Best Campgrounds near Peninsula, OH

Peninsula, Ohio serves as a gateway to diverse camping opportunities in the Cuyahoga Valley region, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV campgrounds. The area includes Heritage Farms, a working Christmas tree farm offering rustic camping experiences, and Silver Springs Campground in nearby Stow providing more developed sites with electric hookups. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, while no longer offering camping directly within park boundaries, influences the camping landscape of the surrounding area with its extensive trail system and natural attractions. Several private campgrounds like Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA supplement the public options with amenities including cabins and glamping accommodations.

Camping in this region is heavily influenced by seasonal considerations, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. "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," noted one visitor about Heritage Farms. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail serves as a central feature for many camping areas, with several sites specifically designed for hikers and cyclists traveling this historic route. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage in developed areas near Streetsboro and Stow, while more remote sites may have limited connectivity. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods.

Campers consistently highlight the region's unique combination of natural settings with proximity to urban amenities. The Towpath Trail receives particular attention in visitor feedback, with one camper noting, "Very few people know that there are MANY camping options along the towpath designed for cyclists and hikers!" Water features are prominent in the area's camping experience, with West Branch State Park Campground offering lakeside sites that receive high ratings from visitors. Despite being near metropolitan areas, many campgrounds maintain a surprisingly secluded feel. Highway and train noise can be factors at some locations, particularly those closer to transportation corridors. The camping options around Peninsula balance accessibility to Cleveland and Akron with opportunities to experience the natural and historical features of northeast Ohio.

Best Camping Sites Near Peninsula, Ohio (132)

    1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park - CAMPING NO LONGER OFFERED

    26 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    2 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."

    2. Silver Springs Campground

    31 Reviews
    Stow, OH
    8 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. "

    3. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA

    25 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    9 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."

    4. West Branch State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Ravenna, OH
    23 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"

    5. Heritage Farms

    10 Reviews
    Peninsula, OH
    0 miles
    Website

    $35 - $55 / night

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

    "really lovely camp spot. beautiful views and surroundings. Extremely close proximity to CVNP. lots of room for kiddos to run wild."

    6. Punderson State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Newbury, OH
    23 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."

    7. Willow Lake Park Inc

    10 Reviews
    Brunswick, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 225-6580

    $35 - $65 / night

    "Fishing lake and swimming lake are separate. Multiple bathroom/shower locations. Game room, snack pavilion and general store."

    "Good price very kid friendly , swimming lake and a pool, also a fishing lake. Mostly RV but some tent. Old campground"

    8. Woodside Lake Park

    6 Reviews
    Streetsboro, OH
    13 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. Countryside Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mogadore, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 628-1212

    "There is a local butcher shop right around the corner and they have an incredible selection to choose from . The Buckeye ebail connects to the footpath down to the reservoir ."

    "Friendly staff, and found what I hope will be be good spot with reservoir in the distance and leaves on the trees."

    10. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Green, OH
    20 miles
    Website

    $23 - $35 / night

    "Even though the campground is very small, the sites are relatively private, and disappearing into the woods so close to home is very refreshing."

    "Sort of close to other sites but no one behind you so at least you have some space! Definitely plan to come back in the summer. Only 30 minutes to the national park."

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Recent Reviews near Peninsula, OH

602 Reviews of 132 Peninsula 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Adam A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Terrace Lakes Campground

    Family Fun and Friendly

    They have a nice big fishing lake they have a nice swimming Lake and other ponds to fish in a very relaxing and fun place to go

  • 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.

  • Travis O.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    American Wilderness Campground

    Property is so relaxing and nice

    We had a nice time the place was clean and the people were nice as in other campers we had a good time we went to the pavilion to a get together.

  • Noel L.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Scenic Hills RV Park

    Great campground

    Close to everything Amish in Berlin. Asked for a shaded area...got a perfect one that had shade all day. Friendly and helpful staff. Free firewood.Very clean and well kept park.

  • Steven V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Rvino - Camp Hiyo

    Nice spot

    Nice park, two fenced dog parks. Bathrooms were clean.


Guide to Peninsula

Dispersed camping options near Peninsula, Ohio cluster along the Cuyahoga River valley at elevations between 700-1200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 80°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most camping spots near Peninsula operate between April and October, with some venues offering limited winter availability.

What to do

Water activities on Kirwan Reservoir: At West Branch State Park Campground, campers can fish, kayak and paddle on the smooth, clear water. "We took the inflatable kayaks out on the lake twice and it was so smooth and clear," notes Andrea F., who adds that "the camper beach was small but nice and clean."

Dog-friendly adventures: Many parks welcome four-legged companions. Silver Springs Campground features an exceptional dog park that impresses visitors. "There is THE best dog park I have ever seen in this area. So my dogs loved this campground more than me and that was worth it," explains Kate W.

Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds offer disc golf options for visitors. "Opportunities for disc golf, archery range, canoeing/kayaking/row boats, swimming (no lifeguard) and golf," mentions Rebecca G. about Punderson State Park Campground, making it ideal for sports enthusiasts.

Hiking wooded trails: Many camping areas connect to hiking paths. Heritage Farms provides access to multiple trails from their campground. "From the Towpath Trail, there's a connection at Canal St, which is a little easier than using the actual trail-head a little north of there," recommends Josh W.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots among trees. "We couldn't really see or hear any other campers," shares Abbey E. about her experience at Heritage Farms, adding "Our site was beautiful and private. We also had a lot of space."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on camper preferences. At Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, "the staff was friendly, the amenities were clean, and the campground was quite serene," according to Amanda K.

Lakefront camping: Sites with water views receive consistent praise. "We're at site 160. No electricity, no hookups, but a HUGE lakefront site," reports Rino S. about West Branch State Park, emphasizing the value of water proximity over amenities.

Wagons for gear transport: Some campgrounds offer unique solutions for car-free camping. "Be prepared - you park near the front of the campgrounds to check in, and then you are provided wagons to carry your gear to your site. It is kind of a fun adventure," notes Abbey E. about Heritage Farms.

What you should know

Water supply issues: Several campgrounds have limitations. "The only thing we were unable to do is have a camp fire. The fire ring was pushed so far down in the mud we were unable to get good air flow to start a fire," reports Andrea F. at West Branch State Park Campground.

Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly, especially those with water views. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about West Branch State Park Campground.

Limited drinking water: Some campgrounds lack potable water access. "There is no running water here. No showers, nothing to wash with or drink. You must bring in your water and bath when you get home," warns Shelly H. about Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground.

Train noise: Railway lines near some campgrounds create occasional disturbances. Even at the "very quiet park" of West Branch, "the rumbling of the nearby trains was on the quiet side" according to Lee D., suggesting train noise is a common feature of the region.

Tips for camping with families

Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events. "The ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," mentions Alisa G. about West Branch State Park Campground's amenities for kids.

Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Countryside Campground offers family-friendly recreation. "Awesome campground with many amenities!" says Tabitha B., while Joe F. notes "Playground was a hit for our 8yr and under kids."

Consider swimming options: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "The swimming pond has inflatables and boat rentals," shares James S. about Woodside Lake Park, making it particularly appealing for families with children.

Research bathroom proximity: Facilities vary in quantity and distance from sites. "Bathrooms are just port-a-johns located on either side of the campground but there are flushable toilets a little walk away," notes Abbey E. about Silver Springs Campground, important information for families with young children.

Tips from RVers

Check site levelness before booking: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," warns Andrea F. about a challenging site at West Branch State Park.

Verify electric service capacity: Amperage varies between sites. "Very few full hookups. Rest of the sites only have 15-20 amp service," notes an RVer about Punderson State Park Campground, adding "The lots are not even close to level."

Book pull-through sites when available: Easier access makes setup smoother. "We spent a long weekend in a pull thru site," shares Kathryn P. about Countryside Campground, noting "The pull thru sites were a tad small but nice and long."

Prepare for limited sewer connections: Full hookups are scarce in the region. "Not a bad place to stop for a night during a road trip," says Kevin M. about Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA, highlighting its convenience despite typical KOA site spacing where "sites are right on top of each other."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Peninsula, Ohio?

Peninsula offers several camping options within and near the area. Heritage Farms is a unique option located just half a mile off the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, offering standard campsites and shelters scattered among a working Christmas tree farm. For those seeking a primitive camping experience, Towpath Trail Peace Park provides four basic sites within easy distance of Canton and Akron. The area also features numerous state parks within a short drive, including West Branch State Park and Findley State Park, making Peninsula an excellent central location for exploring Northeast Ohio's outdoor recreation opportunities.

What amenities are available at Peninsula campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across Peninsula area campgrounds. Penitentiary Glen Reservation Campsite offers a more rustic experience with provided firewood and hiking access to the nearby gorge. For those seeking more facilities, West Branch State Park Campground provides modern amenities with well-maintained sites. Nearby, Kool Lakes Family RV Park features gravel roads connecting numerous campsites in a family-oriented setting. Most established campgrounds in the region typically offer restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, while RV-focused sites often include electric hookups. Primitive camping options generally provide minimal amenities, focusing instead on natural surroundings and hiking access.

Are there any seasonal restrictions for camping in Peninsula, Ohio?

Most campgrounds in the Peninsula area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with restrictions based on weather conditions. Findley State Park Campground, less than an hour from the area, follows the standard Ohio State Park camping season but may offer limited winter camping. Mosquito Lake State Park Campground also maintains seasonal operations with potential winter restrictions. During winter months, many facilities like water hookups are typically shut down to prevent freezing. Always check with specific campgrounds before planning a trip outside the peak summer season, as availability and services vary significantly depending on the time of year.