailer and our truck."
